Tesla’s holiday update software includes controversial new feature

A Tesla Inc Model 3 electric automobile charges at a supermarket in Leicester, UK. Boombox mode allows Tesla drivers to customise their Model S, Model X, Model 3 or Model Y’s horn. — Bloomberg

Tesla’s 2020 holiday update, Firmware 2020.48.25, has arrived, and in addition to some expected fun new features, Elon Musk and Co have rolled out a brace of user experience changes, more games and some helpful upgraded visualisations. One particular new feature, however, is likely to be a bit controversial – and not just for Tesla owners.

Even if you don’t actually drive a Tesla, you may soon be on the receiving end of features enabled by the update’s new “Boombox” mode, which allows Tesla drivers to customise their Model S, Model X, Model 3 or Model Y’s horn. That’s right, you can now make your Tesla’s horn honk sound like a goat, applause or a fart, among a range of sound effects. You can even add up to five custom sounds of your own using a USB key. The user-selected sound plays after the conventional horn honk.