Tesla, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, is said to be developing a futuristic smartphone codenamed Model Pi.
Despite significant industry leaks and rumours, the Texas-based firm has remained mum on the alleged device. It hasn’t announced production plans yet, and product development is being kept under wraps.
Industry insiders, on the other hand, predict that the company will release its first smartphone late next year or early in 2024.
Tesla relies on social media — mostly Twitter — to make fresh announcements after disbanding its public relations department in October 2020.
There are 78.2 million people who follow billionaire CEO Elon Musk on Twitter, and he has made a lot of company announcements there. These include things like the company’s decision to stop using Bitcoin and the new features of its cars. 13.6 million people follow Tesla’s account.
Here is what we know about Tesla’s smartphone so far.
Hardware and Specifications
With no reputable sources to go on, it’s impossible to know what this phone would look like inside. It would include all of the expected features, such as 1–2 TB of storage, 16 GB or more RAM, an AMOLED display, and a 6.5-inch screen.
In terms of the outside, have a look at ADR Studio’s Tesla Model P concept drawings, which are the source of most of these reports.
Compatible with Starlink
The Model Pi smartphone is supposed to have a built-in feature that allows users to connect to Starlink, so they can surf the web without having to use Earth-based networks to connect to the internet.
Starlink is a high-speed, low-latency broadband internet service provided by Mr Musk’s other company, SpaceX, in a variety of markets. Video conversations, internet games, and streaming are all possible thanks to low-orbit satellites.
The company said it’s best for places where connectivity has been bad or not at all.
Better Integration with Electric Cars
According to industry analysts, the new phone will be more connected with Tesla’s automobiles, providing drivers more control with a single button press.
It will also purportedly allow customers to control temperature, media, and other vehicle settings via their phones. Read also; What is Tesla Autopilot and How Does it Work?
Support Neuralink
Neuralink, a technology that allows people to control things with their thoughts, could be supported by Tesla’s upcoming phone.
In 2016, Mr. Musk cofounded the Neuralink Corporation, which is focusing on implantable chips for the human brain. The microchip, once implanted, will allow computers to turn users’ thoughts into actions.
“Smartwatches and phones are yesterday’s technology. Neuralinks are the future,” Musk said on Twitter.
According to the company, those who are unable to use their limbs would be able to use cellphones even faster than people who can use their fingers.
“We’re building gadgets that will aid people with paralysis right now, and we’re inventing new technologies that will expand our abilities, community, and world,” it added.
Solar Charging
Tesla, which also makes solar panels, is expected to include solar charging capabilities in the new phones.
This might be a game-changer for the smartphone industry, which has been struggling to attract new customers due to a lack of innovation and new features.
Powerwall, a home battery backup solution, is also sold by the company. It allows customers to store solar energy in case of an emergency, such as a power outage overnight. Read more; Tesla Model Y review: The Most Appealing Tesla?
The Red Planet
According to rumours, Mr. Musk’s new phone will use Starlink communication to work on Mars.
Mr Musk stated at a conference in September 2016 that it would take between 40 and 100 years to build a self-sustaining civilization of one million people on Mars.
And, of course, those folks will need to be able to utilise the internet.
Tesla Model Pi Smartphone Cost
A phone with all of the above-mentioned advanced features will set you back more than a few thousand dollars. As more people use the technology, subsequent generations may become more reasonable, but we don’t expect the first iteration to be affordable for most people.
Assuming the phone is real (which we doubt) and that it will start out simple with only a few of the alleged capabilities, it will likely cost between $800 and $1200.
