Tesla's Newest Holiday Update Includes an Easter Egg: 'Santa Mode' (engadget.com)

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Tesla's Newest Holiday Update Includes an Easter Egg: 'Santa Mode' (engadget.com)

Posted by EditorDavid on Sunday December 24, 2017 @08:30PM from the run-run-Rudolph dept.

An anonymous reader quotes Engadget: Dive into the Easter egg section on your EV and you'll discover a reindeer button that invokes a Santa Mode. To say it brings a Christmas vibe to your car would be an understatement. It turns your car into Santa's sleigh on the dash display (and other cars into reindeer), but that's really just the start of the flourishes. The new mode plays the late, great Chuck Berry's version of "Run Rudolph Run" when it first kicks in, for one thing. You'll also hear sleigh bells when you invoke a turn signal. And if you're fortunate enough to have a car with Autopilot, the road ahead will suddenly turn icy.
The article includes a video showing that the voice command to enable Santa mode is -- of course -- "Ho ho ho."

Engadget calls it "one of the perks of owning a Tesla in the first place. The combination of all-digital displays and frequent software updates lets Tesla add little delights that you couldn't get if you had to stare at an old-school instrument cluster."

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Did they get the owners' permission by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 20:49 · Score: 0, Funny

before pushing this out?
1. Re: Did they get the owners' permission by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 21:06 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  Ah yes, Abraham and his reindeer.
2. Re: Did they get the owners' permission by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 21:14 · Score: 0
  
  Ah yes, Abraham and his Koran.
3. Re:Did they get the owners' permission by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 22:11 · Score: 0
  
  Yes. The car owners are not the owners of the software -- they are only allowed to use it. The owners of the software gave their permission, and if users do not want it, they can simply stop using the software.
4. Re:Did they get the owners' permission by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 22:40 · Score: 0
  
  it's in the contracts and purchase agreements, so yes.
  "We reserve the right to change the design of any new vehicle, chassis, accessories, or parts at any time, without notice..."
5. Re:Did they get the owners' permission by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 02:40 · Score: 0
  
  And let me guess, you really hate those "identity politics" despite being the loudest whiner at every goddamned table?
6. Re: Did they get the owners' permission by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 03:18 · Score: 0
  
  Ah yes, Abraham and his reindeer.
  The blue ones are called smurfs.
  Vadder Abraham
7. Re:Did they get the owners' permission by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 07:14 · Score: 0
  
  Relax, it's an easter egg bro! Geez... what a party pooper!
Re:Best of all by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 21:19 · Score: 1

blow-job mode.
My old girlfriend, during those rare times in blow job mode, would go into autopilot. I didn't realize she was ahead of the times.
Overmodernized cars by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 21:49 · Score: 0, Troll

> The combination of all-digital displays and frequent software updates lets Tesla add little delights that you couldn't get if you had to stare at an old-school instrument cluster."
How about fscking no?
I want my ride to be completely offline and electrically dumb as possible so the least exploits or any kind of remote control.
I want knobs and switches, that I don't need to look away from the road, when I want to change the volume.
I want an analog rpm and spedometer, as they require the least brainwork to know the state of the car if I need to look at them.
I want the dasboard to contain the same information, have the same layout on the first day when I first sit in the car and the last. I don't need no dashboard updates.
Yes, I know that I lost this battle...
1. Re:Overmodernized cars by polar+red · 2017-12-24 22:00 · Score: 1
  
  no problem with that, but only if you use that car in a closed environment. because humans are bad drivers. Bring on those self driving cars !
  
  --
  Yes, I'm left. You have a problem with that?
2. Re:Overmodernized cars by ArylAkamov · 2017-12-24 22:48 · Score: 1
  
  Couldn't agree more. But it's easier to click mod>-1 than to argue.
3. Re:Overmodernized cars by nospam007 · 2017-12-24 23:42 · Score: 2
  
  "How about fscking no?
  I want my ride to be completely offline and electrically dumb as possible so the least exploits or any kind of remote control.
  I want knobs and switches, that I don't need to look away from the road, when I want to change the volume."
  We know.
  That's why we didn't give you a Tesla for Christmas.
4. Re: Overmodernized cars by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 03:22 · Score: 0
  
  The problem is that those self driving cars are only better in carefully controlled circumstances.
.. I'm sold.. by geekymachoman · 2017-12-24 21:50 · Score: 2

Well that's it then... I'm getting one!
Oh dear ... by Alain+Williams · 2017-12-24 22:22 · Score: 3, Insightful

much as I like Christmas & don't want to be a party pooper & all that .... is this really a good idea, is it safe ?
Easter egg code tends to be more buggy than the rest:, it tends to be written more quickly (not much budget for a frivolous project) and it won't be as well tested. Is this really wanted in something on which your life depends ? Also: since it is new it will be more of a distraction to the driver -- when s/he should be keeping his eyes on the road (especially at a time of year when more than usual will have more to drink than is wise).
What next ? A fun little game hidden inside the Air Traffic Control software ? There are times when us programmers should think of the consequences.
1. Re:Oh dear ... by AmiMoJo · 2017-12-24 22:33 · Score: 3, Interesting
  
  I just wish they wouldn't waste time on this crap and instead add basic features that the car is missing. Auto wipers and speed sensitive volume control would have been much better Xmas presents.
  
  --
  const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
  SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
2. Re: Oh dear ... by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 22:36 · Score: 0
  
  I wouldn't mind a Santa Mode while working, but it would probably wouldn't be implemented for at least another 20 years, and they still wouldn't get it right.
3. Re:Oh dear ... by flux · 2017-12-24 22:53 · Score: 2
  
  As all easter eggs in Tesla software, you need to explicitly enable them. They are not going to jump up unexpected.
4. Re:Oh dear ... by Kokuyo · 2017-12-24 23:06 · Score: 2
  
  There's easter eggs that a developer threw in on his own, which management usually doesn't want on company time, and then there's somewhat nutty, somewhat nerdy CEOs who tells you to do something awesome.
  The latter is official code that gets, hopefully, the same scrutiny as the rest of the project.
  I don't think changing the imagery on the dashboard and the soundeffects of certain actions is in any way dangerous.
  In fact, I think Tesla should think about making the cars moddable.
5. Re:Oh dear ... by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 23:07 · Score: 1
  
  Almost certain those are patented. So don't expect it any time soon.
6. Re:Oh dear ... by Opportunist · 2017-12-25 00:15 · Score: 1
  
  You think any BLOW YOUR MIND blogger would write about auto wipers and volume controls?
  
  --
  We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
7. Re:Oh dear ... by Kjella · 2017-12-25 02:19 · Score: 2
  
  As long as there's no bugs... just last week I had a coworker who intended to change the code from
  WHERE a AND b
  to
  WHERE a AND (b OR c)
  but actually wrote
  WHERE a AND b OR c
  and at least in SQL Server that resolves as
  WHERE (a AND b) OR c
  Something like
  WHERE sound_is_active = 1 AND play_startup_jingle = 1 OR xmas_mode = 1
  and suddenly you have an xmas sound when it's supposed to be in silent. Yes, poor data model and poor code but shit happens.
  In any case, it doesn't address the main issue. Whether you manually enable it or not, the whole point is to make you pay attention to the easter egg when you should have been paying attention to the road. On a scale of "being as dull as possible" to "now with Pokemon Go car edition" it's weak sauce but IMHO it's principally wrong to steal focus away like that.
  
  --
  Live today, because you never know what tomorrow brings
8. Re:Oh dear ... by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 02:28 · Score: 0
  
  Please shut the fuck up.
9. Re:Oh dear ... by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 02:32 · Score: 0
  
  Only if I get my flying car^H^H^Hsleigh damnit! It's 2018 already!!
10. Re:Oh dear ... by Viol8 · 2017-12-25 05:33 · Score: 1
  
  Most of these bloggers probably don't even have a license and think a car is just a tablet with some wheels and a seat attached.
11. Re:Oh dear ... by hawk · 2017-12-25 05:37 · Score: 1
  
  From the description, it sounds like this is *purely* a final rendering/output issue.
  Now, if the car were to *do* something (brake; wiggle; spin wheels; honk) when it saw a reindeer or sleigh on the road, I'd be far more concerned . . .
  hawk
12. Re:Oh dear ... by drinkypoo · 2017-12-25 06:12 · Score: 1
  
  You think any BLOW YOUR MIND blogger would write about auto wipers and volume controls?
  Given that they are luxury-car features, yes. Besides, Elon can drop a deuce at eight AM and there will be blog posts about how great it is by nine.
  
  --
  "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
13. Re:Oh dear ... by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 07:26 · Score: 0
  
  They don't have auto wipers on a Tesla? Seriously?
14. Re:Oh dear ... by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 08:02 · Score: 0
  
  Thanks for the FUD. Bah humbug, Mr Grinch!
15. Re: Oh dear ... by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 12:31 · Score: 0
  
  The 1995 GM shitbox I drove in high school had speed sensitive volume. I thought this was standard by now. Every car I have owned in the last 20 years has had this and I drive modest domestic models.
16. Re:Oh dear ... by Vairon · 2017-12-25 14:27 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, by Nissan Motor Company it seems.
  https://www.google.com/patents...
17. Re:Oh dear ... by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-26 10:20 · Score: 0
  
  At least your co-worker accidentally did that. I had a co-worker do something similar, except I had to spend 30 minutes explaining Boolean Algebra and why we need to process AND before OR otherwise it gets ambiguous.
Easter Egg Santa Mode? That's sick. by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 22:31 · Score: 0

Get your holidays sorted.
No tactile feedback by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 22:37 · Score: 0

I have no idea how it's legal
shows Tesla just isn't ready for mainstream yet. by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 22:37 · Score: 1

This shows incredible immaturity from Tesla, this sort of crap used to be common from many of the major software vendors but it was stomped out as such immature garbage is simply another opportunity to introduce security, stability or other undesired bugs.
Just stupid by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 22:50 · Score: 0

If santa mode could make the car fly, it would be cool. Now it is just stupid and distracting.
Re:How Political Incorrect !! by DavidMZ · 2017-12-24 22:58 · Score: 5, Insightful

For the entire 8 years of Obama's administration "Merry Christmas" was in the banned list.

That's strange... Obama has said Merry Christmas in many occasions. I guess that the only thing that's in the "banned list" of Trump supporters is critical thinking.
God no.. by Edis+Krad · 2017-12-24 23:19 · Score: 1

Just what I want in a vehicle that's in charge of my safety: Bloatware.
1. Re:God no.. by Opportunist · 2017-12-25 00:17 · Score: 2
  
  A bit more sensitivity, the ware is just big boned and it's a glandular problem.
  Or what's the politically correct term for land whale now?
  
  --
  We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
2. Re:God no.. by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 01:02 · Score: 0
  
  "Or what's the politically correct term for land whale now?"
  Self Control Specialist.
Stop this! by kaur · 2017-12-24 23:20 · Score: 2

A large robot with hidden, undocumented, surprise features is a danger.
A potential killer.
The particular one might seem funny, but it sets the precedent.
If it trains the OEM-s to take this as a normal practice, then we will be doomed.
Sooner or later, some device will have such last-minute cute hack open for exploits.
The behavioural specs of the cars - or any public-use robots - must be fully transparent, compliant to whatever standards there will be, and open for public attestation or scrutiny.
Re:How Political Incorrect !! by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-24 23:25 · Score: 0

Can you find the word *CHRISTMAS* in any of the following Obama 'season greeting' cards?
http://www.businessinsider.com/white-house-christmas-cards-through-the-years-2016-12/?IR=T#orge-w-bush-2008-60
Obama 2016 https://www.instagram.com/p/BN2RfxpDRUv/
Obama 2015 https://www.instagram.com/p/_DbEZBLYO_/
Obama 2014 https://www.instagram.com/p/w5QgplFaWU/
Obama 2013 http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/549adf4fecad04ac658b4567-1200/barack-obama-2013.jpg
Obama 2012 http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/549adf20eab8eac9170a0214-1200/barack-obama-2012.jpg
Obama 2011 http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/549ae20669bedd0c270a020c-1200/barack-obama-2011.jpg
Obama 2009 http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/549adf096da8117f0e5b4a5b-1200/barack-obama-2009.jpg
Re:How Political Incorrect !! by Opportunist · 2017-12-25 00:14 · Score: 1, Funny

Let's start worshiping Martha Steward so we'll get seasoning gratings instead.

--
We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
Re:Easter Egg Santa Mode? That's sick. by Opportunist · 2017-12-25 00:16 · Score: 1

Hey! Stop pooping the Christmas Bunny, Harvey here is really pissed already!

--
We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
Santa-Mode by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 00:21 · Score: 0

What happens if you engage it at Hollywood Boulevard? Will pretty Ms. Claus make an appearance?
Mode? by wolfheart111 · 2017-12-25 00:21 · Score: 1

What is this codemirror, we can write our own compilers to do pretty much what we want. mode = "x-scss-terror"; :P

--
[($)]
Please avoid easter eggs in cars by lucasnate1 · 2017-12-25 00:28 · Score: 1

Lives are at stake.

--
Avantgarde Hebrew science fiction
This is why I would never buy Tesla by sinij · 2017-12-25 00:42 · Score: 0

This is why I would never buy Tesla. I want my car with ZERO Easter eggs, I want it to be final release stable, and I don't want any features added or removed. More so, I want controls to be physical buttons that don't change.

What Tesla has is an $100K app with an afterthought car attached to it.
1. Re: This is why I would never buy Tesla by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 01:36 · Score: 0
  
  Iâ(TM)m surprised you wrote that on a computer rather than a clay tablet!
2. Re: This is why I would never buy Tesla by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 01:55 · Score: 0
  
  I want to beat you with a sign that says "New does not automatically mean better." Until you're dead.
3. Re:This is why I would never buy Tesla by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 02:45 · Score: 0
  
  They should be concentrating on fixing their defective cars.
4. Re:This is why I would never buy Tesla by stabiesoft · 2017-12-25 03:16 · Score: 1
  
  Wow, I read the one about the A-pillar and find it hard to believe. How did that get thru the dealer prep? I've heard of some pretty crazy stuff getting delivered but never something you could see with a casual glance. And then for the delivery guy to say I don't know if I can get you a loaner! My caddy dealer offers loaners if the oil change is going to take more than 30 minutes.
5. Re:This is why I would never buy Tesla by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 03:42 · Score: 0
  
  How did that get thru the dealer prep?
  Tesla doesn’t have dealers.
  
  And then for the delivery guy to say I don't know if I can get you a loaner!
  That’s because they have so many in broken down Tesla’s in the shop they ran out of loaners.
6. Re:This is why I would never buy Tesla by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 05:20 · Score: 0
  
  Actually, mine is an exquisite vehicle, safer than any, with the best user interface, and I am delighted by this Easter Egg which in 24 hours has reduced holiday stress enough that I am sincerely thankful for it. I think your interest in physical buttons says it all about you though, on Slashdot of all places... if a touchscreen is not intuitive to you then I'm not sure where I'd begin with you. Maybe stop with the sour grapes, go test drive one and check out the used prices, and start planning to own one instead of resent them all.
7. Re: This is why I would never buy Tesla by Monster_user · 2017-12-25 05:55 · Score: 1
  
  A touch screen requires focus. It may be intuitive, but it is very difficult to operate "blind folded", that is, it is difficult to operate without taking your eyes off the road.
8. Re: This is why I would never buy Tesla by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 12:45 · Score: 0
  
  I used to work for one of the Big Three. Writing vehicle software was serious. motherfucking. business. I'm talking multi-thousand page software design documents, nearly every line of code commented, extensive testing, etc. People's lives are at stake and there is no place for frivolous nonsense. When I read articles like this I shake my head in disbelief.
9. Re: This is why I would never buy Tesla by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 17:55 · Score: 0
  
  Use the stone tablet. More efficient.
Who said that? by AndyKron · 2017-12-25 01:01 · Score: 3, Insightful

Frequent software updates are a perk? Really? Who said that?
1. Re:Who said that? by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 05:13 · Score: 0
  
  The owners who benefit from the frequent software updates say that. Almost 100 percent are happy.
2. Re:Who said that? by drinkypoo · 2017-12-25 06:16 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  Frequent software updates are a perk? Really? Who said that?
  Frequent software updates aren't the perk, timely software updates are the perk. Everyone would prefer that software arrive in their hands bug-free, but the next best thing is that you get fixes rapidly. I've never had any meaningful bug-free software in my hands. QED.
  
  --
  "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Re:How Political Incorrect !! by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 02:10 · Score: 1

Let's ban sliced cheese and make America grate again.
Easter Egg in Christmas? by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 02:37 · Score: 0

Canâ(TM)t wait till someone at Tesla mixed up April Fools and Independence Day!
Re:How Political Incorrect !! by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 02:45 · Score: 0

Not everyone worships the Baby Jebus (TM). Obama was not perfect but FFS troll.
Nothing says Xmas like a 12-car pileup! by Chelloveck · 2017-12-25 02:49 · Score: 2

And if you're fortunate enough to have a car with Autopilot, the road ahead will suddenly turn icy.
As someone who spent four hours yesterday driving at half-speed on legitimately icy roads, I feel obliged to say, fsck you and the reindeer you rode in on, Tesla.

--
Chelloveck
I give up on debugging. From now on, SIGSEGV is a feature.
Re:How Political Incorrect !! by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 03:12 · Score: 0

Can you find it in the Trump children's tweets?
No,
not there.
Must be on a banned list.
Re: shows Tesla just isn't ready for mainstream ye by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 03:29 · Score: 0

Yeahbecause the only way to go is servile, humorless conformity.
... and that's why I drive a '97 F-150 by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 03:44 · Score: 0

The thought of constant software updates to my car are scary and give me the feeling that I don't really own it. It's gonna be an interesttng day if (when) Tesla pushes out an update that bricks those cars. I'll stick to my old truck for now.
i dont know bob. by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 04:15 · Score: 0

"The combination of all-digital displays and frequent software updates lets Tesla add little delights that you couldn't get if you had to stare at an old-school instrument cluster."
I dont know bob, when i am in control of a 3000+ lb projectile that has the capability to take life as well as cause a serious amount of property damage, having a clear view and understanding of the controls and sensor readouts seems to be pretty high up on the priority list.
Seriously, this is just a gimmick and nothing more. Ill give it to elon, he is good at selling his wares and knows what it takes to keep people talking about his stuff.
Neat idea by prefec2 · 2017-12-25 04:46 · Score: 1

For people who have nothing to decide otherwise can now switch the design and layout of their car controls. Most likely this is a safety hazard and also -- what the heck, this is a car not a smartphone screen. Fortunately, you do not need to activate it, but how about "ho ho ho" audio tracks send to you via radio or on other entertainment crap. BTW: Easter egg for Christmas? Really?
Re:How Political Incorrect !! by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 04:48 · Score: 0

It's sad that you feel that forcing your specific religion down everyone's throat is a requirement for enjoying the holiday season.
Some of us make friends with non-Christians rather than demonizing them, so generic holiday greetings are useful because they let us include everyone.
Re:shows Tesla just isn't ready for mainstream yet by sjames · 2017-12-25 05:01 · Score: 1

I see you've had your steaming cup of Bah Humbug this morning. Were you hoping for a cookie to go with it?
Re:Easter Egg Santa Mode? That's sick. by prefec2 · 2017-12-25 05:03 · Score: 1

Chris Kringle and the Easter Bunny are the same person. Or have you EVER seen them together. They both hide packages of questionable origin in your house and garden. And they NEVER appear together.
Re:Easter Egg Santa Mode? That's sick. by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 05:07 · Score: 0

Dude, I wonder what percentage of people reading this get the Harvey reference?
Less than one?
Re: shows Tesla just isn't ready for mainstream ye by prefec2 · 2017-12-25 05:08 · Score: 1

A car is not a toy. It is a tool to get me from A to B with comfort and without surprises. I do not need a Santa feature. I had one on my Linux desktop back in the days. It was nice but did not help with anything. it was an unnecessary distraction. You do not want that in a car.
I would be disturbed by this by Rick+Schumann · 2017-12-25 06:43 · Score: 1

Am I the only one that would be disturbed by random software updates to a vehicle I'm driving?
Tesla owners: Is there a way to completely turn off the vehicles' update function? Disable the transceiver, perhaps?
Re: shows Tesla just isn't ready for mainstream ye by ELCouz · 2017-12-25 07:16 · Score: 1

Then don't activate it...
Re:How Political Incorrect !! by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 13:01 · Score: 0

What happened to Make America Grope Again?
Re:How Political Incorrect !! by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 13:54 · Score: 0

I found it!.
Re:How Political Incorrect !! by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-25 14:23 · Score: 0

The Obamas are Christians and celebrate Christmas. They say Merry Christmas every year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
Re:Easter Egg Santa Mode? That's sick. by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-26 01:57 · Score: 0

Well, there's me, you and the GP so that's three already.
Re: shows Tesla just isn't ready for mainstream ye by prefec2 · 2017-12-26 02:09 · Score: 1

This is totally beside the point and you know it.
Be Still My Beating Heart by Toad-san · 2017-12-26 04:58 · Score: 1

"Engadget calls it "one of the perks of owning a Tesla in the first place. The combination of all-digital displays and frequent software updates lets Tesla add little delights that you couldn't get if you had to stare at an old-school instrument cluster.""
Perk. Delight. Riii-ight.
Re: How Political Incorrect !! by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-26 09:45 · Score: 0

The funny thing is that there are other groups who want to ram their religion down our thoats too, groups like ISIS etc. Fundamentalism is fundamentalism.
Re:How Political Incorrect !! by Anonymous Coward · 2017-12-27 03:00 · Score: 0

For the entire 8 years of Obama's administration "Merry Christmas" was in the banned list.
That's strange... Obama has said Merry Christmas in many occasions. I guess that the only thing that's in the "banned list" of Trump supporters is critical thinking.
YES!!!