Gary Zhou 
Tesla will be using Autopilot side cameras on its vehicles to display blind spots on the dashboard when the driver signals a lane change or turn.
Last month, Tesla introduced a new software update to include side cameras in the backup camera system, with a new feature.
Tesla writes in the release notes:
You can now view video streams coming from your side repeater cameras for added visibility around the vehicle. When the backup camera is visible, simply swipe to display the repeater camera video feeds.
The “repeater cameras” are mounted on the sides of the cars and basically offer a view of the blind spots.
Some owners have been demanding new features with the side repeater cameras since the app was launched last month.
CEO Elon Musk has now announced that Tesla is preparing to introduce one of those features — full-screen side cameras when a turn indicates.
Tesla will push an update to automatically make the side repeater camera fullscreen whenever the driver signals a turn or lane change.
Previously, Tesla used the side cameras to determine whether someone was in the blind spot, so it would reveal that object in the Autopilot Driving Visualization. Many drivers however prefer to confirm with their own eyes.
This may also act as a precursor to the potential introduction of cars using side cameras rather than side mirrors.
Several other manufacturers have started to release vehicles with side cameras, such as Audi and Honda, as the use of side cameras feeding screens inside vehicles has been made legal by European regulators.
Since 2013, Tesla has been considering the possibility of introducing such a system — which increases efficiency and range — but has put the concept on hold because it’s not a legal yet in the US.
Currently, there is an attempt to reform the US laws, which will possibly cause Tesla to make the switch.
The last few car designs from the automaker, such as the Cybertruck and next-gen Roadster, did not feature side mirrors.
Reported by Electrek.
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