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1 Sep, 2023

X to train AI models with users’ posts

Announcement2 Comments

X plans a change to its privacy policy that will allow information posted by users to be used to train its AI models. Musk says X will train AI models only with publicly available information. It will not use “DMs or anything private.” The updated policy states that the company:

may use the information we collect and publicly available information to help train our machine learning or artificial intelligence models for the purposes outlined in this policy.

22 Aug, 2023

Musk to remove headlines from news articles shared on X

Design Change3 Comments

Musk will remove headlines that are automatically generated as part of the preview image and text that appeasr when news organisations share articles to X. Anyone sharing a link on X—from individual users to publishers—would need to manually add their own text alongside the links they share on the service; otherwise the post will display only an image with no context other than an overlay of the URL. According to a source, the change is being pushed directly by Musk, to reduce the height of tweets and allow more posts to fit on screen. Musk also believes the change will help curb clickbait. Musk:

This is coming from me directly. Will greatly improve the esthetics.

18 Aug, 2023

Musk says he will ‘delete’ X’s block feature

Announcement0 Comments

In response to a post asking if ‘there is ever a reason to block vs. mute someone,’ Musk says that he will delete the block feature from the app, except for DMs.

Block is going to be deleted as a “feature”, except for DMs. It makes no sense.

Later, a community note is added to Musk’s post, saying that the block feature cannot be removed as it is a required feature for social media apps sold on Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

14 Aug, 2023

Tesla cuts China Model Y prices

Price change0 Comments

Tesla lowers prices on its Model Y long-range and performance versions in China. The move comes after sales of China-made Tesla vehicles fell 31%, and it is followed by a 2.7% drop in Tesla shares. Tesla reduced the starting prices of both models by 14,000 yuan ($1,935). The Model Y Long Range’s starting price is down 4.5% to 299,900 yuan, and that of the Model Y Performance is down 3.8% (349,900 yuan). Between August 14 and September 30, Tesla is also offering insurance subsidies in China of 8,000 yuan for buyers of the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive versions of the Model 3.

13 Aug, 2023

Tesla China sells Cybertruck-inspired cat litter box

Product Release0 Comments

Tesla China lists (product link) a self-assembly “Cybertruck Multifunctional Corrugated Cat Litter” that includes a scratching board for cats. The cardboard box, branded ‘Tesla Life’,  is made of thickened and moisture-proof corrugated paper, costs ¥89 RMB ($12 US), and is described as:

a futuristic shape, a semi-open cat litter, and thick corrugated paper embedded inside to meet the nature and daily needs of cats.

5 Aug, 2023

X takes @music handle from user

Design Change0 Comments

X takes@music” handle from a user who ran the account for 16 years and will be using it for its own business purposes. The company sent him an email stating that they will change the name to @musicfan.

16 years ago, I created @music and have been running it ever since. Just now, Twitter / X just ripped it away. Super pissed

2 Aug, 2023

X lets subscribers hide blue ticks

Design Change1 Comments

X adds a feature that allows paid subscribers to hide their verification badge from other users.

As a subscriber, you can choose to hide your checkmark on your account. The checkmark will be hidden on your profile and posts. The checkmark may still appear in some places and some features could still reveal you have an active subscription. Some features may not be available while your checkmark is hidden. We will continue to evolve this feature to make it better for you.

20 Jul, 2023

Musk: Tesla may cut prices in ‘turbulent times’

Makes StatementPress ConferencePrice change0 Comments

On an analysts’ call, Musk says that he will cut prices again on Tesla’s vehicles due to “turbulent times”:

One day it seems like the world economy is falling apart, next day it’s fine. I don’t know what the hell is going on. We’re in, I would call it, turbulent times.

Tesla shares fall nearly 5% after Musk’s comments.

17 Jul, 2023

Tesla builds first Cybertruck

Product Release0 Comments

Tesla builds its first Cybertruck for customers at its Giga Texas manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, four years after the vehicle was announced in November 2019. In a tweet, more than 100 Telsa staff in hard hats and high-vis vests surround the vehicle after it comes of the production line.

First Cybertruck built at Giga Texas! 

11 Jul, 2023

Tesla to launch UK electricity supplier

AnnouncementNew territory0 Comments

A job ad posted for UK head of operations for Tesla Electric, says Tesla is seeking to apply to Ofgem, the UK’s electricity regulator, for an electricity supply licence, which would allow the company to launch a “retail electricity product in the UK”. The ad says Tesla is seeking to “support the transition of the entire electricity grid to 100pc renewables” by making more use of home batteries.

The project is said to be similar to Tesla’s Texas energy utility, which sells electricity from Tesla Powerwall batteries to the grid during peak times and buys it back when it is cheaper. An industry source says between 10,000 and 20,000 Powerwall units, which cost £9500 in the UK, are believed to have been installed in UK households. Owners of Tesla cars could also eventually use the service, under Ofgem plans to allow electric vehicles to sell electricity back to the grid.

Glass house investigation: outcome unknown

Production delay0 Comments

The outcome of the probe by Tesla’s board into whether Musk misused the company’s clout to secure special glass for a personal building project (“Project 42”) remains unknown, according to “insiders” at the company. The investigation was launched after a top Musk advisor at Tesla ordered millions of dollars worth of specialized glass for the projected mansion. Nor has the glass-walled residence been constructed, despite the plans for it dating back to at least 2022. Sources at Tesla say they do not know the project’s status, and neither Musk nor any board members have commented about the matter.

3 Jul, 2023

Tesla delivers record number of cars after price cuts

Price changeSales Report0 Comments

Tesla says it delivered a record number of vehicles for the three months from April to June, delivering 466,140 vehicles, 80% higher than last year. The company says it lowered prices in markets including the US, UK and China to compete with rival manufacturers. The company is due to report its financial results for the second quarter on 19 July. Musk,

We’re not ‘starting a price war’, we’re just lowering prices to enable affordability at scale.

1 Jul, 2023

Twitter users complain after Musk limits numbers of posts they can read

Design Change0 Comments

Musk says that, due to AI companies scraping Twitter for data, rate limits will be placed on users that will only allow them to view a restricted number of tweets. Initially, Musk sets the limits to 6000 posts/day for verified accounts, 600 posts for unverified acounts and 300 posts/day for new unverified accounts. Six hours later he later updates the rate limits to 8000 posts/day for verified users, 800 for verified, and shortly thereafter increases it to 10,000 for vervified users and 1000 for unverified.

To address extreme levels of data scraping & system manipulation, we’ve applied the following temporary limits: – Verified accounts are limited to reading 6000 posts/day – Unverified accounts to 600 posts/day – New unverified accounts to 300/day

Many users, who were not aware of the change, complained that they could not access tweets and were seeing a ‘rate limite exceeded’ message instead.

20 Jun, 2023

Musk suspends ExplainThisBob

Ban0 Comments

Musk suspends a meme Twitter account linked to the cryptocurrency Bob Token, saying it could be a “scam crypto account.” Some Twitter users who hold Bob Token (BOB) and those utilizing the @explainthisbob reply bot voice their opposition to the suspension, and some in the crypto community who disagree with Musk’s decision created a hashtag “FREEBOB,” demanding a reconsideration of the suspension. BOB’s value is down by 30% following the suspension. Musk:

This sure looks like a scam crypto account. If so, it will be suspended.

10 Jun, 2023

Report: Autopilot involved in 17 fatalities, 736 crashes

Safety report2 Comments

According to NHTSA reports, Tesla’s Autopilot self-driving software was involved in 17 fatalities and 736 crashes. NHTSA began collecting the data after a federal order in 2021 required automakers to disclose crashes involving driver-assistance technology. NHTSA says a report of a crash involving driver-assistance does not itself imply that the technology was the cause. It is also unclear if the NHTSA’s data covers every driver assisted crash. Of the 17 fatal crashes, four involved motorcycles. NHTSA has received more than a dozen reports of Teslas running into parked emergency vehicles while in Autopilot

The increase in crashes coincides with Tesla’s rollout of Full Self-Driving, which has expanded from around 12,000 users to nearly 400,000 in just over a year. Nearly two-thirds of all driver-assistance crashes that Tesla has reported to NHTSA occurred in the past year. Tesla clams that, when comparing miles driven per collision, Full Self-Driving crashes at a rate at least five times lower than vehicles in normal driving. However, this figure is uncorroborated by external agencies. NHTSA:

NHTSA has an active investigation into Tesla Autopilot, including Full-Self Driving. NHTSA reminds the public that all advanced driver assistance systems require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times. Accordingly, all state laws hold the human driver responsible for the operation of their vehicles.

2 Jun, 2023

NHTSA investigates faulty Model Y steering wheels, recalls 137 vehicles

Opens investigationRecall0 Comments

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigates Tesla, after two 2023 Model Y owners filed complaints saying that their steering wheels came off while they were driving. Both cars had low mileage, and the NHTSA says they were delivered to the owners without the retaining bolt that attaches the steering wheel to the steering column. Tesla is now voluntarily recalling 137 2022-2023 Model Y vehicles, because the fastening part of the steering wheel may not be as tight as it needs to be. The loose fasteners may separate the steering wheel from the steering column and cause the vehicle to lose steering control. Tesla will provide a free inspection and reinforcement for the recalled vehicles and the its service center will provide services to users as needed. The NHTSA has not yet ordered a recall for the Model Y vehicles, but the administration says the investigation could include about 120,000 vehicles.

1 Jun, 2023

Pentagon buys Starlink terminals for Ukraine

Purchase/Sale0 Comments

The Pentagon signs a contract to buy Starlink terminals and services to aid the Ukrainian military in its war against Russia. Starlink has previously donated terminals to the Ukrainian war effort. Shortly after the country was invaded, Starlink donated 3,667 terminals to Ukraine and the country had approximately 22,000 of them as of December, with funding secured to receive 10,000 more. The terminals access a network of satellites to provide internet and help maintain stable communications and internet connections for the Ukrainian military despite the attacks on their telecommunications infrastructure. Details about terminal costs, specific capabilities, contracts, and partners involved in the deal were not revealed for “security reasons.”

27 May, 2023

Musk: Next Starship launch in two months

Announcement0 Comments

Musk says the next Starship launch will take place in two months, after tested upgrades are made to the launchpad that was destroyed during the first launch.

Major launchpad upgrades should be complete in about a month, then another month of rocket testing on pad, then flight 2 of Starship

25 May, 2023

Neuralink human trials approved

Regulatory Approval2 Comments

Neuralink announces that it has received FDA approval for human trials. Musk congratulates the team in a tweet.

We are excited to share that we have received the FDA’s approval to launch our first-in-human clinical study! This is the result of incredible work by the Neuralink team in close collaboration with the FDA and represents an important first step that will one day allow our technology to help many people. Recruitment is not yet open for our clinical trial. We’ll announce more information on this soon!

Starlink dishes discounted $100 at Best Buy, Home Depot

Price change0 Comments

SpaceX offers a $100 discount to US customers for its Starlink satellite internet service if they purchase its standard dish through Best Buy or Home Depot. Both retailers dropped the price from $599 to $499 (although consumers must also pay $90 or $120 per month to receive internet with the Starlink residential plan, depending on their location). Best Buy and Home Depot have blocked sales in U.S. states where the residential tier for Starlink is currently behind a waitlist.