The Daily Populous

Saturday February 8th, 2020 morning edition

image for Tesla remotely disables Autopilot on used Model S after it was sold

Tesla has remotely disabled driver assistance features on a used Model S after it was sold to a customer, Jalopnik reports.

The features were enabled when the dealer bought the car, and they were advertised as part of the package when the car was sold to its owner.

It’s a peculiar situation that raises hard questions about the nature of over-the-air software updates as they relate to vehicles.

Tesla is claiming it can yank access to software features using OTA updates.

But because Tesla can update its vehicles remotely, the Model S and other Tesla vehicles can apparently lose key features.

Tesla has recent identified instances of customers being incorrectly configured for Autopilot versions that they did not pay for.

The value of the self-driving features that were supposed to remain active in the Model S comes out to about $8,000. »

Apple fined for slowing down old iPhones

Authored by bbc.co.uk

Apple has been fined 25 million euros (£21m, $27m) for deliberately slowing down older iPhone models without making it clear to consumers.

In 2017, Apple confirmed that it did slow down some iPhones, but said it only did so to "prolong the life" of the devices.

Why does Apple slow down old iPhones?. »

Trump fires two major impeachment figures -- Alexander Vindman and Gordon Sondland

Authored by edition.cnn.com

The dismissals appear to be retribution for Vindman and Sondland's explosive testimonies to the House impeachment probe late last year, both of which were done under subpoena.

A person familiar with the situation says Sondland's ties to the White House and Trump had frayed badly since he testified last year.

Pressman said in a statement that it is clear he was fired for testifying in the impeachment probe. »

Netflix Reveals Titles Pulled From Service Over Government Demands

Authored by hollywoodreporter.com

While much of the report focuses on the company’s commitment to diversity and its environmental impact, the company also revealed every instance in which it has removed content from its streaming service due to government demands.

Netflix says in the report that it has removed a total of nine different TV shows and movies since the service launched.

The company says that, going forward, it will reveal all government takedown demands annually. »

Pope Francis calls tax cuts for the wealthy a 'structure of sin'

Authored by dailymail.co.uk

Pope Francis has called tax cuts for the wealthy a 'structure of sin' before telling a conference at the Vatican the 'rich world can and must end poverty'.

Pope Francis speaks at a conference hosted by the Vatican on economic solidarity, at the Vatican yesterday.

Francis can be seen arriving at the conference hosted by the Vatican at the Vatican yesterday. »