Hey everybody. Welcome back to the Elon Musk
Podcast. This is a show where we discuss
the critical crossroads that shape SpaceX, Tesla X, The
Boring Company, and Neuralink. I'm your host, Will Walden.
Elon Musk has officially rebranded Twitter asx.com,
signifying the complete transformation of the social
media platform. This move marks the end of
Twitter's identity a year and a half after Musk acquired the
company. Now, Musk announced on Friday
morning that all core systems are now on x.com.
This change means that Twitter.com no longer exists as
a URL and users are redirected to x.com.
Users logging on to the platform were greeted with a message.
Welcome to x.com. We are letting you know that we
are changing our URL, but your privacy and data protection
systems remain the same. Now, this marks the final step
in Musk's rebranding effort. The journey to rebrand Twitter
began over a year ago, and Musk's attorneys filed a court
document on April 4th, 2023 stating quote, Twitter Inc has
been merged into X Corp and no longer exists.
However, the website and app continued to operate under the
Twitter name until recently. The rebranding initiative
accelerated when Musk expressed dissatisfaction with the Twitter
name, which he felt was outdated given the platform's evolution
beyond a 140 character tweets to include longer posts and
multimedia content. Musk had headed at the creation
of X, the Everything app, in October 2022, around the time he
acquired Twitter for $44 billion.
He introduced the X logo last August and attempted to replace
the Twitter headquarters sign with a flashing X, though police
intervened and halted the effort.
Now the name change aligns with Musk's pattern of using the
letter X in his other ventures such as SpaceX and the Tesla
Model X, and reflects his long standing associated with x.com
Now financial services website he started before Co founding
PayPal. Now Musk has indicated that X
could evolve into a super app similar to China as WeChat,
which integrates services like messaging, social media, mobile
payments, car rides and more. And however, Musk has not yet
introduced any of these features on x.com.
And the transformation of Twitter into X has been
accompanied by significant changes in controversies.
Musk has fired thousands of staff overseeing technical
issues and reinstated accounts of controversial figures,
including former President Donald Trump.
Now, European regulators have scrutinized Musk's management of
X, particularly concerning misinformation and content
moderation. The EU demanded an explanation
for the reduction in content moderation staff, setting a
deadline for the company to respond.
The social media platforms rebranding to x.com follows
Musk's history of branding ventures.
In 1999, Musk attempted to create an online financial
superstore named x.com, which later became part of PayPal, and
the acquisition of Twitter in October 2022 marked the
beginning of a tumultuous period for the company.
Musk initially offered to buy Twitter at $54.20 per share,
backed out over concerns about fake accounts, and then
recommitted to the purchase. And after finalizing acquisition
in October 2022, Musk implemented major changes,
including significant layoffs and a shift in content
moderation policies. He cited the need to reduce
costs as a reason for these layoffs.
Now, Musk's leadership of the platformnowx.com has been marked
by a series of changes that have sparked under criticism.
Now, despite the rebranding, remnants of Twitter's identity,
such as support links, have lingered but are gradually being
phased out. The rebranding process has not
been without technical difficulties.
Issues like automatic replacement of Twitter.com links
in the iOS app and inconsistencies in URL
redirection across multiple browsers have complicated the
issue. Now, users have experienced
varying results with the rebranding depending on their
browser and login status. Some encountered error messages
or remained on Twitter.com instead of being redirected to
x.com. And Musk continues to develop X,
incorporating new features like the AI chatbot Crock, which
launched in Europe recently. And despite these additions, the
full vision of X as an everything app remains to be
realized. Elon has finally completed the
rebranding of X from Twitter, marking the end of Twitter's 17
year run. Musk has a vision for a super
app, although many of details of its future remain unclear.
And we're just going to wait and find out what happens to x.com
in the coming weeks. Tesla is changing the way that
people drive their vehicles. The Full Self Driving software
is set to include hand gesture recognition in its upcoming
updates. Now, this feature is showcased
in a video Tesla's X account where FSD version 12 responded
to a pedestrian's hand gestures. Now, Elon Musk confirmed that
this capability would be improved in version 12.4 and
further enhanced in 12.5. Gesture recognition has been
part of Tesla's plans for many years.
Elon Musk mentioned hand gesture recognition in 2021, and the
goal is for FSD to adapt safely to new and unique situations
such as following a police officer's instructions or also
understanding a cyclist's hand signals.
Now, Boris Johnson, the former UK Prime Minister, recently
experienced FSD version 12 while navigating the crowded streets
of Los Angeles. He was accompanied by his wife
and child, Johnson, and they tested the vehicle through
complex intersections, heavy traffic and among pedestrians.
With a Tesla assistant present Now, after approximately 45
minutes of driving, Johnson expressed his approval.
At the end of about 45 minutes, I feel like he driving text
examinator, except that I want to tell the car that has passed
with flying colors. During his drive, Johnson
encountered a situation where a hotel staff member gestured to
him. Car did not respond to the
gesture. Even with FSD 12 point 3.6 and a
Tesla official confirm that this would be addressed in the next
update, expected to be ready by the following month.
It's not entirely clear whether the Tesla employee was referring
to FSD 12.4, which was scheduled to roll out to the public later
in the week, or to the subsequent major release, 12.5,
according to Musk. And version 12.5 is anticipated
to handle more complex scenarios and introduce vehicle to fleet
communication. Now, solving FSD involves
addressing challenges that have never been tackled before.
Tesla's approach with FSD and AI has evolved over time.
Initially, the focus was on reading Rd. signs for autonomy.
Now, the system relies on recognizing patterns based on
millions of examples without needing to understand each
specific sign. And for hand gestures, vehicle
will not need to know the exact meaning of each gesture.
Instead, it will recognize how to react based on previous
examples. Tesla trains its AI by feeding
it millions of instances, showing various situations and
how humans respond. Now, Tesla's continuous video
processing and extensive fleet data collection contribute to
the ongoing improvement of FSD. This year, Tesla is expected to
spend $12 billion on AI development primarily aimed at
enhancing FSD. Now, Musk claim that the next
update to Tesla supervised full self driving FSD software would
result in a 5 to 10 times improvement in miles per
intervention, and if accurate, this wouldn't mark a significant
advancement of Tesla self driving technology.
Musk discussed the forthcoming FSD updates, with the first
being 12.4, which was expected to be released to employees over
the weekend and delimited external beta testers the
following week. And Musk estimated the roughly 5
to 10 times improvement in miles per intervention compared to
12.3 now. Achieving such an improvement
would represent a major step in the development of Tesla's self
driving system. While Tesla does not publicly
really lease FSD program data, version 12.3 already
demonstrated reduced driver intervention.
Further improvements could elevate the system's performance
significantly. I must also commented on the
release of 12.5 expected by late June, predicting further
improvements in miles per intervention.
Any single stack system eliminating separate code bases
for highway and city driving. Previously, version 11 was
claimed to be a single stack integrating both driving
environments. The anticipated FSD 12.4 is set
for internal testing with employees and limited external
testers. Several enhancements are
expected, similar to the performance lead from version 11
to version 12, and version 12.4 will focus on user comfort by
minimizing hard accelerations and sudden braking.
And according to Musk, it will be moving closer to Tesla's goal
of announcing a robo taxi service by August 8th, 2024.
The steering wheel nag will be removed by FSD 12.4, with the
camera based driver monitoring system taking over, enabling a
hands free experience. This improvement will benefit
owners with cabin cameras equipped with infrared lights,
though the steering wheel mag may still be used as a fall back
mechanism. Another key feature potentially
included in 12.4 is Banished Auto Park.
Previously known as Reverse Summon, this feature allows
users to select a parking spot, exit the vehicle, and have the
car park itself. And with its inclusion and 12.4
is not confirmed, Musk has indicated that driverless
parking is forthcoming. Additionally, Tesla will soon
automatically seek parking spots upon arriving at a destination
entering auto park mode in parking lots.
This feature aligns with Musk's recent announcements on X, and
hand gesture recognition has been featured in various videos,
though Musk caution against expecting this in the current
FSD version. However, a Tesla employee
indicated it would be included in an update next month.
They recently added FSD 12 point 3.6 to 12 or 2024.14 branch with
updates 2024 dot 14.5 and 2024 dot 14.6.
Now, this suggests that the next FSD version will also be based
on 2024.14, available to any vehicle on this branch.
And for users on update 2024 point 3.25, this means they will
receive all features from updates 2024.8 and 2024.14,
making it a substantial update. SpaceX is preparing to launch
its powerful Starship rockets from multiple sites in Florida,
with the Federal Aviation Administration or the FAA
initiating a new environmental review for Spacex's operations
and NASA's Kennedy Space Center at KSC.
This review, announced on May 10th, will evaluate Spacex's
plans for launching Starships from Launch Complex 39.
A Now, simultaneously, the US Space Force is conducting a
similar environmental impact statement, or EIS, for Spacex's
proposal to use Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral
Space Forest Station. SLC 37 recently became available
after ula last Delta rocket mission.
These environmental reviews are crucial for Spacex's goal to
have operational Starship launch sites in Florida by the end of
2025. Sometimes these reviews take a
couple of years, and the FAA's decision on Spacex's proposals
will follow these environmental views.
Subsequently, the FAA will conduct a separate licensing
process similar to how it license the 1st 3 Starship
launches from South Texas. This process is essential for
ensuring public safety and compliance with environmental
laws. SpaceX has significant contracts
with NASA worth over $4 billion to develop a version of Starship
capable of landing astronauts on the moon.
And for this mission, SpaceX plans to use a series of
Starship tanker flights to refuel a lunar Lander in low
Earth orbit, necessitating multiple launches from at least
two pads, potentially alternating between Texas and
Florida. And in order for all of this to
work, NASA is working with SpaceX to make sure that the
timeline, the EIS timeline, and NASA's all work in parallel as
much as they can. SpaceX aims to perform a dress
rehearsal for the Starship lunar Lander in about late 2025.
This will involve refueling missions in uncrewed lunar
landing and a subsequent takeoff from the moon.
The first human flight in the Artemis mission using Starship
is slated for around 2029. Now Artemis 3, and despite the
environmental review process, SpaceX faces numerous technical
challenge in orbit. Refueling is one of them, and a
habitable crew cabin for astronauts as well.
These tasks are complex and time consuming, could take years, but
they're essential for the success of the Artemis program.
In addition to these technical hurdles, SpaceX must construct
new Starship pads. While some infrastructure exists
on LC39A, critical components like propellant storage and
fueling systems are not quite in place yet.
This construction must proceed within the scope of the 2019
Environmental Assessment until further approval.
Now, the Artemis program involves more than just SpaceX.
Axiom Space is developing a new space suit for astronauts and
NASA Space Launch System. The SLS rocket and Orion
spacecraft are essential for transporting astronauts to the
Moon. These elements must be ready to
ensure a timely lunar landing mission.
Now at Launch Complex 39 A SpaceX had already initiated the
construction of a Starship launch tower, which is a
structure that stands over 450 feet tall.
However, this is just the beginning.
For the launch site to be fully operational, significant
additional infrastructure is required.
This includes comprehensive propellant storage systems that
can house the vast quantities of cryogenic fuels needed for
Starship launches. The storage systems must be
capable of handling the specific requirements of methane and
liquid oxygen, the fuels used by Starship's Raptor engines now.
Furthermore, fueling infrastructure at LC39A is
crucial for efficient and safe launch operations.
This involves constructing pipelines, pumps, and safety
systems to manage the highly volatile fuels.
And the current state of the site lacks these integral
systems, which are necessary for transferring the fuels from
storage tanks to the rocket. And without this infrastructure,
SpaceX cannot proceed with the frequent and reliable launch
schedule innovations for Starship missions, both for
NASA's Artemis program and other commercial endeavors in the
future. Now, the ongoing construction
work at LC39A must adhere to the guidelines set forth in the 2019
Environmental Assessment. Any significant changes or
additions to the original plans require further environmental
review and approval from NASA and the FAA, and this regulatory
framework ensures that the development does not adversely
affect the surrounding environment and it complies with
federal laws. Now, NASA has emphasized the
SpaceX, as a tenant of this LC39 area, must receive prior
approval for any construction related to Starships launch and
landing facilities. This is rigorous oversight
involved in developing such a significant launch site for such
a massive rocket. But beyond the infrastructure,
SpaceX is also considering implementing a water deluge
system at LC39A. The system is designed to
mitigate the extreme acoustic and thermal forces generated
during a rocket launch by flooding the pad with water.
Such system is vital for protecting the launchpad
structures and minimizing damage from the inverse vibrations and
heat. This addition, derived from
lessons learned during test flights in Texas, demonstrates
that SpaceX is approached is refining the launch
infrastructure now. However, incorporating the
system will also require careful planning and possibly further
environmental assessments to ensure it meets regulatory
standards and effectively supports the high launch
frequency the SpaceX aims for. The FAA's Commercial Space
Office is truly underfunded, impacting the speed of the
review process in Florida. SpaceX has advocated for
increasing funding to expedite the licensing process, which is
critical for the timely launch of Starship missions.
Now, the fact that it takes years for this to happen is not
a good thing. And in a scenario where SpaceX
is ready for lunar missions relax FAE approval for Florida
launches, they may just launch these from Texas.
However, the preferred plan remains to utilize both Texas
and Florida launch sites. Spacex's 20 year lease for
LC39A, which is signed in 2014, has already seen 83 missions
launched from the pad with Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy
rockets. Previous environmental
assessments from 2019 must be updated to reflect Spacex's
current launch plans, which now project up to 44 Starship
flights per year. The proposed Super Heavy booster
will also feature more engines than initially planned,
requiring revised environmental evaluations.
Now, SpaceX is iterative development model for Starship
and involves continuous testing and improvement.
This approach necessitates significant infrastructure at
its primary development site, which is in Starbase, Texas.
SpaceX is expanding its facility there to support higher
production and also higher launch rates.
Now, Kathy leaders said that they have 3000 employees working
at Starbase now. It's intended to be a permanent
site for Starship production and testing, with additional
launchpads and assembly buildings under construction
right now. And while Starbase is the
primary development site, SpaceX plans to operate launchpads in
Florida to meet its mission demands.
This includes undergoing constructions and new facilities
AT39A and also SLC 37 and SLC 50.
To support the high launch frequency needed for Starship
missions to lower Earth orbit to the Moon and to Mars, SpaceX is
shifting plans for Starship in Florida reflect the company's
adaptive approach. Initial plans to use the mobile
offshore platforms for launches have been set aside.
They sold those, and instead SpaceX is focusing on fixed
launch pads and established space ports like Cape Canaveral.
The development of Starship infrastructure in Florida will
enable SpaceX to achieve the launch cadence required for both
NASA's Artemis missions in commercial ventures like
Starlink satellite deployments. Further expansions may include a
rocket factory at Florida's Space Coast to support these
operations. Ultimately, the success of
Spacex's plans hinges on timely regulatory approvals,
technological advancements, and the seamless integration of
various mission elements, all of which are essential for the
future of human space exploration.
Elon Musk's AI company XAI is working to add multimodal inputs
to its Grok chat bot. Soon, users may be able to
upload images to Grok and receive text based responses.
According to public developer documents, this update is part
of XA is ongoing efforts to enhance Grok's functionalities.
Last month, XAI hinted at these developments in a blog post
stating that Grok 1.5 V would offer multimodal models and a
number of domains. Latest updates in the developer
documents indicate significant progress towards launching this
new feature. Now, a simple Python script
included in the developer documents shows how developers
can use the XAI Software Development Kit or the SDK to
generate responses based on both text and images.
And the script demonstrates reading an image file, setting
up a text prompt, and using the XAISDK to generate a relevant
response. This is the major enhancement
for Grok, which was first released in November of 2023.
Initially available to Just X Premium Plus subscribers on X
and Grok received its last update in March with version
1.5, which improved its reasoning capabilities.
Now, the training data for the model includes a variety of text
from publicly available Internet sources up to the third quarter
of 2023, along with data sets reviewed and curated by human
reviewers. Notably, Grok One was not
trained on data from X, formerly Twitter, though it has real time
knowledge of the world, including public posts on X now.
Now founded by Elon Musk in March 2023, XAI is relatively
new in the AI sector but aims to close the gap with competitors
like Open AIS, ChatGPT, and according to XA is blog post
Grok 1.5 is nearing GPT force performance on various
benchmarks. Although benchmarks are often
critiqued for their susceptibility to being
memorized by these models. Now the AI industry sees
multimodal conversational chat box is kind of the next step
with advancements from companies like Google and Open AI.
And until now, Grok's lack of multimodal capabilities placed
it well behind the competitors. But this new development aims to
bring them closer. Recently, XAI announced that
Grok's AI Search Assistant feature is being rolled out to X
Premium subscribers in Europe. Move aligns with the broader
trend of expanding AI functionalities to enhance user
experiences all over the world. And in a significant
announcement, Elon Musk unveiled key new updates for Grok.
These updates have generated considerable attention, and this
shows that Elon Musk and Grok are both evolving.
Grok has gained traction as a potential competitor to open AIS
offerings. A recent European launch limited
to Premium and Premium Plus subscribers shows that they're
trying to get into a new set of users.
A post from X Engineering, along with comments from Musk detailed
several updates to Grok, and one of them is notable the ability
for users to access their chat history on web and iOS
platforms, enhancing the usability and convenience of the
chat bot, something that ChatGPT has had for a very long time
now. Musk also teased the
introduction of a quote fun mode for Grok, which would provide a
humorous take on news. This update is part of Musk's
broader effort to refine AI technology for improved user
engagement and experience. Now, this treads into some dark
waters. What kind of humor is this
using? And also, do you really want
your news to be funny? That's up to you as a user.
And now Fun Mode makes that available to you.
And amid the developments around Grok, the AI landscape continues
to be dynamic, especially with Open AI's recent partnership
with Reddit. This collaboration, led by Sam
Altman, has sparked optimism about its potential impacts on
the technology industry. Now think about this.
Open AI with Reddit. Reddit has so many posts,
hundreds of thousands, millions of posts from multi millions of
users, so if you could drill into that information and use
that for your language model, you've got a whole new bag of
worms to use. However, Musk has downplayed
this, highlighting instead Grok's collaboration as a joke
with 4 Chan. This platform is known for its
diverse content and active community engagement.
It's also known as the cesspool of the Internet.
No offense, Fortune, you know who you are.
And despite Open AI strong position in the AI sector,
there's a belief among some users that Grok will present
significant competition. Innovations continue to reshape
Grok. Stakeholders are watching this,
and Open AI is watching Grok. And as they continue to enhance
it, the addition of multimodal capabilities could set a new
standard for Grok. But it's still going to be
behind ChatGPT, and Google's chat bots.
This feature would allow users to interact with the AI in more
diverse and flexible ways, potentially increasing its
utility and appeal to more users.
Now, the process of Grok's multimodal inputs is an
important development for XAI. This enhancement, along with
other ones, positions Grok as a more competitive player in the
AI field, promising a richer user experience.
And they're playing catch up to the whole industry.
Tesla's major competitor, Ford Motor Company, is urging its
dealers to halt their investments in the EV
certification program amid upcoming changes to the program.
Now, this request comes as the company plans to introduce
updates to its EV strategy, responding to the evolving
market dynamics that are going on right now.
Now, the CEO of Ford, Jim Farley, announced in December of
2022 that 1920 dealers would join Ford's EV sales program.
However, since then, several dealers have opted out, leading
Ford to revise its EV strategy. Marty Gunsberg, a Ford
spokesperson, confirmed that as of December, dealer enrollment
for 2023 has dropped to just about 50% for about 2/3 a year
prior. This decline is attributed to
changes in the market, prompting Ford to ease some program
requirements now. Last year, Ford reduced the
number of required Level 2 chargers and extended the
installation timeline. Andrew Frick, who's the
president of Ford Blue, indicated that further changes
are forthcoming. Frick said.
There's a lot that we'll be reviewing now.
Ford plans to meet with his dealer council next month to
finalize updates, taking into account feedback from nationwide
meetings with dealers. Now, Ford has asked dealers to
pause their investments in the EV certification program until
mid June. The company aims to provide more
informed guidance based on the forthcoming council discussions,
Frick said. We don't want them to make any
decisions between now and the middle of June, emphasizing the
need for dealers to wait for more detailed information before
proceeding with their investments.
Now. One significant concern among
dealers is the shifting EV market.
Ford has allayed some of its EV plans and is focusing on
smaller, more profitable EV models, aiming to better align
its dealer network with these new objectives.
And while Frick did not disclose specifics, he noted that both
the dealer console and executives are aligned on the
process. Based on feedback from the
dealer meetings. Recently, Ford has sought cost
cutting ideas from suppliers to make its E VS more affordable.
The Model E unit posted a $1.3 billion loss in quarter one and
a $4.7 billion loss last year. Now, Ford anticipates a $5.5
billion loss in its EV business this year.
Fairly emphasized that Model E must stand on its own.
Ford projects that its next generation EVs will become
profitable within a year of their launch.
Meanwhile, the company is introducing more hybrids to
bridge the gap. Now the request for dealers to
pause EV investments follow the comprehensive review of feedback
for over 1000 dealers across 11 meetings during a recent dealer
engagement tour, they said. We're now in the process of
reviewing all that collaborative engagement and turning it into
intermediate, midterm and long term changes where it makes
sense for our customers, our dealers and Ford.
Specific details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Changes to the EV certification program last November reduced
the requirement for L2 chargers from 5:00 to 2:00 for Certified
status and from 5:00 to 3:00 for Certified Elite status.
The need for a Level 3 fast charger by 2026 was also
removed. Now, Ford's Model e-business
unit has faced financial challenges leading to a delay in
$12 billion worth of EV related spending due to slower than
expected EV sales growth impacted by affordable issues
and insufficient charging structure.
Now, as of December 2020, two 2/3 of dealers had signed up for
the EV charging program. Currently, about half of Ford's
dealer network is enrolled. The program has faced legal
challenges with varying results. Now, Ford's dealer council
meeting next month will address the feedback received from the
recent dealer tour, aiming to refine the EV certification
program and possibly other business areas, they said.
Our plans are really aimed at simplifying and reducing
complexity. The company will review
everything from floor plan assistance to Model E standards
and Ford credit policies. And the EV certification program
has been controversial do the significant investments required
for dealers. Despite multiple revisions, Ford
has seen a substantial drop in dealer participation.
Ford continues to develop future EV models and aims for increased
affordability, including a rumored next generation electric
pickup. Now, the company remains
committed to adopting its strategy.
The changing market conditions. What was great is that we had
candid conversations around every aspect of the business.
Nothing was off limits, said Frick.
Its collaborative nature of the recent dealer meetings, Open AI
is removing the Sky Voice from its ChatGPT system due to its
uncanny resemblance to Scarlett Johansson's voice, which the
actress has publicly objected to.
This decision comes amidst comparisons to the 2013 film
Her, where Johansson voiced an AI assistant named Samantha
capable of mimicking emotions. Now, Johansson expressed her
displeasure with ChatGPT Sky Voice, citing its eerie
similarities to her own voice. Following her public objection
opening, AI decided to disable the voice.
The situation recalls the movie Her, where Johansson's character
engages in a deeply emotional relationship with an AI
assistant, highlighting concerns over a is capability to mimic
human emotions. The introduction of the voice
functionality in the latest GPT 4 O model drew significant
attention. One of the standout voices was
Sky, which eerily resembled Johansson's voice.
This multimodal model is known for its ability to adapt its
tone and emotional delivery based on the prompts it
receives, making conversations feel natural in real time.
And in response to the controversy, Johansson issued a
public statement expressing her shock and disbelief over Open a
Eyes decision to use a voice resembling hers without her
consent. She recounted how Sam Altman,
CEO of Open AI, had approached her to voice the GBT 4, which
she declined. Now, Johansson's statement
highlighted how her peers and family noticed the similarities
between the Sky Voice and her own, leading her to seek a legal
resolution. She said there's a need for
clarity in protecting the individual's likenesses,
especially with the rise of deep fake technology.
Open AI in a blog post clarify the criteria for choosing voices
for the AI systems. They stated that a thorough
process involving professional voice actors who are compensated
well above market rates was followed.
They denied any intentional imitation of Johansson's voice,
attributing Sky's voice to another professional actress.
The company refrained from revealing the identity of the
actress behind Sky to protect her privacy, and Open AI
emphasize that the resemblance was purely coincidental and
unintentional, aiming to assure the public of their ethical
standards and voice selection. Now, this incident is part of a
series of challenges facing Open AI right now.
Johansson's public statement and legal action add to the
company's existing woes, including high profile
resignations and leadership changes.
CEO Sam Altman was ousted, later reinstated, reflected internal
turmoil, and Open AI has faced multiple lawsuits and
investigations, including allegations from Co founder Elon
Musk's and probes by the FTC and the SEC.
And lawsuits from newspaper publishers in The New York Times
have also targeted the company for copyright infringement.
The company's history of leadership issues further
complicates its current situation.
Altman's initial removal was based on claims of inconsistent
communication with the board, which hindered the board's
ability to fulfill its responsibilities.
His reinstatement followed significant employee backlash.
Now, despite these challenges, Open AI has made significant
strides since its launch in 2015.
It introduced various AI powered models, including Dolly and
ChatGPT, which have gained widespread popularity and
brought AI technology into the mainstream.
Scarlett Johansson's involvement in the current controversy stems
from her reaction to the Sky Voice, and on May 20th, she
released her statement, expressing her anger and her
disbelief, revealing her prior discussions with Altman after
voicing the AI, which she ultimately declined.
Now, Johansson emphasized the need for stringent measures to
protect personal likenesses and identities in an era of advanced
AI tech. She stressed the importance of
transparency and consent in such endeavors, particularly with the
increasing prevalence of deep fakes.
Now Open AI responded by pausing the Sky Voice and reiterated
that it never intended to imitate Johansson's voice.
Altman apologized for the miscommunication, clarifying
that the voice actor for Sky was cast before any outreach to
Johansson. Now, the controversy has brought
a light broader concerns about the ethical use of AI and the
protection of personal likenesses.
Johansson's case underscores the potential legal and moral
implications of a IS ability to replicate human voices and
emotions. Open a IS decision to disable
the Sky Voice reflects its commitment to addressing these
ethical concerns. The company aims to prevent any
further misunderstandings and assure that its AI developments
adhere to ethical standards. Now, the issue of voice
imitation in AI is not new, though.
But Johansson's high profile and her objection is amplify this
debate. It raises important questions
about consent, privacy, and the boundaries of AI technology and
replicating human attributes. Oops.
Upcoming Mars mission will feature a groundbreaking nuclear
powered device utilizing the radioactive decay of Ameraceum
the maintain the operational temperatures now.
The European Space Agency, the ESA, announced these plans on
May 16th in conjunction with detailing an agreement with NASA
solidifying the US agency's support for this mission.
The mission aiming to deploy Europe's first Mars Rover,
Roseland Franklin, initially collaborated with Russia's Ross
Cosmos, but they separate ties in 2022 following Russia's
invasion of the Ukraine. Now radio isotope heater units
are RH US, which use the heat generated by radioactive decay
to warm spacecraft components, eliminate the need for solar
panel generated electricity for heating purposes.
Historically, ISA has relied on Rhus using plutonium 238 from US
or Russian sources. Since 2009, ISA has pursued an
independent program to develop its own Rhus and radioisotope
batteries, fostering technological self-reliance.
Now, the European RH US will warm components of the mission's
landing platform, which will deploy to Rover onto Mars.
Now this platform willpower the Rover before it activates its
solar panels. Ensuring the Landers longevity
offers a safeguard against potential issues during the
Rover's deployment, according to Orson Sutherland, ESA's group
leader for Mars exploration at the European Space Research and
Technology Center, or the ESTEC, or the Aztec in the Netherlands.
How ESA's heater units will pioneer the use of Emir Serum
241, a byproduct of plutonium decay that provides less power
per gram but is more abundant and cost effective, Sutherland
remarked. Developing and launching a
European RHU will be a first for ESA.
In a major achievement. Now the Roselyn Franklin Rover,
designed to search for ancient life on Mars, features a 2m
drill capable of reaching deep beneath the Martian surface.
Initially set for a launch in 2018, the mission faced delays
due to technical issues and COVID-19 before geopolitical
tensions with Russia further impacted the schedule.
And with Russ Cosmos initially responsible for the Landers
construction, ISA had to redesign the mission to proceed
without Russia. How this led to a new European
design Lander and NASA's involvement to bridge the
remaining gaps in the mission. Plan on new agreement, NASA will
provide the launch capability for XO Mars in 2028 and braking
engines for the Lander, as well as radio isotope heater units
for the Rover and the development of Ameri.
CMRH use falls under the European devices using Radio
Isotope Energy or the ENDURE project.
Now, given the radioactive materials involved, these
devices require thorough certification before launch.
By the late twenty 20s, the ENDURE project aims to develop
Amercium batteries that can generate electricity for
spacecraft, not just heat. These advancements are planned
in time for a series of ESA Moon missions in the early twenty
30s. Unlike RH US, these nuclear
batteries or radioisotope thermoelectric generators
convert radioactive to decay heat into electrical power.
The National Nuclear Laboratory in Cella Field, UK, will produce
the Amercium pellets for these heaters and batteries, utilizing
spent nuclear fuel from UK civil power plants.
It's crucial for ensuring a domestic supply of radioisotope
materials for future space missions now.
Sutherland noted that having its own RH US will enable ESA to
explore previously inaccessible areas of space and extend
mission durations. They said the ability to keep
flight systems warm in shaded areas, such as craters or during
the night will allow previously inaccessible areas to be
explored and extend mission lifetime.
The Exo Mars program, costing about $1.3 billion, aims to
launch the Roseland Franklin Rover in around 2028, buoying by
a $360 million investment from European countries.
This support was essential after ESA terminated its partnership
with Russia in 2022 after the Ukraine invasion.
Ross Cosmos, once a primary partner providing the Proton
launch vehicle in critical parts of the Rovers landing platform,
faced isolation due to international sanctions, and
NASA's involvement has been pivotal in securing an American
launch provider and necessary technology to facilitate the
Rovers landing on Mars. Now, NASA's Associate
Administrator of the Science Mission Directorate expressed
support for the collaboration, saying that NASA supports the
Rosalind Franklin mission to continue the strong partnership
between the US and Europe to explore the unknown in our solar
system and beyond. Originally slated for a 2022
launch, the missions delay was exacerbated by geopolitical
tensions. Launch windows to Mars are
critical, available only every 26 months when Mars and the
Earth aligned favorably for travel.
And the new 2028 launch date gives ISA the time needed to
develop the Rover and secure launch vehicle.
Now, this is another thing the orbiter, the Trace Gas Orbiter,
launched in 2016 as part of the EXO Mars mission's first phase.
And it's provided valuable data, including detailed measurements
of methane in the Martian atmosphere.
Now this data has been used to create high resolution maps of
Mars, identifying water race deposits, potential landing
sites for future missions. This new Rover, the Roseland
Franklin, stands out to its advanced scientific experiment
equipment, including its ability to drill 2 meters below the
Martian surface. This depth enables the Rover to
access ice samples shielded from surface radiation and extreme
temperatures, increasing the chances of finding well
preserved organic life giving molecules.
Now primary instrument on the Rover, the Mars Organic Molecule
Analyzer will search for life's building blocks within these
deep samples. Rosalind Franklin's Rover's
unique drilling capabilities and onboard samples laboratory have
outstanding scientific value for humanity's search for evidence
of past life on Mars. Now Russ Cosmos is isolation has
heightened due to the Ukrainian conflict and result in sanctions
altering the landscape of International Space
collaboration. The agency has been focused on
increasing its space militarization capabilities and
strengthening its partnership with China was also expanding
its space program. The new geopolitical landscaping
space is marked by intensified competition and collaboration
shifts, with both the US and China vying for international
partners. China's recent mission to the
moon, including payloads from Sweden, France, Italy and
Pakistan. It's a growing space race right
now, and the ESA's Mars mission is a significant step in space
exploration, advancements in nuclear power technology,
working with NASA, and as the agency looks ahead to future
missions, the developments and partnerships established for the
Roseland Franklin Rover will play a critical role in
expanding our understanding of Mars and beyond.
Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, plans to make likes on
the platform private. This move is aimed at allowing
users to engage with content without fear of public scrutiny.
For example, if you're a raging racist and used to like all the
racist posts, now nobody will be able to see that, so public will
not be able to see that you are a crazy racist now.
The platform's director of engineering confirmed this
upcoming change, stating that public likes incentivize the
wrong behavior, discouraging users from liking content that
might be considered quote edgy due to potential backlash.
The decision to hide public likes from users profiles means
the individuals will no longer be able to see what posts others
have liked. This development was confirmed
by the chief of engineering in response to a tweet by Aaron
Paris, a researcher at Macrimers, who had discovered a
new flag in the X app for iOS that, when enabled, remove the
Likes tab from users profiles. Now, Wang explained, the public
likes discourage people from engaging with certain content
out of fear of retaliation from trolls or the concern for their
public image. By making likes private, users
can freely interact with posts without worrying about who might
see their activities. This change aims to enhance user
experience by reducing the pressure associated with public
endorsements. I don't know if that's a good
thing or a bad thing. It seems like people can hide
what they like and what they don't like.
And I don't know is that social media, maybe social media is
changing and X is one of the platforms that's changing it now
X is. Senior software developer
Enrique Berrigan added that users would still be able to see
who liked their own posts, that the like count on posts and
replies would remain visible. Primary change is the removal of
the ability to see who liked other users posts in the
elimination of the Likes tab on profiles, and marks a
significant shift for X under Musk's ownership, who has
introduced several changes to the platform.
And despite these frequent updates, many users are
frustrated, feeling that the platform should focus on more
pressing issues like reducing spam and improving overall user
experience. Some users argue that making
Likes private could encourage the endorsement of hateful
content without accountability. Others believe it will reduce
hostility on the platform by allowing users to engage without
fear of public judgment. The change, while controversial,
aligns with Musk's vision for a more user centric experience on
X. And back in September, X Premium
subscribers were given the option to hide their Likes tab.
The new change will expand this feature to all users, though the
timeline for its rollout remains unclear.
This feature aims to address concerns about public image and
the backlash as well. And Musk, known for his
controversial likes and social media activity, has faced
criticism for engaging with far right accounts and posts.
And the new privacy feature will allow Musk and others to like
content without the public's knowledge, potentially
mitigating the backlash they might face.
The change comes amid ongoing debates about the role of social
media in influencing public opinion and behavior.
Public likes have historically revealed the preferences and
inclinations of celebrities and public figures, sometimes
leading to significant backlash and controversy.
Now, Senator Ted Cruz and celebrities like Harry Styles
and Samuel L Jackson have faced public scrutiny when there are
accounts like controversial posts.
Musk has not been immune to this, having received criticism
for liking posts the redeemed offensive or controversial.
Musk has spoken about tweaking the way likes work on X in the
past, suggesting that removing likes and reposts from public
posts could create a cleaner user experience.
The slightest move appears to be a step in that direction, aiming
to provide a more private and less pressurized environment for
users. The announcement has generated
mixed reactions among X users. Some see it as a positive step
towards reducing social pressure, while others worry it
might encourage irresponsible behavior.
And despite the varied opinions, the change reflects Musk's
broader strategy for changing X into an everything platform.
It's undergone numerous changes since Musk acquired at 2022,
including the latest major rebranding from Twitter.com to
x.com in the introduction of various new features along the
way. And the removal of public likes
is one of the most recent adjustments aimed at improving
user engagement and privacy. The debate over the impact of
public likes on social media behavior is ongoing.
Some studies suggest the engagement metrics like likes
can contribute to mental health issues, while others argue that
these metrics are crucial for accountability and transparency.
Ex users have voiced their opinions on the platform, with
some calling for the company to focus on more important issues,
pressing things instead of making likes private.
And despite the backlash, though, Musk is committed to
this. He's going to change the
platform and prioritize user experience and privacy over
everything. The decision to make likes
private is a reflection of his commitment, and he is aiming to
create a space where users can engage more freely without fear
of judgement. We're going to see how this
turns out, but the success of this change will depend on user
response and its effect on the platform's culture.
While some users welcome the increased privacy, others worry
about the potential negative consequences.
The true impact of this move will become clearer once it's
fully implemented. SpaceX is seeking permission
from the Federal Aviation Administration to launch another
Starship rocket from Starbase, Texas.
While an investigation into the previous test flight, Flight 3,
remains ongoing, this request is part of Spacex's efforts to
continue its schedule for Flight 4 in June, possibly on June 1st.
The FAA is currently investigating Spacex's third
Starship test flight. Similar to the probes initiated
after the first two tests, Spacex's request involves a
public safety determination from the FAA to proceed with another
launch while ensuring public safety is not compromised.
According to an FAA statement, SpaceX submitted this request on
April 5th. If the FAA finds no public
safety concerns associated with the previous mishap, SpaceX may
proceed with its next launch, assuming all other licensing
conditions are satisfied. This process includes the FA as
assessment of critical safety systems, consequences of the
mishap, adequacy of flight analysis, performance of the
safety organization, and environmental factors.
The FAA emphasized that safety and data will guide their
decision making. Spacex's star based general
manager indicated last week that the company aims to launch the
4th Starship after Memorial Day weekend.
The third Starship test conducted on March 14th,
achieved stage separation and reached orbit but was lost
during re entry. While our team reviews the data
collected from this flight, Starship and Super Heavy
vehicles are preparing for upcoming flights as we seek to
increase our launch cadence throughout the year, stated
SpaceX. Starship comprises 2 reusable
stages, the Super Heavy booster and the 165 foot tall spacecraft
known simply as. Ship.
Together they form the tallest and most powerful rocket ever
built, standing about 400 feet tall and generating
approximately £16.7 million of thrust at liftoff.
This immense thrust is provided by Super Heavy's 33 Raptor
engines, while the ship is powered by 6 Raptors.
These engines use liquid oxygen and liquid methane fuels that
can potentially be sourced from Mars.
Starship has flown three times in April 2023.
November 2023 and March 14th, 2024.
The first flight ended with a failed stage separation and a
controlled explosion. The second flight achieved stage
separation but was short lived. The third flight reached orbit
but disintegrated upon re entry. Musk noted that the primary
objective for the 4th flight is to endure the intense re entry
heating. SpaceX hopes to launch this
flight in about two weeks, though the exact timing depends
on FAA approval. Spacex's latest request involves
a modification to its existing Starship launch license, which
is under FAA review. The FAA is also investigating
the causes of the previous flights failure, particularly
the booster explosion and subsequent vehicle loss upon re
entry. SpaceX is targeting June 1st for
the 4th Starship launch based on a beach and road closure notice
issued by Cameron County for flight testing activities.
This closure aligns with the potential launch dates Musk
mentioned. Rd. closures from Cameron County
suggest a launch window from midnight to 2:00 PM on June 1st,
with alternative windows on June 2nd and June 3rd.
These plans support Musk and Leader's previous statements
regarding the launch timeline. SpaceX completed a static fire
testing in May and hoped for FAA licensing to proceed with the
launch shortly after Memorial Day must detailed on the way
social media that this says coming by Lai fly slash primary
goal is to handle maximum re entry heating.
This objective is critical as SpaceX continues to refine
Starship for future missions involving human spaceflight.
The FA as investigation into the third flights mishaps includes
both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship vehicle.
The March 14 test saw Starship reach orbit but fail during re
entry, necessitating further analysis to understand and
rectify the issues encountered. SpaceX recently completed a wet
dress rehearsal for the 4th flight, filling both stages of
Starship with liquid oxygen and liquid methane at its South
Texas site. The wet dress rehearsal, deemed
a success by SpaceX, is one of the final steps before the
actual flight. The company shared images of the
process, highlighting its readiness for the next phase of
testing. Spacex's development of Starship
will support lunar exploration and human settlement on Mars.
NASA has selected Starship as the first crude Lander for its
Artemis program, and it will land on the moon surface for
Artemis 3, which is scheduled for around 2028 to 2030.
But timelines will likely slip as SpaceX awaits FAA approval
for the 4th launch. The company remains focused on
its goal of achieving a successful re entry.
The outcome of this test will be crucial for the future of
Starship. If they are successful with this
mission, Flight 5 will build on the data that they gather, and
each launch will be more successful than the last.
SpaceX is seeking permission from the Federal Aviation
Administration to launch another Starship rocket from Starbase,
Texas. While an investigation into the
previous test flight, Flight 3, remains ongoing.
This request is part of Spacex's efforts to continue its schedule
for Flight 4 in June, possibly on June 1st.
The FAAA is currently investigating Spacex's third
Starship test flight. Similar to the probes initiated
after the first two tests, Spacex's request involves a
public safety determination from the FAA to proceed with another
launch while ensuring public safety is not compromised.
According to an FAA statement, SpaceX submitted this request on
April 5th. If the FAA finds no public
safety concerns associated with the previous mishap, SpaceX may
proceed with its next launch, assuming all other licensing
conditions are satisfied. This process includes the FA as
assessment of critical safety systems, consequences of the
mishap, adequacy of flight analysis, performance of the
safety organization, and environmental factors.
The FAA emphasized that safety and data will guide their
decision making. Spacex's star based general
manager indicated last week that the company aims to launch the
4th Starship after Memorial Day weekend.
The third Starship test conducted on March 14th,
achieved stage separation and reached orbit but was lost
during re entry. While our team reviews the data
collected from this flight, Starship and Super Heavy
vehicles are preparing for upcoming flights as we seek to
increase our launch cadence throughout the year, stated
SpaceX. Starship comprises 2 reusable
stages, the Super Heavy booster and the 165 foot tall spacecraft
known simply as Ship. Together they form the tallest
and most powerful rocket ever built, standing about 400 feet
tall and generating approximately £16.7 million of
thrust at liftoff. This immense thrust is provided
by Super Heavy's 33 Raptor engines, while the ship is
powered by 6 Raptors. These engines use liquid oxygen
and liquid methane fuels that can potentially be sourced from
Mars. Starship has flown three times
in April 2023. November 2023 and March 14th,
2024. The first flight ended with a
failed stage separation and a controlled explosion.
The second flight achieved stage separation but was short lived.
The third flight reached orbit but disintegrated upon re entry.
Musk noted that the primary objective for the 4th flight is
to endure the intense re entry heating.
SpaceX hopes to launch this flight in about two weeks,
though the exact timing depends on FAA approval.
Spacex's latest request involves a modification to its existing
Starship launch license, which is under FAA review.
The FAA is also investigating the causes of the previous
flights failure, particularly the booster explosion and
subsequent vehicle loss upon re entry.
SpaceX is targeting June 1st for the 4th Starship launch based on
a beach and road closure notice issued by Cameron County for
flight testing activities. This closure aligns with the
potential launch dates Musk mentioned.
Rd. closures from Cameron County suggest a launch window from
midnight to 2:00 PM on June 1st, with alternative windows on June
2nd and June 3rd. These plans support Musk and
leaders previous statements regarding the launch timeline.
SpaceX completed a static fire testing in May and hoped for FAA
licensing to proceed with the launch shortly after Memorial
Day must detailed on the way social media that the SESU
coming valaii flights primary goal is to handle maximum re
entry heating. This objective is critical as
SpaceX continues to refine Starship for future missions
involving human spaceflight. The FAA's investigation into the
third flights mishaps includes both the Super Heavy booster and
the Starship vehicle. The March 14th test saw Starship
reach orbit but fail during re entry, necessitating further
analysis to understand and rectify the issues encountered.
SpaceX recently completed a wet dress rehearsal for the 4th
flight, filling both stages of Starship with liquid oxygen and
liquid methane at its South Texas site.
The wet dress rehearsal, deemed a success by SpaceX, is one of
the final steps before the actual flight.
The company shared images of the process, highlighting its
readiness for the next phase of testing.
Spacex's development of Starship will support lunar exploration
and human settlement on Mars. NASA has selected Starship as
the first crude Lander for its Artemis program, and it will
land on the moon surface for Artemis Three, which is
scheduled for around 2028 to 2030.
But timelines will likely slip as SpaceX awaits FAA approval
for the 4th launch. The company remains focused on
its goal of achieving a successful re entry.
The outcome of this test will be crucial for the future of
Starship. If they are successful with this
mission, Flight 5 will build on the data that they gather and
each launch will be more successful than the last.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk opposes President Biden's new tariff on
Chinese electric vehicles. He wants no tariffs on E VS from
China. During the Viva Tech conference
in Paris, Musk expressed his surprise at the administration's
decision and clarified that neither he nor Tesla had
requested these tariffs. Musk addressed CNB CS Karen So's
question, saying neither Tesla nor I asked for these tariffs.
In fact, I was surprised when they were announced.
This comment came in response to the Biden administration's
announcement of a 100% tariff on Chinese made electric vehicle
imports to the US. The White House justified the
tariff, stating it aims to curb the influx of inexpensive
Chinese EVs into the US market. According to the administration,
Chinese government subsidies are enabling their companies to over
produce cheap clean energy products, including solar panels
and EVs, which surpassed domestic demand and impact the
market. Tesla has faced significant
challenges this year, including an aging fleet, weakened
consumer demand, and intensifying global competition,
particularly from China. In the first quarter, Tesla's
revenue saw its steepest decline since 2012, with the stock price
falling nearly 30% in 2024. Despite these challenges, Musk
highlighted Tesla's ability to compete effectively in China
without the need for tariffs or special support.
Tesla competes quite well in the market in China with no tariffs
and no deferential support, Musk said.
I'm in favor of no tariffs. Musk also expressed his
opposition to tax incentives for electric vehicles.
I'm in favor of no tariffs and no incentives for electric
vehicles or for oil and gas, he stated, reiterating his broader
stance against market interventions.
Musk's remarks come after he previously suggested that
Chinese EV companies would dominate global markets if trade
barriers were not established. Frankly, I think if there are
not trade barriers established, they will pretty much demolish
most other companies in the world, he warned during a
company earnings call in January.
During the Viva Tech conference, Musk was asked about whether the
100% tariffs would enable him to introduce a lower priced car.
However, a technical issue caused his line to cut out,
leaving the audience waiting for several minutes before he could
continue the discussion. The White House's announcement
of the 100% tariff on May 14th was aimed at countering what it
described as China's unfair trade practices.
This move is part of a broader strategy to protect the US
market from being overwhelmed by cheaper China made electric
vehicles. Tesla has experienced headwinds,
particularly in China, the world's largest EV market.
In April, Tesla's sales in China dropped by 18% compared to the
previous year, according to the China Passenger Car Association.
Globally, the company reported its first year over year
quarterly decline since 2020. In the first quarter of 2024,
the competitive pressure from Chinese EV manufacturers has
been increasing. In the last quarter of 2023,
Chinese automaker BYD temporarily overtook Tesla as
the world's top seller of electric cars, highlighting the
intense competition in the market.
So Musk's recent comments on China tariffs represent a shift
from his earlier position. In January, he advocated for
trade barriers to prevent Chinese EV companies from
dominating the US market, suggesting that without such
measures, these companies could overwhelm the competition.
In April, Musk acknowledged the competitiveness of Chinese car
companies. Chinese car companies are by far
the most competitive, he said during a podcast with Norgus
Bank Investment Management CEO Nikolai Tangen.
They make great cars and they work very hard.
Former Tesla board member Steve Wesley commented on Musk's
divided focus, suggesting that the CE OS attention is spread
too thin across his various ventures.
Wesley noted the need for Musk to concentrate more on Tesla,
especially during critical times for the electric vehicle
industry. So Wesley compared Musk's
approach to that of NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, who is known for
delivering consistent results through focus leadership.
He suggested that Musk could benefit from a similar level of
concentration to help Tesla navigate its challenges.
So Wesley compared Musk's approach to that of NVIDIA CEO
Jensen Huang, who is known for delivering consistent results
through focus leadership. He suggested that Musk could
benefit from a similar level of concentration to help Tesla
navigate its challenges. The distractions facing Musk,
including staff layoffs and controversies over his pay, have
contributed to to concerns about his ability to lead Tesla
effectively. Wesley noted that these issues
have played a role in the company's recent setbacks at.
Wesley also predicted that Tesla might introduce a new $25,000
car by next year, despite no official confirmation or
evidence from the company. He believes that such a model
could become a significant success in the market.
Tesla's recent financial performance has been
disappointing, with the company reporting its largest quarterly
revenue decline since 2012. This comes amid a broader
slowdown and increasing competition in the EV industry,
compounded by the new trade tensions between the US and
China. Musk's commitments to other
ventures such as Space XX, Neuralink, and The Boring
Company, have further diverted his attention from Tesla.
These multiple roles have raised questions about his ability to
focus adequately on the company during this pivotal period.
The Biden administration's 100% tariff on Chinese electric
vehicles represents a significant development in the
ongoing trade dispute between the US and China.
The move aims to protect the US market from the influx of
subsidized, low cost Chinese EVs, which the administration
argues are undermining fair competition.
Nicole Shanahan, a lawyer and the running mate for Robert F
Kennedy Junior in the 2024 presidential race, has been
involved in a controversial allegation involving Elon Musk.
According to reports from the New York Times, Shanahan claimed
she had a sexual encounter with Musk at a private party in Miami
in December 2021. This event allegedly contributed
to her separation from her then husband Sergey Brin, Google Co
founder. Shanahan and Musk have both
denied having an affair. However, the New York Times
reported that Shanahan confided in Brin, her friends, family and
advisors about the encounter. The party, hosted by Musk's
brother Kimball, in conjunction with the Arbazil Festival, saw
Shanahan and Musk taking ketamine, a legal party drug,
when prescribed and disappearing together for several hours.
The alleged affair became a topic of intense scrutiny when
it was first reported by The Wall Street Journal in July
2022, suggesting it caused a rift between Brynn and Musk.
Shanahan and Musk vehemently denied the allegations, with
Musk calling the report total BS on social media, asserting he
had only seen Shanahan twice in three years and always in Group
settings. Two weeks after the party,
Shanahan and Brynn separated, with Brynn filing for divorce in
January 2022, citing irreconcilable differences.
This incident was not the first time Shanahan was linked to
infidelity. Reports indicate that she began
an affair with Brynn in 2014, shortly before her marriage to
tech investor Jeremy Kranz. Brynn and Shanahan's connection
deepened, overshadowing her commitment to Kranz.
Kranz discovered the affair through text messages between
Shanahan and Brynn, which he found on her phone.
This revelation came as a shock to Kranz, who just entered into
what he believed would be a lifelong partnership.
The discovery of these messages not only exposed Shanahan's
betrayal but also highlighted the immediate and intense nature
of her relationship with Bryn. The fallout from this discovery
was swift and severe. Just 27 days after their
wedding, Kranz filed for an annulment, citing fraud as the
basis for his claim. The annulment was a significant
legal move, highlighting the depth of Kranz's sense of
betrayal and the gravity of Shanahan's actions.
However, facing Shanahan's threats of self harm, Kranz
chose to finalize their separation through a divorce,
omitting the fraud claim. This decision marked the end of
their brief and tumultuous marriage, paving the way for
Shanahan's future with Brynn. During their marriage, Shanahan
launched her career as an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
With Brynn's support and connections, she pursued various
initiatives aiming to carve out a niche similar to that of
Mackenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Shanahan's ventures were diverse, reflecting her ambition
to make a substantial impact in both the tech and philanthropic
sectors. Her marriage to Brynn provided
not only financial security. But also a.
Platform to advance her professional aspirations.
However, the couple's seemingly perfect life was not without its
challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020
brought about significant stress, particularly as the
lockdowns forced them to spend extended periods together.
The strain from these lockdowns, combined with the pressures of
raising a child with autism, began to take a toll on their
relationship. By 2021, the cracks were
becoming evident, and Shanahan started attending social events
without Brynn, signaling a growing distance between them.
This period marked the beginning of the end for their marriage,
culminating in their separation and eventual divorce.
Shanahan and Bryn's relationship began at a yoga festival in Lake
Tahoe. Despite her impending wedding to
Kranz, she pursued a relationship with Bryn, which
Kranz discovered through text messages on her phone. 27 days
into their marriage, Kranz filed for annulment citing fraud, but
later agreed to a divorce, omitting the fraud claim after
Shanahan threatened self harm. Shanahan's marriage to Brynn was
marked by a luxurious lifestyle and her entrance into Silicon
Valley's elite circles. They traveled extensively,
enjoyed trips on Brynn's yachts, and stayed at their various
properties across the United States.
During this period, Shanahan also launched her career as an
entrepreneur and philanthropist. The couple's relationship began
to strain during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, leading to
Shanahan attending events without Brynn.
At one party in Miami in early 20/21, she was reportedly so
intoxicated by drugs and alcohol that she needed an IV infusion.
Shanahan social activities included hosting a Studio 54,
the mid birthday party in New York City attended by Musk.
The Wall Street Journal's report of her alleged affair with Musk
at the Miami party brought renewed attention to her private
life. In an interview with People
magazine in 2023, Shanahan reiterated her denial of an
affair with Musk. She described Musk as a friend
who had advised her on handling her daughter's autism diagnosis.
Musk had publicly disclosed his own Asperger's syndrome during a
Saturday Night Live appearance in 2021.
Shanahan also expressed frustration with being labeled a
gold digger, calling the accusation sexist.
Despite her divorce settlement from Brynn, which significantly
increased her wealth, she emphasized her professional
achievements and the impact of the media's portrayal on her
reputation. My career has been based on
academic and intellectual credibility, and I was being
shamed internationally for being a cheater.
Shanahan told people. To be known because of a sexual
act is one of the most humiliating things.
It was utterly debilitating. The New York Times provided
further details on Shanahan's life, revealing her use of
recreational drugs like ketamine, cocaine, and
psychedelic mushrooms at elite Silicon Valley parties.
These revelations were based on accounts from 8 people and
documents reviewed by the publication.
The strain on Shanahan and Brynn's marriage intensified due
to the COVID-19 pandemic and their daughter's autism
diagnosis. Shanahan began socializing
without Brynn, leading to increased tension between the
couple. Despite the denials from both
Shanahan and Musk, the reports of their alleged affair
continued to circulate, impacting their personal and
professional lives. Brin's divorce from Shanahan was
finalized in May 2023. Shanahan's transition to
politics as Robert F Kennedy Junior's running mate was
unexpected, given her lack of public office experience and
name recognition. Her selection was partly due to
her financial resources, which were crucial for Kennedy.
The Zorbush virtual county campaign efforts.
Shanahan's fortune, largely from her divorce settlement with
Brynn, played a significant role in her political involvement.
Her wealth, combined with her connections in Silicon Valley,
positioned her as a valuable asset to Kennedy's campaign.
The allegations of infidelity and drug use have overshadowed
Shanahan's professional accomplishments and
contributions to philanthropy. Her attempts to clear her name
and focus on her career have been challenged by the ongoing
scrutiny. Shanahan's story, marked by
personal and public challenges, continues to unfold as she
navigates her new role in the political arena.
Her experiences reflect the complexities of life among the
tech industry's elite and the impact of public perception on
personal relationships. Hey, thank you so much for
listening today. I really do appreciate your
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hit this subscribe or the follow button on whatever podcast
platform that you're listening on right now, I greatly
appreciate it. It helps out the show
tremendously and you'll never miss an episode.
And each episode is about 10 minutes or less to get you
caught up quickly. And please, if you want to
support the show even more, go to patreon.com/stage Zero.
And please take care of yourselves and each other.
And I'll see you tomorrow.