The Tesla update could allow drivers to turn cars into megaphones

As part of the annual holiday software update, Tesla released a new feature that allows drivers to turn their cars into megaphones.

Tesla said the update only applies to newer Tesla models (2019 or later). That's because the feature uses external speakers that have recently been installed by Tesla cars to comply with U.S. regulations. These regulations stipulate that otherwise quiet electric cars should be able to alert pedestrians to their presence at low speeds.

A video of the feature captured the slight delay and echo, bass distortion of these external speakers repeating every word the driver said, and it's unclear whether this distortion can be changed or eliminated.

This isn't the first creative application of Tesla's exterior speakers. Boostbox mode was introduced in last year's holiday update, allowing owners to replace the default horn sound with any custom audio clip, while Sentinel mode lets owners play video in real time from the car's external camera, and it also includes a remote audio feature.

In addition to adding new features to cars, Tesla recently said it would eliminate a feature that would let drivers play video games while driving. Presumably, loudspeakers aren't as distracting as Super Breakout.