Car-maker Tesla is introducing a new feature - for dogs.
'Dog Mode' sets the car cabin at a temperature to keep a dog comfortable, while a message on-screen inside the vehicle lets passersby know they do not need to worry.
This is in addition to existing cabin overheat protection, which comes on automatically at high temperatures.
Introducing Dog Mode: set a cabin temperature to keep your dog comfortable while letting passersby know they don't need to worry pic.twitter.com/xFU6MGZT53
— Tesla (@Tesla) February 14, 2019
It seems one California police department may already be on-board.
The Fremont Police Department has said it would be a great feature "for our K9 teams and would eliminate the need for after market products".
This would be a great feature for our K9 teams and would eliminate the need for after market products! 🐕 🚔 #FremontPDTesla
— Fremont Police Department (@FremontPD) February 14, 2019
Y’all just want a fleet of tesla patrol cars, admit it. 😂 🚔 🐕
— Rakesh (@densaer) February 14, 2019
— Fremont Police Department (@FremontPD) February 14, 2019
The new feature is part of a software update, which also includes Sentry Mode.
This continuously monitors the environment around a car when it is left unattended.
When enabled, the car enters a 'standby' state and uses external cameras to detect potential threats.
If a minimal threat is detected, such as someone leaning on a car, the car switches to an 'alert' state and displays a message on its screen warning that its cameras are recording.
If a more severe threat is detected, such as someone breaking a window, it switches to an 'alarm' state - which activates the car alarm.
Owners will also receive a mobile app alert, notifying them that something has happened.
They will also be able to download a video recording of the incident.
