🔑 Key Takeaways
- Visible offers affordable unlimited 5G data, Sylvan Learning identifies learning gaps, Chrome leads in internet browser usage due to Android's popularity, and remote work and work-life balance are explored in the Future of Work series
- Safari trails Chrome in global browser market share, but leads in the US on mobile. Edge has a small desktop market share.
- Despite Firefox's popularity on desktop, mobile usage shifts focus to Firefox and other browsers. Privacy concerns arise over Facebook's rumored smartwatch with potential cameras.
- Facebook's planned smartwatch with a camera faces limitations in functionality, aesthetics, and privacy, with existing tech addressing use cases and privacy concerns being a major issue.
- Despite superior features, privacy concerns and negative brand perception can hinder adoption of new smart devices. Addressing privacy concerns and creating an appealing design are crucial for consumer trust and adoption.
- Windows 11's interface features a center-aligned design, rounded corners, and new widgets, reminiscent of mobile and Mac OS, sparking debate among users.
- Visible offers transparent pricing, Canva discusses future of work on podcast, Tesla unveils new Plaid Model S and X with impressive features
- Tesla's new yoke steering wheel aims to provide a clearer view of the road but raises concerns about usability due to the absence of conventional controls
- The speaker anticipates adapting to buttons for controls but expresses concerns about the yoke-style wheel and wiper controls on the screen
- Tesla's new Model S and X refresh include a redesigned steering wheel and an advanced automatic drive-selecting feature, making driving easier but requiring a learning curve and occasional manual intervention.
- Users worry about unreliable manual overrides, small touchscreen interface, potential errors, and lack of physical differentiators in new car controls, potentially leading to confusion and safety issues.
- Tesla's new Plaid Model S delivers lightning-fast performance, spacious interior, and long-range capabilities, all without overheating.
- Despite the cancellation of the Tesla Model S Plaid Plus announcement, Musk emphasized the superiority of the available Plaid model and prioritized battery production for longer-range vehicles.
- Despite Elon Musk's announcement of a 390-mile range for Tesla's Plaid model, some consumers are disappointed and confused about the delay in delivering longer-range electric vehicles, such as the Cybertruck and Roadster, and question Tesla's readiness to produce them.
- Longer EV ranges make road trips more convenient and competitive against gas cars, improving the overall driving experience for EV owners.
- The BMW i3, with its electric motor and range extender, offers impressive range but its high price tag and limited interior space may deter some buyers.
- The BMW i3 is a compact car with a unique design, but its interior has some odd paneling and an awkward gear shift knob. Its performance is not exceptional, and it offers less range, less storage, and fewer features than competitors, making it a less practical choice for most buyers.
- The BMW i3, while a good compact electric vehicle option, has limitations in mileage, affordability, and charging infrastructure. It's best suited for city dwellers with financial means and trust in legacy car brands.
- The BMW i3's limited range and high price point left the speaker uninterested, but its safety and compact size were acknowledged as potential perks. The conversation then shifted towards the challenges of remote work and the future of work in a special series on The Prophecy Podcast.
📝 Podcast Summary
Exploring Transparency, Remote Work, and Popular Tech
Transparency and affordability are key values for Visible, a wireless company that offers unlimited 5G data for just $25 a month with no hidden fees or annual contracts. Meanwhile, in the world of work, the Future of Work series on the PropG Podcasts explores various aspects of remote work and work-life balance. Sylvan Learning, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of identifying learning gaps and preparing children for future challenges through their Insight Assessment, available at a discounted price of $29. In the tech sphere, Chrome is the most popular internet browser worldwide, followed by Safari and Edge. These topics and more are discussed in the latest episode of the Waveform Podcast. Surprisingly, Chrome's popularity can be attributed to Android's dominance in the smartphone market.
Market share comparison between Safari, Chrome, and Edge
Despite the large number of iPhones, Macs, and iPads in use worldwide, Safari holds only the second position in browser market share, with Chrome leading at around 64%. This is likely due to the dominance of Android worldwide, with Samsung Internet being the default browser on Samsung phones, contributing significantly to Chrome's market share. The tablet market is also interesting, with Chrome currently leading at 46% and Safari at 40%, but a historical chart shows Safari once held a 50% share, which it has since lost. This could be due to the growth of Android tablets and the increasing popularity of Chrome on iPads, or simply the long-standing dominance of iPad sales. In the US, Safari regains the lead on mobile with a 54% market share, reflecting the large number of iPhone users. Edge, the default browser on Windows systems, has a relatively low market share of 8% globally on desktop.
Disappointment over Edge's popularity surge and privacy concerns with Facebook's rumored smartwatch
While Internet Explorer and Edge may be popular browsers, the majority of internet users access browsers on mobile devices, making Firefox and other desktop browsers less dominant. The speaker expressed disappointment about Edge surpassing Firefox in popularity, sharing personal experiences with Chrome and Firefox. Another topic touched upon was the rumored Facebook smartwatch with potential cameras, raising privacy concerns due to Facebook's past issues with data privacy. The speaker questioned the necessity of a Facebook-branded smartwatch and expressed skepticism about its potential success.
Facebook's reported smartwatch with a camera raises concerns
The idea of having a camera on a smartwatch, such as the one Facebook is reportedly developing, raises significant concerns around functionality, aesthetics, and privacy. The use cases for this feature, like using it as a viewfinder or for video calls, seem limited and have already been addressed by existing technology. The design of a dual-camera smartwatch could look clunky and detract from the sleek form factor that is desirable in high-end smartwatches. Furthermore, the privacy implications of having a camera and microphone connected to a social media platform like Facebook on one's wrist are concerning. The lack of adoption of Facebook's Portal device, which also has a camera and microphone, serves as a cautionary tale. Ultimately, it is unclear what benefits this feature would provide that outweigh the potential drawbacks.
Privacy concerns and product design impact adoption
Despite the advancements in technology, privacy concerns and the perception of certain brands can hinder the adoption of new smart devices, even if they offer superior features. During a recent discussion, the group questioned whether a hypothetical Facebook smartwatch with cameras would be able to surpass the popularity of the Apple Watch, given privacy concerns and the existing market dominance of Apple. They also touched upon the HIPAA regulations that restrict sharing health information without consent. The group also shared their thoughts on the upcoming Windows 11 release and its design changes. The main difference noted was the cleaning up of the toolbar and the centering of the start menu and pinned apps. Overall, the group's conversation highlighted the importance of addressing privacy concerns and creating a desirable product design in order to gain consumer trust and adoption.
Windows 11's new design brings mobile, Mac OS feel
The design of Windows 11, with its center-based big app buttons and clean, simple look, is reminiscent of mobile platforms and Mac OS. While some may find the change disconcerting due to their familiarity with the left-aligned design of previous Windows versions, others appreciate the ease of use and cleanliness of the new interface. The debate between Mac OS and Windows has always been about personal preference, with minor differences like window control placement and menu bar location. The announcement of Windows 11 on June 24th brings new features such as a new startup sound, rounded corners, and widgets. While some may remember the dramatic visual changes of Vista and the poorly received widgets, the new widgets in Windows 11 are expected to be more functional and visually appealing. Overall, the OS remains a tool for running programs and managing files, with the design serving to enhance the user experience.
Innovations in wireless, work, and automotive industries
There are several exciting developments happening across various industries, from technology to automotive. Visible, a wireless company, offers transparent pricing and no hidden fees, making it an attractive option for consumers. The future of work is also a hot topic, with many people adjusting to remote work and balancing personal and professional lives. Canva sponsors a special series on The Prophecy Podcast called "The Future of Work," where host Scott Galloway answers listener questions on these very topics. In the world of automobiles, Tesla has recently unveiled the Plaid version of their Model S and X, which boasts impressive features such as longer ranges, faster acceleration, and interior refreshes. The new Model S Plaid has a triple motor powertrain, offering a range of 390 miles and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.99 seconds. The interior changes include a new yoke steering wheel, a horizontal screen, and other design elements that match the Model 3 and Model Y. Overall, these developments demonstrate the ongoing innovation and evolution of various industries, providing consumers with new and exciting offerings. Whether it's transparent wireless plans, the future of work, or high-performance electric vehicles, there's no shortage of intriguing developments to keep an eye on.
Tesla's new yoke steering wheel: A visually striking departure from traditional design
Tesla's new yoke steering wheel is a visually striking departure from traditional automotive design, but its functionality remains to be seen. The yoke steering wheel, which is square with the top half chopped off, aims to provide a more open and unobstructed view of the road. However, the absence of conventional controls like drive selector, blinkers, windshield wipers, and autopilot select on the steering wheel column raises concerns about usability and adjusting to this new design. The yoke steering wheel may be more suitable for racing applications due to the limited turning required, but real-world driving involves more aggressive turns and maneuvers. Tesla's decision to ignore established standards and place the speedometer on the right side of the dashboard in the Model 3 has shown that drivers can adapt to changes given enough time. Overall, the yoke steering wheel represents a bold design choice by Tesla, but its practicality and user experience remain to be evaluated.
Exploring the new driving experience with a yoke-style steering wheel and buttons
The speaker is expressing his anticipation and apprehension towards the new driving experience with a yoke-style steering wheel and buttons for controls, instead of the traditional circular steering wheel and stock-based controls. He believes that getting used to the buttons might be the easiest part, but the yoke-style wheel could take some time and effort to adapt to, especially for those who have been driving for years and are used to the circular steering wheel. He also shares his concerns about the wiper controls being on the screen instead of physical buttons, as he prefers having more control over these functions. Overall, the speaker is looking forward to trying out the new driving experience and experiencing the learning curve firsthand.
New Tesla Model S and X refresh: Steering wheel design and automatic drive-selecting feature
The new Model S and X refresh from Tesla will bring significant changes, including a new steering wheel design and an advanced automatic drive-selecting feature. The new steering wheel design, while different from traditional cars, is intended to make driving easier with the most commonly used functions closer to the thumbs. However, this will require a learning curve for many drivers. The automatic drive-selecting feature aims to predict the driver's intentions based on context and will switch directions accordingly. While this feature shows promise, there are instances where it may not be clear to the system what the driver intends to do, such as parallel parking, requiring manual intervention. The system uses the autopilot system to detect obstacles and adapts to the driver's needs. Overall, these changes represent a significant shift in the driving experience and will require adjustment from drivers.
Concerns about new car controls
While the new model of cars comes with an auto park feature, the manual override for parking and other functions seems less reliable and intuitive compared to traditional car controls. Users have expressed concerns about the small touchscreen interface, potential for errors, and the lack of physical differentiators between buttons. The haptic buttons, though confirmed, do not click and may not have clear markings, adding to the uncertainty. The potential for mistakes, such as accidentally honking the horn instead of flashing the headlights, could lead to confusion and potential safety issues. Despite these concerns, Tesla is moving forward with the new steering wheel design, and users will need to adapt to this change in order to use the car effectively. Overall, while the new features offer more control and potential for improved performance, the learning curve and potential for errors may require extra caution and patience from drivers.
New Tesla Model S Plaid: Impressive Performance and Versatility
Tesla's new Plaid Model S boasts impressive performance with a 1.99 second zero to 60 mph time, even with a one-foot rollout. This makes it faster than most other cars with similar measurements, and Tesla's advancements in heat management allow for consistent high-performance runs without overheating. The Model S also offers a spacious interior and long-range capabilities, making it a versatile high-performance vehicle. Additionally, the new Plaid Model S features a sleek, flat emblem on the back that Tesla enthusiasts seem to love. While some may criticize the use of a one-foot rollout in measuring performance, the Plaid Model S's impressive numbers are hard to ignore. Tesla continues to push the boundaries of what a four-door sedan can offer in terms of both everyday practicality and next-level performance.
Unexpected cancellation of Tesla Model S Plaid Plus announcement
During a Tesla event, Elon Musk unexpectedly canceled the announcement of the Tesla Model S Plaid Plus, which was expected to have a longer range and more power. Instead, Musk focused on the Plaid model, which was already available, and emphasized its superiority. The reason for the cancellation is believed to be the unavailability of the batteries required for the Plaid Plus, as Tesla is prioritizing the production of batteries for other vehicles with longer ranges. This unexpected turn of events caused excitement and intrigue within the Tesla community.
Tesla's Plaid Model: Maximum Range Disappointment
Elon Musk's recent announcement of Tesla's Plaid model having a maximum range of 390 miles instead of the previously promised 400-500 miles for the Cybertruck and Roadster has left some consumers feeling disappointed and confused. While some believe this could be a strategic move to focus attention away from potential delays, others question whether Tesla is truly ready to produce vehicles with longer ranges. The debate raises concerns about the readiness of Tesla's batteries and the potential impact on the release dates of the Cybertruck and Roadster. Additionally, the argument that 500 miles of range may not be necessary for all vehicles, such as sports cars, but could be important for trucks, adds complexity to the discussion. Ultimately, consumers are left wondering if Tesla's promises of longer-range electric vehicles are realistic and when they can expect to see them on the market.
Longer EV range enhances driving experience
Having a longer electric vehicle (EV) range significantly enhances the driving experience and makes EVs more competitive against gas-powered cars. Charging efficiently and effectively, especially for those without home charging options, allows EV owners to drive further between charges. Longer road trips become more convenient as the need to stop and charge decreases. Additionally, the availability and desirability of food options at charging stations can impact the overall experience. Elon Musk's goal with EVs is to provide every advantage over gas cars, and longer range is a crucial factor in achieving that. By addressing this hurdle, EVs can attract more consumers and further challenge the dominance of gas-powered vehicles.
Is the BMW i3 worth the investment for everyone?
The BMW i3, despite being a compact and expensive electric vehicle with a range extender, leaves some question marks regarding its target demographic due to its limited interior space and unique design. With a price tag of $60,000, potential buyers may consider other options, especially given the smaller back seat and trunk space. The i3's unique selling points include its electric motor and battery offering about 175 miles of range when full, as well as a three-cylinder engine and a two-gallon gas tank as a range extender. However, the small size and limited interior space leave some wondering if it's worth the investment.
BMW i3's Unique Design and Interior
The BMW i3 is a compact car with an unusual design, featuring a lower back window and a small, half door for the back seat. Inside, the car boasts high-quality materials except for some odd paneling on the back doors. The gear shift knob is a large, awkward protrusion from the steering column. The driver sits far back in the car, offering good visibility but a sense of being in the middle rather than the front. The i3 is technically a four-door car due to the need to open the front door to access the back. Despite being a BMW, its performance is not exceptional, with a long 0-60 mph time. Compared to other options like the Model Y, the i3 offers less range, less storage, and fewer features, making it a less practical choice for most buyers, even with a $60,000 budget. Only those who prioritize a compact BMW with a plug-in hybrid powertrain should consider the i3.
BMW i3: A Niche Electric Vehicle
The BMW i3, despite being the only good compact electric vehicle option for some consumers, still falls short in terms of mileage, affordability, and charging infrastructure concerns. The person who would be interested in this car is likely someone who lives in a city with limited parking, trusts legacy car brands, and has the financial means to spend $60,000. The interior is solid, but not worth the price tag. The compact car range might not matter much in the city, but having the extra gas backup can be helpful. However, the availability and accessibility of charging stations in New York City mitigate the need for a gas backup. Despite the convenience of having both electric and gas power, the potential range anxiety and the occasional long waits at charging stations can be a deterrent for some buyers. Overall, the BMW i3 is a niche vehicle for a specific market, but its limitations make it a less-than-ideal choice for the average consumer.
BMW i3 Discussion and Future of Work
The BMW i3, despite its unique features such as having both an electric motor and a gas tank, left the speaker feeling uninterested due to its limited range and high price point. However, he did acknowledge its safety and compact size as potential perks. The speaker also expressed intrigue towards the idea of a simpler, more affordable electric compact car from a company like Smart. The conversation then shifted towards the topic of remote work and the challenges it presents, with a special series on The Prophecy Podcast called "The Future of Work."