Dear reader,
Tesla‘s Sentry Mode is an innovative security feature that uses cameras and sensors to monitor activity around a parked vehicle. It keeps getting smarter with software updates that address previous shortcomings. The latest 2022.44.2 update in November makes significant improvements but still has a few kinks to iron out.
Let me walk you through what Sentry Mode is, what‘s new in the latest update, remaining pros and cons, and what the future may hold for smarter security in Tesla vehicles. I‘ve been closely following Sentry Mode‘s evolution as a Model 3 owner myself.
A Brief History of Sentry Mode
First, some background. Tesla introduced Sentry Mode in February 2019 as an over-the-air software update after experimenting with a "full self-driving" feature dubbed "Tesla Network" in 2016.
| Launch Year | Key Capabilities |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Tesla Network concept tested camera-based system to recognize threats |
| 2019 | Official Sentry Mode launch detects threats and triggers alerts |
| 2021 | Additional features like sending alerts to owner‘s phone |
| 2022 | New controls and customizations in 2022.44.2 update |
As you can see, Tesla has steadily advanced Sentry Mode‘s autonomous monitoring and response capabilities over time via wireless updates. Pretty cool how our vehicles keep getting new features!
How Sentry Mode Works
So what does Sentry Mode actually do to watch over your vehicle? The cameras and onboard computer are constantly monitoring within about 4 feet of the car for potential threats.
If no activity is noticed, Sentry Mode is in a low-power "Standby" mode. But once motion or physical contact is detected, it kicks into "Alert" mode by:
- Saving the last 10 minutes of footage (which normally gets deleted in Standby)
- Continuously recording new footage
- Brightening the touchscreen and displaying an alert
- Flashing the headlights to indicate it‘s watching
If an actual break-in occurs like smashed glass or an opened door, Sentry Mode escalates to "Alarm" mode with more aggressive deterrents like blaring loud classical music. Pretty hilarious!
Sentry Mode stores all the video footage internally so you can review it later. And it can send real-time alerts to your phone so you know when something is up.
Now let‘s get to what‘s new!
What the Latest Update Improves
Tesla‘s 2022.44.2 software update began rolling out in November 2022 and included some significant sentry upgrades:
1. Disable camera-based detection
For the first time, you can flip a switch in the settings to disable Sentry Mode‘s camera-based threat detection and only rely on the ultrasonic sensors detecting an intrusion. This helps reduce false alarms from things like passerby or wind moving objects.
2. Adjust clip length
Rather than a fixed 10 minute clip length, you can set how long you want each individual Sentry event video to record for before starting a new clip – from 1 to 10 minutes. This gives you more control over your storage.
Clip Length Settings
| Minutes | Storage Impact |
|-|-|
| 1 | More clips, find events faster |
| 5 | Moderate number of longer clips |
| 10 | Fewer clips, uses less storage |
Pretty cool to have more customization control now!
The Pros and Cons of the Update
The new adjustability options make Sentry Mode smarter. But the update also introduces some downsides to be aware of:
Pros
- Reduces unwanted alarms and distractions from false positives
- Saves battery by reducing camera activation
- Controls clip length based on your individual preference
- Additional seatbelt safety capability (more on this later!)
Cons
- Missing incidents if cameras disabled
- Shorter clip length can require more scrubbing to find events
- More software complexity could increase bugs
While adjustability addresses common complaints, there are still improvements many owners hope to see in the future like customizing motion sensitivity thresholds and exclusion zones.
So in summary – a nice update, but still more progress to be made!
Other Updates in 2022.44.2
Beyond Sentry Mode, some other notable upgrades…
Predictive Seatbelt Tightening
Cameras don‘t only help detect threats outside the vehicle – they can also spot an imminent collision and prepare safety restraints!
Seatbelts will now automatically tighten before an impact based on video data indicating a crash is unavoidable. This reduces forward movement and injury severity versus only responding once a crash physically occurs.
- Tightening force ramps up in proportion to predicted impact speed and severity
- Actuators pull belts tighter than human strength could achieve
- Bosses safety to another level!
Pretty amazing innovation.
Odds and Ends
Some other small tweaks likely included:
- UI responsiveness improvements
- Energy management enhancements
- Minor visual changes
- Bug fixes
I‘ll update you if any other new 2022.44.2 goodies pop up!
Potential Issues to Watch Out For
While mostly positive changes, some users have reported bugs introduced or uncovered by the update such as:
- Battery heating quirks affecting charging
- Inaccurate temperature readings
- Annoying camera-based detection toggling defaults
I‘ll keep an eye out for any unusual behavior changes following my next install. Fingers crossed!
What Does the Future Hold?
Tesla seems committed to steadily advancing Sentry Mode‘s capabilities. I‘d expect continuing refinements to detection accuracy and further customizations in future updates.
Also, as full self-driving functionality progresses, perhaps features could integrate to enable your vehicle to:
- Autonomously drive to safety or your phone‘s location if threatened
- Travel a neighborhood patrol route scanning for threats at known trouble hotspots
- Recognize objects like weapons held by individuals and escalate response
- And who knows what else?? Lots to look forward to.
For now, the 2022.44.2 update brings some nice tunings even if not yet perfect. Here‘s to more clever updates to come! Install when you get the chance and let me know your experience.
Stay charged,
A Fellow Tesla Owner
