Tag: Elon Musk

  • Elon Musk Admits Fraud in Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4

    Elon Musk Admits Fraud in Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4

    Tech mogul Elon Musk has been in the news lately for displaying his gaming talents. He showed off his skills in Path of Exile 2 with a character that was both highly leveled and well-equipped. In addition, he claimed a world record in Diablo 4. Yet, not everyone was impressed with his accomplishments. A lot of people in the gaming community felt he didn’t reach these milestones by himself, and it turns out their doubts were justified.

    Musk’s Admission

    In a conversation on X, highlighted by YouTuber NikoWrex, Musk confessed to sharing accounts and buying in-game items using real money. In the messages that were shared, he explained that to compete on the leaderboards, which are largely dominated by players from Asia, these strategies were almost necessary. Nevertheless, he made it clear that he was the one playing the footage shown in the videos and did not want to take all the credit for his accounts’ success.

    Community Backlash

    The gaming community has reacted very negatively to this news, with many expressing anger and disappointment in the comments section on X and under NikoWrex’s YouTube video. Musk is being accused of violating the fundamental values that the gaming community stands for. Many players feel that a rich figure like him gaining an edge through financial means and outside help goes against the principles of fair play. There is now a call for the developers of both Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4 to suspend Musk’s accounts, as both account sharing and real-money transactions break the games’ rules.

    Criticism of NikoWrex

    NikoWrex, the YouTuber who revealed this information, is also receiving harsh criticism. He claims that his video was not meant to make money or attract subscribers, but he is seen as biased by many viewers. Some fans believe that NikoWrex, who openly supports Musk, is trying to defend him. This sentiment is evident in the video’s reception, which has seen 1,524 dislikes and only 623 likes.

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  • China Eyes Elon Musk as Potential Buyer for TikTok’s US Future

    China Eyes Elon Musk as Potential Buyer for TikTok’s US Future

    Chinese officials are considering allowing Elon Musk to take control of TikTok’s US operations if the popular short-video app fails to evade an impending ban. While Beijing wishes for ByteDance Ltd. to retain TikTok, they are exploring alternative plans amid ongoing discussions with the incoming Trump administration.

    Urgency of Negotiations

    These discussions have become more pressing after Supreme Court justices suggested they may support new laws requiring ByteDance to either divest or close TikTok’s US branch by January 19. One proposal being considered is merging TikTok US with Musk’s X platform, leveraging TikTok’s vast user base of over 170 million Americans to enhance X’s advertising potential.

    Financial Challenges

    The financial aspect is a significant hurdle, with Bloomberg Intelligence analysts estimating TikTok’s US operations to be worth between $40 billion and $50 billion. How to arrange the deal, secure funding, and obtain approval from regulators remains uncertain, particularly in light of Musk’s previous commitments from his $44 billion Twitter acquisition.

    For the moment, ByteDance is concentrating on its legal challenges, arguing through TikTok’s attorneys that forcing a sale infringes on First Amendment rights. Conversely, President-elect Trump has suggested he may delay the January 19 ban to allow both parties more time to negotiate, highlighting his intention to “save” the platform.

    China’s Influence

    The Chinese government possesses a so-called golden share in a ByteDance subsidiary, granting it substantial influence over key business decisions, including those related to export regulations concerning TikTok’s algorithm. This arrangement guarantees that Beijing remains impactful in any potential sale, particularly regarding TikTok’s distinctive recommendation technology.

    Musk has publicly opposed a TikTok ban, tweeting in April that shutting down the app would contradict fundamental principles like freedom of speech and expression, asserting that it does not represent what America stands for. So far, representatives from Musk, ByteDance, TikTok, and relevant Chinese government entities have remained silent on the matter.

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  • Elon Musk’s Funny Moment in Path of Exile 2 Game Play

    Elon Musk’s Funny Moment in Path of Exile 2 Game Play

    Elon Musk, who is well-known for juggling his love for gaming with his various business ventures and recent political activities, once again displayed his gaming passion during a live stream on X on January 7. In a session lasting over 90 minutes, the tech mogul showcased his high-level character from Path of Exile 2, attempting to demonstrate his alleged gaming prowess.

    Fans React to Musk’s Gameplay

    Viewers were surprised by Musk’s gameplay, but not in a positive way. His character, boasting an impressive level of 95, indicated not only a considerable time investment but also a notable skill level. Moreover, he possessed rare items that are difficult to obtain even for the most experienced players. Yet, Musk faced challenges with fundamental game mechanics, such as mixing up item requirements, trying to enter unreachable portals, overlooking mana flasks, and ultimately finishing the game run in a somewhat questionable manner.

    Doubts About His Gaming Skills

    Musk’s performance has raised doubts about whether he truly leveled up and equipped his character on his own. Numerous Reddit users have speculated that someone else may have prepared the character for him, and this isn’t the first time such suspicions have arisen. Back in November 2024, Musk set a world record in Diablo 4, only to later confront accusations of exploiting game bugs. The general feeling in the gaming community is that Musk doesn’t usually put in much time playing video games; rather, he tends to use gaming accomplishments as a way to attract media attention.

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  • Explosives-Laden Cybertruck’s Stainless Steel Body Holds Up Well

    Explosives-Laden Cybertruck’s Stainless Steel Body Holds Up Well

    In a series of incidents that might be linked, a Tesla Cybertruck was rented via Turo, filled with fireworks, gas canisters, and camping fuel, then exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.

    Aftermath of the Explosion

    After the explosion, Elon Musk remarked that the Tesla electric truck, known for its stainless steel structure, was probably the worst choice for the individuals behind the blast. The body panels are almost twice as thick compared to standard sheet metal used in other trucks, which helped to restrict the explosion’s impact.

    Law Enforcement Response

    Authorities have shared images of the Cybertruck, showing that its stainless steel shell indeed played a role in minimizing the damage. The truck bed, packed with explosives, remained intact, and the body suffered little damage. Remarkably, the tires also appeared to be undamaged, avoiding any blowouts or deflation.

    According to a law enforcement source, the construction of the Cybertruck may have been beneficial in containing the destruction from the blast:

    "The fact that this was a Cybertruck really limited the damage that occurred. Most of the explosion went upward through the truck. Not even the front glass doors of the Trump hotel were broken, despite being right in line with the blast."

    Communication with Authorities

    Elon Musk and the Tesla team were in touch with local law enforcement who were looking into the explosion, providing insights about how the Cybertruck "locked after it exploded due to the nature of the force from the explosion."

    Ultimately, the only person who died was the individual inside the Cybertruck who allegedly caused the detonation, while seven others nearby suffered only minor injuries, thanks to the stainless steel pickup that kept the explosion mostly contained.

    Source: Link

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  • Starlink Set to Launch in South Africa by Mid-2025

    Starlink Set to Launch in South Africa by Mid-2025

    While the official Starlink coverage map indicates that the service date for South Africa is “unknown at this time,” those eager for this service to launch should monitor this page and revisit it periodically. The reason for this is that upcoming regulatory changes could enable Starlink to enter the African market before the end of 2025.

    Regulatory Changes Ahead

    Local news reports mention that the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has announced plans to implement new regulations under the Electronic Communications Act, which oversees sectors like telecommunications and broadcasting.

    At present, a key challenge for Starlink is the requirement that companies seeking telecom licenses must have at least 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups. However, there’s a silver lining: Elon Musk appears to have political backing. In September, he met with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa in New York.

    Public Feedback Expected

    The DCDT is set to release a notice early next year, inviting public feedback on the proposed changes to the policy. If the process goes as planned, the adjustments could be finalized by mid-2025, allowing Starlink to arrive in South Africa soon after. So far, Starlink has engaged in multiple discussions with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) regarding this issue, but no licensing application has been submitted at this point. The satellite internet services from Elon Musk‘s company are already accessible in neighboring countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique.

    Source: Link

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  • Try Grok AI Assistant for Free: Available to All Users Now

    Try Grok AI Assistant for Free: Available to All Users Now

    X has made its Grok AI chatbot available for free to everyone. We first learned about the free version of Grok last month, when X began testing it in select countries. Now, it seems that this feature is accessible all around the globe.

    Availability and Limitations

    As noticed by X user @blankspeaker, xAI’s main chatbot is now being rolled out to all users on the platform. Previously, this chatbot was only for X Premium and X Premium Plus subscribers. As anticipated, the free version has some limitations; users can ask only 10 questions every 2 hours and analyze just 3 images each day. To get more access, people will need to subscribe. These limits are much stricter compared to the free versions of ChatGPT and Claude.

    How to Access Grok

    Currently, Grok is only available through the X platform, though there are rumors of a standalone app being developed. To try it out, sign into your X account and look for the Grok tab on the left sidebar if you’re on desktop. If you’re using the mobile app, it can be found in the bottom navigation bar, third from the right.

    Competitors and Future Prospects

    For those who don’t know, Grok is a generative AI chatbot made by Elon Musk’s AI firm, xAI. While it competes directly with ChatGPT and Claude, it hasn’t received much attention due to its limited access. Launching a free tier is a positive move, but Grok still has a significant distance to cover before it can truly compete with others in the market.

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  • Tesla Robotaxi Launch Possible with New Autonomous Vehicle Rules

    Tesla Robotaxi Launch Possible with New Autonomous Vehicle Rules

    Tesla’s shares have risen following news that Elon Musk’s initiative to deregulate autonomous vehicles could soon be realized with the change in the White House administration next quarter.

    Federal Policy Changes

    The Trump transition team is allegedly working on a national policy framework for autonomous vehicles that would allow them on public roads much more quickly and in greater numbers than what current state laws permit. This initiative might be led by Emil Michael, a former Uber executive, who is a candidate for the position of Transportation Secretary. The new rules from NHTSA are expected to be included in federal legislation, which would feature a bipartisan bill calling on Congress to relax regulations and promote the use of fully autonomous vehicles.

    Musk’s Vision

    During Tesla’s Q3 earnings call, Elon Musk shared his reasoning for supporting the Trump campaign and taking on a significant role in the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

    He stated that there should be a national approval process for autonomous vehicles, explaining that this is how the FMVSS has functioned. "Federal Motor Vehicle regulations are federal," he said. "We need a national approval system. There’s a department of government efficiency, and I’ll do my best to assist in making that a reality. This is for everyone, not just Tesla. Some aspects in the U.S. are handled state by state, like insurance, and it’s really tough to manage that across all 50 states. A streamlined approval process for autonomy is necessary."

    The Robotaxi Innovation

    The Robotaxi is an entirely autonomous electric vehicle designed for two passengers, lacking pedals or a steering wheel. It can travel about 200 miles on a single charge, however, it cannot be recharged at home using a Tesla wall connector or at a Supercharger, as it is the first Tesla model to feature induction charging capabilities.

    Tesla has chosen not to pursue a more traditional $25,000 electric car, known as the Model 2, instead opting to stake its future on affordable autonomous vehicles like the Robotaxi. If Musk’s efforts to push for deregulation succeed and become law, this strategy could prove to be a wise investment for the company.

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  • Elon Musk: Tesla Phone Will Only Launch If There’s Demand

    Elon Musk: Tesla Phone Will Only Launch If There’s Demand

    There have been many stories about a possible Tesla phone, with one saying it’s called "Model Pi." In a chat with Joe Rogan, Elon Musk said these stories aren’t true and mentioned that the company isn’t "doing a phone."

    Musk’s Perspective on Competition

    Musk pointed out that since Tesla cars run on advanced software, the company is "probably" in "a better position" to create a phone that could compete with Android and iPhone than "any company in the world." But, he also added that it won’t happen unless it becomes necessary.

    Conditional Smartphone Development

    One scenario where Tesla might think about making a smartphone is if Apple and Google start doing things that are "really bad," like censoring apps or controlling access. This shows that Musk doesn’t feel there’s a need to create a new competitor in the smartphone market right now.

    Past Attempts by Other Companies

    Other large companies have also tried to bring a third option into the market. For example, Amazon launched the Fire Phone in 2014, which used a modified version of Android. With its own app store and a strong online presence, Amazon’s phone seemed like it could be a strong competitor, but it ultimately failed for several reasons.

    Microsoft’s Struggles

    Another significant case is the Windows Phone. Despite Microsoft’s best efforts, it couldn’t attract app developers, which made it hard for the platform to get popular. Musk likely thinks about these past efforts, which might be another reason why Tesla isn’t rushing into making a phone just yet.

    Joe Rogan Experience podcast via: Android Authority

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  • Elon Musk’s Government Role Could Speed Up Unsupervised FSD Rollout

    Elon Musk’s Government Role Could Speed Up Unsupervised FSD Rollout

    Elon Musk is gearing up to advocate for national regulations on autonomous vehicles if he secures the position he has been promised within a newly established government efficiency commission.

    During a recent earnings call, the Tesla CEO addressed inquiries regarding his assertion that the company plans to launch unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology next year, although only in two states. Elon hinted at this upcoming FSD rollout when he introduced the driverless Robotaxi, which he stated would be priced below $30,000 by 2026.

    Upcoming FSD Developments

    Before that rollout, however, owners of the Model 3 and Model Y—especially those with HW4—might have the chance to experience real unsupervised self-driving in Texas and California. Tesla’s reasoning for targeting these two states for an unsupervised FSD launch in 2025 is quite distinct.

    Texas was chosen by Tesla due to its more flexible regulatory stance, while California, despite its complex regulations, already has a framework for autonomous vehicle permits through companies like Waymo. As Tesla’s Lars Moravy points out:

    "All of our vehicles currently produced and capable of autonomy comply with all regulations; even the Cybertruck conforms to these rules. Our challenge is not the vehicle itself but the state-level regulations controlling autonomous vehicle deployment. Some states, like Texas, are relatively straightforward. Others, such as California, might require more time. Some haven’t established any regulations yet, so we will navigate this on a state-by-state basis."

    Plans for Expansion

    After launching unsupervised FSD in these initial states, Tesla intends to seek approval in additional states by the close of 2025. According to Tesla, states began exploring these regulations back in 2017, but progress has since "stalled." This means Tesla will have to engage with each individual state to promote the adoption of autonomous vehicles.

    Musk believes that the introduction of unsupervised FSD could happen much quicker if regulations are enacted at the federal level. This is what he plans to focus on if he is appointed to lead the government efficiency role after the elections.

    "There ought to be a national approval system for autonomous vehicles. That’s how the FMVSS operates. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) is federal. It’s crucial to have a national approval. The government efficiency department should help facilitate this. And this is for everyone, not just Tesla. In the U.S., some matters, like insurance, are regulated state by state, which is incredibly cumbersome across 50 states. I believe we need a natural approval process for autonomous technologies."

    What Musk means by the department of government efficiency is the federal commission that a new presidential administration might establish.

    Elon has already shown interest in advising this efficiency commission, even if in an unofficial capacity. Transitioning regulations for autonomous vehicles to the federal level could be a key initiative he aims to promote there.

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  • Tesla Robovan: Self-Driving 20-Seat Vehicle Not for Sale

    Tesla Robovan: Self-Driving 20-Seat Vehicle Not for Sale

    Elon Musk introduced a new electric autonomous vehicle during Tesla’s “We, Robot” event in Los Angeles on Thursday night. This vehicle, named the Robovan, is a prototype that resembles a bus and is intended for carrying people and goods in densely populated areas.

    Capabilities and Design

    Musk stated that the Robovan can transport up to 20 passengers or cargo. It features a unique retro-futuristic design, similar to the Tesla Cybercab, which was also presented at the same event. The vehicle boasts a shiny silver metallic exterior with black accents and sleek lighting strips. To me, it looks like something Iron Man would drive if he needed a van.

    The vehicle includes sliding doors that open to show the inside, which has seating, standing room, and tinted windows—all without a steering wheel. Following the Cybercab, this is another fully autonomous offering from Tesla.

    Cost Efficiency

    While the Cybercab aims to reduce transportation costs to about 20 cents per mile, the Robovan is expected to lower that further, possibly to just 5-10 cents per mile. A video showcasing the Robovan demonstrates its futuristic appearance, but changes in design are likely by the time it hits the market. For example, its low ground clearance could pose challenges for urban roads.

    Musk’s Optimism

    However, Musk did not share many details about the van. Since it’s still a prototype, information about pricing, production plans, and a release date remains vague. One thing is certain: it won’t be an affordable vehicle.

    Musk did mention, “We’re going to make this.” But it’s wise to take that statement with caution, as Tesla has a history of failing to meet their own deadlines. Furthermore, since this is just a prototype, the final design and production timeline are still very uncertain.

    Even though the Robovan is certainly striking, it’s not an entirely new idea for an autonomous van. Similar concepts have come from companies like Zoox and Cruise, although on a smaller scale. Additionally, China’s WeRide has also introduced a comparable Robobus.

    Tesla Robovan: Self-Driving 20-Seat Vehicle Not for Sale
    Tesla Robovan: Self-Driving 20-Seat Vehicle Not for Sale
    Tesla Robovan: Self-Driving 20-Seat Vehicle Not for Sale
    Tesla Robovan: Self-Driving 20-Seat Vehicle Not for Sale
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