April 13, 2024
Tech News
Tesla has reduced the monthly subscription fee for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software from $199 to $99, reflecting the company’s financial challenges. In addition to the price cut, Tesla is offering a one-month free trial of FSD and promoting customer engagement through demo rides. Despite these efforts, FSD has faced criticism for its reliability, and Tesla is under scrutiny from federal regulators for safety concerns. The company’s vehicle deliveries have declined, and plans for a more affordable electric vehicle have been canceled. However, Tesla is expected to announce a “robotaxi” powered by FSD later this year.
The BYD Seal, an electric vehicle (EV) with a starting price of RM179,800, has been tested for its DC fast charging capabilities. Equipped with an 82.56kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, the BYD Seal can charge from 30-80% in approximately 18 minutes at a DC charging station. Real-world tests showed slightly longer charging times, and the actual charging rates varied during tests. Despite this, the BYD Seal offers a competitive option for EV buyers, highlighting the importance of DC charging for quick top-ups during long trips.
Noname Security, a cybersecurity startup specializing in API protection, is reportedly close to being sold to Akamai Technologies for $500 million. Founded in 2020, Noname Security has raised $220 million from investors and was valued at $1 billion in its last funding round in December 2021. The potential sale price represents a significant discount from its previous valuation but would provide a return for early investors. If finalized, the deal would value Noname at approximately 15 times its annual recurring revenue.
“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” has been renewed for a fourth season by Paramount Plus, while the animated spinoff “Star Trek: Lower Decks” will conclude with its upcoming fifth season. The renewal of “Strange New Worlds” precedes the premiere of its third season, with producers expressing excitement about continuing the series. Despite the end of “Lower Decks,” there are hints that its characters could return in future adventures.
Samsung is set to bring select Galaxy AI features to older flagship phones and tablets, including the S21 series, through the One UI 6.1 update. The update will introduce features like Circle to Search and Magic Rewrite to devices from 2021 and 2022, excluding Instant Slow-Mo, which remains exclusive to the S23 and S24 series. This move aims to enhance the functionality of previous-generation Samsung devices with the latest AI capabilities.
Tech Explained
Full Self-Driving (FSD) – FSD refers to the autonomous driving technology developed by Tesla that aims to enable vehicles to operate without human intervention in various driving scenarios.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery – LFP batteries are a type of rechargeable lithium-ion battery known for their long cycle life, high thermal stability, and improved safety compared to other lithium-ion battery chemistries.
API protection – API protection involves securing the interfaces that allow different software applications to communicate with each other, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring data privacy and integrity.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – “Strange New Worlds” is a Star Trek series that follows the adventures of the USS Enterprise under the command of Captain Christopher Pike, set in the original Star Trek universe.
One UI – One UI is Samsung’s custom Android skin that provides a user-friendly interface and additional features tailored for Samsung devices, enhancing the overall user experience.
