Tesla releases much-anticipated 8.0 software update

Elon Musk's Tesla Motors released its 8.0 software update on Thursday, including improvements to its controversial Autopilot self-driving system.

Other upgrades include tweaks to its touchscreen and media player devices for its models.

The company came under pressure in recent months after it was found that a driver killed in an accident in Florida was using Autopilot at the time. Tesla denied that this was what caused his death, but have made significant efforts to make the program more effective.

The update includes a new safety feature which disables Autopilot if safety warnings are ignored by the driver. Musk has repeatedly said that the technology is to be used as an aid to drivers rather than a replacement.

Other modifications include increased responsiveness in stop-and-go traffic and redesigned indicators.

The new upgrade will allow cars to navigate highway interchanges, adapt speed at curves and speed up destination searches using voice commands.

Musk has previously mentioned that the change could have prevented the fatal accident that led to the death of 40-year-old Joshua Brown, who crashed into a truck while driving on the motorway in Florida.