161: Costco Gold Bars, Tesla Robotaxi, Full-Self Driving (FSD) Review & Drake AI Diss Track
Apr 24, 2024
auto_awesome
Topics discussed include Costco selling gold bars, Tesla's Robotaxi & Full-Self Driving review, a Drake AI diss track, and NIA Content Strategy. The hosts also talk about credit card points, EV market challenges, self-driving technology, rap beef, and podcast content creation.
Costco ventures into gold bars, showing diverse offerings.
Tesla focuses on robot taxi network and full self-driving technology.
Tesla's full self-driving tech shows safety potential and human adaptation challenges.
Transition to subscription model highlights revenue stream and autonomous vehicle vision.
Deep dives
Costco's Venture into Gold Bars
Costco recently ventured into selling gold bars, a move that surprised many. The decision stemmed from a gold bug's pitch during a high-inflation period, highlighting limited supply as a space rock. Costco sells the gold bars close to spot price online in one-ounce increments, reflecting the company's diverse offerings beyond the typical consumer goods.
Tesla's Market Challenges and Innovation Focus
Tesla's market challenges include lower growth rates in EV adoption and competition from manufacturers like BYD selling more affordable electric vehicles. Tesla's focus includes developing a robot taxi network and delivering full self-driving capabilities to its vehicles through software updates, highlighting a vision-based approach over LiDAR technology. Innovations like robot taxis and $25,000 electric cars are seen as critical future initiatives.
Implications of Full Self-Driving Technology
Experiencing Tesla's full self-driving technology reveals a significant safety potential if all vehicles adopted this feature. Challenges include human adaptation to strict rule adherence common in self-driving systems, such as precise stops at traffic lights. Meanwhile, edge cases like navigating roundabouts showcase promising advancements and lessons towards future autonomous driving solutions.
Subscription Model and Expanded Autonomy
Tesla's transition to a subscription model for its full self-driving system highlights a convenient and high-margin revenue stream. The future goal of achieving full autonomy for vehicles, leading to robot taxis without steering wheels, reflects Tesla's long-term vision for the evolution of transportation. The shift towards subscription-based services indicates a consumer willingness to adopt innovative automotive technologies.
Future of Self-Driving Technology
Advancements in self-driving technology, such as Tesla's FSD, showcase breakthroughs in computer vision and learning models. The ideal robot taxi may not feature a steering wheel, signaling the trajectory towards level five self-driving capabilities. Despite human hurdles and regulatory considerations, the inevitability of self-driving technology's evolution is underscored by tangible experiences.
AI in Music Industry
Drake's innovative use of AI in music production, specifically incorporating verses from Tupac and Snoop Dogg, sparks intrigue and admiration. The inclusion of AI-generated lyrics and homage to iconic figures navigates the blurred line between traditional and technological music creation. The evolution of AI's role in the industry prompts reflections on authenticity and creative manipulation.
Podcast Format and Future Direction
Reflecting on the podcast's journey, discussions revolve around potential formats for the upcoming episodes and the balance between growth-driven strategies and genuine enjoyment in content creation. The importance of maintaining authenticity and resonating with the audience's curiosity stands as a cornerstone for future content decisions, encompassing a blend of news-focused topics, evergreen discussions, live episodes, and guest interactions.
NIA boys discuss Costco Gold Bars, Tesla Robotaxi, Full-Self Driving (FSD) Review & Drake AI Diss Track
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:10) - Meme of the Week
(00:05:19) - Costco Gold Bars
(00:21:13) - Tesla Robotaxi & Full-Self Driving (FSD) Review
(00:58:00) - Drake AI Diss Track
(01:09:05) - NIA Content Strategy
What Is Not Investment Advice?
Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.
