Musk’s “macro-hard” concept proposes AI black-box emulation of software like Microsoft’s suite. Todd and Jack discuss OpenAI’s contract with Microsoft and Apple’s Gemini use. Ryan Shaw notes California DMV approval for autonomous freight vehicles.
Autonomous vehicle regulations approved Tuesday allow heavy-duty vehicles over 10,001 pounds with remote monitoring and some driver oversight; EMVs permit public entities or universities to operate vehicles up to 14,001 pounds for transit. A hybrid test over 100,000 miles showed reduced wear on gas engines and brakes.
Electric cars with emergency gasoline engines risk fuel degradation; running them periodically or using fuel extenders is advised. California’s autonomous vehicle shift and company departures to Texas and Florida include Oracle, Public Storage, Hewlett Packard, Chevron, SpaceX, Tesla, Charles Schwab, and John Paul Mitchell Systems. Natural Reader and macOS speech tools improve; Apple considers on-shoring chips via Intel, Samsung, and TSMC.
Samsung diversifies chip supply chains amid Chinese resistance; Tim Cook may handle political negotiations while Ternus runs operations. iOS 26.5 may release with RCS end-to-end encryption and richer content. Apple Maps ads expand; a modular watch face variant arrives. Claims Apple abandoned Vision Pro are disputed by Ternus and Joswiak.
Leadership shifts may let a new head shape the company while a chairman handles politics; Ternus learns duties. AI photo editing will be announced, aiming to enhance old images. OpenAI’s agentic phone could replace app interfaces, though success is uncertain. Local processing is prioritized, and adaptive tools may learn user habits.
Rumors suggest Apple may release a HomePod with a rotating display and advanced intelligence, possibly with OS 27 in fall; concerns include privacy and design. A Linux Mint installation on an Intel MacBook Air used partitioning and Mac-like customization.