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Week in Review: Jeff Bezos’ secret EV startup
Jeff Bezos is backing EV startup Slate, which aims to produce a $25,000 two-seater pickup truck by late 2026. Other news includes accusations of collusion against Meta, Waymo's use of interior camera data, and ongoing developments with Nikola's assets post-bankruptcy.
Key points
- Slate receives backing from Jeff Bezos to create an affordable EV pickup truck.
- The goal is to retail at $25,000 and target production by late 2026.
- Sarah Wynn-Williams testified that Meta collaborated with the Chinese Communist Party.
- Waymo plans to train AI models using video from its robotaxis while allowing users to opt out.
- Trevor Milton seeks to buy Nikola's assets after being pardoned from securities fraud.
Why it matters
- The emergence of EV startups reflects the ongoing push towards sustainable transportation, an important trend in tech by 2025.
- Meta’s alleged collaboration highlights growing scrutiny of tech companies’ ties with foreign entities, significant in U.S. policy discussions.
- Waymo's use of data raises privacy concerns pertinent to increasing regulation around AI and autonomous technologies.
The Week in Review underscores pivotal developments in the tech industry, highlighting the intersection of innovation, regulation, and ethics as companies like Slate and Waymo navigate the future.