Electrek reports that Tesla's Sentry mode, which uses its cameras to monitor potential thieves and vandals, was upgraded to allow owners to view a livestream. Tesla's 2021.36.8 software updates will bring the Sentry Mode Live Camera Access feature, although it only works with the manufacturer's iOS app. A release for Android is not yet confirmed.
Tesla's release notes explain how you can now remotely see your car's surroundings while parked. This will confirm your safety before returning to your vehicle. This is a major upgrade to the Sentry Mode feature that was originally launched in 2019. There have been some workarounds but Sentry Mode has not yet recorded footage locally. This is great for keeping track of incidents that happen after the fact but does not give much insight into what's happening to your car. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, stated that owners can also use the feature to remotely speak through their car's speaker if enabled.
You can also speak through the car speaker. You can also use the car speaker to make practical jokes. Elon Musk (@elonmusk), October 27, 2021
Teslas Premium Connectivity subscription includes this feature for $10 per month. This is after a 30-day free trial. The Model 3 and Y purchase will get the feature for $30, while the Model S and X will get a one-year subscription. The Premium Connectivity feature also includes access to music and video streaming services via the cars infotainment centre, as well other features such as live traffic visualization.
Teslas release notes state that footage streaming from the car is encrypted at the end, so only you can view it. Sentry Mode can cause an increase in battery drain. Tesla owners have shared their concerns.
