Tesla Drops HAL 9000 'Sentry Mode' Graphic

In a forthcoming software update, Tesla revamps its security camera feature "Sentry Mode," and perhaps the most noticeable change is that the company will not use the HAL 9000 graphic from 2001: a Space Odyssey when the mode is enabled, according to screenshots taken at an early access by some owners. As Electrek points out, the dashboard screens of the cars will now show something that looks more like the central light from the popular puzzle game Portal by Valve on the turrets.

Originally launched in 2019, Sentry Mode takes the external cameras that help power the Autopilot driver assistance system from Tesla and turns them into one kind of all-seeing security camera. The screen flashes the HAL 9000 graphic to warn anyone with thoughts about causing harm or breaking in and owners are continuously sharing videos of people who disregard the warning. In some instances, video from the Sentry Mode has contributed to fines and arrests.

The reason for switching to the more portal-styled graphic is not clear, and Tesla and MGM Studios have not responded to a comment request immediately. It is not out of the question that CEO Elon Musk and Tesla should have used the graphic (which varies slightly from the original HAL 9000) without clearing up the rights; Tesla added Atari's classic Pole Position to last year's in-car games package, but eventually had to delete it because, according to Musk, the company "couldn’t resolve all the rights issues." Even in the past, the business (and Musk himself) copied the art of people without permission.

In addition to the graphic update, Tesla also allows drivers to view the footage recorded by their cars during Sentry Mode or standard dash-cam mode. Previously, owners had to remove the USB drive which stored the footage on and display it on another computer.