Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Will Tesla Make a Phone? What Actually Happened

Tesla would enter mobile manufacturing & mobility business

Updated September 2026: in 2022 I predicted that Tesla, or Elon Musk, would sooner or later enter the phone business to challenge the Apple and Google duopoly. I have rewritten it to explain where that idea came from, what has actually happened, and why a new phone maker faces a hard road.

After Microsoft left the phone market, only two mobile operating systems mattered: Android and iOS. I thought that duopoly might push Tesla or Elon Musk into making a phone, and I expected it would stand out through unusual technology and aggressive pricing, much as Tesla did with electric cars and its charging network.

Where did the Tesla phone idea come from?

Speculation grew in late 2022, when Musk said publicly that he would consider making an alternative phone if Apple and Google removed Twitter from their app stores. That never happened, and neither did the phone. Concept images and rumours about a "Tesla Pi" phone have circulated online, but they came from fans and designers, not from Tesla.

Has Tesla announced a phone?

No. As of this update, Tesla has not announced a smartphone. Treat any claims about specifications, release dates or prices as rumours unless they come from Tesla itself.

Why is the phone market so hard to enter?

  • Apps: people expect their banking, messaging and work apps to be there on day one.
  • Operating system: a new maker must either use Android or build its own system, which Microsoft and others struggled with.
  • Manufacturing and margins: phones are a crowded business with thin margins outside the top brands.
  • Carrier deals and support: selling and servicing phones in many countries takes years to set up.

What could a car maker bring to phones?

The most plausible advantage is tight integration with its cars, such as using the phone as a key and controlling charging. Tesla already offers this through its app on iPhone and Android, which reduces any need for its own handset.

Did the prediction hold up?

Not so far. My reasoning about unique features and pricing still describes how a newcomer would need to compete, but the barriers above explain why no one has seriously challenged Android and iOS since Microsoft left.

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Friday, October 7, 2022

Why 512 SSD configuration in M2 MacBook Air not worth it?

Why 512 SSD configuration in M2 MacBook Air not worth it?
The recent configuration tweak from Apple on latest version of M2 MacBook Air has resulted in reduction of SSD speed on base model and requires user upgrade to the 512GB SSD version for the increased speed and performance. Even though Apple has clarified that most normal user will not notice change in performance, over the years the performance would be evident and may even result in slower data read speed. So, for most users, the upgrade to 512GB version would be the suitable solution and it impacts the overall product price. Following are my reasons on why the 512GB SSD version does not makes sense and opting for M1 Pro version would be the wiser decision.
  • Increased configuration puts price closer to M1 Pro: The increase from 256GB SSD to 512GB SSD version comes at a higher price and the overall cost brings the M2 MacBook Air closer to the M1 Pro MacBook. If the price is too close to the M1 Pro MacBook, then opting to the premium version of the processor would be the smart decision, as with increased price you are getting both RAM upgrade from 8GB to 16GB and SSD upgrade from 256GB to 512GB.
  • Pro-Motion display could be the next big feature update: M1 Pro MacBook not only comes with the configuration upgrade, but also with the Pro-motion display with 120Hz and advanced mini-LED technology. With these advanced display features, Apple could focus on bringing in new enhancements and software updates with new enhancements to the user experience.

With above reasons, it may be evident that rather than getting the 512GB SSD upgraded M2 MacBook Air, it would be wiser to get M1 Pro with slight increase in budget for improved performance and technology advancements. For more such articles or information, please feel free to check out the “G R Team Sites”

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Thursday, September 8, 2022

AirPods Pro Echo on Calls and Crackling: Fixes

Frustrated usage of AirPods Pro

Updated September 2026: in 2022 I described two faults on my AirPods Pro that finally sent me to an Apple service centre, an echo on calls and a crackling sound when I moved my head. I have rewritten it as a guide to diagnosing those problems and knowing when to get service.

I had suspected a manufacturing defect in my AirPods Pro for about a year and kept using them. Two problems eventually made that impossible. First, people could hear an echo during calls. Second, I heard a crackling or ticking sound whenever I moved my head or walked. Basic troubleshooting did not fix either, and I even started looking at other headphones before booking a service visit.

Why do AirPods Pro echo during calls?

An echo on calls can come from the network, the phone, the app or the earbuds themselves. In my case it happened on Wi-Fi calling and on the mobile network, which pointed to the AirPods rather than the connection. A useful test is to make the same call without the AirPods. If the echo disappears, the earbuds are the likely cause.

What should you try before booking service?

  • Clean the microphone and speaker mesh gently with a dry, soft brush.
  • Update the firmware by keeping the AirPods in their case, near a charging iPhone.
  • Test one earbud at a time to see whether the problem follows one side.
  • Reset the AirPods by holding the case button until the light flashes, then pair them again.
  • Try a different app for calls, such as the Phone app and a video call app.

What does crackling when you move your head mean?

Crackling or static that gets worse with movement, exercise or calls was a known issue on some early AirPods Pro units. Apple ran a service programme for affected first-generation AirPods Pro for a limited period. Such programmes end, so check Apple's support site or ask at the service centre about your model and its current options.

What happens at an Apple service visit?

The technician runs a diagnostic, confirms the fault and explains your options. Depending on warranty, AppleCare or an active programme, the affected earbud may be replaced at no charge or for a service fee. Take the charging case and your purchase details with you.

Is it worth replacing the earbuds instead?

If a service replacement is free or cheap, it is usually the better choice. If you would pay close to the price of new earbuds, compare that with a newer model, which will also have fresher batteries.

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Friday, August 5, 2022

2nd Time failure of my MacBook Pro and it was not the end

2nd Time failure of my MacBook Pro
As stated in my earlier posts, my 2012 MacBook Pro had started to show off its wear-out and had couple of failures earlier. First failure was resolved through SMC reset and the second failure was resolved through power cable replacement. However, the issues were more than expected and following are the few that were encountered
  • Complete shutdown overnight and loose contact of power cable: One fine day, when I was about to login to my MacBook Pro, the laptop was not turning ON and I was completely sure that my laptop had 100% charge and there is no possibility of draining out overnight. So, again I had to diagnose the issue and found that the power cable was not properly intact with laptops power source and had to adjusted to get proper power source. So, finally I was able to diagnose the issue with power source in my laptop and the only solution was to adjust the cable until the power light is ON.
  • Trackpad issues and Battery got bulged: With random shutdowns and power source issues of my MacBook pro, there was one other issue that was concerning me while I was working on my personal project was that the trackpad was getting sticky, and the usual mouse click, or the right click was not as smooth as it used to be. While I was concerned that my trackpad was not functioning as expected, I noticed that bottom lid of my MacBook pro was coming out and when I opened out the bottom lid, I was in complete shock about my battery, it got bulged and may completely get out of shape in short span of time and to be replaced as early as possible.
To know more about how my 2012 MacBook Pro starting to fade out and how it was dying on me, please feel free to check out the articles published in “G R Team Sites”

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