TechPression

Tag: Elon Musk

  • Elon Musk unveils driverless robotaxi, robovan, Optimus humanoid robot

    Elon Musk unveils driverless robotaxi, robovan, Optimus humanoid robot

    Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Thursday unveiled a self-driving robotaxi that had two gull-wing doors and no pedals or steering wheel at an event titled “We, Robot.”

    The event was held in the Warner Bros studio in California on Thursday night where the tech mogul showcased his latest inventions, a driverless cybercab and humanoid robots.

    “The autonomous future is here,” Musk said on Thursday. “We have 50 fully autonomous cars here tonight. You’ll see model Ys and the Cybercab. All driverless.”

    20 two-door cybercabs drove the event attendees round the studio while the humanoid robots waited on guests, serving cocktails and also playing games like rock-paper-scissors with them.

    Read also: Elon Musk’s Neuralink’s ‘Blindsight’ device gets nod to restore eyesight

    Elon Musk’s robot automobiles rely on AI and cameras 

    Musk showed up to the event driving a “Cybercab,” which is anticipated to go into production in 2025 and cost less than $30,000 (about N50 million). He added that there would be a 20 percent per mile operating cost and that the charging would be inductive, meaning no plugs were needed.

    Musk thinks that the difference between these cars and their robotaxi competitors is that the automobiles rely on artificial intelligence and cameras instead of additional hardware.

    “To cut expenses, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology only uses cameras and artificial intelligence (AI), unlike other robotaxi businesses,” Musk stated.

    He noted that a completely autonomous unsupervised FSD is anticipated to begin in Texas and California with the Model 3 and Model Y early in the upcoming year. However, he did not elaborate on whether the robotaxis would rely on FSD or new technologies.

    He highlighted that, with 50 completely driverless automobiles on display at the event, the autonomous future had come. Musk also unveiled the Robovan, a larger self-driving automobile that can accommodate up to 20 people.

    Musk wants to run a fleet of Tesla taxis that can drive themselves and that customers can hail via an app. By designating their cars as robotaxis on the app, individual Tesla owners will also be able to profit.

    Read also: Tesla shareholders approve Musk’s $56 billion pay

    Optimus humanoid robot to serve humans 

    The tech mogul also unveiled Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot, which he claims can now “do anything.”

    “Optimus is going to walk among you,” Musk declared. “They will serve drinks, and you can approach them directly,” he continued.

    The possibilities of the Optimus, according to Musk, are endless. He claimed the robots can do almost any task which include mowing the yard, offering beverages, strolling a dog.

    According to his estimations, the final cost will fall between $20,000 and $30,000. “This will be the most significant product ever created,” the billionaire said.

    Investors, stock experts, and Tesla enthusiasts were present. Some investors, however, were dissatisfied since they had anticipated specific information on the manufacturing ramp-up, regulatory permission, and a solid business plan.

    There have been concerns about Musk’s overly optimistic time estimates, particularly in light of previous broken promises.

    “We expect to be in production with the ‘Cybercab’ … in probably — well, I tend to be a little optimistic with time frames — but in 2026. Before 2027, let me put it that way,” the X owner said.

  • NCC withdraws “error” statement on Starlink price hike, commences pre-enforcement action

    NCC withdraws “error” statement on Starlink price hike, commences pre-enforcement action

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday commenced pre-enforcement action against Starlink to stop the data service provider from increasing its tariffs.

    Pre-enforcement action is the term for actions done to address any problems or avoid non-compliance before a law, regulation, or agreement is enforced.

    The development occurred just hours after NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, stated that the commission was “surprised” by the pricing adjustments the company had disclosed.

    Read also: Nigerians to pay more for Starlink subscription due to high inflation rate

    Initial NCC’s statement to sanction Starlink 

    Mr Muoka stated the NCC had received a request from Starlink to modify its rates, but the regulator had not approved it.

    “We were surprised that the company jumped the gun by announcing price changes after filing a request to the Commission seeking approval for a price adjustment for which the Commission was yet to communicate a decision,” NCC had said earlier in a statement on Tuesday. 

    “The action of the company appears to be a contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, and Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs.

    “The Commission will, therefore, take appropriate enforcement measures against any action by a licensee that is capable of eroding the regulatory stability of the telecommunications industry.”

    But in a different statement, Muoka requested that media outlets retract the commission’s earlier statement on the subject.

    “I wish to request that all who have received this press statement should ignore it, as it was issued in error,” he said.

    “Kindly withdraw it if it has been posted on your platforms.”

    Read also: Vodacom and MTN partner with Starlink and Amazon Kuiper to bridge network gap

    Starlink’s price hike 

    Citing growing inflation, Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned satellite internet firm Starlink announced a price increase in a message sent to its Nigerian consumers last week. 

    The service provider stated on its website that the monthly membership rate for new users would increase by 97%, from N38,000 to N75,000.

    The Starlink kit (hardware for installation) will now cost N590,000, a 34% increase from the previous price of N440,000, making it more expensive for new customers.

    A mobile regional (unlimited roam) package for N167,000, a mobile global (global roam) package for N717,000, and a normal residential package for N75,000 are among the other modified pricing structures.

    Stakeholders in the telecommunications industry have been demanding an upward pricing review to draw in investors.

    Telecom companies announced on April 25 that price increases for their services were long overdue, given that they had not hiked rates for the past 11 years.

  • X’s controversial update: Blocked users can now see your public posts

    X’s controversial update: Blocked users can now see your public posts

    Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), is set to implement a controversial change that will allow users you’ve blocked to see your public posts.

    This update, announced on September 23, 2024, has sparked significant debate regarding user control and privacy on the platform.

    Read also: Top countries with highest TikTok users in Africa

    New visibility for blocked X users

    Under the new policy, blocked users can still not interact with your posts, but they can now see your public content. Musk mentioned that while the block function will stop the blocked account from engaging with you, it won’t prevent them from viewing your public posts.

    In the past, if a user tried to check the profile of someone who had blocked them, they would receive a notification stating they were blocked, along with limitations on viewing replies, media, and follower lists.

    Musk and his team justify this change as a way to improve transparency on the platform. A source from X pointed out that individuals could view posts from blocked accounts by logging out or using different accounts. Thus, the update seeks to align the blocking feature with how users behave on social media.

    Public reactions and concerns

    The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters believe this change could stop users from bypassing blocks with alternative accounts and encourage accountability. On the other hand, critics worry that allowing blocked users to see posts might lead to harassment or stalking, especially for those who rely on blocking to shield themselves from unwanted interactions.

    Musk’s long-standing criticism of the block feature is well-known; he has previously called it nonsensical and suggested replacing it with a more effective mute option. He has even hinted at removing the block feature entirely in favour of direct message controls.

    Read also: Telegram bows to pressure and agrees to release users’ data to authorities

    Implications for X users

    As X continues to change under Musk’s leadership, this latest update raises significant questions about user experience and safety.

    While it aims to foster a more open communication platform, it also challenges conventional ideas of privacy and control over personal content. Users may need to rethink their approaches to managing interactions on X as these changes take effect.

  • Elon Musk’s Neuralink’s ‘Blindsight’ device gets nod to restore eyesight

    Elon Musk’s Neuralink’s ‘Blindsight’ device gets nod to restore eyesight

    According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup Neuralink, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an experimental implant device that would “enable even those who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve to see.”

    Neuralink’s Blindsight device will make vision possible for people who have lost their eyes and optic nerves. The tech billionaire tweeted early on Wednesday, “It will even allow those who have been blind from birth to see for the first time, provided the visual cortex is intact.”

    Read also: Neuralink’s bold vision for human-machine interaction

    This designation aims to expedite the creation and examination of novel medical devices that treat severe ailments.

    Musk said that while the initial vision quality was similar to early video game visuals, future developments could result in vision that is more advanced than human vision, such as the capacity to see infrared, ultraviolet, or radar wavelengths.

    “To set expectations correctly, the vision will at first be low resolution, like Atari graphics, but eventually it has the potential to be better than natural vision and enable you to see in infrared, ultraviolet or even radar wavelengths,” Musk said in a post on X.

    Human trials for Neuralink’s Blindsight gadget are not yet underway, and the company did not give a timeframe for when they might start. The FDA has not yet provided any additional commentary on the development.

    More from Neuralink

    Musk created Neuralink in 2016 to develop brain-chip interfaces that can be inserted into the skull. These chips may help impaired individuals with mobility, communication, and visual restoration.

    Neuralink is exploring a gadget in addition to the vision-restoring implant that would enable paralysed people to operate digital devices with just their thoughts. This trial, which is anticipated to last several years, involves three participants.

    Neuralink implanted the device in a patient earlier this year, and since then, the patient has used it to create 3D objects and play video games.

    Neuralink’s mission is to create brain-computer interface technology that will enable people with neurological disabilities to regain their motor functions, communication, and sensory experiences.

    Read also: Neuralink’s first brain-chip recipient has higher capacity

    About the FDA’s Breakthrough Devices Program

    Developers can apply to the FDA’s Breakthrough Devices Program, a voluntary program that, if accepted, “offers manufacturers an opportunity to interact with FDA experts through several different program options to efficiently address topics as they arise during the premarket review phase.” Additionally, the designation sets beneficiaries up for FDA evaluation with priority.

    Since the program’s launch in 2015, almost 1,000 medical devices have been approved, and 145 more were awarded this breakthrough classification in 2023.

  • X offers new TV app for seamless video watching

    X offers new TV app for seamless video watching

    Tesla founder Elon Musk wants X to be as popular as YouTube, and he’s already making significant steps towards that goal. Musk personally told MrBeast, the most popular YouTuber, to post full videos on X. X’s Chief Executive Officer, Linda Yaccarino, talked about the platform’s change to become a “video-first” service earlier this year.

    According to Mashable, X has released a smart TV app that can only be used to watch content on the platform, which fits with this strategy.

    It was reported that Musk recently talked about the “Beta version of X TV” on X.

    Read also: How to edit your DMs on X: A step-by-step guide

    User-Friendly Interface with Advanced Features

    One of the most notable features of the recently released television application is its easy-to-use interface, which has been meticulously crafted to provide a seamless and uncomplicated experience. 

    Some of the advanced features included in this application include customisable watchlists, intelligent recommendations based on viewing history, and simple navigation between live and on-demand content.

    Users can also take advantage of high-definition streaming, offline viewing options, and synchronised playback across multiple devices, which guarantees that their viewing experience will be both fun and convenient.

    Compatibility of X TV App with Smart Devices 

    Smart TV owners can now get the X TV app from Google Play, Amazon’s app store, and LG’s app store. Yet, it’s unavailable on Apple TV or the tvOS Apple App Store.

    Read also: Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki dies at 56

    The app allows users to browse through and watch videos uploaded to X, including live streams, directly on their televisions. According to the report, users must sign in with their X account to use X TV.

    In the past, to watch content from X on a television, one had to cast it from a secondary device such as an iPhone or an Android smartphone.

    Musk wants to make X into an “everything” app that includes financial services and social media. In addition to posting videos, X users will have to see if X TV changes how they interact with video content on the platform or just reinforces their existing habits, the report said.

  • Liberia Targets Starlink After Presidential Meeting With Elon Musk

    Liberia Targets Starlink After Presidential Meeting With Elon Musk

    Elon Musk, CEO of Starlink, and Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai recently held a virtual meeting to talk about the prospective establishment of a satellite Internet service provider in the nation.

    President Boakai invited the SpaceX founder and his team to visit the West African nation, affirming his administration’s commitment to ongoing engagement and collaboration.

    Musk emphasised at the discussion the value of Starlink, which has operations in over ten African nations, and its capacity to assist with healthcare and education-related projects. He mentioned that access to the internet might boost vital sectors and empower rural communities.

    Read also: Starlink sees 10X user growth in Kenya in under a year

    Empowering Liberia’s YouthThrough Technology

    President Boakai highlighted the vital role technology plays in empowering Liberia’s youthful population, who make up a significant portion of the country’s demographic. He emphasised that technology has the potential to transform key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and finance, leading to improved productivity and economic growth.

    To fully harness the benefits of technology, President Boakai stressed the need for collaboration among various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, and international partners. By working together, Liberia can enhance service delivery across the country, ensuring that citizens have access to quality services and opportunities.

    By prioritising technology and collaboration, Liberia can unlock its potential for sustainable development and create a brighter future for its youthful population.

    Remarkably, these gatherings have come before Starlink’s introduction in other African nations. President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana met with representatives from SpaceX, the firm that created Starlink, in May 2024 since they had indicated interest in securing an operational licence in Botswana.

    In February 2024, the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) rejected Starlink’s initial application for a licence and banned it before this meeting. However, a few weeks after the meeting, Botswana granted Starlink a licence to operate.

    Read also: Sierra Leone licences Starlink, becomes 5th African nation on the network

    Starlink’s African Expansion Overcomes Initial Rejection

    Botswana isn’t the only African country that has granted Starlink an operational licence after initially rejecting it. Zimbabwe and Ghana have also approved Starlink after initially deeming it illegal.

    Starlink has received approval from 11 African nations, and more are anticipated this year. If the meeting between Elon Musk and the president of Liberia culminates in a launch, Liberia will join other West African nations where Starlink is now active, such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.

    Internet penetration in Liberia is still in its early phases. With 1.65 million Internet subscribers as of early 2024, it stood at 30.1%. To improve connectivity across the nation, Starlink hopes to bring its services to even the most remote areas.

  • Elon Musk threatens to ban Apple devices over OpenAI integration

    Elon Musk threatens to ban Apple devices over OpenAI integration

    Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, has announced that he will ban all Apple devices from his companies if Apple integrates OpenAI technology at the operating system level. This decision comes after Apple announced its partnership with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT, a popular AI tool, to its devices. 

    Musk called this integration an “unacceptable security violation” and said visitors to his enterprises would have to check their Apple gadgets at the entry and store them in Faraday cages.

    Read also: Elon Musk’s AI Startup secures $6 Billion in funding for expansion

    Musk is sceptical that Apple can protect user privacy and security with OpenAI. He believes Apple relies on a third-party AI service since it cannot develop its own. Musk says this reliance puts users in danger of security breaches. He also worries about Apple accessing and using user data without consent.

    “If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies,” Musk said. “That is an unacceptable security violation,” SpaceX said on X. Musk worries most about the security implications of Apple’s OpenAI integration.

    He thinks Apple’s third-party service encourages data breaches and unauthorised access to customer data. Apple devices will incorporate OpenAI’s operating system technology, which could increase user data access.

    Musk said, “It’s absurd that Apple isn’t smart enough to make their own AI, yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security & privacy.”

    User Privacy with OpenAI

    Musk also worries about Apple’s integration and customer privacy. He thinks Apple’s relationship with OpenAI might acquire and exploit user data without authorisation. Users may lose trust in Apple and its products as they become more aware of the risks of sharing their data. Even if OpenAI and Apple say, it will preserve privacy. In its release, OpenAI said requests are not stored, and users’ IP addresses are hidden.

    Apple has no idea what’s happening when they provide OpenAI your data. They’re selling you downstream.” Musk returns.

    Read also: Elon Musk’s accusations against WhatsApp meets swift rebuttal

    Innovation and competition for Apple

    Musk’s ban on Apple products may potentially affect the tech industry. It may change how organisations develop and integrate AI, with some developing their technology rather than using third-party services. Companies may innovate and compete in AI to differentiate themselves.

    AI’s significance in human lives is debated, as Elon Musk banned Apple products from his firms over OpenAI inclusion. Some regard AI as a powerful tool for enhancing our lives, but others worry about its hazards and ramifications. Companies must prioritise user privacy and security while encouraging innovation and competitiveness as the tech industry evolves.

  • Elon Musk, X owner pleads with advertisers to return

    Elon Musk, X owner pleads with advertisers to return

    Elon Musk, the owner of X, formerly Twitter, is pleading with advertisers to return to the platform, even though it has been in the news recently for the wrong reasons. 

    The CEO, Linda Yaccarino, stressed X’s dedication to putting child safety online first in a letter sent to both current and past advertisers.

    Elon Musk, the company’s owner, said that advertisers’ worries about the platform were insignificant at the time of this plea. 

    After participating in a congressional meeting on online safety, Yaccarino told lawmakers that X supported their plans for online safety bills.

    Read also: U.S. Senator warns Elon Musk over Twitter’s issue

    The report was the first to report the news. The message is meant to set X apart from other social networks whose leaders are more carefully approaching upcoming rules.

    X has had trouble stopping the spread of harmful and insulting content on its platform, even though it says it is entirely different from Twitter’s predecessor.

    Recent events, like managing upsetting pictures related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the blocking of searches for Taylor Swift’s name because of deep fake content, have made these problems worse. 

    Back story 

    X, which used to be called Twitter, is now trying to fix things with advertisers after Elon Musk’s rude answer to them in November. CEO Linda Yaccarino is in charge of these efforts.

    The CEO’s strategy aligns X with planned legislation by portraying it as a platform for child internet safety. 

    After Musk’s contentious comments, Walmart became the first major firm to pull its ads from X. Walmart’s exit from X after Musk’s recent complaints are noteworthy. 

    Disney, IBM, and Sony have also pulled their advertising from X, making it harder for the platform to retain business agreements.

    After these problems and advertisers pulling their ads, X knows how important advertising is to its income.

    Twitter to bring back end-to-end encryption to secure DMs

    As Yaccarino knows that marketers are essential to the platform’s financial stability, he is using his outreach efforts as a strategic move to change X’s image and rebuild trust with business partners. 

    The main thing that X is doing as it deals with these problems is working hard to change its image by focusing on its dedication to keeping people safe online and following the rules set by the government.

    The results of these initiatives will dictate X’s course as it tries to regain trust, mend fences, and get the ongoing backing of important advertising partners.

  • Starlink’s usage in Ghana stirs controversy

    Starlink’s usage in Ghana stirs controversy

    Starting in the third quarter of 2024, Elon Musk’s internet service, Starlink, will not be available in Ghana. 

    As a result, satellite communication is available in the West African country, and its use has caused a cloud of disagreement. 

    According to a circular released yesterday, Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA), which oversees telecommunications, Starlink-type equipment has not yet been officially cleared. Furthermore, NCA clarified that the service was not yet given a local working license.

    Regulatory officials are now looking into how dealers are selling Starlink kits. The government said offering internet services without permission is against its Electronic Communications Act. 

    The NCA warned people not to use any tools or services that were said to be from Starlink. “People who work in the sale or operation of the service are also told to stop right away,” the statement said.

    Read also: FG talks to Starlink about Nigerian jobs

    National Communications Authority Move

    The NCA’s action may have something to do with recent posts on social media about local stores bringing in the equipment and selling it for ridiculously high prices. 

    An X post from two days ago about Starlink prices said that intermediaries charge home users 7,800 cedis ($650) and businesses 30,000 cedis ($2,500). CediRates is a website that tracks Ghana’s currency exchange rates and the costs of popular services.

    According to CediRates, a residential subscription costs 1,100 to 1,500 cedis ($91 to $124) per month, while a commercial membership costs 3,000 to 18,000 cedis ($250 to $1500). 

    On the other hand, Starlink’s website says that the no-cap service can only be pre-ordered from Ghana for $9 as long as it gets regulatory permission. A basic plan usually costs $689 and comes with a $90 monthly subscription.

    It is unclear how Starlink kits are making it to Ghana. But, from what’s evident in other parts of the continent where the platform has come under similar regulatory pressure, the equipment is likely being imported from next-door markets where the service is legal. 

    Starlink goes live in Zambia

    Nigeria gets Starlink first in Africa

    Nigeria is Ghana’s closest neighbor. In January 2023, Starlink went live there after getting permission from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country’s telecoms body. Niger was the first country in Africa to get the service after it was launched. 

    In the south, third parties bought kits from neighboring Mozambique, where it is allowed, and then sold them to people in South Africa. But since then, the government has made the practice illegal, and the equipment is said to be getting type approval before it goes on public launch.

    Accra still has trouble getting stable and cheap internet access, so Starlink’s satellite internet service has been met with excitement and doubt. 

    While it is faster and covers more areas, it is much more expensive than standard internet services from local cell phone companies.

    Additionally, more mobile consumers are complaining about rising data plan pricing. Sancom Plc (MTN Ghana) raised voice and data charges by 15% for prepaid and postpaid users last month because of rising operating costs. 

    Ghana used to offer one of the cheapest internet plans in Sub-Saharan Africa, but studies say that is outdated. Surfshark reported in September that internet affordability has fallen over the previous year as individuals work harder to buy the same data package. 

    Ghana ranks 88th out of 177 nations in mobile internet speed, making it the slowest in Africa.

  • Elon Musk unveils Blade Runner-inspired Cybertruck

    Elon Musk unveils Blade Runner-inspired Cybertruck

    Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s Tesla has officially presented the much-anticipated Cybertruck, overcoming a two-year saga of delays and production challenges.

    The Blade Runner-inspired electric trucks were ceremoniously handed over to select customers during an event at Tesla’s Austin headquarters. Elon Musk personally delivered some of the vehicles, including one to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, in a live-streamed spectacle on X, Musk’s proprietary social media platform.

    Read also: Elon Musk’s Starlink faces regulatory challenges with specific African countries 

    Pricing Details and Configurations

    The Cybertruck is offered in three configurations: rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and the flamboyantly named Cyberbeast. However, reports reveal that the entry-level Cybertruck, which Musk had initially estimated at $39,900 in 2019, now comes with a starting price of $60,990. This figure, exceeding Musk’s earlier estimate by over 50%, has raised eyebrows in the industry. Notably, the most economical variant, a rear-wheel drive model with a 250-mile battery range, is slated for release in 2025, while delivery for pricier models, including the nearly $100,000 Cyberbeast, is expected next year.

    Industry Reactions and Elon Musk’s Defense

    Gene Munster, Managing Partner at Deepwater Asset Management, expressed surprise at the higher-than-anticipated cost, emphasizing the need for Tesla to scale up production to address pricing concerns.

    Munster acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “The reality is that the Cybertruck isn’t out yet.” Tesla’s foray into the competitive U.S. pickup truck market with the Cybertruck has garnered both enthusiasm and skepticism. Some critics, including analysts, have questioned the vehicle’s profitability, suggesting its potential cancellation.

    Elon Musk defended the Cybertruck’s pricing, highlighting its utility and stating, “It’s an incredibly useful truck. It’s not just a grandstanding showpiece—like me.” Originally marketed with starting prices ranging from $39,900 to $69,900 in 2019, the current pricing landscape includes “probable savings” outlined on Tesla’s website. These savings incorporate federal tax credits and estimated gas savings over three years, bringing the estimated cost of the cheapest version to $49,890.

    Power Ride Lotus Reveals Its First SUV, The Eletre

    Cybertruck’s Unique Features and Performance Credentials

    Elon Musk unveils Blade Runner-inspired Cyber Truck
    Cyber Truck

    The Cybertruck boasts impressive performance credentials, including a rapid acceleration of 2.6 seconds from 0 to 60 miles per hour, comparable to a Porsche 911 Turbo S. It also features a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds, surpassing both the battery-powered Ford F-150 Lightning and certain gas-fueled F-150 models. With a 17-inch ground clearance, it outstrips all versions of the F-150 and the electric Rivian R1T pickup.

    Despite its unique features, the Cybertruck’s entry-level price places it several thousand dollars above the commercial-grade electric F-150, starting at $49,995, and the base retail model at $54,995. Elon Musk remains confident in the Cybertruck’s appeal, asserting that it caters to diverse buyer needs, combining style and utility. In Musk’s words, it is “a better truck than a truck while also being a better sports car than a sports car.”