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Tesla to roll out “Sentry Mode” security system on Model S, X and 3 equipped with Autopilot 2+ hardware
With the recent increase in Tesla vehicle break-ins and vandalism popping up across social media and online forums, CEO Elon Musk’s recent hint at an upcoming “Sentry Mode” feature for Model S, Model X, and Model 3 vehicles that are equipped with Enhance Autopilot hardware is both welcome and timely. The reveal comes via Twitter and in response to a customer’s complaint about a large dent found on his Model 3. “Tesla Sentry Mode coming soon for all cars with Enhanced Autopilot.” said Musk. The newest feature bodes well for the electric carmaker who’s been rolling out security improvements over the last few months, including an in-car dash cam system and motion-sensing Enhanced Anti-Theft system.
Tesla Sentry Mode coming soon for all cars with Enhanced Autopilot https://t.co/x2buQWiABX
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 22, 2019
Broken windows and trunk thefts from Teslas in the California Bay Area were reported over the last few months in San Francisco and neighboring cities, to the extent that owners felt they were being targeted. The pattern of behavior seemed to indicate thieves were exploiting a weak point in Model 3 vehicles in particular – there isn’t a sensor to detect if a window has been broken. After gaining entry through the back quarter window, the rear seat would be lowered to survey the trunk, and if contents were found, the full back passenger window would be broken and used to gain entry. Eventually, some owners posted ideas online to drive a group effort at mitigation, and two owners even designed a locking device to secure the rear seats and deter would-be offenders.
Enhanced Autopilot (EAP), Tesla’s driver-assist software enabled in February 2017 with the version 8.0 software update, utilizes 8 surround cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors and radar. Also part of its capabilities is a “Side Collision Warning” feature that, when considered together with the survey hardware, can easily be imagined as the core of an advanced mode for vehicle security. Instead of the built-in software functioning to warn a driver inside the vehicle of objects within certain proximity on the road, an “always on” type system could transmit warning signals to the owner’s app and/or have a built in response.
-->Although details provided on the coming “Sentry Mode” barely exist, Tesla’s commitment to the security of its vehicles has been clear. In the Version 9.0 software released last year, a built-in dash cam feature was included which utilized vehicles’ 360-degree array of Autopilot cameras to record and save footage to a driver-provided external USB drive. Although the feature could have several uses, hobby or otherwise, it was specifically added to aid with owner security issues such as capturing hit-and-run events. Another possible vision of “Sentry Mode” may merely expand on this functionality to incorporate more advanced recording options, including an “always on” option.
Tesla-targeting security issues were also reported in Europe last year and, combined with the US-based reports, the need for enhanced security features has continued to be addressed by the electric vehicle maker through gradual improvements and options. In November, an Enhanced Anti-Theft device was released via the Tesla online store which monitors movement inside Model S and Model X cabins when the vehicles are locked. The feature had already been part of an optional security package in European models. In August, “PIN to drive” was released in an over-the-air software update requiring a PIN-entry prior to vehicle operation. The feature was a result of Tesla’s continuous participation in “bug bounty” programs offering cash and a free Tesla Model 3 for vulnerabilities discovered in the company’s suite of vehicles and energy products.
News
Tesla’s new Holiday perk is timed perfectly to make FSD a household name
Tesla AI4 owners get FSD (Supervised) through Christmas, New Year’s Eve and well into the post-holiday travel season.
Tesla quietly rolled out a free Full Self-Driving (Supervised) trial for roughly 1.5 million HW4 owners in North America who never bought the package, and the timing could very well be genius.
As it turns out, the trial doesn’t end after 30 days. Instead, it expires January 8, 2026, meaning owners get FSD (Supervised) through Christmas, New Year’s Eve and well into the post-holiday travel season. This extended window positions the feature for maximum word-of-mouth exposure.
A clever holiday gift
Tesla watcher Sawyer Merritt first spotted the detail after multiple owners shared screenshots showing the trial expiring on January 8. He confirmed with affected users that none had active FSD subscriptions before the rollout. He also observed that Tesla never called the promotion a “30-day trial,” as the in-car message simply reads “You’re Getting FSD (Supervised) For the Holidays,” which technically runs until after the new year.
The roughly 40-day period covers peak family travel and gatherings, giving owners ample opportunity to showcase the latest FSD V14’s capabilities on highway trips, crowded parking lots and neighborhood drives. With relatives riding along, hands-off highway driving and automatic lane changes could become instant conversation starters.
Rave reviews for FSD V14 highlight demo potential
FSD has been receiving positive reviews from users as of late. Following the release of FSD v14.2.1, numerous owners praised the update for its smoothness and reliability. Tesla owner @LactoseLunatic called it a “huge leap forward from version 14.1.4,” praising extreme smoothness, snappy lane changes and assertive yet safe behavior that allows relaxed monitoring.
-->Another Tesla owner, @DevinOlsenn, drove 600 km without disengagements, noting his wife now defaults to FSD for daily use due to its refined feel. Sawyer Merritt also tested FSD V14.2.1 in snow on unplowed New Hampshire roads, and the system stayed extra cautious without hesitation. Longtime FSD tester Chuck Cook highlighted improved sign recognition in school zones, showing better dynamic awareness. These reports of fewer interventions and a more “sentient” drive could turn family passengers into advocates, fueling subscriptions come January.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk predicts AI and robotics could make work “optional” within 20 years
Speaking on entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, Musk predicted that machines will soon handle most forms of labor, leaving humans to work only if they choose to.
Elon Musk stated that rapid advances in artificial intelligence and robotics could make traditional work unnecessary within two decades.
Speaking on entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, Musk predicted that machines will soon handle most forms of labor, leaving humans to work only if they choose to.
Work as a “hobby”
During the discussion, Musk said the accelerating capability of AI systems and general-purpose robots will eventually cover all essential tasks, making human labor a choice rather than an economic requirement. “In less than 20 years, working will be optional. Working at all will be optional. Like a hobby,” Musk said.
When Kamath asked whether this future is driven by massive productivity growth, Musk agreed, noting that people will still be free to work if they enjoy the routine or the challenge. He compared future employment to home gardening, as it is something people can still do for personal satisfaction even if buying food from a store is far easier.
“Optional” work in the future
Elon Musk acknowledged the boldness of his claim and joked that people might look back in 20 years and say he was wrong. That being said, the CEO noted that such a scenario could even happen sooner than his prediction, at least if one were to consider the pace of the advancements in AI and robotics.
-->“Obviously people can play this back in 20 years and say, ‘Look, Elon made this ridiculous prediction and it’s not true,’ but I think it will turn out to be true, that in less than 20 years, maybe even as little as ten or 15 years, the advancements in AI and robotics will bring us to the point where working is optional,” Musk said.
Elon Musk’s comments echo his previous sentiments at Tesla’s 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting, where he noted that Optimus could ultimately eliminate poverty. He also noted that robots like Optimus could eventually provide people worldwide with the best medical care.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk reiterates why Tesla will never make an electric motorcycle
Tesla CEO Elon Musk preemptively shut down speculations about a Tesla road bike once more.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk preemptively shut down speculations about a Tesla road bike once more, highlighting that the electric vehicle maker has no plans to enter the electric motorcycle market.
Musk posted his clarification in a post on X.
Musk’s reply to a fun AI video
X user @Moandbhr posted an AI video featuring the Tesla CEO on the social media platform, captioning it with “Mr. Elon Musk Just Revealed the Game-Changing Tesla Motorcycle.” The short clip depicted Musk approaching a sleek, single-wheeled vehicle, stepping onto it, and gliding off into the distance amid cheers. The fun video received a lot of traction on X, gaining 3.1 million views as of writing.
Musk replied to the post, stating that a Tesla motorcycle is not going to happen. “Never happening, as we can’t make motorcycles safe. For Community Notes, my near death experience was on a road bike. Dirt bikes are safe if you ride carefully, as you can’t be smashed by a truck,” Musk wrote in his reply.
Musk’s Past Comments on Two-Wheelers
Musk also detailed his reservations about motorcycles in a December 2019 X post while responding to questions about Tesla’s potential ATV. At the time, he responded positively to an electric ATV, though he also opposed the idea of a Tesla road-going motorcycle. Musk did state that electric dirt bikes might be cool, since they do not operate in areas where large vehicles like Class 8 trucks are present.
-->“Electric dirt bikes would be cool too. We won’t do road bikes, as too dangerous. I was hit by a truck & almost died on one when I was 17,” Musk wrote in his post.
Considering Musk’s comments about dirt bikes, however, perhaps Tesla would eventually offer a road bike as a recreational vehicle. Such a two-wheeler would be a good fit for the Cybertruck, as well as future products like the Robovan, which could be converted into an RV.
Tesla’s new Holiday perk is timed perfectly to make FSD a household name
Elon Musk predicts AI and robotics could make work “optional” within 20 years
