Tesla Supercharger Pools, Apple Ads, and Android 13 Hits

Tesla's Unusual Initiatives

The Supercharger Pool

Tesla has introduced an unconventional amenity at a Supercharger station in Germany: a swimming pool. While the concept is meant to provide entertainment during the charging process, the hosts expressed skepticism about the logistics.

"Apparently it's meant for four occupants, assuming there are four people who fit the cross section of wealthy enough to own a Tesla and likes to sit in wet dumpsters."

Polestar O2 and the EV Landscape

• The hosts discussed the Polestar O2, a stunning roadster concept.
• With a release targeted for 2026, the question is whether it will arrive before the long-delayed Tesla Roadster.
• There is uncertainty regarding whether the concept's signature drone feature will make it to production.

Apple's Ad Expansion Strategy

Apple is reportedly looking to significantly increase its advertising revenue by expanding ad placement across its ecosystem, potentially including Apple Maps. The hosts noted the awkward juxtaposition of a premium, high-priced device delivering intrusive advertisements. They emphasized that while they understand ad-supported services, paying for subscriptions (like Apple News) should ideally result in an ad-free experience.

Android 13 and Pixel Features

Android 13 Overview

• The rollout feels more like a stable update (12.2) focused on refining bugs rather than a major overhaul.
• Notable new features include app-specific languages, allowing bilingual users to set individual languages per app.
• The promise of a fully themed home screen remains a "lofty goal" with inconsistent support across many popular apps.

The Pixel 6a Refresh Rate

Despite the Pixel 6a screen being technically capable of 90Hz, Google has locked it at 60Hz. While some users have used "hacky" methods to force higher refresh rates, the hosts strongly advise against this due to potential calibration issues and stability risks.