It feels so good to sing while driving and studies even suggest that it helps to reduce feelings of road rage. A few years ago, Tesla introduced the Caraoke feature in a global software update whereby users could play a limited list of songs and sing along to lyrics displayed on the centre console. With Chinese New Year just around the corner, the electric carmaker has released a new software update that uses the Leishi KTV system to offer something more like an actual karaoke experience.
Tesla further augmented the experience by selling physical microphones to use with the new update. The TeslaMic, which retails at 1,999 Yuan (or more auspiciously, US$188) for a set of two, pairs automatically with the in-car system that displays a vast portfolio of karaoke videos, such as those played in karaoke booths and lounges.
Users will be able to belt out their favourite songs inside their Tesla car, but only when the car is stationary…so, in your own garage, driveway or anywhere you can safely park your Tesla.
According to the company website, the TeslaMic “provides you with a mobile private karaoke room, allowing you to wander the sea of music and sing to your heart’s content.”
Chinese owners of Tesla relished the idea so much that the microphones sold out online within an hour of being released. No private in-car karaoke during Chinese New Year for the snoozers as the next availability of the mics will be at the end of February. Although the TeslaMic is only sold in China presently, the automaker has already expanded its trademark in the USA to include audio products.
Tesla is, however, merely playing catch up. Local car manufacturers the likes of XPeng Inc., Nio Inc. and BYD Co. have already been offering karaoke function and microphone add-ons to some of their models and it is apparently a feature that is much desired by the Chinese consumer. So, yes, it is very much a selling point and if you don’t appreciate that, you don’t know what you’re missing.
