Slate Auto

two buck truck

Slate trucks will use Yelp’s RepairPal network for service and Tesla’s Supercharger network

The “Tesla killer” will be using Tesla chargers.

Slate Auto, the US company that plans to come to market selling $25,000 electric trucks next year, has released new details on how its DIY-friendly trucks will work. And it involves working with others.

For those who don’t want to service their own trucks or wrap them in colors besides Slate Gray themselves, Slate has partnered with the Yelp-owned RepairPal network. RepairPal is a platform that lets users learn how much repairs will cost ahead of time and schedule service at one of its 4,000 RepairPal-certified local repair shops in the US.

“Slate’s partnership with RepairPal will offer our customers service in an unprecedented number of locations, pricing transparency unseen in the modern auto industry, for both service and accessory installation,” CCO Jeremy Snyder told Sherwood News. “We believe in empowering independent service shops across America to make Slate ownership easy.”

Slate, which uses North American Charging Standard ports, has also struck a deal with Tesla to use its vast network of fast chargers, considered the gold standard for EVs. While Slates come with standard 120-volt charging cable for powering up in regular home outlets, the availability of quick, on-the-go charging stations is a common concern among EV owners and an important factor in the company’s viability.

Both partnerships are part of an effort by Slate, which is backed by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, to create a “frictionless” experience for customers.

Matt Phillips3h

Intel romps amid reported attempt to poach a 21-year Taiwan Semiconductor veteran

A report in the Taiwanese press that Intel is attempting to recruit a recently retired top Taiwan Semiconductor executive, Wei-Jen Lo, to lead R&D at Intel’s troubled foundry division may account for the bump in Intel shares Tuesday, one analyst told us.

A synopsis of the report from technology analysis and news outlet TrendForce News notes:

“If confirmed, the move could have significant implications for TSMC and the broader Taiwanese semiconductor industry, especially as Intel aggressively expands its foundry business with support from Washington and backing from tech giants like NVIDIA and SoftBank, the report adds.”

But some skepticism about Lo, 75 years old, returning to Intel, where he worked before joining TSMC in 2004, is also warranted, TrendForce says:

“Industry insiders cited by the report say it is unlikely he would join Intel again, given TSMC’s non-compete rules, Intel’s status as a direct competitor, Lo’s advanced age, health considerations, and his long-standing loyalty to TSMC founder Morris Chang. On the other hand, some industry observers warn that Lo, a U.S. citizen, would be difficult for TSMC to restrict, even with non-compete clauses.”

Intel shares have doubled over the last three months, since the US government took a 10% stake in the company in August. Intel is the best-performing stock in the S&P 500 over that period.

Intel Reportedly Eyes Retired TSMC Veteran Wei-Jen Lo, Advanced Node Pioneer, to Lead R&D

“If confirmed, the move could have significant implications for TSMC and the broader Taiwanese semiconductor industry, especially as Intel aggressively expands its foundry business with support from Washington and backing from tech giants like NVIDIA and SoftBank, the report adds.”

But some skepticism about Lo, 75 years old, returning to Intel, where he worked before joining TSMC in 2004, is also warranted, TrendForce says:

“Industry insiders cited by the report say it is unlikely he would join Intel again, given TSMC’s non-compete rules, Intel’s status as a direct competitor, Lo’s advanced age, health considerations, and his long-standing loyalty to TSMC founder Morris Chang. On the other hand, some industry observers warn that Lo, a U.S. citizen, would be difficult for TSMC to restrict, even with non-compete clauses.”

Intel shares have doubled over the last three months, since the US government took a 10% stake in the company in August. Intel is the best-performing stock in the S&P 500 over that period.

Rani Molla

Eye on AI

All eyes on Google Search revenue

It’s hard to tell what’s happening with Search.

Sunny blue sky with large storm clouds in spring.

This earnings season, all eyes are on cloud revenue growth

AI computing demand is generating huge revenue streams for hyperscalers, but the market is closely watching the pace of growth, which is slowing.

Jon Keegan5h

Jon Keegan6h

Nokia surges as Nvidia invests $1 billion in company, a 2.9% stake

Nvidia is taking a 2.9% stake in Nokia, as the Finnish mobile networking company has successfully pivoted to AI and data center technology.

In a press release announcing the deal, Nokia said:

“Nokia intends to accelerate development of Nokia’s 5G & 6G RAN software to run on NVIDIA’s architecture and will make investments to drive Nokia’s strategic goal of increasing its presence in the AI & Cloud market with data center aligned networking solutions within its Network Infrastructure business. Nokia and NVIDIA have agreed to collaborate on AI networking solutions and explore opportunities to incorporate Nokia’s data center switching and optical technologies in NVIDIA’s future AI infrastructure architecture.”

Nokia’s stock shot up over 20% on news of the deal.

Nvidia to Invest $1 Billion in Nokia in AI Networking Push

“Nokia intends to accelerate development of Nokia’s 5G & 6G RAN software to run on NVIDIA’s architecture and will make investments to drive Nokia’s strategic goal of increasing its presence in the AI & Cloud market with data center aligned networking solutions within its Network Infrastructure business. Nokia and NVIDIA have agreed to collaborate on AI networking solutions and explore opportunities to incorporate Nokia’s data center switching and optical technologies in NVIDIA’s future AI infrastructure architecture.”

Nokia’s stock shot up over 20% on news of the deal.

Jon Keegan

OpenAI completes its restructuring, now controlled by a $130 billion nonprofit

The complex corporate transformation clears the way for an inevitable IPO and creates one of the most well-funded nonprofits in the world.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (R) greets OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during the OpenAI DevDay event