My V1 is over ten years old and I have never had it update. It still works well and I have no complaints regarding false alarms or issues with the newer cars options setting it off. This may change as more cars hit the road with radar/laser cruise control and lane changing warnings.
I went to the V1 web site, entered my units serial number and got the following information...
UPGRADE PROPOSAL FOR YOUR
Serial Number 3817580621
Our upgrade to V1.85 w/ESP, Improved Euro Mode plus Traffic Monitor Filter and Junk-K Fighter will produce the following benefits:
Traffic Monitor Filter was created to eliminate false alarms caused by SpeedInfo, a traffic-flow monitoring system that sends frequent K-band radar bursts into the traffic stream
Junk-K Fighter blocks false alarms caused by K-band lane-change warning systems in some newer cars.
Improved Euro Mode, now with K-band coverage expanded to include the lower frequency photo radar devices in use in some European countries (V1 is already optimized for North American radar as it comes from the factory; Euro Mode is not for driving here). For specific frequency details, click here. This upgrade will install the Euro Mode but you must activate it. To activate, see
How to Reprogram V1 Radar Detector | Valentine Tech Reports | Radar Detectors
Crystal-controlled Frequency Tuning to permanently safeguard coverage at radar-band edges.
Extended Serial Protocol (ESP) enables two-way communication with SAVVY and V1connection.
POP Coverage on Ka band: Note: POP Protection on K band is incompatible with Traffic Monitor Filter. K-band POP radar is rarely used but if you are concerned about it, you may choose to deactivate TMF which will restore Full Coverage on K-band POP. For deactivation instructions, click here.
How to identify V1s upgraded to POP: V1 powers up with test sequence of warning lights and sounds. At the conclusion of the test, just before the mode indicator appears in the Bogey Counter, you will see a sequence of "P…o…P" on V1s with POP coverage.
* A new warning: When the signal-identification system determines that a current warning is, in fact, a spurious signal transmitted by another detector, it notifies you with a "dee-dah-doo" sound and terminates the warning. At the same time, the letter "J" will flash briefly in the Bogey Counter.
*One-year limited warranty, same as new units, starting at upgrade date.
*--Instant Upgrade to V1.85 w/ESP, Improved Euro Mode, Traffic Monitor Filter activated and Junk-K Fighter activated: As soon as we receive your old unit (in operable condition with no tampering of the serial number) we'll exchange it for a brand-new, current-production V1. This is our way of assuring you'll be without V1 protection for the shortest time.
PRICE: $289 plus shipping