0080: Tesla’s Self-Driving Goes Subscription
Thu Feb 05 2026
A car you own shouldn’t feel like software you rent — yet here we are. We dive into Tesla’s decision to shift Full Self‑Driving from an up‑front buy to a $99/month subscription, break down what actually transfers on used Teslas, and run the numbers on when it might help or hurt your wallet. It’s not just about cost; it’s about control, value at resale, and how automakers use software toggles to push constant upgrades.
From there we go big and small: Samsung’s 130‑inch microLED showpiece is a wall of light with jaw‑dropping color and an equally jaw‑dropping price, while a new pair of AR smart glasses launches high and discounts fast. We compare them to Ray‑Ban Meta’s approach and talk about what really drives adoption — fit, fashion, options, and the ability to try before you buy. Along the way, we hit two screen-worthy picks: Daredevil Born Again’s new teaser, proving consistent release cadence keeps fans engaged, and Rip on Netflix, a lean Miami heist thriller with real-world roots.
Our favorite rabbit hole is agentic AI. We spotlight a rebranded always‑on desktop agent (formerly ClaudeBot, now Molt) that quietly handles your backlog: scanning email, drafting replies, booking travel, moving the mouse, editing sheets, even shipping simple code. Pair that with Promptly, a tool that turns vague ideas into crisp prompts, and you get a peek at work that happens while you sleep. This is where AI is headed — away from chat windows and into everyday workflows.
We wrap with quick-hit CES swag reviews, a useful smart plug, and a lively sports block covering NHL shifts, college hoops, boxing matchups, NFL picks, and a spicy Pro Bowl debate. If you’re tech-curious and value-savvy, this one’s for you. Listen, subscribe, and tell us: would you buy FSD outright or go subscription? Leave a review and share your take — we’ll feature our favorite replies next week.
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A car you own shouldn’t feel like software you rent — yet here we are. We dive into Tesla’s decision to shift Full Self‑Driving from an up‑front buy to a $99/month subscription, break down what actually transfers on used Teslas, and run the numbers on when it might help or hurt your wallet. It’s not just about cost; it’s about control, value at resale, and how automakers use software toggles to push constant upgrades. From there we go big and small: Samsung’s 130‑inch microLED showpiece is a wall of light with jaw‑dropping color and an equally jaw‑dropping price, while a new pair of AR smart glasses launches high and discounts fast. We compare them to Ray‑Ban Meta’s approach and talk about what really drives adoption — fit, fashion, options, and the ability to try before you buy. Along the way, we hit two screen-worthy picks: Daredevil Born Again’s new teaser, proving consistent release cadence keeps fans engaged, and Rip on Netflix, a lean Miami heist thriller with real-world roots. Our favorite rabbit hole is agentic AI. We spotlight a rebranded always‑on desktop agent (formerly ClaudeBot, now Molt) that quietly handles your backlog: scanning email, drafting replies, booking travel, moving the mouse, editing sheets, even shipping simple code. Pair that with Promptly, a tool that turns vague ideas into crisp prompts, and you get a peek at work that happens while you sleep. This is where AI is headed — away from chat windows and into everyday workflows. We wrap with quick-hit CES swag reviews, a useful smart plug, and a lively sports block covering NHL shifts, college hoops, boxing matchups, NFL picks, and a spicy Pro Bowl debate. If you’re tech-curious and value-savvy, this one’s for you. Listen, subscribe, and tell us: would you buy FSD outright or go subscription? Leave a review and share your take — we’ll feature our favorite replies next week. Support the show 🚀 Join the Hustle! 👥 Join Our Community – Dive into our Discord, where the tech talk never stops. 💌 Subscribe to the Newsletter – Your monthly dose of tech, culture, and community insights. 💻 Contribute on GitHub – Got code? Join our projects and make a difference. 🎤 Book a Speaker – Bring #TheTechHustle's fire to your event. 📚 Explore Our Courses – Level up with our expert-led tech courses. 💼 Advertise with Us – Become a Sponsor or Partner with #TheTechHustle! 💖 Make a Donation – Support the movement that's reshaping tech.