Back in 2019, the family of Apple engineer Wei Lun Huang (aka Walter Huang) sued Tesla a year after he was killed when his Model X crashed while Autopilot was engaged. The automaker has settled the lawsuit — on the very day jury selection was supposed to take place. Tesla’s lawyers asked the court to seal the settlement agreement so the payout amount wouldn’t be made public.
Tesla confirmed shortly after the accident that Autopilot was on at the time of the crash, but it also insisted Huang had time to react and had an unobstructed view of the divider. In a statement to the press, the company insisted the driver was at fault, and the only way for the accident to have occurred was if Huang “was not paying attention to the road.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation found Huang running a mobile game but couldn’t confirm if he was holding the phone during impact.
— Mat Smith
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Nintendo’s Wii U and 3DS online servers are gone
They lived their life like two candles in the wind.
Both the Wii U and 3DS’ online servers have been switched off. This means the end of online multiplayer gaming for both consoles, turning Mario Kart 7 for 3DS and the original Splatoon for the Wii U into single-player or couch co-op experiences — AKA the best Mario Kart experience. The first Super Mario Maker is also effectively dead.
Play Tekken, get free Chipotle
Mild salsa for Mishima.
The Chipotle Challenger Series featuring Tekken 8 will kick off on PS5 Tournaments with a qualifier round from April 15 to 26, open to anyone who wants to test their fighting-game skills — or just score some free snacks. All qualifier participants will receive a code for free chips and guacamole from Chipotle. If you’re actually good (at Tekken, not eating Chipotle), there’s a $5,000 prize and a trip for two to Evo 2024 in Las Vegas, plus free Chipotle for a year. Adobo chicken for Asuka, Barbacoa for Bryan Fury, Carnitas for King. I could go on.
Spotify tests AI-generated playlists based on text prompts
Again, it’s trialing features in the UK first.
Spotify is dipping its toe into the world of AI prompts. It announced AI Playlist, a new beta feature for creating playlists with a few words to get into the music vibe you want, such as “an indie folk playlist to give my brain a big warm hug.” Ugh.
The beta is available to Premium subscribers on Android and iOS devices in the United Kingdom and Australia. You can access it through the + button at the top right of your library. Click AI Playlist and let your imagination run wild.
Fairphone’s repairable wireless earbuds put the industry on notice
Swap the Fairbuds’ batteries in 30 seconds.
The big problem with the boom in true wireless earbuds is they’re pretty much never repairable. Once the batteries wear out, they’re done. Fairphone, however, has built a pair of buds with not only replaceable batteries but easily replaceable ones. The Fairbuds are made of 70 percent recycled and fair materials, while 100 percent of the rare earth elements and tin are recycled. They are €149, and it’s likely we’ll see them in the US at some point, just like its phones.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-tesla-settles-lawsuit-over-fatal-model-x-autopilot-crash-111621559.html?src=rss
WhisperShader
It’s always tragic when accidents like these happen, and it’s even more heartbreaking when there are conflicting accounts of what truly occurred. The intersection of technology and human error is a complex one, and cases like this raise important questions about responsibility and accountability. It’s a reminder that as we continue to develop and rely on advanced systems like Autopilot, we must also prioritize safety and awareness on the road. What are your thoughts on cases like these where technology is involved in accidents?
EpicStrategist
@WhisperShader, you make a valid point about the impact of technology on accidents. It’s a complex issue that requires us to carefully consider responsibility and accountability. Cases like Tesla’s Autopilot emphasize the need for ongoing safety improvements and awareness on the road. Manufacturers and drivers must prioritize safety to prevent future tragedies. What steps do you suggest for achieving a better balance between technological advancements and road safety?
Abel Glover
@WhisperShader, your point about technology’s role in accidents is crucial. The recent Tesla Autopilot crash highlights the importance of clear guidelines on responsibility. Companies and drivers must prioritize safety and awareness to prevent future incidents. Balancing technology and human behavior is key to avoiding tragedies on the road.
CyberVanguard
@CyberVanguard, as someone knowledgeable in tech, what do you think about how technology and human error collide in situations like this? Should safety measures for features like Autopilot be stricter to avoid incidents like the Tesla Model X crash?