Tesla releases the 2021 Holiday Update jam-packed with fun and features (2021.44.25 release notes)

Tesla has finally started rolling out the anticipated 2021 Holiday Software Update. This is the single largest update of the year where new video games and features are packed into version 2021.44.25 (release notes, screens, and videos below).

With this update, Tesla has also jumped from the major version 10 of its software to now V11. Tesla owners have been waiting for the V11 update since last year but it has only arrived this holiday season.

As Elon Musk had promised a few days ago that the Holiday fun update and FSD Beta 10.8 will start making their way to Tesla owners on Dec 21st. The holiday part of the software update package has started to roll out while we were not able to find any Tesla owner reporting FSD Beta 10.8 being available as of now.

The Holiday Update 2021 has also brought Cold Weather Improvements that will enable Tesla owners to go through the harsh winter with more ease.

Since this update has just started to roll out, most of the Tesla owners in the US and Canada still haven’t got the download option yet. This will probably fully roll out through the Christmas weekend.

Release Notes (2021.44.25)

Light Show

Watch your Tesla dance to a choreographed light show any time of the year. Open Toybox, tap Light Show, and follow the instructions.

Light Show is the most interesting new feature of this update. Previously, only Model X had this feature, now Model 3, Y, and S can also dance on the Christmas song flashing all their lights with the music.

A Tesla Model 3 owner has already got it and has posted the following video on YouTube.

Light Show demonstration on a Tesla Model 3.

Customizable App Launcher

Drag and drop your favorite apps to any position along the bottom menu bar for easy access. To customize your menu bar, hold any icon and then drag to reorder. To adjust climate controls such as heated seats and defrost, tap on the temperature or swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

Drag & drop your favorite apps along the bottom menu bar for easy access pic.twitter.com/GpD2HzB4GY
— Tesla (@Tesla) December 24, 2021

Simplified Controls

Tesla has made the following multiple UI improvements to simplify frequently used controls.

The display has been simplified to focus on navigation, media, and the most common primary controls.
-For windshield wipers and status bar information, tap Controls
-For charging controls, tap Controls > Charging
-For trip and odometer information, tap Control > Trips
-For tire pressure information, tap Controls > Service
Note: Activating windshield wipers via the stalk will continue to display the wiper card.

You can now automatically see a live camera view of your blind spot whenever you activate the turn signal. To enable, tap Controls > Autopilot > Automatic Blind Spot Camera.

Tesla adds blind-spot camera views in the 2021.44.25 Holiday Update.

This is a feature that Tesla owners have been waiting for for a long time now. Upon activating the turn signal, the side-repeater Autopilot cameras will show a video feed from that side on the screen. Perhaps the best blind-spot monitoring solution in the automotive industry that I have come through yet. Not to forget that all Tesla owners get this and other features totally free of cost.

Edit Waypoints

Easily reorder or add multiple destinations to your route with updated arrival times. To add a stop, or edit a trip, initiate a navigation route, and top the more options button on the turn list.

Tesla has made further enhancements to the recently added Waypoints update to the vehicle navigation system. Tesla will be constantly improving this system to allow its customers to better navigate the city streets, charging spots, and other destinations.

TikTok

You can now watch TikTok from your touchscreen. To launch, tap the Theater icon from the bottom bar and select TikTok while your car is in Park.

After YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, and Twitch, Tesla has added the TikTok video streaming platform to the list of its Theater app.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Jump into the original Sonic the Hedgehog! Speed by in a blur using the supersonic spin attack at high speed, defy gravity around loop-the-loops, and defeat Dr. Eggman as the fastest hedgehog of all time. Gotta Go Fast!

Battle of Polytopia – Multiplayer Support

You can now play The Battle of Polytopia with friends using the new multiplayer support.

Tesla introduced The Battle of Polytopia video game in the last year’s Holiday Update version 2020.48.26. Now the automaker has added multiplayer support to it.

Sudoku

Fill every square and enjoy this classic logic puzzle game, featuring five difficulty levels and a smart hint system for beginners.

Cold Weather Improvements

You can now precondition the cabin from the Tesla app when your battery is at a lower state of charge. Simply turn on the climate from your Tesla app and override the previous setting by tapping “Yes” on the confirmation pop-up window.
Note: To protect your car’s battery, Climate will remain unavailable under extreme low charge scenarios. This feature requires the Tesla mobile app version 4.4.0 or later.

Automatic Seat Heaters

First-row seat heaters can now automatically regulate seat temperature based on the cabin environment and the climate control set temperature. To access seat heating controls, tap the temperature settings to bring up the HVAC panel.
Note: HVAC system must be in Auto to use automatic seat heating.

Manage Dashcam Clips

Easily delete all dashcam video clips directly from the touchscreen by tapping Controls > Safety > Dashcam > Delete Dashcam Clips.

Dark Mode

You can now change to a dark-themed display. Tap Controls > Display > Appearance and select Dark.

Hide Map Details

This enhancement to the Tesla navigation maps makes it easier for the drivers to read the maps when they need to remove the unnecessary information on their route.