When Will More Cars Update Over the Internet?

The same update also includes new safety features. For example, the car now has automatic emergency braking to reduce impact during an unavoidable accident, a blind-spot warning system and a side collision warning system. Finally, the car even gets a new “valet mode” that can limit output from its electric powertrain, lock the glove box and cargo compartments and hide your personal information.

“Most cars don’t improve over time,” Tesla said in its press release announcing the update. “With Tesla’s regular over-the-air software updates, Model S actually improves while you sleep. When you wake up, added functionality, enhanced performance, and improved user experience make you feel like you are driving a new car.”

By offering constant updates to its vehicles Tesla is pulling a page from the playbook of technology giants like Apple and Google. Android and iOS devices get updates that add new features and tweak the interface in some way.

Of course it helps that the Tesla Model S has a built-in Internet connection that allows it to receive data. That used to be unusual, but mobile data connectivity is starting to show up in affordable vehicles as well.

“We could include new features (such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto), graphical interface improvements, new versions of AppLink, and compatibility and performance updates,” Ford technology communications manager Alan Hall said. While the plan is currently limited to Ford’s infotainment system, there are plans to adopt a Tesla-like strategy for the future. “We are developing the capability to deliver over-the-air software updates for other vehicle systems in the future,” said Hall.

Other automakers are exploring this future of over-the-air updates too, but it is coming slowly and piece-by-piece. Other manufacturers including Hyundai, BMW, Audi and General Motors offer in-car Internet connections to support various features. In many cases the Internet connection can be used to reach a concierge service in order to help you find a location while you’re on the road or get help if you’re in an emergency.

While these features are useful, it’s not the same as Tesla’s ability incorporate new features into existing cars over the air, but that’s on the way.

Other automakers are following these footsteps too. “We are currently exploring ways to do over the air updates,” Hyundai connected car spokesman Miles Johnson said.

Tesla is currently the only automaker sending over-the-air updates to vehicles that improve the car with new features and performance, but other companies are slowly trying to catch up. Expect to see over-the-air updates hitting infotainment systems first, with other components to follow afterwards.