Elon Musk says what it would take for Tesla to decide to launch a cell phone

Elon Musk finally broke his silence on rumors of a possible “Tesla Phone” during a recent interview on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

Musk made it clear that, although Tesla has the capacity to develop a cell phone that does not depend on Android or iOS systems, this is not an initiative he wants to take unless it is absolutely necessary.

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What would make Musk enter the smartphone market

According to Musk, the condition for Tesla to enter the smartphone market would be if Apple and Google started to censor applications or act as “gate guards” in a harmful way, blocking apps and limiting users’ freedom. He emphasized that Tesla does not want to enter this sector on a whim, but would do so to ensure consumers’ digital freedom if current options become too restrictive.

Musk’s stance is a direct response to the monopoly exercised by the two technology giants over the smartphone market and application stores, something that has already been criticized by several regulatory agencies around the world, including the European Union.

Musk highlighted that the concentration of power in the hands of a few companies limits consumer choices and restricts innovation. If Tesla decided to enter this segment, it would possibly use the connectivity infrastructure offered by SpaceX satellites, which could guarantee a competitive advantage by offering global coverage for the devices, without depending on traditional telecommunications networks.

This global coverage could transform the market, offering internet access in remote locations where conventional telecommunications networks cannot reach, thus expanding the reach of a possible Tesla Phone.

Challenges of your own operating system

Musk also highlighted that creating a cell phone with its own operating system is a big challenge, which is not just about the technical part, but also about developing an ecosystem of applications.

He cited the examples of Microsoft and Amazon, which tried to create alternatives to Android and iOS, but failed to attract developers and create a robust app ecosystem. These failures showed how difficult it is to compete with already established platforms, which have thousands of apps and a loyal user base.

Despite these challenges, Musk suggested that Tesla could use its experience with software developed for its electric cars, which is highly customized and efficient, as the basis for a new operating system. He highlighted that Tesla’s software already includes a wide range of applications and features that could be adapted for a smartphone.

Vehicle integration and global connectivity

Although there are no immediate plans for a Tesla smartphone, Musk acknowledged that the company is in a good position to develop a device if necessary, leveraging technologies already used in its cars and in SpaceX’s satellite network.

He also mentioned that integration between a possible Tesla Phone and Tesla vehicles could be a big differentiator, offering features such as remote vehicle control, advanced navigation and even support for personalized voice commands.

This could create an integrated experience between the car and the smartphone, something that no other manufacturer can currently offer. Additionally, connectivity to SpaceX’s satellite network could enable emergency calls and communication in areas without traditional network coverage, which would further increase the appeal of a Tesla device to consumers who travel a lot or live in rural areas.

However, Musk stressed that, for now, the idea of ​​a Tesla Phone remains only a remote possibilitydepending on how large companies in the sector will behave in the future. He reiterated that Tesla’s priority remains innovation in electric vehicles and expanding renewable energy infrastructure, but that if circumstances require it, the company will not hesitate to enter the smartphone market to ensure its customers have freedom and access. unrestricted by technology.

Fonte: Android Authority