Tesla releases Version 7 of automated steering software for Tesla S; Makes autopark and auto lane change possible

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk led the release of version 7 of the Tesla's automated steering software, the new version of its "autopilot" software for Tesla Model S sedan.

The automated steering software version 7 adds important new safety and convenience features. The software upgrade that arrived on Wednesday this week enhances the Tesla Model S ability to help drive the car on highways and assist with parallel parking.

The download of this software upgrade become available on Thursday this week and will take five days to roll out to the installed base of Tesla Model S sedans, according to Extreme Tech.

According to NBC News, the Tesla's updated software will allow for a sort of extra powerful cruise control. The updates also showed in the instrument display in Tesla Model S to highlight output from the car's various safety features, including lane departure warning, speed assist, collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The automated steering function will keep the car in lane even when the road changes direction.

Tesla's automated steering software delivers two important features: "Auto Lane Change" and "Autopark". The feature "Auto Lane Change" is available once automatic steering has been enabled.

This feature is useful when you want to get out from behind a slow truck: just tap the turn signal to the right or left and Tesla will automatically wait for a safe opportunity to move to the lane in that direction.

"Autopark" feature is added to help anyone in parallel parking. Just hit the button on the main touchscreen panel once car detected a parking spot (indicated with the appearance of "P" on the dash), and the auto steer will take over, pulling your car to the parking spot automatically.

For addition on its safety features, with this updated auto steer software, Tesla Model S will be able to alert you when obstacles or other vehicles are in unsafe proximity.

Despite all the safety features, Tesla Motor's CEO Elon Musk said that Tesla is being careful on this software as autopilot technology is new for most consumers, according to Bloomberg.

Even though automatic steering software allows the car driver to work hands-free, the consumers are advised to keep their hands on the steering wheel all the times.

"We're being especially cautious at this early stage," said Musk. "Over time, there will not be a need to have your hands on the wheel."

"The software is very new, and we have to explicitly describe it as beta. In the long term, people won't need hands on the wheel, and eventually there won't be wheels or pedals", Musk added.