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Elon Musk Weekly News Update: Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and More · Elon Musk Podcast

0:00
First up, we're going to talk about the resurgence of Meta's
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threads and the waning influence of the app.
0:07
Once known as Twitter, Not just X, Threads was initially
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released to much fanfare, but couldn't hold on to its user
0:15
base. Now, with a whopping 260 million
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downloads, it's making a comeback.
0:21
On the flip side, X is losing its luster and experience a
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significant decline in users. Now threads took off like a
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rocket at launch, amassing a record number of initial
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downloads. Yet its glitzy start was short
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lived as users began to drift away, unimpressed by the app's
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limited features. Not one to back down from a
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challenge, meta, CEO Mark Zuckerberg committed to making
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Threads a more feature rich platform.
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His promise was to inject life into the app, claiming it was
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far from being in its final state.
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Now in line with Zuck's pledge, Threads underwent a
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transformation. The team launched significant
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updates, including a web version and keyword search, alongside
1:03
soudler elements like Instagram tagging and bell notifications
1:07
for individual thread updates. Now the changes had an immediate
1:11
impact. Threads began to claw back some
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of its lost ground, boasting 33 million daily active users and
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120 million monthly active users, according to Apptopia's
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latest data. And user retention improved
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remarkably too, signalling Threads return to prominence.
1:28
Now, while Threads is surging back to life, the same can't be
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said for X. The platform has experienced a
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12% decline in daily active users and a 28% drop in new
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downloads since July. Now, the decline isn't limited
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to the US, though. It's a worldwide phenomenon.
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X is losing traction across the globe, undermining its
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reputation as an international social media hub.
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And web traffic metrics reinforce this tale.
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In the US alone, X has seen a 15% drop in web traffic, a sign
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that's pretty ominous for any online platform.
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And the exact reason for this nose dive remains elusive.
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But the inconsistent changes under Elon Musk's stewardship
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are often cited as a contributing factor.
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Regardless, the future of X hangs in the balance.
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Now, though, the Threads team remains small, with about 50
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people. They have metas, full backing
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and ambition, tons of money. The organization is keen at
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integrating Threads more deeply into its larger social media
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ecosystem. To realize this ambition,
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Threads has been given visible placement within Facebook and
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Instagram. Features like carousels in the
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feed and Direct links are making Threads more accessible to users
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on both of those platforms, and in a recent Instagram
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anniversary event in New York, Threads was given prime
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exposure, underscoring its significance and Meta's future
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plans. The idea is to familiarize the
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Instagram community with Threads, nudging them to adopt
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it with features like Poles in the pipeline, Threads is not
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slowing down. They're trying to catch up to
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the feature set that's on X, and the app is gearing up to become
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an even more versatile social media platform, taking
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integration with Meta's other apps to the next level.
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Although Threads is currently non monetized, that means you
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cannot make money with the Threads app.
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If you're a creator that's set to change.
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The app will soon become part of Meta's business suite, opening
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new revenue streams for creators, and recent code
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exploration reveals that Threads is getting ready to introduce
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advertising and paid partnership features.
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This is a nod to content creators, who are increasingly
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becoming a driving force in social media platforms.
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Financial analysts have already begun weighing in.
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According to Angelo Zeno, a senior analyst at CFRA, Threads
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has the potential to become a significant revenue engine for
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Meta if it maintains its current growth trajectory.
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And as Threads opens up monetization features, it also
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becomes an attractive platform for influencers and creators
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that offers them a fresh platform to engage with their
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audience and monetize their reach, adding another layer of
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appeals to Threads. Now, as Threads finds its
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footing again, X continues to go down and falter.
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The contrast between the two couldn't be more apparent, and
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it's becoming clear which platform is capturing the
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public's imagination. Seems like Threads may be
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pulling ahead of Twitter, formerly Twitter and now X.
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And as Threads grows, it's also earning users trust, a critical
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factor in the longevity of any social media platform.
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Meanwhile, X seems to be losing the crucial asset of trust.
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Both Threads and X are at pivotal stages right now.
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One could go up, one could go down.
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It could differ depending on what platform makes the right
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moves. And with aggressive feature
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rollouts on one side and declining metrics on the other,
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the coming months will likely be decisive for both.
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Elon needs to turn Twitter slash X around, and the tables have
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turned in the social media arena.
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Threads is gaining the kind of traction that X once had, but
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now seems to be losing. It's an intriguing reversal of
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fortune that merits close observation.
5:23
Now I want to say thank you so much for listening to the show
5:25
today. Up next, we'll talk about
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Spacex's renewed vigor in rocket testing at Boca Chica, Texas,
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and how federal regulators are impacting its schedule.
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On the one hand, SpaceX has been working diligently on Starship
5:38
Second test flight even as it encounters regulatory delays,
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and on the other, it has to clear some regulatory hurdles
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with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Fish and
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Wildlife Service, the FWS and, according to the Coast Guard,
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Mariners have been warned about rocket launch activities near
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Boca Chica Beach, slated for early November.
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The notice, though not mentioning SpaceX by name,
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highlights scheduled rocket launching activities that could
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cause navigational issues due to quote, free falling debris.
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This hints at a potential date for Spacex's next Starship test
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flight. Another angle of the regulatory
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tail is Spacex's public disagreements with the FAA.
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After a contentious Senate hearing, SpaceX and other space
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companies bemoan the FAA's inadequacies, particularly
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regarding their inability to expediently handle licensing
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operations. As part of this waiting game,
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the Fish and Wildlife Service officials have recently visited
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the Boca Chica test site, indicating that regulatory
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evaluations are in progress. Now, SpaceX hasn't been idly
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waiting by, however. Recent tests involve a second
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stage Starship that aimed to validate a flight like startup
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sequence for its D orbit burn. And just today they did a full
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wet dress rehearsal of a fully stacked Starship which will be
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the IFT to ship and booster that will hopefully separate this
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time properly and make it to a substantial orbit.
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Now these tests are vital for SpaceX to make strides in their
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ambitious lunar landing projects with NASA for the Artemis 3
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missions and going forward. Now let's switch a little bit
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here to another significant development in the space
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industry, NASA's challenged with samples from an asteroid.
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NASA's curation team for the OSIRIS Rex mission is
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experiencing some difficulties in opening the tag Sam head,
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which contains the bulk of the asteroid sample.
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This has led to innovative problem solving as the team has
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been working on new methods to remove the fasteners on the tag
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Sam head that currently can't be opened with the existing tools,
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and the difficulty also pertains to keeping the sample in
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pristine condition during this extraction process.
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However, despite these challenges, there's some good
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news. NASA has already managed to
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extract a quantity of the material that exceeds the
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mission's goal, and early analysis also shows a high
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presence of carbon and water molecules, underlining the
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mission significance. And the Osiris Rex mission has
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had its highs and its lows since its 2016 launch.
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And after reaching the asteroid Bennu in 2018 and collecting
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samples of 2020, the mission now faces a seemingly minor but
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critical obstacle. But with the sample exceeding
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mission goals, the prospects are promising.
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Now let's head over to our red neighbor, Mars, where NASA's
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ambitions to bring back samples from the Red Planet are hitting
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some serious bumps. An independent review board
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recently questioned the budget and schedule of the Mars sample
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return mission, calling them unrealistic.
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In light of this, NASA is trying to find alternative ways to make
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the mission happen. It's now focused on re
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evaluating a strategy, with a new team aiming to come up with
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a revised mission architecture by March of 2024.
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Now this might include launching the Lander in orbiter separately
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or even offloading some responsibilities to the European
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Space Agency. And one of the suggested ways to
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cut costs involves reducing the quantity of the Mars samples.
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A smaller sample would mean a smaller container and
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consequently a smaller spacecraft, which could help
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reign in the escalating costs. And despite the discouraging
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review, the mission's scientific importance has been strongly
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emphasized. The mission could revolutionize
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our understanding of Mars and by extension, the history of our
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own solar system. So NASA is committed to finding
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a path forward for this mission. Now, the financial aspects of
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these missions can't be ignored either.
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The Mars sample return mission alone is expected to cost
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between 8 billion and $11 billion, far more than initially
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estimated. NASA had requested 949.3 million
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for the MSR mission for 2024, and even that isn't sufficient.
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These financial challenges are pushing NASA to rethink its
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strategies. Both the MSR mission and SpaceX,
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a Starship project, underline how budget constraints and
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regulatory frameworks are often as challenging as a scientific
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and technical hurdles involved. Now the need for increased
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funding has become a significant focus.
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NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has stated that an additional
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$500 million spread across 2 fiscal years would be necessary
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to keep the Mars mission on track.
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And the take away here is that space exploration, while pushing
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the boundaries of scientific understanding, is heavily
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tethered to terrestrial budgetary realities.
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Now, as we've seen today, the future of space exploration hags
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not just on scientific ingenuity but also on the ability to
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navigate regulatory and financial hurdles.
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Whether it's Spacex's next Starship test flight or NASA's
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plans to bring back samples from Mars, red tape and dollar signs
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are common obstacles. It's an intricate web that these
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organizations must reverse, keeping innovation at the
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forefront while adhering to guidelines and working with
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financial constraints. Despite these challenges, both
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SpaceX and NASA remained committed to their huge
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missions, mostly Mars missions, continuously adapting and
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finding new paths to make their ambitious projects into a
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reality and to move humanity forward.
11:23
Now, thank you so much for listening to the show today.
11:25
Remember to hit the subscriber the follow button on your
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preferred podcast platform. It's free and only takes a
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second and helps us out tremendously.
11:33
Each episode is about 10 minutes or less, designed to keep you
11:36
quickly updated on the latest developments.
11:39
And there's a new episode every single day, so make sure to
11:42
subscribe. You get the latest news and also
11:45
please take care of yourselves and each other and I'll see you
11:47
in the next one. Now we will focus focus Spacex's
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bold plans for the year 2024, including an extraordinary goal
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of executing 144 launches. Additionally, we'll talk about
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Spacex's collaboration with T-Mobile to unveil the Starlink
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Direct to cell service aimed to reshape cellular communications
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as we know them now. In A top executive of SpaceX
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recently addressed the US Senate Subcommittee on Space and
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Science to outline these new plans.
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And the aim is to drastically increase the number of missions
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that SpaceX undertakes to lay the groundwork for their
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satellite to cell phone service. So first, SpaceX has set the
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aerospace community crazy recently with ambitious mission
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target for the year 2024. Bill Gerstenmeyer announced this
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objective in a recent hearing before the US Senate
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Subcommittee on Space and Science.
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If SpaceX achieves this goal, the number of launches would
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significantly outstrip the company's prior records.
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And as of this year, SpaceX is conducting launches at a
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frequency of approximately every 3.9 days.
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That's unheard of. That's an incredible amount of
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launches. Now, to reach the new goal of
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144 missions, that frequency would need to jump to a launch
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roughly every 2.5 days. And to manage this significant
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increase in workload, SpaceX is increasing its manufacturing
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capabilities in optimizing logistics and supply chain
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processes. SpaceX has previously
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demonstrated its ability to execute multiple launches within
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a short time frame. For example, the company has
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launched 2 Falcon 9 rockets within a single day.
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Achieving the 144 launch target before 2024 will require a
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sustained, relentless pace, achievable only through
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continuous innovation and a high degree of automation across the
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company's operations. And with this target, SpaceX
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aims to demonstrate that frequent and reliable space
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launches are possible and economically viable.
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And the object is not merely to show off technical prowess, but
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to advance the business case for space exploration and to make
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space travel as common as air travel.
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Now SpaceX is reimagining the way that we think about mobile
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services through its Starlink Direct to Cell technology.
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This is part of its new partnership with T-Mobile,
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aiming to turn Starlink satellites into what can
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essentially be described as cellular towers in orbit.
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And the service is set to roll out in stages, beginning with
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text messaging functionality in 2024.
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Full voice and data services are planned for a 2025 release, and
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these phases are structured to align with Spacex's launch
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capabilities, especially the anticipated introduction of the
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Starship rocket, which is crucial for deploying the
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largest satellites required for the service.
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An intermediate sized Starlink satellite will be compatible
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with Spacex's existing Falcon 9 rockets, which will be used for
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the initial phases of this new service.
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This is a strategic approach, allowing the company to start
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offering limited services without waiting for Starship to
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become operational. And by the time the complete
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service is offered, SpaceX plans to have a constellation of these
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advanced satellites in orbit. This constellation will not only
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improve connectivity options for people in remote areas, but also
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aims to redefine what we consider possible in terms of
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global telecommunications. Now SpaceX has ambitious plans
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to take its Starlink Direct to sell technology to an
15:23
international audience as well. They've already signed
15:26
agreements with telecommunications providers in
15:28
several countries, Optimus or excuse me, Optus in Australia,
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Rogers in Canada and KDDI in Japan among others.
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And the focus initially is to cover terrestrial areas.
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This strategy allows cellular providers to extend their
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coverage without having to build additional ground based
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infrastructure, saving both time and money.
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And the company's medium term goal is to fill in the
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connectivity gaps across the globe, particularly in rural and
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hard to reach areas like deserts and mountainous areas.
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Now SpaceX is also mindful of the regulatory aspects of the
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international expansion. The company is working closely
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with governments and regulatory bodies across the world to
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ensure that their services are in compliance with these
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countries telecommunications policies.
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And what makes this venture even more intriguing is a competitive
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advantage it could offer SpaceX over other satellite based
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Internet providers. Their aim is to build a
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comprehensive global network that can serve diverse needs,
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from individual mobile users to major corporations and even
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governmental agencies. Now SpaceX faces a variety of
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challenges with this both competitive and regulatory
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Amazon's Project Kuiper is also working on high speed Internet
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connectivity through a network of satellites, raising the
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stakes in this emerging market. And in the US, the Federal
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Aviation Administration is playing a significant role in
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shaping the company's trajectory.
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The agency has laid out stringent criteria for SpaceX
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that they must meet, particularly concerning the
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safety and reliability of the Starship testing flights that
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are upcoming. And despite these hurdles,
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SpaceX continues to forge ahead, stressing the importance of
17:09
frequent test flights to refine their technology and meet
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regulatory guidelines. They're in an ongoing dialogue
17:16
with the FAA to ensure that their operations meet the
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highest safety standards and the regulatory landscape may present
17:23
challenges, but it also provides opportunities.
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Meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements not only ensures
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the safety and reliability of Spacex's services, but also sets
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a precedent for the companies in the aerospace and
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telecommunication sectors to follow.
17:38
Up next, we're breaking down Tesla's recent announcement
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about equipping the cyber truck with an 800 Volt architecture.
17:44
This move is far reaching consequences for the EV industry
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as it promises to improve efficiency, reduce charging
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times, and tackle various challenges tied to the growing
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mass adoption of E VS. Now.
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Tesla's recent earnings call was loaded with information and you
18:01
can check out the full earnings call if you scroll back a couple
18:03
episodes and our feed here, but the showstopper was certainly
18:07
the announcement that the forthcoming Cybertruck will
18:10
feature an 800 Volt architecture.
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This is a significant revelation for multiple reasons.
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It shows Tesla's commitment to advancing these tech solutions
18:20
for its whole fleet. Not just the cyber truck, but
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future vehicles as well. Now you might be wondering why
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all the fuss over 800 volts? It's just a number, right?
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Well, not really. This isn't the first time that
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800 Volt architecture has appeared on the auto scene.
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Credit goes to Porsche take hand for introducing this feature
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back in 2018. However, Tesla's choice to
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integrate this into their latest offering sets a precedent,
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essentially marking it as a necessary future standard for
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EVs. The timing is also crucial given
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Tesla's looming challenges with global economic conditions,
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making it a calculated yet aggressive move.
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And in a nutshell, the 800 Volt system in the Cyber Truck aims
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to address some of the most pressing concerns in the EV
19:05
sector, including charging speed and efficiency.
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And this announcement comes against a backdrop of rising
19:12
interest rates, which have created an environment that's
19:15
less than ideal for a financial big ticket items like cars.
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And with the cybertruck's delivery date drawing near, this
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800 Volt news adds a fresh layer of intrigue to Tesla's plans.
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Now for those who like to geek out on the technical side of
19:30
things, 800 Volt architectures are a dream come true.
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One of the most obvious benefits is the reduced charging time.
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Tesla's V4 Superchargers can output 350 kilowatts, and 800
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Volt architecture can take full advantage of that.
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It means less time spent waiting around at a Supercharger station
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watching a show or listening to music or walking around, which
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is excellent news for everyone involved in the EV marketplace.
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Now another up site is the weight factor because 800 Volt
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architectures require less copper wiring.
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The vehicle itself becomes a little bit lighter.
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This is critical for a monster vehicle like the Cyber Truck
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whose VIN Decoder has already revealed 2 weight
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classifications, G&H spanning between 8001 to 10,000 pounds.
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Lesser weight usually correlates with better performance and
20:25
increase range, which is a win win for both the manufacturer
20:28
and for us, the consumers. Now moreover, the 800 Volt
20:32
systems are more efficient in transmitting power from the
20:36
battery to a vehicle's wheels, which translates to lower energy
20:40
losses and the system enables electric current to reduce the
20:44
flow of amperage, minimizing heat production and thereby
20:48
enhancing overall efficiency. And the efficiency factor might
20:52
not sound like a big deal, but when you're talking about a
20:55
vehicle that's as heavy and as powerful as a cyber truck, every
20:59
bit of efficiency counts. And with this technology, Tesla
21:03
has further armed itself against one of the most significant
21:07
barriers to EV adoption. Range anxiety, faster charging
21:11
times and increased effigiency mean drivers are less likely to
21:15
worry about running out of battery power.
21:17
And the adoption of 800 Volt architectures could be a
21:20
decisive move and pushing EV towards mainstream acceptance,
21:24
effectively making them more practical for long distance
21:28
travelling and daily use in the future.
21:31
And despite its steady growth and robust financials, though,
21:34
Tesla has not been without its share of challenges.
21:37
Companies leadership, including Elon Musk, has been
21:39
straightforward about potential economic hardwinds.
21:43
Now high interest rates can discourage consumers from opting
21:47
for finance purchases, adding an extra layer of complexity to
21:50
test the sales strategy. However, Tesla's Q3 shareholder
21:55
deck emphasized the economic advantages of 800 Volt systems,
21:59
particularly for hefty vehicles like the cyber truck.
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The technology is expected to bring notable cost savings,
22:05
which could be a game changer for Tesla in maintaining or even
22:09
improving its profit margins, especially with a heavy vehicle
22:12
like the cyber truck between 8000 and 10,000 pounds.
22:16
This economic factor isn't just about Tesla though.
22:19
It reflects a bigger trend in the auto industry.
22:22
As EVs increasingly become the focus of both small and also
22:26
major automakers, cost effective technologies like 800 Volt
22:30
architectures will likely become standards.
22:33
Therefore, Tesla adopting this tech isn't just a smart move for
22:37
them, it may also be setting an industry standard for future EVs
22:41
and heavy duty EV vehicles. Now, interestingly, even though
22:46
Musk was indicating that the Cybertruck might not be a
22:49
significant contributor to Tesla's cash flow for up to 18
22:53
months, the 800 Volt system could help expedite the timeline
22:58
by potentially offering a superior product that requires
23:01
less time and resources in the charging department.
23:04
Tesla may find that consumers are willing to pay a premium,
23:07
thereby boosting the Cybertruck's financial
23:09
performance sooner than expected.
23:12
Now let's shift gears a little bit if we'd like.
23:15
There's no gears in the Cybertruck, by the way.
23:17
And let's talk about something a little bit different.
23:20
The Cyber Truck was recently spotted on a freeway.
23:23
And this is still about the Cyber Truck, but it's a little
23:25
bit different than the financials in the voltage, and
23:28
it appeared to be full of bullet holes.
23:32
Elon Musk confirmed a social media post that it was in fact
23:37
he and his engineers who had unleashed a Tommy gun on the
23:40
vehicle. No bullets, he claimed, had
23:42
penetrated the passenger side compartment.
23:46
This this is a a crazy one, but it may be kind of perplexing.
23:51
But it's in line with Tesla's unorthodox method of showcasing
23:54
vehicle durability. The stunt underscores the cyber
23:58
truck's initial claim of being bulletproof to certain extents
24:01
and reiterates Tesla's commitment to out-of-the-box
24:03
testing and development. It's a bold strategy, but one
24:06
that gets people talking. It's a good PR move, and it is
24:10
often half the battle in today's saturated media environment to
24:14
at least get people talking about your vehicle.
24:18
Now, Elon Musk's sensational approach to testing isn't just
24:21
for show, it serves A functional purpose too.
24:23
By taking a Tommy gun to the cyber truck, Tesla games, real
24:26
world data on the vehicle, structural integrity.
24:30
This information can be crucial for making improvements,
24:33
ensuring that the final product that rolls out to consumers is
24:36
both safe and robust. In a world full of cautious PR
24:40
moves and highly controlled marketing stunts, Tesla's open
24:43
air gunfire test stands out from everybody else.
24:47
It captures the imagination, fuels debates, and leaves an
24:50
indelible impression, which is exactly what disruptive brands
24:54
like Tesla aim to do. The bullet ridden Cybertruck
24:57
could very well be another symbol of the company's audacity
25:00
and the commitment to challenge all of the established norms
25:03
from other vehicle makers. And as the Cybertruck inches
25:07
closer to its release date, Tesla's future plans for the
25:10
vehicle remain under intense scrutiny.
25:12
Although initial production volumes are expected to be low
25:15
with a ramp up in 2024, Tesla's ambitious approach to
25:18
incorporating new technologies like an 800 Volt system suggests
25:23
a long term strategy. And beside the 800 Volt
25:25
architecture, Tesla has also hinted on other innovations like
25:29
energy dense battery cells which could offer even greater range.
25:33
Now. This constant technological push
25:35
indicates that while the Tesla Cybertruck is almost out, its
25:39
evolution is far from over. Tesla appears keen on iteration
25:43
of the product, much like software updates for your
25:45
smartphone, and the additional price point of $39,900 initially
25:51
has been removed from Tesla's website, sparking other
25:54
speculation about potential changes in pricing strategies.
25:58
While it's not clear whether the cost will go up or down, what's
26:00
evident is that Tesla is keeping its options open.
26:04
This flexibility could be crucial for cybertruck's
26:06
success, especially in a volatile economic environment.
26:10
All in all, Tesla's recent announcements surrounding the
26:12
Cybertruck, particularly the 800 Volt architecture, lay the
26:16
groundwork for future innovations and set the stage
26:19
for what could be a very interesting few years to come
26:22
for the auto industry. They also reinforced Tesla's
26:26
position as a trendsetter, a role that has been happy to
26:29
occupy since its inception. In this next part, we're going
26:32
to be talking about a huge shift in the automotive and energy
26:37
sectors. Tesla's $100 million deal to
26:41
sell Supercharger hardware to BP.
26:45
Yeah, you heard that right. The electric vehicle giant is
26:47
partnering with one of the world's largest oil companies
26:51
and the purpose to expand electric vehicle charging
26:54
infrastructure across the United States.
26:57
So this agreement sees Tesla's Supercharger units getting
27:00
installed at various BP locations.
27:02
We're talking about BP, Amoco, Thornton's Travel Centers of
27:06
America, and BP Pulses Giga Hub sites.
27:10
This deal sets a new precedent and potentially opens the doors
27:13
for other major players in the energy sector to join the EV
27:17
revolution. Let's start by acknowledging
27:20
that Tesla has long held the crown for fast charging networks
27:23
in North America, and until now, Tesla has exclusively built,
27:26
deployed, and operated its own Superchargers.
27:29
The company's connector design has become so advanced that even
27:32
competitors are adopting it and Tesla's charging network isn't a
27:36
small fee and automakers want a piece of their pie.
27:40
Now, in a ground breaking move, Tesla is selling its
27:42
Supercharger hardware to BP. This marks a historic first BP
27:47
will deploy Tesla built BP branded charging stations at its
27:52
own sites. It's an acknowledgement that
27:54
Tesla's tech is key to advancing the entire EV market and it also
27:58
offers Tesla a brand new revenue stream.
28:01
And the specifics are very tantalizing.
28:04
BP will be getting Tesla's latest Supercharger hardware,
28:07
complete with Magic Dock, which accommodates CCS vehicles in
28:11
addition to Tesla's own. And locations for these new
28:14
Superchargers have already been chosen, including key cities
28:17
like Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington
28:21
DC, and the rollout will commence in 2024.
28:25
Now Tesla's Rebecca Tanucci, the head of charging infrastructure,
28:29
stated at Tesla were driven to enable great charging
28:32
experiences for all EV owners. BP is also throwing its weight
28:37
behind the venture. Richard Bartlett, the global CEO
28:40
of BP Pulse spoke about enhancing B PS Pulse network
28:44
with Tesla's high grade hardware is a major leap forward for the
28:48
company and we've talked about how innovative this deal is, but
28:51
let's discuss the monetary side of things.
28:54
This $100 million agreement is a fraction of BP Pulse's larger
28:58
strategy to invest up to a billion dollars in US charging
29:02
stations by 20-30 a billion dollars.
29:06
And while the exact number of stations involved in the Tesla
29:08
BP deal remains undisclosed, the scale is undoubtedly massive.
29:13
Both companies stand to benefit significantly.
29:16
For Tesla, this deal offers a lucrative new revenue stream.
29:19
For BP, It's just strategic move that aligns the company with the
29:23
undeniable future of transport electric vehicles.
29:28
And as Tesla navigates new business ventures, the company
29:31
is also sailing through a little bit of choppy political waters.
29:34
The adoption of electric vehicles in the United States
29:37
has become a topic of heated debate increasingly aligned with
29:40
partisan ideologies. A Bloomberg News report
29:44
highlighted that electric vehicle ownership is closely
29:47
linked to voting patterns in the USA polarization that transcends
29:51
demographic and socio economic indicators.
29:54
This political split has intensified over the past
29:56
months, with some GOP members advocating for the rollback of
30:00
EV incentives that were enacted during the Biden administration.
30:04
And Donald Trump, a figure not unknown for stirring the pot,
30:07
has been vocal in his criticism of the electric vehicle push.
30:10
He's argued that the growth of the EV sector could endanger the
30:14
US auto industry, claiming that electric vehicles would
30:17
inevitably be produced in China, thus risking American jobs.
30:22
And this viewpoint doesn't consider the contributions made
30:26
by companies like Tesla and keeping the automotive
30:28
production very much an American endeavor.
30:31
Tesla's complete range of vehicles, Model Y, Model 3,
30:34
Model X, Model S was recognized as the most American made cars
30:38
in a 2023 list. Debunking the notion that EVs
30:41
threaten the American auto sector and further complicating
30:45
the political scenario is Elon Musk, who has built a unique
30:49
narrative around Tesla and EVs. The move of Tesla from
30:52
California to Texas and Musk's engagement with conservative
30:56
politics indicate an attempt to make Tesla and its product
31:00
lineup more palatable to a wider ideological spectrum.
31:04
The report suggests that Musk aims to bridge the gap further
31:06
with the launch of Tesla Cybertruck, a vehicle that by
31:09
its very design and utility could appeal to some of the
31:13
traditional truck loving American consumers.
31:16
The Tesla's focus is not just on market expansion.
31:18
The company aims for a sweeping production rate of around
31:21
250,000 cyber trucks per year by 2025.
31:26
This number dwarfs the current sales figures for all electric
31:28
pickup trucks in the market. While Tesla holds a dominant
31:31
share, making up approximately 60% of all EV sold in the US,
31:38
and the company shows no signs of complainency.
31:41
And whether Musk's endeavors to broaden Tesla's appeal across
31:43
the political divide well, bear fruit remains an open question.
31:47
It was clear that the company is actively engaging and shaping
31:50
not just the future of transportation, but also the
31:53
discourse surrounding those vehicles.
31:56
Now Tesla is a complex machine, the cyber trucks launch and it's
32:01
moved to Texas. Could be Elon Musk's attempt to
32:04
make Evie's appealing to everybody.
32:07
While these challenges and this BP Tesla deal serves as a unique
32:12
neutralizer, it symbolizes that a union of two disparate
32:16
industries for a common goal. Sustainable energy for
32:19
transportation, electric cars and sustainability shouldn't be
32:22
a partisan issue, but in America that's easier said than done.
32:25
And we all know this Tesla holds a whopping 60% of electric
32:29
vehicles ever sold in the US. However, with deals like this,
32:33
Tesla might just be successful in making EVs the choice for
32:37
everyone. So thank you so much for
32:39
listening to the show today. Got a little bit political but
32:41
not too much. So hope it didn't turn you guys
32:43
off for that. But we we brought it back.
32:46
I think we brought it back there at the end.
32:48
So thanks for sticking with me. And please, if you like this
32:51
episode, don't forget to hit the subscribe or the follow button
32:54
on your preferred podcast platform.
32:57
It's free. It takes just a second and helps
32:59
us out tremendously. And every episode is about 10
33:02
minutes or less. Perfect for quickly catching up
33:04
on the latest updates about all of Elon Musk's companies.
33:07
Here we will be focusing on the precarious financial situation
33:11
at X, formally known as Twitter. And the topic at hand centers on
33:14
the drastic decline in advertising revenue, challenging
33:18
the optimistic picture presented by Elon Musk and CEO Linda
33:22
Yaccarino. Notably, a recent report from
33:24
marketing consultancy Ubiquity indicates that the number of top
33:28
advertisers on X has plummeted. We're not talking about a small
33:32
dip here. The statistics are actually
33:35
staggering. Coupled with this issue is the
33:37
introduction of a $1.00 annual fee for new users, a move
33:41
explained as an anti spam measure but raising eyebrows as
33:44
potentially a last ditch effort to generate revenue.
33:48
And as we examine the data in the leadership's public
33:50
statements, the critical question emerges.
33:52
Is X in the midst of a resurgence or is it teetering on
33:56
the edge of financial collapse? Now stick around.
33:59
We explore a few of these topics to see where X may be going and
34:03
see where it's been. And 1st up, let's talk about the
34:06
Ambiquity report. This consultancy works with 70
34:09
out of the 100 top spending advertisers, A respectable chunk
34:13
of the advertising world Ambiquity revealed that only two
34:16
of their clients bought ads on X last month.
34:19
It declined from 31 in September of 2022.
34:23
That's not just a decrease, that's a huge freefall.
34:27
And to compound with this issue, Ruben Schurz, Ambiguity's Chief
34:31
Strategy Officer, stated that this level of advertising
34:34
departure is unprecedented for a major advertising platform.
34:38
This dire situation blatantly contradicts the upbeat narrative
34:41
advanced by Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino, who've been claiming
34:44
a return to normalcy. You know, it's not just the loss
34:48
of revenue that's concerning. It's also the credibility of the
34:50
platform's leadership. If Musk and Yaccarino are not
34:53
transparent about the real estate of affairs, it raises
34:56
some questions about whether they can be trusted.
34:59
Now, Ubiquities findings cast a shadow of doubt over the public
35:02
statements coming out of X's corner offices.
35:07
Now let's shift our focus a little bit to the one dollar
35:11
annual fee that X has started charging new users in just New
35:16
Zealand and Philippines for the time being.
35:18
On the surface, Elon Musk argues this is designed to deter bots
35:22
and spam from polluting the platform.
35:24
However, credits are skeptical, speculating whether this is just
35:28
desperate move to scrape together some more revenue.
35:32
And also, do most bots come from New Zealand in the Philippines?
35:36
No one really knows. And adding another layer to this
35:39
issue is how this fee might deter new user adoption.
35:44
While a dollar may not seem like a lot, it's a psychological
35:47
barrier for people used to free social media platforms.
35:50
This could push potential new users toward alternative
35:53
platforms that don't charge an entry fee, like Threads from
35:58
Meta. And the existing user base also
36:00
might view this new fee as a worrying sign of things to come.
36:04
If X is willing to charge new users, what stops them from
36:07
monetizing other aspects of the platform?
36:10
Will this be the first in a series of charges leading to a
36:13
fundamentally different user experience?
36:16
It's only time that'll tell now. From the advertiser standpoint,
36:20
this situation is quite grim. A report from News Guard noted A
36:25
majority of viral misinformation concerning the Israel Hamas
36:29
conflict on X originated from verified users.
36:32
This is a significant concern for advertisers, who must
36:35
consider brand safety. They don't want to associate
36:38
themselves with a platform that becomes a breeding ground for
36:41
misinformation now. Moreover, a report by digital
36:44
marketing firm Similar Lab indicated a significant decline
36:48
in user traffic on X. With fewer eyeballs on the
36:51
platform, the value proposition for advertisers dwindles.
36:55
It's kind of a snowball effect As users leave, advertisers find
36:59
less value, which in turn makes the platform less attractive to
37:02
new users. And Musk's decision to appoint
37:05
Lydia Ocarina, formerly of NBC Universal, is CEO, seem to be a
37:10
move aimed at restoring advertiser confidence.
37:13
However, with the erratic policy changes and lack of consistency
37:17
in leadership, advertisers may not be convinced that X is as
37:22
stable or as a reliable platform for their campaigns.
37:27
So where does all this leave us now?
37:29
To put it plainly, X is navigating troubled waters.
37:32
Between the decline in advertisers and the new user
37:34
fee, there's a disconnect between what the leadership
37:37
portrays and what the data reveals.
37:40
This raises concerns not just about the platform's financial
37:42
stability, but also about the credibility of its leaders, Elon
37:46
Musk and Linda Yaccarino. And we've discussed the Ubiquity
37:50
report detailing the alarming drop in advertisers, explored
37:53
the implications of the new $1.00 fee, and consider the
37:56
perspective of advertisers who are increasingly reluctant to
37:59
invest in X. Taken together, these elements
38:02
paint a picture of a platform facing a multitude of
38:05
challenges, with a leadership whose public statements are
38:08
increasingly being called into question.
38:11
Now let's shift gears a little bit from the advertisers to the
38:14
users. X has seen a significant decline
38:17
in daily active users since Musk's takeover, and changes to
38:20
the platform have been largely unpopular.
38:23
We'll break down some of the story into five essential parts
38:25
to give you a comprehensive look of what's happening at X under
38:29
Elon Musk's control. Now Aptopia, a leading mobile
38:33
research firm, recently revealed that since Elon Musk's
38:36
acquisition is subsequent rebranding of Twitter as X, the
38:40
app has lost about 13% of its daily active users.
38:44
The user base has contracted from 140 million to around 121
38:48
million and the decline shows no signs of stopping.
38:51
This comes as a stark contrast to the claims made by Ex's CEO
38:55
Linda Yaccarino that the usage of the platform is at an all
38:59
time high. While the app may have had a
39:01
momentary spike in new users following Musk's acquisition,
39:05
the data indicates that this was short lived.
39:07
This new information should quell any debate over Musk's
39:10
positive impact on the platform, revealing instead all waning
39:14
user base and dwindling engagement levels.
39:17
Now, under Musk's leadership, X has undergone several changes
39:20
that have not been well received by the user community.
39:23
The platform was initially known for delivering real time updates
39:26
on current events, giving it a unique edge over the
39:29
competition. However, changes to the News
39:32
Feed algorithm now favor profiles that are far from
39:35
traditional news sources such as ChatGPT, Influencers and Edge
39:39
Lords. Additionally, the introduction
39:41
of a paid verification feature has put a strain on users
39:44
ability to identify credible services.
39:46
The platform has consequently seen less engagement and has
39:49
given users fewer reasons to stay on board.
39:52
Now when Musk decided to rebrand Twitter to X, he discarded a
39:57
brand name that despite its issues, was globally recognized.
40:00
This decision has had a significant impact on the
40:03
platform and in the months following the rebrand.
40:06
X experienced a month over month loss of more than 5% of its
40:10
daily users, and user reviews indicate that the new brand and
40:14
logo are not resonating with the community, exacerbating the
40:17
decline in user numbers. According to Aptopia's Adam
40:20
Blacker, there was a roughly 2000% spike in negative daily
40:25
app reviews post rebrand, with the terms Logo and Bluebird
40:29
appearing as top keywords with negative sentiments.
40:33
And while X is seeing a decline, Meta's Twitter clone threads
40:37
hasn't been able to capitalize on this opportunity either.
40:40
Initially touted as a potential Twitter killer, Threads has
40:43
struggled to maintain user engagement.
40:46
Data shows that only about 10% of X users have ever tried.
40:50
Threads in its current user base is far from hitting any
40:53
significant milestones, but Threads reluctance to
40:56
incorporate Real Time's news into its platform has also
41:00
Hanford its ability to engage users.
41:02
This could have been an excellent opportunity for
41:04
Threads to fill the void left by X, but Meta's hesitance to re
41:08
enter the news arena has put a damper on that possibility, and
41:12
the decline of X and the stagnation of Threads indicate a
41:15
significant shift in what users are seeking from social media
41:17
platforms. And with the availability of
41:20
alternative platforms like TikTok for entertainment and
41:22
traditional online publishers for news, X's model seems to be
41:26
losing its appeal. One year into his ownership of
41:29
X, Elon Musk is grappling with the reality that the platform
41:34
may not be the mass draw it was once considered to be.
41:37
And as Musk begins to charge for essential functions on X, the
41:41
door may be opening for another competitor to take the stage.
41:45
However, the existing trend suggests that the type of
41:47
platform might not be what the public really wants anymore.
41:53
Now, thank you so much for tuning into this episode of the
41:55
Elon Musk Podcast today. If you found this analysis
41:58
useful, don't forget to hit the subscriber the follow button on
42:01
whatever podcast platform you're on right now.
42:04
It's free, only takes a second, and it helps us out
42:07
tremendously. And remember, each episode is
42:10
about 10 minutes or less to help you get quickly caught up on all
42:13
things Musk. And until the next episode,
42:16
please take care of yourselves and each other, and I'll see you
42:19
in the next one.