Tesla introduced active road noise reduction technology for the new Model S and X

One of the new pieces of hardware Tesla installed in the updated Model S and Model X is a pair of active noise-canceling microphones embedded in the two front seats. They weren't used until now, but in the recent software update 2021.44.5, Tesla added a self-explanatory feature called active road noise cancellation, so they're finally being used.

The new microphone picks up all the road noise entering the cabin and then does noise cancellation, as Tesla said in the latest updated release notes. Tesla also said that by using the speakers of the audio system, the vehicle is able to create quiet areas around passengers.

Active noise cancellation in cars is actually nothing new, and it has been used on many models for several years. Cars like the Lexus LS, Cadillac XTS, Infiniti Q60, Lincoln Continental, and even the Honda Accord have this feature, and it's actually a lot more common than you might think.

Keep in mind that this feature will only be on Model S and X, not Model 3 and Y. The two smaller models need to be equipped with microphones for this, and since they are not as delicate in their movements as the larger models, perhaps they may actually need more. Update 2021.44.5 also adds additional features such as driver profile, driver door unlock mode, and separate controls for the rear climate feature in the updated Model S and X.