Burden of Aging Platforms

The Model S and Model X were aging architectures, respectively, with the platform released from 2012 to 2015. Despite iterative updates, these vehicles were designed with old manufacturing methods and powered with a 400-volt system.

Competitors moved to 800-volt architectures and simplified casting; the S and X became “legacy hardware” within Tesla’s own portfolio. The customers were aware and quite reluctant to spend $100k on aging models. The expected new brain AI5 (legacy HW4) is not even retrofittable to the most expensive vehicle in the catalog. Elon Musk describes AI5 as an “immense jump” in technology. While previous hardware updates from HW2 to 3 were incremental, AI5 is designed to handle the massive neural networks required for Unsupervised Full Self-Driving and the Optimus humanoid robot.

By 2025, sales of X and S accounted for less than 3% of total sales, yet they required significant factory floor space and a specialized, complex supply chain that weighed down the company’s margins.

Avoiding the EREV Trap, where industrials from China and South Korea lead the innovation

The global market has recently seen a massive surge in demand for Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs), hybrids that use a small gas engine as a generator. While legacy automakers are pivoting back to these to satisfy range-anxious customers, Tesla refused to enter this “middle ground.”

By discontinuing the S and X rather than competing in the muddy waters of the EREV or large segments, Tesla preserves its image as a purely innovative, forward-looking firm. They aren’t “failing” at individual cars; they are simply exiting a maturing, lower-margin market to own the next one: AI.

Solving the self-driving car was the objective; now the excitement comes from outside the doors.

For Elon Musk, the challenge of the passenger car has largely been “solved.” With the mass-market success of the Model 3/Y and the stabilization of Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, the intellectual stimulation of perfecting the sedan has faded.

Both communication and engineering priorities have shifted to the Optimus humanoid robot. Musk has stated that once Tesla solved the self-driving challenge for cars, the logical next step was to apply that “real-world AI” to a humanoid form factor.

Tesla’s humanoid robot will be capable of operating a machine designed for humans. Therefore, we can foresee the Optimus 3 eventually driving any vehicle, making specialized, high-cost features in a car redundant. The robot itself is the “complex problem” Musk now wants to solve.

From Sales to “Transportation-as-a-Service” (TaaS), Tesla saves itself from competition and remains in an existing but profitable market

This is the most significant financial pivot in Tesla’s history. Building a car is expensive and yields a one-time profit margin. Selling a transportation service is a recurring revenue goldmine.

By transitioning to a fleet of autonomous taxis, Tesla aims to make a vehicle pay for itself within its first year of operation. The car is no longer a “product” to be pampered; it is a high-yield utility that works 16 hours a day, effectively turning the automotive business into a utility service.

Tesla can reinforce its status as an innovator by quitting a battle that was already lost. Quitting while still ahead is a strong marketing strategy. The timing is extremely well managed. The wave of enthusiasm around the latest Self-driving update, which has enabled significant progress in autonomy, is strong. While competition in EREV is not yet fierce, this is mainly due to trade constraints.

The future fleet is homogenizing around small and medium-sized vehicles (Cybercab and Model 2/3 variants) optimized for city navigation and high-density taxi service.

However, this transition leaves the future of the Supercharger network in flux. While the network is expanding to support the Tesla Semi with Megawatt charging, the “luxury” experience of the private owner is being replaced by the “utility” experience of the fleet operator.

Tesla made the EV market, creating an industry from scratch. A strong marketing leveraging the green appeal, and a robust high-tech offer. Now that the market becomes competitive, Tesla moves to its “comfort zone”, the area where nobody is comfortable... building a new market!

Think encore!

The Mechanism of “Upstream” Warfare

State actors, specifically the Russian-linked Pravda network, have evolved beyond simple “fake news” meant for humans. They are now engaging in Algorithmic Grooming. By flooding the open web with millions of AI-generated articles (an estimated 3.6 million annually), they target the web crawlers used to train Western Large Language Models (LLMs).

Unlike traditional propaganda, this content is designed to be invisible to the average user but statistically significant to a machine. When a model sees a false claim repeated across 150 unique domains in 46 languages, its logic shifts: repetition is interpreted as “truth.”

The 2026 “Tipping Point”

Research from the UK AI Security Institute and Anthropic has revealed a chilling vulnerability: it takes as few as 250 malicious documents to permanently “backdoor” a model, regardless of its size.

• The “Pravda” Tactic: The network creates roughly 18,000 articles for every one false claim.

• The Impact: Audit results today show that leading AI chatbots now repeat Kremlin-backed falsehoods, such as the existence of “secret bioweapons labs”, in nearly 33% of relevant queries.

  

Geopolitical Consequences

This “data poisoning” turns Western AI into a double agent. Citizens, governments, and corporations integrate “Agentic AI” into their decision-making frameworks. If the data or model includes corrupted intelligence, the outcomes are biased. They would essentially operate on corrupted intelligence. The UN’s new panel is pushing to establish “data hygiene” standards before AI models become permanently skewed toward the strategic interests of hostile states. UN panels, unfortunately, have shown too often some political deviance and questionable ties with dictatorships. Nevertheless, instilling data hygiene standards in a technology so critical to the country’s resilience sounds like a necessary step. Could an international committee work for US interests?

Think Encore !

Cyril B. Korenbeusser is a French-American financial executive and thought leader specializing in operational resilience, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance within the global banking sector. With over 15 years of experience, he has held senior roles at major international financial institutions, advising on risk management, digital transformation, and crisis response strategies. Korenbeusser is recognized for bridging technical expertise with business strategy, particularly in the Americas’ corporate and institutional banking operations. He is an active member of professional organizations such as the Forbes Technology Council, the Institute of International Bankers (IIB), ARMA, and ISACA, and contributes to industry discourse through publications and mentorship programs.

Operational Resilience Thought Leader

Korenbeusser is a prominent voice in operational resilience, focusing on enhancing the robustness of financial systems against disruptions, including cyberattacks, regulatory shifts, and operational failures. As Chief Operational Resilience Officer and Head of the Record Management Office for Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) Americas at BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (2018–2024), he led initiatives to integrate cybersecurity, compliance, and crisis management frameworks across the region.

His work emphasized proactive risk mitigation, drawing on certifications like Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Project Management Professional (PMP) to optimize processes in high-stakes environments.

In this capacity, he developed IT resilience strategies and contributed to electronic banking partnerships, including optimizing joint venture contracts for e-payment solutions handling up to 5 billion annual transactions.

Korenbeusser’s thought leadership extends to regulatory adaptation, such as navigating New York State Department of Financial Services (NYS-DFS) cybersecurity requirements, which he analyzed for their impact on investment priorities in financial cyber programs.

linkedin.com

He advocates for leveraging frameworks like the FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT) to streamline compliance.

linkedin.com

Currently, as Managing Director at Mizuho Americas Services LLC and Mizuho Securities USA LLC (since November 2024), he continues to drive resilience functions, building on his FINRA registration as an Operations Professional (achieved via passing the Operations Professional Examination in June 2024 and Securities Industry Essentials Examination in March 2024).

files.brokercheck.finra.org

His expertise has been honed through 13 years in cyber risk and operations, making him a key advisor on building high-performance teams resilient to international market volatilities.

csoonline.com

Financial Industry Advisor

Korenbeusser advises financial institutions on strategic transformation, cyber risk, and organizational impacts, leveraging his deep knowledge of emerging technologies and regulatory landscapes. From 2013 to 2018, he served as a Senior Manager at Kurt Salmon (now part of CGI), where he focused on operations and strategy consulting for U.S. financial clients.

Earlier, since joining Wavestone in 2005, he contributed to expanding its U.S. operations, coaching teams on human capital management and business growth in dynamic markets.

His advisory work emphasizes innovation in areas like enterprise mobility, open-source integration, and digital channels, helping firms balance technology adoption with risk minimization.

As a Business Mentor for the American Corporate Partners (ACP) program (ongoing since 2020), he supports transitioning veterans in corporate finance careers, providing guidance on strategy and leadership.

Korenbeusser’s multilingual proficiency (English, French, and German) enables effective cross-border advising, particularly for European banks operating in the U.S.

He holds no reported disclosures in his FINRA record, underscoring his clean professional standing.

Publications

Korenbeusser is a prolific contributor to industry publications, sharing insights on cybersecurity, regulatory evolution, and technology strategy. His work appears in outlets like LinkedIn, Wavestone reports, NIST analyses, and French business media.

Maybe one day on https://grokipedia.com/search?q=korenbeusser

Fact Checked by Grok: November 10, 2025. This article is generated based on verified sources and may be updated with new information.

LinkedIn has quietly shuttered a significant experiment in AI-human content creation. The official interruption of “collaborative articles” has been pronounced. The existing library of articles remains accessible, and so are the articles.

Initially announced as a big move, promoting content and professionalism, the collaborative article has been retired. More than just a platform update, this case study highlights the evolving role of human supervision over AI, the critical necessity of product-market fit, and the future of content in an increasingly automated world.

Launched with the promise of combining AI efficiency with human expertise, the feature used artificial intelligence to generate articles and topic questions. It then relied on LinkedIn’s network of professionals to add insights, refine the content, and lend it credibility. In return for their efforts, top contributors were awarded a “Community Top Voice” badge, a digital kudos for their intellectual labor.

This model represented a necessary, albeit temporary, phase in our relationship with AI: the “human engaged” system. Early-generation AI often lacked the nuance, contextual awareness, and authentic voice necessary to produce a decent article. The framework designed the Human contribution as a necessary input to elevate the machine’s output. It addressed both the technical limitations of the tool and LinkedIn’s motto. Professionals were tasked with being the ghost in the machine, breathing life and experience into an automated skeleton. However, the final product still gave me a feeling of being a patchwork.

However, reliance on human oversight is increasingly becoming unnecessary. Large language models are advancing rapidly, and as AI evolves, their capabilities in drafting, editing, and creating content are increasingly surpassing those of an average human writer. Needs for basic quality control and adding generic insights are fading.

The game has changed. AI has become the new factory floor for content production. It’s already churning out coherent, well-structured drafts at a scale no team of junior writers ever could. The mass-supervision model, endless cycles of proofreading and basic editing, is dead. Wasting our best people on it is a strategic malpractice.

Human experts need to be pulled entirely from the factory floor. Their new role is in the C-suite of content, where they set high-level strategy, curate the absolute best of what the machine produces, and inject the kind of unique, hard-won knowledge that only comes from experience.

Let the machine handle the bulk. Our job is to provide the “genius”.

Ultimately, the downfall of the collaborative articles was not just about the changing dynamics of AI. The feature failed to answer a client’s need. Therefore, it did not generate the expected traction. Professionals on LinkedIn seek genuine connection and authentic thought leadership, content born from personal experience, not from an AI prompt. The platform’s most engaging posts are often personal feedback, stories, and hard-won lessons, not a patchwork of expert ideas.

The AI-generated articles were a good try to increase activity on LinkedIn. But in fact, those were a solution in search of a problem. Users weren’t asking for AI-drafted summaries of professional topics. The low engagement and lack of widespread adoption were signals that the format did not resonate.

LinkedIn’s quiet retreat from this initiative offers several lessons. The successful implementation of AI is never just about technological capability, but also about purpose and value. While the need for human supervision over AI content is waning, the demand for genuine expertise remains as strong as ever.

The future of content creation will not be a battle between humans and AI, but a more sophisticated integration where AI handles the groundwork, freeing human experts to focus on what they do best...

What is it? Think encore!

For business leaders, this unfolding saga offers critical lessons in navigating geopolitical risk, understanding regulatory frameworks, and anticipating the unexpected turns of digital policy.

The Legal Hammer: A New Era of Digital Sovereignty

The legal foundation for the TikTok ban stems from the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” a bipartisan bill overwhelmingly passed by Congress in March 2024 and signed into law in April. This legislation represents a significant shift in the U.S. government's approach to the national security implications of foreign-owned digital platforms.

The Act targets explicitly mobile applications "subject to substantial control by a foreign adversary," explicitly naming TikTok. Its core mandate is clear: ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, must divest its U.S. operations to an American-approved entity or face an effective ban on distribution and hosting by U.S. companies like Apple and Google. This isn't an outright prohibition on the app itself, but rather a strategic chokehold designed to compel a change in ownership.

The Core Concerns around Data, Influence, and National Security

The legislative drive to curtail TikTok's U.S. operations is rooted in two paramount concerns:

• Data Vulnerability: Lawmakers fear the potential for mass data collection on American users by hostile foreign government agencies, leveraging ByteDance's control.

• Algorithmic Manipulation: TikTok’s robust recommendation algorithm could be weaponized to influence American public opinion through targeted content, posing a direct threat to democratic processes.

Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, articulated during the debates, "We must prevent foreign adversaries from exploiting our digital vulnerabilities to influence democracies and surveil our citizens."

His statement underscores a growing global imperative among governments to assert digital sovereignty and protect national interests in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Unseen Influence And TikTok's Impact on Youth and the Spread of Divisive Narratives

Beyond the geopolitical and economic battles, a more insidious concern quietly permeates the TikTok debate: its profound and often negative influence on younger generations. The platform's addictive design, coupled with its robust, opaque algorithm, has created an environment where impressionable minds can be exposed to harmful content and radicalizing viewpoints, raising critical questions about digital citizenship and corporate responsibility.

The Cognitive Toll of Short-Form Video

Studies are highlighting the detrimental effects of excessive short-form video consumption on children and adolescents. The negative correlation between short video usage and academic performance is not only confirmed but also often mediated by shorter attention spans. Psychologists like Dr. Marny Lishman have warned that TikTok "addictive-type behaviors" in kids is directly contributing to a decline in attention. One study, involving elementary school students, found that higher usage of short videos was linked to difficulties in maintaining focus on academic tasks and reduced performance on standardized assessments.

The rapid, high-stimulation nature of TikTok content triggers dopamine surges, creating a cycle of dependency. This constant influx of information can make it difficult for developing brains to wind down, leading to sleep disruption, increased anxiety, and even depressive symptoms. The "infinite scrolling" design, while boosting engagement metrics for the platform, can paradoxically increase feelings of boredom over time and contribute to academic procrastination.

When Algorithms Go Astray By Design: The "Bin Laden Letter" Incident

The platform's content moderation challenges were starkly exposed in November 2023 when Osama bin Laden's 2002 "Letter to America" went viral among a new generation of TikTok users. The letter, which attempts to justify the 9/11 attacks and criticizes U.S. foreign policy, gained millions of views, with some users claiming that "everything we learned about the Middle East, 9/11, and 'terrorism' was a lie." This video is no longer available.

TikTok claimed it was "proactively and aggressively removing those contents" and that reports of it trending were "inaccurate", the incident underscored the platform's struggle to control the rapid dissemination of extremist and misleading narratives. The effort, perhaps intentionally, arrived too late to prevent the detrimental effect. The White House spokesperson Andrew Bates condemned the spread of "repugnant evil and anti-Semitic lies that the leader of al-Qaeda issued just after committing the worst terrorist attack in American history." This episode highlighted how quickly dangerous ideas can proliferate, particularly among a youth demographic that increasingly relies on TikTok for news. A Pew Research Center study revealed that approximately 43% of TikTok users rely on the app for their daily news, a significant increase from 22% the previous year.

Promoting Anti-Western Sentiments and Divisive Narratives

Beyond the famous incidents, concerns persist about TikTok's potential to amplify narratives that align with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) objectives, including those critical of Western values. Furthermore, some research suggests that TikTok's design encourages the virality of political content, enabling a very young segment of users to become producers and consumers of politically charged messages.

Studies have examined how the platform may be manipulated to conceal content critical of China while amplifying narratives that align with the CCP's objectives. One study indicated that heavy TikTok users exhibited "significantly more positive attitudes toward China's human rights record and expressed greater favorability toward China as a travel destination." Critics argue that these digital tactics are often invisible to users, making them particularly effective in altering public perception without being overtly detected.

The platform's algorithm can create "online echo chambers," leading to users becoming radicalized on either side of the political spectrum. This environment can normalize extreme statements and foster a rapid spread of once-peripheral beliefs. While TikTok provides a space for diverse voices, including marginalized groups challenging stereotypes, it also faces the immense challenge of preventing the proliferation of hate speech, misinformation, and content that actively undermines democratic values and promotes divisive ideologies among its vast youth audience. The ongoing debate over TikTok's future in the U.S. is thus not just about data security or economic leverage, but fundamentally about the battle for influence over the next generation's worldview.

Political Calculus and Shifting Sands

While the initial passage of the Act garnered strong bipartisan support, the post-vote political landscape has become far more nuanced. Republicans initially championed the bill as a firm stand against Chinese influence, with Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) famously calling TikTok the "digital Trojan horse of the Chinese Communist Party." Democrats, while aligned mainly on national security, voiced concerns about freedom of expression and potential executive overreach, exemplified by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (D-NY) objection to banning a platform used by 170 million Americans without a whole public debate.

The most notable shift, however, came from Donald Trump. After initially advocating for a TikTok crackdown, he reversed course in March 2025, recognizing the app's significant electoral demographic. His claim that "Taking away TikTok would make millions of young Americans very angry" highlights the powerful intersection of digital platforms and electoral politics, significantly complicating the enforcement of the law and contributing to the successive postponements.

The Divestiture Deadlock: A Geopolitical Standoff

The path to compliance has been anything but smooth. In April, a promising deal emerged with a consortium led by Oracle, alongside existing U.S. investors, proposing to acquire up to 80% of TikTok's U.S. operations. This arrangement aimed to adhere to the 20% foreign ownership cap mandated by law.

However, the Chinese government reportedly scuttled the deal at the eleventh hour, citing new trade tensions and invoking its "golden share" in ByteDance—a mechanism granting Beijing veto power over key decisions. As Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, summarized, "Beijing will never approve the transfer of strategic algorithmic assets to a foreign power." Even a compromise allowing ByteDance to retain algorithm control while Oracle oversaw data security failed to win Beijing's approval, demonstrating China's strategic intent to protect its technological assets.

The Uncharted Territory: Legal Ambiguity and Political Will

With three extensions already granted, the legal landscape surrounding TikTok remains highly uncertain. Legal scholars question the constitutional validity of these delays, suggesting they bypass Congressional oversight. While formal legal challenges have yet to materialize, digital rights groups are reportedly preparing lawsuits, indicating that this saga is far from over.

For now, TikTok operates in a carefully maintained legal grey zone. As Shane Tews, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, aptly concludes, "The law is clear, but its enforcement is ambiguous. The real issue is no longer legal—it’s political." This statement encapsulates the current challenge for business leaders: navigating a regulatory environment where political considerations and geopolitical maneuvering can sway legal mandates.

The TikTok situation serves as a critical case study for global businesses, underscoring the imperative to monitor geopolitical shifts, understand the evolving legal landscape of digital regulation, and prepare for scenarios where national security concerns can rapidly transform market access and operational freedom.

What strategic implications does this ongoing situation hold for the protection of American customers of foreign-owned tech companies operating in the U.S.?

Think Encore !

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Many people are still trying to process what happened. Perhaps it is simpler; we planted these seeds in 2008. We are just living through the harvest now.

The handling of the financial crisis shifted the US values

The Great Financial Crisis didn’t just crash the housing market; it broke the balance of American capitalism. The federal government and the Fed intervened to save financial institutions after letting Lehman Brothers collapse. The remaining institutions were deemed “Too Big to Fail.” Washington borrowed trillions to backstop private losses. What was once an almost free market became a managed economy. The dream of becoming more European started becoming a reality. Not with the French baguette, but more with the downside of the European economy.

Paul Volcker once said, “If they’re too big to fail, they’re too big.

But instead of breaking up risk, we scaled it and socialized the downside.

Since then, more than $6.7 trillion has been added to the Fed’s balance sheet. Globally, central banks injected $25 trillion into the financial system. Most of it didn’t reach ordinary Americans but went into asset markets. Home prices, stocks, and rents exploded. Ownership became a luxury.

Meanwhile, over 42 million Americans now hold student debt totaling nearly $1.77 trillion. Millennials and Gen Z were promised opportunity. What they got was inflation, stagnation, and debt traps.

“Inflation is taxation without legislation” warned Milton Friedman

When Despair Turns Political

Then came COVID. The government began putting cash directly into people’s pockets, essentially piloting a Universal Basic Income. It worked for a while, until inflation hit. And the Fed had to hike rates, once again pushing ownership further out of reach for the next generation.

Enter Mamdani. He isn’t an outlier, a product of this environment. His policies such as municipalized housing, wealth taxes, are abolishing traditional “democrats” policing and aimed at overturning what he and his supporters see as a rigged system.

But many worry that his vision isn’t just anti-capitalist. It is anti-liberal in the classical sense. And that concern deepens when you examine the company he keeps and the rhetoric he has adopted.

What does a society openly tolerating Antisemitism, freedom restriction, and altering private property mean?

Mamdani has refused to condemn explicitly antisemitic slogans like “From the river to the sea.” He’s called Zionism “structurally colonial” and aligned himself with groups that traffic in dangerous conspiracies. While he denies antisemitism personally, his public stance and alliances have already rattled Jewish communities across New York.

Let’s be clear, rejecting capitalism does not require rejecting pluralism, nor does fighting inequality excuse hatred in another form.

The American system may be overdue for reform. But if that reform comes tethered to policies that weaken individual rights, and political movements that tolerate open prejudice, then what kind of future are we building? It seems we are just repeating the mistakes of other collapsed societies… Maybe with better branding.

What will happen to the New York we love?

New York didn’t vote for Mamdani in a vacuum. It voted for him because the generation raised after 2008 is tired of a system that no longer works for them, or is simply tired of a generation of similar, old-fashioned politicians. All are slowly pushing or just letting the progressive destruction of the city's traditional values. But in turning to someone like Mamdani, we must be careful not to lose sight of what actually makes a society free, open, and worth saving.

This isn’t just an economic story. It’s a civic one. And it’s just getting started.

What will happen to the New York we love?

Think encore!

In the evolving landscape of vehicle propulsion, hydrogen fuel cell technology emerges as a compelling alternative to traditional battery-electric systems. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), such as Toyota’s Mirai and Hyundai’s Nexo, operate by converting hydrogen gas into electricity through a fuel cell, driving an electric motor with water vapor as the sole byproduct. This zero-emission profile offers significant environmental benefits, particularly when hydrogen is produced via renewable sources like solar- or wind-driven electrolysis, reducing reliance on carbon-intensive grids that often power battery EVs.

The operational advantages are equally notable. Refueling an FCV takes approximately five minutes—comparable to gasoline vehicles—versus the 30-40 minutes required for a fast-charged EV battery. Moreover, hydrogen leverages existing infrastructure: with modifications, conventional fuel stations can dispense hydrogen, minimizing the need for entirely new networks. As of 2025, California boasts over 60 hydrogen refueling stations, while Japan and parts of Europe are expanding similar ecosystems. For industries like heavy-duty transport, where downtime is costly, hydrogen’s rapid refueling and long-range potential (up to 400-500 miles per tank) position it as a transformative solution.

Environmental and Infrastructure Synergies

From an environmental perspective, hydrogen FCVs align with global decarbonization goals. When sourced renewably, hydrogen production emits no greenhouse gases, offering a lifecycle carbon footprint potentially lower than battery EVs dependent on mined lithium and cobalt. Infrastructure-wise, the ability to repurpose gas station networks reduces capital expenditure compared to building widespread charging grids—a critical advantage in regions with established fuel distribution systems. However, scaling hydrogen production and distribution remains a challenge, requiring significant investment in renewable energy capacity and station density to achieve mass-market viability.

The Electric Alternative: Battery as a Service (BaaS)

While hydrogen gains traction, an innovative electric model—Battery as a Service (BaaS)—presents a complementary alternative to conventional battery ownership. BaaS decouples the battery from the vehicle purchase, lowering upfront costs and introducing a subscription-based approach to power management. This model, pioneered by companies like NIO, reimagines EV economics and user experience, offering a glimpse into a flexible, scalable future for electric mobility.

BaaS Mechanics: A Subscription-Driven Ecosystem

The BaaS framework operates on a straightforward premise: consumers purchase the vehicle at a reduced price—excluding the battery—and pay a recurring fee for battery access and services. For instance, NIO’s ET9 retails at ¥660,000 RMB ($90,450 USD) under BaaS, a ¥128,000 RMB ($17,550 USD) discount from its full price, with a monthly fee of ¥1,128 RMB ($155 USD). The battery remains the provider’s asset, maintained and upgraded by the company.

Central to BaaS is battery swapping, enabled by a network of stations where drivers exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones in under five minutes. NIO’s 2,850+ swap stations in China exemplify this infrastructure, with each swap delivering a refreshed power pack—potentially incorporating newer technology, such as a shift from 100 kWh to 150 kWh capacities. This eliminates charging downtime and mitigates battery degradation concerns, as the provider assumes responsibility for performance and lifecycle management. Users retain the option to charge conventionally, enhancing flexibility.

Key Players in the BaaS Ecosystem

NIO leads the BaaS market, integrating it across its premium EV lineup and supporting it with a robust swapping network, including 50 stations in Europe as of late 2024. Gogoro, a Taiwanese firm, applies a similar model to electric scooters, with over 2,500 swap stations, demonstrating scalability in the two-wheeler segment. VinFast, an emerging Vietnamese automaker, offers BaaS for select models, while China’s Geely explores it for fleet applications. Beyond automakers, battery giant CATL’s EVOGO platform partners with brands like FAW to provide swapping services, and U.S.-based Ample targets fleet operators, such as Uber, with modular swap solutions. These players—approximately four core automakers and a handful of ecosystem enablers—represent a nascent but growing field.

U.S. Market Potential: Opportunities and Obstacles

In the United States, both hydrogen and BaaS face distinct opportunities and hurdles. Hydrogen benefits from federal support, including $7 billion allocated under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to develop hydrogen hubs. This positions it favorably for heavy-duty applications—think freight and logistics—where companies like Cummins and Nikola are already active. California’s 60+ stations provide a foundation, but nationwide adoption hinges on expanding to thousands of refueling points, a multi-billion-dollar endeavor requiring public-private collaboration.

BaaS, conversely, remains untested at scale in the U.S. NIO’s global ambitions suggest potential entry, but its absence of domestic swap stations poses a chicken-and-egg dilemma: infrastructure must precede vehicle sales, yet demand must justify the investment. Tesla’s 19,000+ Superchargers dominate the EV landscape, and American consumers, accustomed to all-inclusive purchases, may resist subscription models. However, Ample’s fleet-focused pilots signal a niche entry point, and if scaled to passenger vehicles, BaaS could address range anxiety and cost barriers—key pain points for EV adoption.

A Dual-Path Future

Hydrogen and BaaS offer distinct pathways to decarbonize U.S. transportation. Hydrogen’s environmental edge and infrastructure compatibility make it a strong contender for long-haul and industrial use, provided refueling networks expand. BaaS, with its cost flexibility and rapid swap potential, could disrupt the passenger EV market if companies like NIO or Ample crack the infrastructure code. In a $1.2 trillion U.S. auto market, where EVs claimed 7.6% of sales in 2023, both alternatives hold untapped potential. Their success will depend on strategic investments, consumer acceptance, and the ability to integrate with—or challenge—the charging status quo. For now, they remain bold bets in a race to redefine mobility.

Thanks to our AI search model, we were surprised to find one brand providing a Made in America toothbrush head. I know, even with toothbrushes, we can still find a way to play with some tech… Anyway, while no toasters are made locally, we would not have bet it was a done deal…

A quick check on the criteria and characteristics comparison with the mid-level entry model of Sonicare places it as a decent contendant.

So ultimately, we wondered what are the main differences? Most likely, it is the production region, China, or the USA. But Sonicare also adds fancy functionalities such as indicator bristles and smart BrushSync compatibility. Both are made to make us change the brush onetime, which is a revenue-generating function. Not sure customers should pay for that…

To conclude with a bright smile,

Think Encore!

The famous Juniper project announced years ago has delivered a new model. With a very similar footprint, it brings, according to Tesla, the expected improvements, reduced noise, and better comfort drives.

Drivers were hoping for significant road quality improvement, allowing passengers to enjoy the drive as much as the driver. Model 3 updates have been applied, including lighting, back screen, material improvement. The effort on sound improvement seems mainly due to the new wheel design; let’s see how the impacts are from the passenger standpoint.

No 7 seats are already available. The model is, for now, only available in Asia, and exclusively manufactured in China.

Tesla Y had a very special market perception. It is almost like the first introduction of the Toyota Prius, which was acquired by both middle-class and tech / eco-friendly drivers. Will the new design give a driver the pride and feel of a car from the upper category or move the Y back to its peers of the same size?

Initially, Tesla benefited from the eco-friendly drivers, in addition to the technology early adopters. Now, a new category is growing, which is more politically engaged around topics such as America, people's performance, non-DEI…

This population of drivers won’t be as tolerant for an unperfect drive or too narrow car…

This model should at least continue the successful path of the old model Y. Will it be convincing enough to maintain Tesla as the market leader? The main “driver” of its incremental success will be:

1. The long run comfort level. Are the back passengers going to accept it comfortable enough for a long road trip?

2. Autonomous driving. Still the leader in the US market, will the new hardware allow an autonomous system to be adopted by all clients?

3. Is the taxi option going to allow monetizing the car’s ownership despite the lack of wireless charging? It would, therefore, make it a game-changer for all owners.

The charging mechanism still leverages the old cable and does not bring much hope to game-changing taxi monetization. The current battery does not offer the fast charging available on some Chinese competitors, with 80% charging in less than 15 minutes.

Therefore, we have not yet found the disruptive innovations we hoped for. Just a new Tesla, which is going to be enough for most. We anticipate this model will succeed in the US market, especially if the price tag remains similar. Tesla no longer has a substantial technical advantage over the Asian competition.

The major regret is on the lack of autonomy improvement

The frustration around EV and Tesla are related to the painfull charging experience. During a cold winter, the autonomy of the Y and 3 are decreasing so painfully that you have the feeling to spend longer charging than driving. The fact that after 5 years and what is called a major upgrade no improvement in the car autonomy is regrettable. especially while some annoncement on over 500 miles of autonomy are performed by BYD oversea.

The other major drawback is the lack of fast charging. This again position the car as it was in 2019, more for those with the option to charge home rather than the city driver leveraging mainly fast charging options.

Lastly, the lack of inductive charging solution will prevent the car to embrace the full autonomy where you can either summon the car from its parking slot, or to have it switched to a Taxi mode when not used.

Is the ultimate success of Tesla just to become a standard car maker ? The incremental update of cars make you feel that you drive the same technology than your parents, and it was ok.

Only the volume of sales will make the difference for Tesla and confirm its ability to drive or attract the public interest and money. Ultimately this Tesla Y is not a game changer; the design of the front is still questionable but certainly offering a nice ride. In a way, this is its purpose.

Think encore!

Nissan’s prior experience with French automaker Renault SA is a key influence in these talks. Having navigated a complex joint venture and a split in 2023, Nissan’s familiarity with complex partnerships may offer a roadmap for working with Honda. Renault still holds approximately 15% of Nissan’s shares, a factor that could affect the financial framework of the potential operation.

The shadow of EV competition

Both Honda and Nissan must address an evolving landscape, where they face stiff competition from electric vehicle (EV) giants like Tesla and a rapidly expanding cohort of Chinese EV makers. A combined entity would need to double down on EV innovation, battery technology, and cost efficiencies to compete effectively.

It is a long road to the destination, and no official merger has been announced. The two companies are exploring various forms of collaboration—from platform sharing and joint manufacturing to a full-scale merger. Analysts caution that these talks remain fluid, with multiple strategic options on the table.

International market scrutiny

Any Honda-Nissan merger would likely face close examination in the United States, where both companies have significant operations. Regulators could demand concessions—such as certain divestitures or structural adjustments—to preserve competition in key markets.

While the path to a potential Honda-Nissan partnership remains uncertain, the mere possibility underscores the intensifying pressure on legacy automakers to adapt amid electrification and technological disruption.

Market observers and investors will be watching closely for further developments that could signal whether these talks will yield one of the largest and most transformative deals in the automotive world outside China.

Beside the market complementary, and the cost optimization on scale production, would a mega merger survive the cultural gap between the 2 Japanese firms?

The stock ticker, a major innovation in financial markets, was introduced on November 15, 1867, by the American Telegraph Company. The modern stock market was born. Indeed, this new capability allowed the dissemination of stock prices by transmitting almost real-time data-point via telegraph lines. Brokers across the country or further were able to get an almost up-to-date data.

First process digitalization in the financial industry

Before Edward A. Calahan's invention, the stock market operated with a sluggishness that today's investors would find unthinkable. Prices of stocks were relayed by messengers, a method fraught with delays and ripe for inefficiencies. Calahan, in a stroke of ingenuity, harnessed telegraph technology to revolutionize this process. His device not only transmitted but also printed succinct company symbols alongside their corresponding stock prices onto a slender, endless ribbon of paper, dubbed ticker tape. The moniker "ticker" itself was born from the rhythmic tapping of the machine as it worked, echoing through the trading floors.

An Edison re-design

In 1869, Thomas Edison, known for his inventive prowess, took the stock ticker to new heights with his Universal Stock Ticker. This iteration from Calahan’s design boasted superior speed and unprecedented reliability. The enhancements were quickly embraced by the financial world, streamlining stock trading with more precise and timely price dissemination.

The introduction of the stock ticker stands as a pivotal moment in financial history, setting the stage for real-time, transparent market data exchange that underpins today's sophisticated trading platforms.

The main driver was to remain competitive in response to the rising popularity of short-form video content, particularly from the Chinese platform like TikTok. Inspired by its competitor, Instagram introduced Reels in August 2020 part of new bundle of features. This addition allows to share 15-second videos, directly competing with TikTok's format.

Over the time to comply with its parent Facebook, Instagram has implemented a set of content moderation policies. These measures not fully transparent to the public are claimed to include filtering sensitive content and restricting certain type of interactions.

Despite these efforts, reports and legacy media have highlighted instances where harmful content remained accessible on the platform, indicating areas where current rules could be improved or were not applied.

New ideas and free thinkers have some work to do to help Instagram to embrace an efficient filtering approach. While illegal material seems likely easier to find than sharp ideas… the current approach demonstrated its limit.

As American are craving for more free speech and access to the information from its source rather than via digest proposed by legacy media, Instagram is still balancing from old social media and modern platform.

From our perspective a long path remains…

For those still addict to this platform you can still enjoy @thinkencore_english…

From our perspective, our efforts will remain… We continue to believe good ideas need supervision not censorship.

Keep thinking.

Quantum computers, based on quantum mechanics, would have the potential to decipher current public-key cryptosystems at a large scale, posing a threat to internet security.

Post-quantum #cryptography aims to create secure systems against both quantum and classical computers while remaining compatible with existing networks.

Although the timeline for the development of large-scale quantum computers is very uncertain

it is widely agreed that preparing for this quantum computing era is essential.

This preparation is essential, given the historical timeframe required for deploying new cryptographic IT infrastructures and the importance of ensuring #CyberResilience.

Post-Quantum Security, often called quantum-resistant or quantum-safe security, involves developing and implementing cryptographic algorithms that are secure against both quantum and classical computers.

In post-quantum security, the focus extends beyond simply swapping outdated algorithms for new ones. It involves a profound reevaluation of our approach to cryptographic security in light of the potential redefinition of computational power by quantum computing.

This field is experiencing rapid advancements with continuous research, standardization endeavors, and practical deployments, all aimed at fortifying digital information against the impending quantum threat.

There is no timeline or guarantee… but an incredible transformation is on the horizon.

Thinkencore !

The French company in the sporting goods sector, has established itself as a global powerhouse with over two thousand stores spread across the globe. The company's success is built on an economic model, focused on providing a wide range of its own products at competitive prices.

Decathlon's promotes an inhouse management of research, design, production, logistics, and distribution.

This vertical integration allows the company, with an Apple like model, to control every step of its supply chain, controlling products quality and operations. In addition, Decathlon used to markets its own brands directly to consumers, further solidifying its market position.

Decathlon's motto to make sports accessible to all has resonated favorably with consumers worldwide, contributing to Decathlon's international growth and success. The company began its expansion in Europe, Asia and Americas:

In recent years, Decathlon has diversified its product range to include specialist brands and higher-end products. This effort aims at penetrating new markets and cater to a more diverse clientele.

Difficult West Coast expansion and Californian nightmare

Decathlon's attempt to expand its presence in California in 2019 encountered challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global supply chains and consumer behavior. The timing of this expansion was unfortunate, as the pandemic led to a significant slowdown in retail activity and changed consumer shopping habits.

While the California market on sport good is quite saturated, Decathlon's initial attempt was not only challenged by the pandemic. The state politics and security challenges did not help the brand.

While the Californian locations are now closed, the inventory and number of references online does not give a positive signal neither.

However, Decathlon has adapted by using other distributors for its products to reach the California market. This strategy allows the company to leverage existing distribution networks and reach a broader customer base without the need to establish physical stores.

A large portion of Decathlon's production is carried out in China, which allows the company to significantly reduce its manufacturing costs. However, this reliance on Chinese production also has consequences for local employment in the countries where Decathlon is present. By outsourcing a large part of its production, Decathlon do not contribute to job opportunities in local manufacturing and production sectors, which can have a negative impact on local economies.

Decathlon's success around the world was expected to be replicated in the US. Unfortunately, the American dream did not apply to the french brand. In the meantime, the best option to get those frenchie sport good is to catch the deals on the US decathlon website while it last…

Maybe starting West Coast became the legacy way, and now south and east is the place to be…

Think encore !

This free platform fit well into Google’s overall strategy at the time, which aimed to increase content and traffic to boost advertising revenue. This win-win approach was embedded in Google’s DNA, offering free web hosting, email servers, voicemail systems, news aggregators, etc.

After 20 years, Google deemed the market mature enough to start monetizing these legacy free services. The free email solution, Google Apps, was replaced by G Suite and then by Workspace. What was once free quickly turned into a significant contributor to Google Cloud Division’s $36 billion revenue.

Over time, Google did not drastically change the Blogger platform, maintaining its surprising stability for a digital product. Some saw this as a sign of an impending retirement, but year after year, Blogger survived Google’s retirement selection process.

Unfortunately, while Blogger maintained its original ethos, the company as a whole evolved. The founders stepped back, and the digital libertarian spirit of the early years was gradually fading away and maybe replaced by "lululemon" employees who embraced visible and trendy causes, which, regrettably, promoted divisions in the real world.

A few Californian brand marketing advisors still promote old ideas like corporations need to have strong political engagement to fit into their community. However, real consumers do not expect companies to be activists.

Customers look for the best products at the best prices. Therefore, it is not compatible with adding additional costs of activism to the invoices.

Customers are willing to directly funding the causes they support. No need for an unrelated 3rd party, making uncontrolled choices based on “lululemon employees” ideas.

Google has faced several backlashes with biases that are visibly misaligned with its customer base. Fortunately for Google, its central position in the digital market has saved it from situations like those faced by the beer brand Bud Light or the retailer Target.

It remains to be seen how many times Google can navigate these situations without impacting its bottom line.

Think encore !

While this wouldn't justify a post, this time the data was used to train Bard, Google's new AI engine. This is likely the first fine related to copyrighted material used for AI training.

Once again, we see the diverging strategies of EMEA and AMER:

- The former focuses on building a regulatory framework first and is now enforcing fines.

- The latter prioritizes building technology before creating regulatory rules. Possibly by decision, or most likely due to the technology leadership of the private sector and the public law maker lagging behind.

While both approaches face criticism, the danger for Europe is to stifle an emerging industry with constraints before reaping the first benefits.

Meanwhile, French President Macron has repeatedly emphasized France's ambitions in the digital innovation market. Imposing fines on GAFA could indirectly help local startups while aiding a heavily indebted country.

We can expect these fines to become more frequent before there's some stabilization in both the methodology for selecting data for AI training and the regulation.

But ultimately, what is the valuation of having an entire country's information pushed into a worldwide AI brain?

Think encore !

Furthermore, the similitude with the Passover prediction is getting attention with in less than a year Northeast America faced the flooding, the infestation of the lanternfly bugs, the earthquake, and the darkness of the eclipse.

The mechanics of a solar eclipse are a marvel of celestial precision. When the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, it casts a shadow over our planet, creating a temporary twilight in the middle of the day. This alignment, known as syzygy, is not just a stunning visual spectacle but also a reminder of the astronomical phenomena that occur beyond our earthly realm.

How a celestial phenomenon could pave the cultural Tapestry

Sometimes perceived as powerful omens, Solar eclipses have been influencing decisions of rulers and the course of nations. They have been immortalized in art, literature, and oral traditions, often symbolizing transformation and renewal. The recent eclipse continues this rich cultural legacy, serving as a bridge between the past and present, science and superstition. Joe Biden did not miss the tradition and provided a dedicated speech on this special day.

The recent eclipse carved a path across the US, offering a unique experience to millions. It transcended geographical and traditional boundaries, fostering a sense of unity among diverse populations traveling for the occasion. The shared experience of witnessing the eclipse promoted an inclusive conversation about our place in the universe and the wonders of nature. The rare non-woke inclusive chat being welcome by all sides.

Society in need of natural event to push us out for a Real-World Classroom

The eclipse provided an unparalleled educational opportunity, prompting schools to refocus on physics and real-world science lessons. It brought students together, united by the undeniable facts of science, and inspired a renewed interest in the STEM fields. The event served as a practical demonstration of the principles taught in classrooms, emphasizing the relevance and excitement of scientific inquiry.

The eclipse underscored the importance of nature safety, with health organizations worldwide disseminating information on how to observe the event without causing eye's harm. The widespread distribution of eclipse glasses and the emphasis on protective measures highlighted the role of public health initiatives in such significant events.

The eclipse’s impact extended beyond the educational sphere, affecting the psychology of individuals and communities. The awe-inspiring nature of the event evoked feelings of humility and a greater appreciation for the natural world. It also influenced animal behavior, with many species displaying altered patterns during the eclipse, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.

For once, NASA back to the forefront

NASA’s involvement in the eclipse brought scientific research to the forefront, with the agency conducting experiments to assess the impact on the ionosphere. This focus on science was matched by an economic surge in the hospitality sector, as hotels and rentals along the eclipse’s path were booked to capacity. The event also posed challenges for businesses, with the midday darkness disrupting operations and productivity.

The eclipse’s economic impact was multifaceted, with some sectors experiencing a boon while others faced temporary setbacks. Eye health professionals braced for an increase in consultations, as some individuals inevitably neglected safety guidelines, highlighting the need for continued public education on health and safety.

Reflecting on the Eclipse

The solar eclipse was a moment of global unity, an educational catalyst, and an economic stimulant. It reminded us of the importance of preparation, the value of scientific literacy, and the power of communal experiences. The beauty of natural event is the ability to always look forward to future eclipses. Since on earth this rare event happen every 18 months, we can always travel to enrich our experience, or wait few decades and talk about the past one with nostalgia. We carry with us maybe lessons learned but mostly memories forged with colleagues and loved one during this extraordinary event while thinking which of the 10 plagues we missed so far…

Think encore !

In 2024, a new bill submitted to the house is promoting an intriguing proposition called the Made in the USA bill. The mechanism incentivizes customers, rather than producers, by offering tax breaks for consuming USA-made products.

Unfortunately, the bill already has numerous limitations likely to hinder its significant impact on the customer journey.

Firstly, the cap on consumer revenue excludes the top 20%, who possess most of the purchasing power and are willing to support more expensive producers committed to the "made locally" pledge. This exclusion of those in higher tax brackets also eliminates individuals seeking tax break opportunities - theoretically, the target audience of the bill.

Furthermore, the exclusion of luxury goods and a maximum allowance of $5k per household hinders support for the few remaining US activities producing higher-value products. While toaster manufacturers may no longer exist on US soil, high-end kitchen appliance producers still thrive.

While the idea holds promise in promoting new customer behaviors, the overly strict limitations prevent the bill from making a meaningful impact. Slowly but surely, the concept will progress beyond internal political divides and ultimately serve the people.

One day...

An article fully #MadeInUSA

Think Encore!

Expectations and spending are dispersed across a multi-year program, aiding both government investment and tangible outcomes from startups in a technology that is still in its nascent stages.

The program selected five French startups: @pasqalio, @Alice__Bob, @C12_Quantum, @Quandela_SAS , and #Quobly with the initial objective of establishing a functional underlying infrastructure for a quantum computer within the next few years.

This aims at the emergence of a working standard of Quantum computing - a scientific question still pending…

An ambitious initiative to bring #France back in the center of the playground...

Is it going to be enough?

Think encore !