# Musk Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "Musk", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

Dissolving xAI, Musk Wants to Rebuild an AI Company Using Rocket-Building Methods

Elon Musk is making an unprecedented move by dissolving his AI startup, xAI, and folding it into his aerospace company, SpaceX, ahead of a planned public offering. This aims to package SpaceX's lucrative rocket and Starlink business with the high-cost, high-growth potential of AI. However, xAI's flagship model, Grok, has struggled to gain significant commercial or enterprise traction compared to leaders like OpenAI's ChatGPT or Anthropic's Claude. Internal turmoil led to the departure of much of xAI's founding AI talent. Musk has responded by installing SpaceX engineers as managers to transform xAI from a research lab into a high-efficiency "AI factory," focusing on infrastructure like its Colossus supercomputing cluster. Musk's vision positions the combined "SpaceXAI" as a future AI infrastructure company, addressing bottlenecks in computing power, energy, and data centers. He even proposes futuristic concepts like space-based AI data centers. To validate this story, SpaceXAI has begun sharing compute resources with former rival Anthropic. Financially, the merger appears to be a move to secure funding for xAI's massive losses by leveraging SpaceX's stable cash flow. While the combined entity targets a $1.25 trillion valuation, the market has yet to price in significant synergy. The strategic choice of SpaceX over Tesla, despite Tesla's closer ties to physical AI applications like robots and cars, is seen as Musk securing maximum control. Ultimately, Musk is betting that his proven methodology—centralized control, vertical integration, and aggressive engineering timelines—will succeed in the AI arena. But this time, he faces competitors like OpenAI and Google who are equally fast, well-funded, and determined. The merger is less about a guaranteed victory and more about ensuring Musk remains a key player at the table, regardless of the final outcome.

marsbit05/09 01:40

Dissolving xAI, Musk Wants to Rebuild an AI Company Using Rocket-Building Methods

marsbit05/09 01:40

55 Billion Dollars: Musk's 'Chip Factory' Becomes a Reality

Elon Musk's "Terafab" Chip Factory Vision Begins with a $55 Billion Bet SpaceX has formally proposed investing $55 billion to initiate construction of a "Terafab" chip manufacturing facility in Grimes County, Texas, with the total cost potentially reaching $119 billion in later phases. This massive project, a joint initiative by SpaceX and Tesla, marks a pivotal step in Elon Musk's strategy of vertical integration for his company ecosystem. The core logic is that Musk's ventures—SpaceX, Tesla, xAI, and future projects like the Optimus robot—consume enormous amounts of AI computing power. Terafab is envisioned not merely as a factory but as a "full-stack AI infrastructure strategy," aiming to bring chip production, energy sourcing, and compute deployment under one umbrella to secure a self-sufficient supply of this critical resource. Analysts describe this as a bold "15-year strategy" with significant execution risks. Building a leading-edge semiconductor fab requires 3-5 years, specialized equipment like ASML's EUV lithography machines, and a skilled workforce, with the earliest chip output not expected until mid-2028 at best. It mirrors a broader industry trend where giants like Microsoft and Google are also pouring billions into custom AI chips, driven by the belief that in the AI era, controlling computing power means controlling the future. Timed alongside SpaceX's impending IPO, the Terafab announcement also serves as a powerful narrative, linking Tesla to SpaceX's and AI's growth story. Whether the vision translates into a functioning foundry remains uncertain, but Musk's move to have a rocket company build chips is redefining industry boundaries once again.

marsbit05/08 13:54

55 Billion Dollars: Musk's 'Chip Factory' Becomes a Reality

marsbit05/08 13:54

First Day Review of "Musk's WeChat" XChat: Even Worse Than Expected

Elon Musk's much-anticipated "WeChat-like" app, XChat, has officially launched after multiple delays. The initial review reveals a product that falls short of expectations, offering an experience largely similar to X Platform's (formerly Twitter) direct messages, despite being marketed as an encrypted communication tool. Key observations from the first-day test include: 1. The app's promoted "end-to-end encryption" and its claimed relation to Bitcoin's architecture were criticized by experts as a superficial attempt to capitalize on crypto buzz, with no real technical connection. 2. Musk's vision of an ad-free "secure communication system" is technically met, but only because the app is currently extremely basic, featuring only a single chat interface. 3. A promised anti-screenshot feature appears inconsistent; it works in X Platform group chats but fails within the XChat app itself, where screenshots still capture avatars. 4. The app supports 45 languages and has a 16+ age rating, indicating a broader tolerance for content compared to WeChat's 13+ rating. 5. A puzzling login process requires users to verify the email associated with their X account. 6. The touted encryption" feels minimal in practice, with its presence only indicated by a simple "Encrypted - Yes" label on messages. 7. Disappearing message timers for groups can be set from 5 minutes to 4 weeks, with the timer starting upon being read by a user. 8. Group invite links are shared with X Platform groups. 9. Group size limits are planned to be increased, aiming for 1000 members, a move that has drawn user criticism. 10. The app offers 8 different colored icons, and its chat bubbles are notably similar to WeChat's. Message deletion options mimic Telegram's. Crucially, many pre-announced features like importing X contacts, integrating Grok AI, X Money payments, and Cashtags are not yet available. The initial release is seen as a bare-bones and underwhelming first step.

Odaily星球日报04/25 02:13

First Day Review of "Musk's WeChat" XChat: Even Worse Than Expected

Odaily星球日报04/25 02:13

Kicked Out of PayPal, Musk Aims for a Comeback in the Crypto Market

Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) has launched its "Smart Cashtags" feature, generating approximately $1 billion in trading volume within days of its April 2026 pilot launch. The feature allows users to click on stock or crypto tickers (or even full Solana token contract addresses) in posts to view real-time price charts and discussions without leaving the app. Initially available to iPhone users in the US and Canada, with a partnership in Canada enabling direct trading via the Wealthsimple app. This move is part of Musk's broader "Everything App" vision, spearheaded by the upcoming X Money platform. Analysts, such as Mizuho's Dan Dolev, see this as a potential disruptor to the US payments market, even prompting a downgrade of PayPal's stock. X Money's beta offers services like 6% APY on deposits, cashback, and P2P transfers, with speculation it may later incorporate crypto trading and stablecoin settlements for faster transactions. However, the ambitious plan faces significant regulatory scrutiny. Senator Elizabeth Warren has questioned the sustainability of the high 6% yield and raised concerns over X's banking partner, Cross River Bank, which has a history of regulatory violations. Additional risks involve the "GENIUS Act," which may create loopholes for stablecoin issuance without full FDIC insurance coverage, potentially leaving users unprotected. The integration of social trading on a platform with over 500 million users could inject new liquidity and retail interest into the crypto market. Yet, it also amplifies risks like herd mentality and the blurring of lines between entertainment and financial speculation. Musk's return to finance, after his ouster from PayPal, hinges on balancing innovation with regulatory compliance.

marsbit04/24 09:11

Kicked Out of PayPal, Musk Aims for a Comeback in the Crypto Market

marsbit04/24 09:11

On the Eve of X Money's Launch, Musk Dismantles the Referee First

"X Money Launches After Dismantling Regulator: Musk's 9-Day Power Play" In February 2025, a team from the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, entered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) headquarters. Shortly after, the CFPB was effectively dismantled—its funding frozen, activities suspended, and nearly 90% of staff laid off. This move came just nine days after X announced a partnership with Visa and as X Money prepared to launch. The article contrasts this with the decade-long regulatory battles faced by companies like Coinbase and PayPal. Coinbase spent over $75 million in political contributions and endured a major SEC lawsuit to operate legally. PayPal complied with strict state and federal rules for its stablecoin PYUSD, including 100% reserve requirements and monthly audits. However, Musk’s approach was different. After the CFPB introduced a rule placing large digital payment apps under federal oversight, Musk tweeted "Delete CFPB." Within months, the rule was revoked by Congress. Meanwhile, DOGE operatives gained "god-tier" access to CFPB databases, potentially obtaining sensitive competitive information from rivals like Apple, Google, and PayPal. The article also highlights a "suspicious exemption clause" in the GENIUS Act, which allows private companies like X to issue stablecoins with fewer restrictions. Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned whether Musk, who was a senior presidential advisor during the Act’s drafting, influenced this clause. X Money offers a 6% APY on deposits, despite FDIC warnings that stablecoin users are not insured. As X Money launches to 600 million monthly users, the article questions the fairness of a system where Musk can bypass regulations that others spent years and millions to comply with. The dismantling of the CFPB and the alleged regulatory advantages raise concerns about the future of equitable rule-making in the U.S. financial system.

marsbit04/22 07:35

On the Eve of X Money's Launch, Musk Dismantles the Referee First

marsbit04/22 07:35

Ethereum's Meme Season Is Back

The Ethereum meme season has reignited, sparked by Elon Musk's brief reply to a post about a girl's memorial Shiba Inu toy, Asteroid, which flew on a SpaceX mission. This triggered a 1,000%+ surge in the dormant $ASTEROID token within hours, causing Ethereum gas fees to spike over 10x and meme trading volume to surpass major DeFi protocols. This wave features memes with real-world anchors: - **Space-themed tokens** like $RISE (leveraging NASA imagery) and $FLOAT (inspired by SpaceX’s zero-gravity indicators) capitalized on the space narrative. - **Event-driven memes** such as $CLUTCH (FIFA World Cup mascot) and $RIZO (a Tesla-associated hedgehog meme endorsed by Musk) gained traction. - **Comic IP-based tokens** like $MYSTERY (Pepe creator’s early character) and $FLORK (from a popular webcomic) saw explosive gains, with derivatives ($FLORKY, $BABYFLORK) following. - **Political memes** (e.g., $MAGA aliens variant, $BRITAIN) tapped into niche audiences with strong identity-driven narratives. Unlike Solana’s fast-paced meme trading, Ethereum memes tend to build slower but denser narratives, benefiting from reduced gas fees post-EIP-4844 and concentrated attention. While most may fade, they reflect evolving cultural and speculative dynamics in crypto. *Note: Mentioned tokens are highly speculative, unaudited, and not investment advice.*

marsbit04/22 04:33

marsbit04/22 04:33

SpaceX Purchases Nearly One-Fifth of U.S. Cybertrucks, Musk's "Left Hand to Right Hand" Move Boosts Sales Over $100 Million

A report by S&P Global Mobility reveals that in Q4 2025, SpaceX purchased 1,279 Cybertrucks, accounting for 18% of all U.S. registrations for the vehicle that quarter. Combined with purchases from xAI, The Boring Company, and Neuralink, companies owned by Elon Musk accounted for approximately 19% of the quarter's Cybertruck registrations. This internal purchasing, estimated at over $100 million, has drawn scrutiny. When these related-party transactions are excluded, the Cybertruck's Q4 registrations actually plummeted by 51% year-over-year. Data indicates Cybertruck sales have significantly declined, with 2025 U.S. sales falling 48% from 2024 figures to around 20,300 units, a mere 8.1% of Musk's initial annual production target of 250,000. The sales slump continued into Q1 2026, hitting a record low. The transactions have raised corporate governance questions, as a private company (SpaceX) is absorbing inventory from a public company (Tesla), with both sharing the same CEO. This practice, while not uncommon among Musk's ventures, is rare in the auto industry for offloading slow-selling models. Tesla, having lost its title as the world's top EV seller, is under pressure to stimulate genuine external demand for the Cybertruck.

marsbit04/17 07:36

SpaceX Purchases Nearly One-Fifth of U.S. Cybertrucks, Musk's "Left Hand to Right Hand" Move Boosts Sales Over $100 Million

marsbit04/17 07:36

XChat Is Here: Musk's Super App Plan Is Reshaping the Encrypted Social Landscape

Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) is launching XChat, an encrypted communication tool supporting text, file sharing, and voice/video calls, on April 17. This move is part of a broader strategy to transform X into a global super-app similar to WeChat, integrating social, payment, and financial services. XChat aims to address Twitter’s historical weakness in private messaging and relationship-building, shifting from a public square to a closed-loop ecosystem. By retaining user relationships within X, the platform can enhance engagement and pave the way for commercial and financial activities. Encrypted messaging is not just a privacy feature but a foundational layer for trust, enabling future payment integrations. X may explore traditional payment systems, stablecoins, or even direct Bitcoin transactions. This could significantly impact the crypto industry by introducing mainstream users to encrypted payments and SocialFi concepts. While XChat may boost adoption and attract attention to crypto narratives, it also poses a threat to existing Web3 social projects that lack scale. Infrastructure projects like wallets and stablecoins may benefit, but consumer-facing decentralized social platforms could face intense competition from X’s vast user base. In summary, XChat represents a structural shift toward integrating social, informational, and financial flows, positioning X as a key player in the future of encrypted communications and digital payments.

marsbit04/14 12:46

XChat Is Here: Musk's Super App Plan Is Reshaping the Encrypted Social Landscape

marsbit04/14 12:46

X Money's Key Appointment Before Launch: How a Leader from the Crypto World Will Design the Super Payment Gateway

Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) has entered a critical phase in its transformation into a "super app," marked by a key appointment: Benji Taylor, formerly from the crypto industry, now leads X’s design team. Taylor’s background includes founding a consumer software company that developed the self-custody crypto wallet Family, later acquired by Aave Labs, and serving as Head of Design at Base (by Coinbase). Taylor is known for simplifying complex products for mainstream users. At Family, he focused on reducing onboarding friction—using email, SMS, and passkeys instead of seed phrases—while maintaining security and user control. This approach aligns with X Money’s upcoming public launch, which aims to integrate payments seamlessly into the social platform through partnerships like Visa. Taylor’s role is expected to focus on three core areas: improving user onboarding for payments, balancing security with ease of use, and building scalable financial infrastructure across X’s ecosystem. His hiring signals X’s intent to make X Money a foundational feature—not just a payment tool but an integrated experience for creators, peer-to-peer transactions, and broader financial services. The challenge is to turn a complex system into an intuitive, trusted, and widely adopted product.

marsbit04/06 03:49

X Money's Key Appointment Before Launch: How a Leader from the Crypto World Will Design the Super Payment Gateway

marsbit04/06 03:49

Musk Poaches the Web3 Prodigy Who Laid the Foundation for the Aave App

Elon Musk has recruited Benji Taylor, a 26-year-old design prodigy and former design lead at Base, to lead design at X (formerly Twitter). Taylor, who began his career at 16 and gained early recognition for his creative work, is known for his groundbreaking contributions to Web3 and consumer app design. He founded Los Feliz Engineering (LFE), where he created Honk—a real-time chat app with no send button or message history—which gained a cult following before shutting down due to product-market fit challenges. Later, he developed Family, a highly praised self-custody crypto wallet often regarded as one of the best-designed in the industry. LFE was acquired by Aave Labs in 2023, and Taylor’s work became foundational to the Aave App’s user experience. His recruitment signals Musk’s continued interest in integrating crypto and payment features into X, leveraging Taylor’s rare expertise in social apps, crypto UX, and minimalist design. Taylor has expressed that his motivation lies in building at scale and reaching billions of users—a goal now within reach at X.

marsbit03/26 10:47

Musk Poaches the Web3 Prodigy Who Laid the Foundation for the Aave App