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Elon Musk Polls X Users on $5 Billion Tesla Investment in xAI

Elon Musk Polls X Users on $5 Billion Tesla Investment in xAI

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Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has asked fans on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, if the electric vehicle manufacturer ought to contribute $5 billion to his artificial intelligence business, xAI. With roughly 69.5 percent of the 440,189 individuals voting on behalf of the investment and thirty percent against it, the early results show strong public support. Musk explained that the purpose of this poll is to determine public opinion; the board and shareholders of Tesla must still formally approve it.

The investment proposal's context

Elon Musk Polls X Users on $5 Billion Tesla Investment in xAI

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Tesla just revealed that its profit margin was at its lowest level in five years as a result of pricing reductions and higher investment in artificial intelligence technologies. Musk stressed during Tesla’s most recent earnings conference that xAI might play a major role in constructing an entirely new Tesla data facility and expanding fully autonomous driving features. Musk also mentioned how Tesla’s software might be integrated with xAI’s chatbot, Grok.

xAI's History and Finances

Musk introduced xAI last year as a replacement for ChatGPT, and it has since advanced significantly. With a total of six billion dollars in series B capital secured in May, the business was valued at 24 billion dollars after taking on debt. Two well-known investors are Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz. Additionally, Musk has stated that investors in X, the social media network he paid $44 billion to acquire, will hold 25 percent of xAI.

Prior Surveys and Judgment Making

Musk is accustomed to making decisions based on X surveys. He polled users in 2021 to see if he should sell 10 percent of his Tesla ownership, and he quickly sold shares in response. Even if it reflects public interest, this survey is just the first one. Tesla’s board members and shareholders will ultimately decide whether to invest the $5 billion, and they will need to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.

Also Read: Kakao Founder Arrested in South Korea for Alleged Stock Manipulation

Issues and Strategic Perspectives

During the results call, Musk played off worries about using Tesla’s resources for his other projects. Remarkably, in June, CNBC revealed that, because of space constraints at Tesla’s data centre, Musk had given Nvidia the order to ship thousands of AI processors meant for Tesla to xAI and X.

Although public opinion seems to be in support of this large investment, Tesla’s major stakeholders will need to give it careful thought before making a final choice.

 
Elon Musk's X Struggles with User Growth as the rise of Meta threads

Elon Musk’s X Struggles with User Growth as the rise of Meta Threads

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The number of users on X, previously referred to as Twitter, has significantly slowed down after Elon Musk purchased the company for forty-four billion dollars in the middle of 2022. X’s daily rise in active users has dropped to less than two percent in 2024, from an average yearly increase of 30 percent in 2020. X’s daily active user growth over the previous year was barely 1.6 percent, according to new information from the Financial Times, reducing the total to about 251 million daily active users.

App Downloads: Threads vs. X

Elon Musk's X Struggles with User Growth as the rise of Meta threads

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The slowdown in the number of users is reflected in the downloads of X’s apps. AppFigures data indicates that although Meta’s Threads has enjoyed a solid 250,000 to 300,000 daily iOS downloads, X’s per day downloads have remained around 100,000. With 51 million downloads this year, Threads has more than doubled X’s total number of iOS downloads (20 million). On Android, a similar trend can be seen: Threads has received 87 million downloads, almost twice as many as X, with 45 million.

Comparison of Web Traffic

Even with its slow app downloads, X still gets a lot of traffic from web browsers. X surpassed Threads with over 2 billion monthly visitors, according to SimilarWeb data, with 51.5 million monthly visits. Since that Threads is a platform that has only lately begun to expand its online functionality, this discrepancy could be explained by the app-centric design of the platform.

User Interaction

According to Threads, there are 175 million active users each month; Sensor Tower calculates that number to be roughly 38 million users each day. This implies that the user base of X may be more engaged than that of Threads, where users may interact more regularly. The fact that Threads may be attracting more people away from X as it expands suggests that the user bases of the two platforms may not completely overlap.

Also Read: NALA Secures $40M to Revolutionize Payments Across Africa and Beyond

In conclusion, Musk’s social media endeavor faces a huge hurdle since, despite maintaining a sizable amount of web traffic, X’s declining user growth and app download rates contrast significantly with Meta’s Threads’ quick development.

 
Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Apple Devices Over OpenAI Deal

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Apple Devices Over OpenAI Deal

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Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and owner of social media platform X, has issued a strong warning about the potential banning of Apple devices at his companies. This threat follows Apple’s recent announcement of its partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT-4 technology into its operating systems.

Concerns Over Security Violations

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Apple Devices Over OpenAI Deal

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Musk expressed his concerns in a post on X, labeling the integration of OpenAI technology into Apple’s operating systems as an “unacceptable security violation.” He elaborated on the measures that would be taken at his companies, stating, “Visitors will have to check their Apple devices at the door, where they will be stored in a Faraday cage.” This drastic step highlights Musk’s apprehension about the security implications of integrating third-party AI models into consumer devices.

Apple and OpenAI’s partnership will bring ChatGPT-4 to iOS, macOS, and iPadOS, with basic access available for free and additional benefits for paid OpenAI members. Despite assurances from Apple about maintaining user data privacy, Musk remains skeptical, suggesting that OpenAI could exploit this integration to gather user data covertly.

Musk's Criticism of Apple's AI Strategy

Musk’s criticism extends beyond the immediate security concerns to broader strategic issues. He argued that Apple should have developed its own AI models rather than partnering with OpenAI. Apple has emphasized its commitment to user privacy, using in-house hardware and chips to process data on-device while leveraging cloud servers for some applications. However, Musk’s distrust of OpenAI’s practices and motives adds a layer of complexity to this debate.

This is not the first time Musk has clashed with OpenAI. He co-founded the organization in 2015 but has since distanced himself, frequently criticizing its direction. Earlier this year, Musk sued OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging that they had deviated from the nonprofit mission to develop AI for the benefit of humanity.

Industry Implications and Future Prospects

Musk’s warning has sparked a broader discussion about the integration of AI technologies in consumer devices and the implications for user privacy and security. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday technology, the tensions between innovation, privacy, and security are becoming more pronounced.

Also Read: David Cheriton: The Educator with an Eye for Tech Titans

Apple’s strategy of using in-house technology to protect user data contrasts with Musk’s vision of AI development, underscoring the divergent approaches within the tech industry. The coming months will be crucial in determining how these tensions are resolved and whether Musk’s threats will impact Apple’s plans.

This unfolding situation illustrates the complex landscape of AI development and deployment, highlighting the need for robust security measures and transparent practices to maintain user trust in an era of rapid technological advancement.

Elon Musk Launches SpaceX’s Starlink Internet Services in Indonesia

Elon Musk Launches SpaceX’s Starlink Internet Services in Indonesia

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The CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, Elon Musk, launched SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service Starlink in Indonesia, marking a momentous occasion. The initiative’s potential to transform internet accessibility throughout the huge archipelago was highlighted at the launch ceremony, which took place on Sunday in Bali and was attended by both Musk and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo.

An Important Visit

Musk is visiting Indonesia for the first time, and Minister of Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan welcomed him. Using his official Instagram account, Minister Pandjaitan announced the news and expressed delight over the partnership. 

The Possible Impact of Starlink

Elon Musk Launches SpaceX’s Starlink Internet Services in Indonesia

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over Indonesia, a country of approximately 270 million people dispersed over multiple islands and time zones, Starlink seeks to deliver high-speed internet. The program is expected to close the digital gap, particularly in isolated and underdeveloped areas. Musk highlighted, “If you have access to the internet, you can learn anything,” pointing out the revolutionary possibilities of connectedness.



The Possible Impact of Starlink

over Indonesia, a country of approximately 270 million people dispersed over multiple islands and time zones, Starlink seeks to deliver high-speed internet. The program is expected to close the digital gap, particularly in isolated and underdeveloped areas. Musk highlighted, “If you have access to the internet, you can learn anything,” pointing out the revolutionary possibilities of connectedness.

Focus on the Health Sector

Musk and Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin launched Starlink services at three health facilities—two in Bali and one on the isolated island of Aru in Maluku—during the launch in Denpasar. During the occasion, a video presentation showed how dependable internet speeds may improve real-time data input to more successfully address health issues like stunting and malnutrition.

Obstacles and Fortitude

Starlink recently encountered difficulties as a result of a strong geomagnetic storm that affected satellite performance. The business stated that “Starlink’s service is currently being degraded, their staff is looking into it. On X, Musk went on to emphasise the storm’s intensity, calling it “the biggest in a long time.” The launch went forward in spite of these obstacles, demonstrating Starlink’s tenacity and dedication to worldwide connectivity.

Commercial Accessibility and Upcoming Projects

The required licences for Starlink to conduct business as an internet service provider in Indonesia have finally been obtained, according to Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi. The initial focus will be on remote and impoverished areas where commercial services are already accessible. Following Malaysia and the Philippines, Indonesia is the third nation in Southeast Asia to avail Starlink’s services.

Also Read: Google Announces $1.1 Billion Data Center Expansion in Finland

Beyond Interaction

Although Starlink is the government’s primary emphasis at the moment, given Indonesia’s abundant nickel resources, which are essential for EV batteries, the government has long sought Musk’s involvement in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) sector. Musk would not rule out making future investments in the electric vehicle industry, despite his continued lack of commitment. He informed that the occasion was focused on Starlink and the advantages that connectivity brings to isolated islands, highlighting the urgent need to improve internet connectivity.

In summary, Elon Musk’s Starlink launch in Indonesia is a big step toward bettering internet connection in one of the most populous and geographically separated countries in the world. Starlink hopes to improve healthcare, education, and general quality of life by giving priority to underserved and distant communities. This will also open the door for future technology improvements in the area.

Elon Musk Invites Warren Buffett to Invest in Tesla

Elon Musk Invites Warren Buffett to Invest in Tesla

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Star investor Warren Buffett was recently invited to consider investing in Tesla by multibillionaire Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Inc. (TSLA). The recommendation surfaced in response to a post on X, HyperChange, where a Tesla devotee and YouTuber urged Buffett to transfer his investments from Apple Inc. (AAPL) to Tesla (TSLA). This idea was supported by Musk, who said Buffett should invest in Tesla because it is an “obvious move” to maintain Tesla’s superiority over Apple.

Awaiting Buffett's Response

Elon Musk Invites Warren Buffett to Invest in Tesla

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Warren Buffett has not yet replied to Musk’s request as of yet. This appeal for action follows rumours that Berkshire Hathaway had lowered its investment in Apple, with Buffett purportedly reducing his ownership by 13% because of tax considerations. Buffett reiterated at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholders’ meeting that the company plans to stay onto its Apple shares notwithstanding this decrease, barring unusual events that call for a shift in approach.

Apple vs. Tesla: A Comparative Strategy

Although Tesla and Apple are in different businesses, Apple has previously looked into getting into the EV industry in 2014 with its ‘Project Titan’ program. That being said, in the end, Apple gave up on developing autonomous EVs, giving the upper hand to Tesla, the top EV manufacturer.

Performance of TSLA Stock

TSLA stock saw upward momentum in the pre-market session in response to Musk’s invitation and against the overall adverse trend. When this story was published, TSLA was trading at $183, up 1.02%. Despite TSLA’s 27% year-to-date decline, analysts continue to have high hopes for the company’s future, with price estimates ranging from $175.41 to $400 per share.

Tesla's Restructuring Efforts and Buffett's Past Opportunities

Buffett passed up investing chances when Tesla was still in its infancy, so Musk’s offer to him highlights this. Amidst financial difficulties, Musk is actively “reorganizing” Tesla, as seen by the company’s 55% decline in net profit for the January–March quarter. Musk isn’t deterred despite these failures and is still working to guide Tesla through the changing global EV market.

 
What are the Pros and Cons of Elon Musk's Brain Chip Neuralink?

What are the Pros and Cons of Elon Musk’s Brain Chip Neuralink?

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What are the Pros and Cons of Elon Musk's Brain Chip Neuralink?

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Neuralink, a brainchild of visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk, is pushing the boundaries of technology with its ambitious mission to fuse human brains with computers. Founded in 2016, the company’s ultimate goal is to create ultra-high bandwidth brain-machine interfaces that can revolutionize how we interact with technology and each other.

The Promise and Perils of Neuralink

Pros:

  1. Enhanced Learning and Memory: Neuralink’s technology promises to unlock new levels of cognitive abilities, allowing humans to learn faster and remember more effectively.

  2. Improved Quality of Life: For individuals with disabilities, Neuralink offers hope by enabling them to regain lost functions such as mobility, vision, and hearing.

  3. Human-AI Collaboration: Seamless communication between humans and artificial intelligence is a game-changer, eliminating the need for external devices and enhancing productivity.

  4. Enhanced Connectivity: With Neuralink, connectivity issues may become a thing of the past, leading to better internet access and device connectivity.

Cons:

  1. Health Risks: Implanting neural devices carries inherent risks such as brain injury, infections, and long-term neurological effects.

  2. Privacy Concerns: The ability of Neuralink to access thoughts and memories raises serious privacy concerns, potentially leading to abuse and surveillance.

  3. Lack of Research: The long-term effects of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) remain largely unknown, necessitating thorough research and ethical considerations.

  4. Addiction and Mental Health: The allure of super-human abilities through BCIs may lead to addiction, anxiety, depression, and a disconnection from reality.

  5. Cost and Accessibility: BCIs, including Neuralink’s technology, may be prohibitively expensive, limiting accessibility to a privileged few.

  6. Technical Challenges: Removing or repairing BCIs presents technical challenges, including potential brain damage and complications during implantation.

While Neuralink holds immense potential to reshape human capabilities and foster technological advancements, it also poses significant ethical, health, and societal challenges that must be addressed. As society navigates this uncharted territory, a balanced approach integrating innovation with caution and ethical considerations is imperative to harness the benefits of Neuralink while mitigating its potential risks.