Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface company, is reportedly planning to start a US clinical trial in October to use its technology to translate thoughts directly into text. 

The trial was approved by the FDA under an investigational device exemption, and it could help pave the way for people with speech impairments to communicate more quickly and efficiently.

Thought-to-text technology

The upcoming trial aims to read speech directly from the brain, enabling participants to transmit words without moving their mouths or using a keyboard, as noted in a report from Bloomberg News.

DJ Seo, Neuralink’s president, told an audience at the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies in Seoul that the company hopes to demonstrate communication with large language model AI platforms “at the speed of thought,” potentially faster than spoken speech.

“We think that it’s actually possible to demonstrate abilities to speak to the latest AI model, or LLM models, at the speed of thought, even faster than how you’re speaking, and being able to potentially get that information back through your AirPods, effectively closing the loop,” Seo stated.

Production ambitions

Ultimately, Seo described the trial as a stepping stone toward broader human enhancement and consumer-facing applications, beyond the company’s initial focus on medical conditions like ALS, stroke, blindness, and Parkinson’s disease.

While initial implants will focus on patients with severe speech impairments, Neuralink plans to eventually expand to healthy individuals by 2030. The company aims to scale to 20,000 implants per year by 2031.

“We’re currently envisioning a world where, in about 3 to 4 years, there will be someone who’s otherwise healthy who’s going to get a Neuralink. If you’re imagining saying something, we would be able to pick that up,” the executive noted.

Longtime Tesla hacker @greentheonly has shared early firmware insights about the long-rumored affordable Model Y variant, which is reportedly codenamed “E41.” 

The hacker hinted at a vehicle with a significantly simplified cabin, downgraded components, and cost-saving measures.

Simple and affordable

As per the longtime Tesla hacker, the Model Y E41 will have its own distinct fascia. The vehicle will also have a cabin that’s notably more minimal than the standard Model Y. Key changes reportedly include a fiberglass headliner, simplified cabin lighting limited to the footwell, single-axis seat controls, and no power folding mirrors. 

Other reductions reportedly include no puddle lamps, no second-row display, no TPMS, and no glass roof. Audio will reportedly come in two configurations, “essential” or “essential with commodity.” The backup camera also loses its heater, and the console excludes the “airwave” feature. 

The Model Y E41’s wheels are reportedly at 18 inches, and the suspension appears downgraded. While exact motor specs remain unknown, the veteran Tesla hacker noted that the vehicle will likely offer both RWD and AWD trims.

Early production and potential rollout

Previous firmware observations suggest that Tesla may already be producing Model Y E41 prototypes on non-specialized factory lines, at least if the rollout pattern of past Model Y and Model 3 refreshes were any indication. With this in mind, the Tesla hacker noted that it would not be surprising if the vehicle were already being made in significant volumes today.

Reuters previously reported the E41 will be at least 20% cheaper to manufacture than Tesla’s standard Model Y, allowing the vehicle to become a lower-cost alternative for consumers who wish to enter the ecosystem without shelling out too much. While official pricing and details remain unconfirmed, @greentheonly’s recent insights provide a pretty exciting teaser at how Tesla might package its budget-friendly Model Y.

Piper Sandler boosted its Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) price target to $500 from $400, maintaining an “Overweight” rating after a research trip to China. 

The firm cited Tesla’s leadership in artificial intelligence and robotics as central to its thesis, even as Chinese electric vehicle makers grow more competitive. Analysts concluded that Tesla is still the benchmark that competitors rely on for innovation.

A China visit

During its visit, Piper Sandler met with several Chinese EV manufacturers, many of which are vertically integrated and expanding rapidly. Analysts noted that these “fast followers” represent Tesla’s most significant competitive challenge. However, executives from multiple companies acknowledged Tesla’s foundational role in shaping the industry’s direction, TipRanks stated in a report.

One automaker told Piper Sandler that “without Tesla going from 0 to 1, we can’t go from 1 to 100,” highlighting the Elon Musk-led company’s enduring influence. Analysts said the remarks reflect both admiration and dependence on Tesla’s early innovations, particularly in areas such as battery integration, vehicle software, and AI-powered features.

Tesla’s leadership

Piper Sandler’s report emphasized that while Chinese automakers are formidable in design and production, they look to Tesla for advancements in “real-world” AI applications. Tesla’s focus on autonomous driving and robotics continues to distinguish it from competitors, making the company Piper Sandler’s top investment idea in this space.

“Building AI-enabled machines requires data, talent, chips, and engineering prowess. Tesla compares favorably vs. the Chinese on all of these fronts,” Piper Sandler analyst Alexander Potter stated in a note. 

Piper Sandler also shared some of its expectations for Tesla this year, stating that it is estimating that the company will delivery ~495k vehicles this third-quarter, possibly attaining a new all-time record. The firm, however, stated that its 2026 outlook for Tesla is shakier, as the EV maker could just hit ~1.9 million units, which could include as many as 350k affordable “Model 2” vehicles.