Tesla Semi enters new Pilot Program with interesting challenge

teslarati.com Jul 13, 2026

Tesla Semi enters new Pilot Program with interesting challenge

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 13, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Tesla has launched a new Pilot Program for its Semi truck with Paper Transport, LLC (PTI), a Wisconsin-based logistics provider. PTI will test the Long Range configuration within the Chicago market, subjecting the vehicle to harsh midwestern winter conditions. This deployment serves as a rigorous stress test for the Semi’s performance in cold temperatures and heavy snow, building on previous trials in Alaska and Northern California. PTI aims to evaluate how the electric truck supports its strategy of reducing transportation emissions while maintaining reliability and cost efficiency. The Long Range model, priced at $290,000, offers approximately 500 miles of range and a three-motor powertrain. This partnership expands PTI’s sustainable portfolio alongside renewable natural gas options. It also follows similar strategic agreements Tesla has established with major corporations like PepsiCo and Frito-Lay. Through these real-world operations, Tesla gathers critical data to refine the Semi for broader commercial adoption in regional and nationwide logistics networks.

💡 Why It Matters

· Validating the Semi’s reliability in Chicago’s severe winters addresses a critical barrier to electric truck adoption in northern markets.
· Success here proves the vehicle can handle extreme cold without compromising the efficiency metrics that drive fleet economics.

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The Tiny Aoostar Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H Mini PC With 24GB of…

Aoostar is currently selling its AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H Mini PC for $268.10 on AliExpress, marking the first time the device has dropped below the $300 threshold. The promotion includes a $35 discount using coupon code "FJUS35" and offers free shipping from a United States warehouse. This model features an 8-core processor with a 4.7GHz turbo frequency, Radeon 680M graphics, and 24GB of soldered LPDDR5-6400MHz RAM. Connectivity options include two USB 4 Type-C ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, and dual 2.5Gb Ethernet jacks. The compact unit measures approximately 5" x 5" x 2.4", comparable to an Apple Mac Mini. While the system includes the CPU, GPU, and memory, buyers must supply their own M.2 SSD storage. Amazon lists the same configuration for $349, making the AliExpress deal significantly cheaper. The mini PC supports Windows and is suitable for productivity, light gaming, or home server use. Its small form factor allows it to mount behind monitors, offering a powerful alternative to single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi at this price point.

💡 Sub-$300 pricing for a Ryzen 7 Pro system with USB 4 and 24GB RAM disrupts the value proposition of entry-level Mac Minis and high-end single-board computers. This deal validates the mini PC market as a viable, high-performance alternative for budget-conscious Windows users seeking desktop replacement capabilities without the premium brand markup.

androidcentral.com · Jul 14

OnePlus may be on the verge of a major global retreat

Reports indicate that OnePlus, a subsidiary of OPPO, is preparing to cease operations in Europe and the United States. German outlet WinFuture claims OPPO will announce this strategic withdrawal this week, ending the brand’s presence in Western markets after more than a decade. This development follows months of rumors regarding executive departures, shrinking global ambitions, and potential shutdowns. Although OnePlus previously denied similar claims, recent evidence suggests a significant retreat from international markets to focus primarily on China. Existing device owners are expected to receive continued software updates and after-sales support during a transition period. However, new product launches, retail sales, and local marketing activities in these regions are anticipated to end. If confirmed, this move would remove a key competitor that has challenged industry giants like Samsung, Google, and Apple with aggressive pricing and flagship specifications. The company has not yet officially confirmed the report, maintaining a pattern of denying earlier speculation about its long-term plans and operational structure in Western territories.

💡 The potential exit removes a crucial price-disruptor from Western markets, allowing dominant players like Apple and Samsung to face less pressure on premium pricing strategies. Consumers lose a viable alternative that consistently offered high-end specifications at lower costs, potentially stifling innovation and reducing choice in the flagship smartphone segment.

appleinsider.com · Jul 14

iPadOS 27 & macOS 27 beta 3 get a version 2 update…

Apple has released version 2 updates for iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 beta 3, coinciding with the launch of their respective public betas. While other OS 27 betas retained standard build numbers for public release, these developer updates feature revised build identifiers. macOS 27 beta 3 version 2 carries build number 26A5378n, an increase from 26A5368g. Similarly, iPadOS 27 beta 3 version 2 uses build 24A5380I, up from 24A5370h. Apple typically aligns developer and public beta versions, suggesting these changes address specific bugs or security issues prior to wider distribution. Official release notes and Settings update dialogs do not detail the specific modifications included in these version 2 builds. Current developer beta users are advised to install the updates promptly to maintain system stability and security. AppleInsider continues to recommend that users avoid installing beta software on critical hardware devices. Those interested in identifying specific changes in the new builds are encouraged to contact the publication via X or email for further discussion and community feedback.

💡 The silent version 2 updates suggest Apple addressed critical stability or security flaws immediately before public exposure. This rapid patching indicates a high priority on preventing widespread issues for the broader user base.

appleinsider.com · Jul 13

Fifth developer betas of iOS 26.6, macOS 26.6 are out now

Apple released the fifth developer betas of iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, watchOS 26.6, visionOS 26.6, tvOS 26.6, macOS Tahoe 26.6 and HomePod Software 26.6, each replacing the previous build from the same series. The updates arrived after the fourth beta on July 6, following a weekly cadence that began on May 26. Build identifiers include iOS 23G5065a, iPadOS 23G5065a, watchOS 23U5062b, visionOS 23O5765a, tvOS 23L5766a, macOS 25G5065a and HomePod 23L5766a. Apple also issued release‑candidate builds for macOS 15.7.8 (24G817) and macOS 14.8.8 (23J615). The current‑gen track focuses on performance and security, while a parallel 27‑generation track tests larger feature changes. Developers are urged to use secondary devices and retain backups, with public betas recommended for risk‑averse users.

💡 The fifth beta round may be the final polish before Apple ships iOS 26.6, giving developers a near‑final platform to validate apps and security fixes ahead of the fall launch.

teslarati.com · Jul 13

Tesla reveals development of wheelchair-accessible autonomous vehicle

Tesla announced on Monday that it is developing a purpose‑built, wheelchair‑accessible autonomous vehicle at its Gigafactory Texas near Austin. Senior Policy Advisor India Herdman told the Washington D.C. City Council that the new model will operate without a human driver, aiming to address the challenges of paratransit and give permanently wheelchair‑bound users independent mobility. The initiative expands on Elon Musk’s September 2025 tweet confirming work on accessible rides within the Robotaxi platform, which currently relies on the Model Y. While Tesla’s Cybercab has begun employee trials, it is not designed for wheelchair access, leaving a gap that the company hopes to fill with either a modified Robovan or a new body style. The project also seeks to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and avoid legal pitfalls faced by rivals.

💡 Providing a fully autonomous, wheelchair‑friendly ride could set a new industry benchmark for inclusive mobility, forcing competitors to prioritize accessibility in their own autonomous fleets.

9to5google.com · Jul 13

XREAL’s $299 glasses are for movies & games – here’s how they…

XREAL has launched the XBX A01+ glasses, the first product of its new “X by XREAL” sub‑brand aimed at AR hardware. Priced at $299 in the United States, the A01+ undercuts the company’s existing XREAL 1S model, which retails for $449, and positions the device as a “private screen” for media consumption. The glasses connect to a Steam Deck, smartphone or similar source and display content directly in front of the wearer’s eyes. Compared with XREAL models, the A01+ sacrifices a wider 57‑degree field‑of‑view for a 50‑degree view, omits 3‑DoF “Anchor Mode” head‑tracking, and lacks electrochromic dimming lenses, meaning the real world remains visible. Despite these compromises, XREAL markets the A01+ as a cost‑effective option for movie and game enthusiasts.

💡 By slashing the price to $299, XREAL makes immersive AR viewing accessible to mainstream gamers and movie fans who previously faced prohibitive costs, potentially expanding the consumer market for head‑mounted displays.