TESLA and Elon Musk - anything not elsewhere

[Foggy]

Wait, it weighs 6,000 pounds and they want to make it a boat? Well, for 100 meters, after that it's a submarine submersible. People are going to drive them in flooded areas.

[Suranis]

Wait, it weighs 6,000 pounds and they want to make it a boat? Well, for 100 meters, after that it's a submarine submersible. People are going to drive them in flooded areas.

"They" don't want to do it at all. Its just something that Musk said so people will talk about him and wow at his genius.

Remember the way they used to have a team to distract him from his latest Big Idea? Now he has a direct line into his thousands of adoring fans, and he loves it.

[RTH10260]

the US Navy could do it ...





(but it doesn't operate on land yet )

[Suranis]

Speaking of Mush and his Genius, the Hyperloop is dead. Dead, dead, dumb, dead.

https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/21/240 ... -elon-musk

The hyperloop is dead for real this time
/ Hyperloop One, formerly Virgin Hyperloop, is reportedly selling off its assets, laying off its remaining workers, and preparing to shut down by the end of 2023. It was a dream too impossible for this world.

By Andrew J. Hawkins, transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State.
Dec 21, 2023, 9:15 PM GMT|
Share this story

Hyperloop One, the futuristic transportation startup that promised to whisk us through nearly airless tubes at airline speeds, is shutting down, according to Bloomberg.

The company is selling off its assets, closing down its offices, and laying off employees. It will formally close at the end of the year, at which point all of its intellectual property will shift to its majority stakeholder, major Dubai port operator DP World. Whoever buys the test track in the Nevada desert will have one hell of a Slip ‘N Slide if they want it.

Since its founding in 2014, the company raised around $450 million in venture capital funds and other investments. While there is still a small smattering of startups trying to build hyperloops, the demise of one of the biggest hyperloop companies signals the end of the dream that originated with Elon Musk’s so-called “alpha paper” in 2013.

Whoever buys the test track in the Nevada desert will have one hell of a Slip ‘N Slide if they want it

Musk theorized that aerodynamic aluminum capsules filled with passengers or cargo could be propelled through a nearly airless tube at speeds of up to 760mph. These tubes, either raised on pylons or sunk beneath the earth, could be built either within or between cities. He called it a “fifth mode of transportation” and argued it could help change the way we live, work, trade, and travel.

The most eye-catching scenario he proposed was a trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco in only 30 minutes. The idea captured the imaginations of engineers and investors across the world.

Virgin Hyperloop was originally founded as Hyperloop Technologies before changing its name to Hyperloop One in 2016 and then again to Virgin Hyperloop One after being acquired by Richard Branson’s company. The company came out of the gate strong, with tens of millions of dollars of funding and a bold vision of hyperloop systems all around the globe.

In 2017, the company settled a lawsuit with one of its co-founders, Brogan BamBrogan, over competing claims of harassment and sabotage. A year later, another co-founder, Shervin Pishevar, was ousted amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.

The company was also perpetually strapped for cash. Branson helped secure a new $50 million investment from two existing investors, which helped meet payroll obligations. The company raised $172 million in new funding in 2019, $90 million of which came from DP World, which has previously invested $25 million in the company and already has two seats on the startup’s board of directors.
Related

The hyperloop is perpetually just ‘three years away’

The company made several important strides, including building a test track in Nevada to test out the safety and feasibility of the technology. In 2020, it conducted its first — and only — test with human passengers. The pod only reached a top speed of 100mph, far short of the original promise of seven times that amount.

Critics said that while the hyperloop may be technically feasible, it still only amounts to vaporware. It’s been called a “utopian vision” that would be financially impossible to achieve. It’s one of those technologies that is also “just around the corner,” according to its boosters — despite outwardly appearing to still be years away from completion. In 2017, Virgin Hyperloop’s top executives told The Verge they expect to see “working hyperloops around the world... by 2020.” That deadline was later pushed to 2021.

During the pandemic, nearly all of the top executives and founders left Hyperloop One, which also shed the Virgin from its name after the company decided to eschew passenger trips in favor of cargo.

Today, no full-scale hyperloops exist anywhere in the world. Musk’s test tunnel in California is gone. The man himself has become more enamored with endorsing antisemitic theories than solving the problem of car traffic.

The Boring Company, Musk’s tunneling operation, is still digging underground passageways in Las Vegas — but for Teslas, not hyperloops. The future, it would seem, is nearly the same as the present.

[Estiveo]

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[Estiveo]

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[RTH10260]

A hack presented at the German CCC (Chaos Computer Club) conference

Berlin hackers take Tesla's autopilot apart - and find secret driving mode
With a lot of time and even more expertise, a Tesla apparently reveals more secrets than the manufacturer would like. This was discovered by three German IT experts who presented their work at the "37C3" congress. The hackers also discovered a "boss mode" for the cars.

JAMES WILLIAMS
2023 December 27 . 2:53 PM 2 min read

For months now, there has been speculation about a so-called "Elon Mode" that is supposed to lie dormant in Teslas and open up completely new possibilities for drivers(find out more here). In June, a hacker who only calls himself "Green" reported that he had discovered this mode using a very complicated method. He did not go into detail.

Three IT experts from Germany have also succeeded in penetrating the depths of the Tesla software and locating the aforementioned mode. Unlike "Green", the hackers not only shared their discovery with Tesla, but also presented the method publicly at the Chaos Computer Club congress"37C3" in Hamburg.


https://aussiedlerbote.de/en/berlin-hac ... ving-mode/

[RTH10260]

The hacking was originally reported back in in August

3 German Students Hack a Tesla Model 3 and Unlock Features That Require Subscription
This new Tesla Model 3 hacking by Berlin research students reveal how vulnerable Model 3 May be.

Posted: August 5, 2023 - 6:08PM
Author: Armen Hareyan

3 German Students Hack Tesla Model 3 and Unlock Features That Require Subscription

A group of researchers from the Technical University of Berlin in Germany have successfully hacked into a Tesla Model 3 infotainment system, allowing them to unlock features that normally require payment for free, the researchers told TechCrunch.

Tesla electric cars, the brainchild of Elon Musk's electric car company, have revolutionized the automotive industry with their cutting-edge technology and innovative features. However, this level of technological sophistication has also made them vulnerable to hackers and cybercriminals. The three German researchers' objective, mentioned above, was to unlock features that usually require payment, and they succeeded in doing so using a technique called 'voltage glitching.'

The Hack: Exploring the Technique

The researchers employed 'voltage glitching,' a clever hardware manipulation technique, to exploit the vulnerabilities in the Tesla Model 3's infotainment system. By tampering with the supply voltage of the AMD processor, they could trick the CPU into executing their own code, effectively bypassing the restrictions on certain in-car features. The hack allowed them to unlock features such as heated rear seats, which typically require a separate payment.

The implications of this Tesla Model 3 hack go beyond unlocking paid features. The researchers discovered that the same technique enabled them to extract the encryption key used to authenticate the car on Tesla's network. With access to this key, hackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to other features and personal information stored within the vehicle. Among the sensitive data accessed were contacts, call logs, calendar appointments, visited locations, Wi-Fi passwords, and email account tokens. This raises significant concerns about privacy and data security within Tesla's technology.

Security Implications and Tesla's Response

The researchers revealed that mitigating their attack is no simple task. Tesla would likely need to replace the hardware responsible for the vulnerability, making it a more challenging issue to address than a software-based exploit. As of now, Tesla has not officially commented on this




https://www.torquenews.com/1/3-german-s ... bscription

[RTH10260]

It can carry an egg? But can it make fried rice???

Tesla Optimus Gen-2: Musk’s Robot Can Gently Carry an Egg

Tim Keary Technology Expert checkmark | Fact Checked by Eddie Wrenn
Last updated: 14 December, 2023

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Tesla has unveiled Optimus Gen-2, the 2nd generation bipedal robot with the ability to walk independently, dance, and manipulate objects. Let's deep dive into what Elon Musk's latest creation brings to the world.

The Tesla Optimus Gen-2

Earlier this week, Tesla unveiled Optimus Gen-2, the 2nd generation of the Tesla Bot. This bipedal robot has the ability to walk independently, dance, and manipulate physical objects.

According to Optimus’ official bio, the robot is “a general purpose, bi-pedal, humanoid robot capable of performing tasks that are unsafe, repetitive or boring.”

To replicate human movement, Optimus Gen-2 features actuators-integrated electronics and sensors, hands with 11 degrees of freedom (DoF), a 2 DoF actuated neck, torque sensing feet, tactile finger sensors, and an end-to-end trained neural network.

Overall, Optimus Gen-2 has significantly improved since the first version was unveiled at the Tesla 2022 AI Day. For instance, the Gen-2 version improves balance and movement, walks 30% faster, weighs 10 kg less, and features greater hand mobility.



https://www.techopedia.com/tesla-optimu ... -ai-robots

[neonzx]

It can carry anegg? But can it make fried rice???

Elon keeps trying but Boston Dynamics is way ahead in the robotics game.

[RTH10260]

Tesla recalls 1.6m cars in China over Autopilot and steering defects
Recall reportedly affects majority of cars firm has sold in China and follows recall of more than 2m Teslas in the US last month

Associated Press
Fri 5 Jan 2024 16.35 CET

Tesla is recalling more than 1.6m Model S, X, 3 and Y electric vehicles exported to China for problems with their automatic assisted steering and door latch controls.

The recall, Tesla’s largest ever in China, affects the majority of the cars it has sold in the country, according to Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal.

China’s state administration for market regulation announced the recall on Friday. The agency said Tesla in Beijing and Shanghai would use remote upgrades to fix the problems, so in most cases car owners would not need to visit Tesla service centers.

The recall follows another in the US last month of more than 2m Tesla EVs to improve its system for monitoring drivers.

The Chinese recall, due to problems with the automatic steering assist function, applies to 1.6m imported Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Ys. When the automatic steering function is engaged, drivers might misuse the combined driving function, increasing a risk of accidents, the notice said.

The recall to fix the door unlock logic control for imported Model S and Model X EVs affects 7,538 vehicles made between 26 October 2022 and 16 November 2023. It is needed to prevent door latches from opening during a collision.

The recall followed a two-year investigation by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into a series of crashes – some deadly – that occurred while the Autopilot partially automated driving system was in use. The investigation found the system was defective.




https://www.theguardian.com/technology/ ... -autopilot

[pipistrelle]

[Uninformed]

In the UK it is common to see 4x4’s with road, or even “high speed”, tyres that are all but useless off-road.

[raison de arizona]

In the UK it is common to see 4x4’s with road, or even “high speed”, tyres that are all but useless off-road.

The so-called all-terrain tires the CT comes with are, well, they're road tires. As evidenced above.

What people are finding, however, is that once you replace the tires with a more aggressive tread pattern, the already abysmal range goes further into the toilet.

► Show Spoiler

CT-tire.jpeg (480.91 KiB) Viewed 80849 times

[Sam the Centipede]

In the UK it is common to see 4x4’s with road, or even “high speed”, tyres that are all but useless off-road.

So called (some decades back) Chelsea* Tractors? Not much need for chunky tread in London, even with the potholed streets.
____________
* Chelsea is a relatively posh area of London, where Sloane Rangers** live and flocculate.
** Posh lassies with fruity accents and rich parents.

[Uninformed]

So called (some decades back) Chelsea* Tractors? Not much need for chunky tread in London, even with the potholed streets.

Some years ago I went to a rather “posh” event that had parking in a somewhat soggy flat field. On leaving my Landcruiser was not bothered by the conditions but many of the very expensive “Chelsea Tractors” either slid all over the place or hardly moved at all. Fun to watch (from a safe distance).

[neonzx]

There is a night and day difference between driving on so-called "all season" radials and proper tires for the season. I purchased snow tires up north for winter and never had a problem. Those tires wear out faster because the rubber seems softer. Felt much safer and vehicle handling was superb then I just rotated the tires out in the spring and stored the snows for the next winter.

[MN-Skeptic]

There is a night and day difference between driving on so-called "all season" radials and proper tires for the season. I purchased snow tires up north for winter and never had a problem. Those tires wear out faster because the rubber seems softer. Felt much safer and vehicle handling was superb then I just rotated the tires out in the spring and stored the snows for the next winter.

Exactly. Me too.

Edited to add: I have both sets of tires mounted on rims so that swapping them out is a piece of cake. My nephew drives up from Iowa in his pickup and helps me get the second set of tires to the dealership so they can swap out the tires while I get to spend an afternoon hanging out with my dear nephew.

[neonzx]

There is a night and day difference between driving on so-called "all season" radials and proper tires for the season. I purchased snow tires up north for winter and never had a problem. Those tires wear out faster because the rubber seems softer. Felt much safer and vehicle handling was superb then I just rotated the tires out in the spring and stored the snows for the next winter.

Exactly. Me too.

Edited to add: I have both sets of tires mounted on rims so that swapping them out is a piece of cake. My nephew drives up from Iowa in his pickup and helps me get the second set of tires to the dealership so they can swap out the tires while I get to spend an afternoon hanging out with my dear nephew.

Yeah. I bought my snows online back then and had a local shop mount and balance and etc them (I don't have the tools nor knowledge to do that) . They were on a separate set of rims and the tire place would store for free on the annual swap-out.

But someone living up in snowy north, and if i is in their budget.---- get a proper set of snow tires. ( Cybertruck is not going to cut it)

[raison de arizona]

No, Elon Musk, Arizona is not a hotbed of illegal voters
Opinion: Elon Musk is insinuating that Arizona, a key swing state, is a hotbed of illegal voters. Sadly, he doesn't know what he's talking about, but his 168 million followers don't know that.
Laurie Roberts - Arizona Republic

For all those who believe Arizona’s elections are stolen … because, well, they just do … I give you Elon Musk, who on Tuesday insinuated to his 168.6 million followers that Arizona is a hotspot for illegal voters.

“Arizona clearly states that no proof of citizenship is required for federal elections,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Cue the gasps from coast to coast, as outraged MAGA warriors raised their pitchforks to protest the supposed plot by those crafty Democrats to pad the state's voting rolls with immigrants who are here illegally.

Naturally, Kari Lake’s War Room was quick to respond, posting a helpful picture of Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.

“These kinds of things happen when a former cartel lawyer is in charge of your state’s elections,” Lake’s War Room offered.

And you wonder why so many Americans don’t trust our elections?

Hidden Content

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https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion ... 165374007/

[keith]

In the UK it is common to see 4x4’s with road, or even “high speed”, tyres that are all but useless off-road.

So called (some decades back) Chelsea* Tractors? Not much need for chunky tread in London, even with the potholed streets.
____________
* Chelsea is a relatively posh area of London, where Sloane Rangers** live and flocculate.
** Posh lassies with fruity accents and rich parents.

The Australian equivalent is "Toorak Tractors" - named after a similarly 'posh' urban suburb with zero requirement for a 4x4.

[raison de arizona]

Apartheid Clyde back at it.

Nothing to see here. Just the owner of this site doing a little race science while warning that black people's low intelligence will lead to deadly airplane crashes.

[Foggy]

Apartheid Clyde pushed a button on him somewhere. He's out of the racist closet now, probably permanently.

Soon it will be "Yeah, I'm racist, whaddya gonna do about it?"

[Dr. Ken]

Tesla stock taking a beating this year

[Tiredretiredlawyer]

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