- Update adds more Grok commands to Tesla models
- Navigation can now learn recurring stops and plan routes accordingly
- Improved parental controls for the rear screen have been added
Tesla regularly releases major updates to its vehicles that bundle together a host of software upgrades that not only keep its fleet of vehicles bug-free and running smoothly, but also at the cutting edge of in-car technology.
For its Summer Update, Tesla has added a slew of new Grok commands that allow its AI voice assistant to take care of more key vehicle functions, without drivers needing to hunt around in on-screen menus.
When it was first introduced into Tesla models back in 2025, Grok was merely an AI voice assistant that could answer generic questions — it wasn’t able to control features on the vehicle.
This has slowly been changing, with a Spring Update earlier this year adding a wake word, and the ability for users to set reminders based on location.
Now, Grok can make or answer hands-free phone calls, skip tracks or change radio stations on the media screen, and adjust the climate inside the vehicle.
Similarly, it’s also able to open the glove box — something that traditionally involves navigating an on-screen menu — with a voice command.
On top of the major Grok updates, Tesla has also added improved parental controls for the rear display that’s available for a number of models, allowing front-seat occupants to have full control over what’s playing in the rear, or lock it out entirely.
Analysis: Grok updates make Tesla more competitive
Despite Elon Musk’s wider focus on artificial intelligence across much of his business empire, Tesla has been relatively slow to introduce advanced AI voice assistant functionality into its cars.
Numerous Chinese competitors have long offered smart voice assistants that are able to control key vehicle functions and even open windows, while the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen have been rolling out a mix of LLM-powered assistants and in-house-developed voice assistants that can deal with general queries as well as more specific vehicle-based requests.
However, Tesla has once again demonstrated that it can improve its vehicles as they age, rather than reserving its hottest new features for new customers only; the Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck remain some of the best examples of software-defined vehicles on sale today.
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