Waveform: Tesla's Shakeup, AI Agents & Nintendo Switch 2

·1h 52m

Tesla Business Updates

The hosts discuss significant changes at Tesla, including the discontinuation of the Model S and Model X to prioritize production lines for the Optimus robot. The team notes that these legacy flagships represent a small percentage of total sales compared to the Model 3 and Y. Additionally, they analyze Tesla's move to make Full Self-Driving (FSD) a primary subscription, effectively stripping Autopilot features from new cars. There is also discussion regarding the integration of SpaceX and XAI, fueling speculation about the company's future as an "everything company."

Tech Trends and Disappointments

Smartphone Hardware

• A report suggests the Samsung Galaxy S26 may omit Qi2 magnetic charging, drawing criticism from the hosts who view this as a missed opportunity to keep pace with enthusiast demands.
• Discussion on Apple's quiet removal of the Pro Apps Bundle for Education, framing it as another move toward recurring subscription revenue over one-time purchases.
• Analysis of Pro Tools pricing models, highlighting frustration with perpetual licenses that force users to pay high fees for updates.

The AI Agent Phenomenon

"The job is basically we go out and try all these things that the technology companies say are going to change the world... and they barely work."

  • The hosts analyze the viral "ClaudeBot" (or Moltbot/OpenClaw) trend, where AI agents run persistently on local hardware.
  • While marketed as a "personal assistant," the team warns of significant security risks and questions the reality behind many viral usage claims, labeling much of it as engagement farming.

Gaming and Nintendo

• Critique of the leaked Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, specifically a headset that mimics the defunct Virtual Boy.
• The team debates the role of nostalgia in Nintendo's strategy, with David arguing for more new IP rather than relying perpetually on titles like Smash Bros. Melee.

Trivia and Games

  • The episode features a "Newlyweds" style game and trivia, including the surprising discovery that the Wireless Power Consortium originated from research into water purifiers of all things.

Topics

Chapters

8 chapters
Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast
AI chat — answers grounded in episodes