Pet Owners Will Love Tesla's New Features

'Dog,' 'Sentry' modes unveiled Wednesday
By Arden Dier,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 14, 2019 1:43 PM CST

Now that it's achieved farting cars, Tesla is ready to show off new features that are more functional than funny—including one catered to pet owners. "Dog Mode," revealed in a Wednesday software update, ensures a vehicle's air conditioning stays running after the driver exits, and clearly displays the temperature on the screen display so that passers-by know any pets inside are safe. It's almost exactly what a Twitter user requested of CEO Elon Musk in October. Mashable's take: "It's pretty neat, we have to say," though the outlet notes some places have laws against leaving pets unattended in vehicles.

According to Tesla, "if ... your battery reaches less than 20% charge, you will receive a notification on your mobile app." Owners will also receive an alert "notifying them that an incident has occurred" if the vehicle is in the new "Sentry Mode," which Electrek touts as a solution to recent Tesla break-ins. This feature activates a vehicle's external cameras. In case of a minimal threat, like someone leaning on the car, the screen display announces a recording in process. In case of a serious threat, like a broken window, speakers activate at maximum volume. Per CNBC, an electric truck could be next. (Thousands of Tesla employees just lost their jobs.)

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