Tesla Adds SiriusXM Streaming Service in Software Update

In a recent web post that was quickly deleted, Sirius confirmed that SiriusXM software will be coming to vehicles in a future software update. The post, posted on SiriusXM’s Canadian website, outlines the steps to get the free trial running in your vehicle.

Live broadcast, not via satellite

This version of SiriusXM will be available online and will not rely on satellite. That means a few things. First, it will be available on more vehicles than just the Model S and Model X, which have satellite radio receivers. It will also be available on the Model 3 and Model Y, as well as the Cybertruck.

Second, the live-streaming version of SiriusXM includes more options and content. The specific package that will be available is called SiriusXM 360L — which includes a full suite of exclusive live-streaming channels, on-demand content, and live sports — all available via data streaming rather than satellite.

It is expected to require premium connectivity like other music services offered by Tesla.

Pricing

SiriusXM 360L appears to be running at $21.99 per month for the “All Access” package, while the more limited “Select” package is available for $16.99 per month now.

However, based on the leaked webpage, data streaming to Teslas may only be available with its “Platinum” plan, which costs $28.80 per month. You’ll also be able to stream to devices including smartphones, smartwatches, and computers with the same subscription.

Start the demo

SiriusXM will offer new Tesla users a free trial of the Platinum Package once they create a SiriusXM account and sign in. The trial will be for 30 days to start with and includes everything available in the Platinum Package.

Satellite broadcast on Model S and Model X

This doesn’t appear to affect SiriusXM Satellite Radio on the Model S and Model X at this time — and we’re not entirely sure how the rollout will work once the streaming radio arrives. Tesla is likely considering separate in-car apps, SiriusXM Streaming and SiriusXM Radio.

Currently, you can use SiriusXM Satellite Radio when you’re out of cell phone range on Model S and Model X — thanks to the vehicles’ SiriusXM receiver.

In the future, with the implementation of SiriusXM’s online streaming service, Model S and Model X models may also lose SiriusXM satellite receivers. Tesla has long been a proponent of the “no part is the best part” principle, and this also falls in line with many other cost-cutting measures the company has taken to simplify the construction of its vehicles.

These satellite receivers are also quite expensive. SiriusXM sells standalone units that plug into the Aux jack for about $60. That’s a significant cost that Tesla could cut from its vehicles, especially since most users would prefer to use services like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music or Amazon Music today.

Anyway, another live streaming option is great to see in Tesla’s ever-growing live streaming repository. We’re not exactly sure when this option will arrive and appear in your Tesla vehicles, but we expect it to arrive sometime before the end of this year.

Tesla has reintroduced its referral program in the US today. You’ll need the Tesla app V4.36.1 to see the updated referral list, so make sure to update your app first.

The program is quite different from the original program, and instead of offering referral credits, Tesla offers a redeemable gift card. Let’s find out what the new offers are.

Rewards

The new referral program will give referrers a $500 credit, while the code user gets a $1,000 discount on a new Tesla. The $500 can be used for almost anything, including supercharging, software upgrades, Tesla Store merchandise, service payments, or even a new car. However, the number of rewards users can earn is limited to 10. Each referral code is only valid for the first 10 uses of the $1,000 discount on a new Tesla.

This means that if you refer 10 people, you can get up to $5,000 toward your next Tesla, or anything else under the Tesla umbrella. Tesla doesn’t clarify whether the 10-use cap is annual or lifetime, but we’re excited to see the program officially return.

Tesla Events

One of the most unique parts of the program is that those who refer new buyers will also have the chance to win an invitation to upcoming Tesla events. So, if you want to watch the Robotaxi event on October 10th,^Dyou better get the signal!

Referrals in other markets

For now, the referral program appears to be limited to the United States. Canadian and European users are currently unable to see the updated referral UI, and the button to open the referral link is not available in the app. We hope Tesla rolls out the referral program in other markets as well. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if Tesla turned it on and off in select markets based on demand.

Tesla recently released the 2024.32 update to employees, and it comes with a number of new features that we’re sure everyone will be happy to see in their cars in the future.

Keep in mind that some features may be region-specific, such as a construction update on your route. Additional features may also be available for other models or regions. The Cybertruck is expected to receive an AutoPark feature soon, which may also be included in this update.

Build your way

If you use Premium Connectivity and have online routing enabled (Settings > Navigation), Maps will display construction on your route with an icon on the screen. Tesla added Maps icons to the screen with the Holiday 2023 update and continues to support additional features in more regions.

Tesla already takes construction into account when navigating to a location, but it will now show the construction location on the screen, giving you a better idea of ​​which area to avoid, or a better understanding of the route the navigation system has chosen. For those who live in urban areas that see a lot of heavy construction, this will be a great addition.

Predictive text for navigation searches

Along with construction on the road, navigation searches will now feature predictive text to try to suggest search terms as you type. Predictive text will be useful for quickly completing searches – but you’ll need a strong internet connection for predictive text to work. A Premium connection will not be required.

Search this area

As part of further updates to the navigation search feature, you’ll now be able to “Search in this area” when searching for something specific if you drag the map to a different location. This is similar to the “Search in this area” feature on Google Maps and is a nice update when navigation wants to show locations in a different city.

Mobile App Notifications – Tire Service

As part of a previous update, your car can now notify you when a tire needs to be changed or rotated. You’ll need to set your own schedule based on the distance under “Service > Tire Service Distance.” You can set a mileage-based reminder when you need to rotate your tires. With this update, you’ll also be notified on the Tesla mobile app when your car reaches your set mileage. You’ll also need to be using version 4.35 or later of the mobile app.

When will he come?

This update is still being tested with first wave employees, but it is expected to be available to the first group of consumers very soon. However, like most updates, it will take weeks before it becomes available to most users.

If you’re a subscriber to or fully own FSD, don’t expect this update anytime soon. The FSD branch is always at least several weeks behind the main code branch. With Tesla recently updating its FSD branch to 2024.26, it could be another month before it’s updated again.