Here's What A New Software Update Means For Your Tesla Model S

Own a Tesla Model S? Then you're getting an software upgrade to version 6.0.

Tesla will be updating existing Model S software over-the-air, the company announced last week on its blog.

CEO Elon Musk had indicated some time back that v6.0 was on the way - in fact, he teased the update by mentioning one of its more engaging features, the ability to name your Model S.

Few car owners, even owners of luxury automobiles, tend to pay much attention if a manufacturer provides a software update. But Tesla pitches itself as being as much a tech company as a car company - and of course Tesla's headquarters is in Silicon Valley.

Here's the rundown of the update's most notable features:

Traffic-Based Navigation (BETA)
The Model S navigation system will be a lot smarter. Navigation will now provide route suggestions based on real-time traffic and calculate estimated travel times accordingly. It will also update dynamically as traffic conditions change throughout your trip. This feature will also take into account traffic data shared by other Tesla vehicles on the road.

Commute Advice
Navigation isn't particularly useful when commuting between home and work because most of us usually know the way. But if traffic has an effect on a typical route, it's helpful to know in advance. Now, Model S will monitor traffic before you even start your weekday commute and alert you with a pop-up message on the 17-inch touchscreen when a faster route is available.

Calendar (BETA)
Model S will synch with your smartphone to bring you a large in-car view of your daily schedule. If you've already set locations for particular events, you don't have to worry about re-entering the details into your car's navigation system. Instead, you can just tap on the event in your calendar to bring up route directions.

Remote Start
You will have the ability to start your Model S using only your smartphone. This function, which is particularly useful if you forget your key fob, will be accessible through the Tesla mobile app and requires you to input your password for each use.

Location-Based Air Suspension
If you regularly drive on roads or driveways that require higher than normal clearance, your Model S will remember where you previously selected high ride heights and automatically adjust the air suspension at those locations. This feature will be especially handy for people who have steep driveways. (Model S must be equipped with air suspension for this function to work.)

Name Your Car
You can now make your Model S nickname official. The car's name will appear in the Tesla mobile app and in the About Your Tesla section on the touchscreen.

Power Management Options
A new power management option will put Model S into energy saving mode at night to help maximize available energy. There'll also be an option that allows the Tesla mobile app to always connect immediately to the car, while still saving power.