Tesla is recalling nearly 380,000 vehicles in the US due to a power steering assist fault. The recall affects Model S and X vehicles from 2017-2023, specifically those equipped with full self-driving (FSD) Beta software or pending installation. The issue can cause the power steering to intermittently fail, especially at low speeds or after hitting a bump, requiring increased steering effort and potentially increasing the risk of a crash. An over-the-air software update will address the problem.
Spaced repetition, a learning technique that schedules reviews at increasing intervals, can theoretically lead to near-perfect, long-term retention. By strategically timing repetitions just before forgetting occurs, the memory trace is strengthened, making recall progressively easier and extending the retention period indefinitely. The article argues against the common misconception of a "forgetting curve" with inevitable decay, proposing instead a model where each successful recall flattens the curve and increases the time until the next necessary review. This allows for efficient long-term learning by minimizing the number of reviews required to maintain information in memory, effectively making "infinite recall" achievable.
Hacker News users discussed the effectiveness and practicality of spaced repetition, referencing personal experiences and variations in implementation. Some commenters highlighted the importance of understanding the underlying cognitive science, advocating for adjusting repetition schedules based on individual needs rather than blindly following algorithms. Others debated the difference between recognition and recall, and the article's conflation of the two. A few pointed out potential downsides of spaced repetition, such as the time commitment required and the possibility of over-optimizing for memorization at the expense of deeper understanding. Several users shared their preferred spaced repetition software and techniques.
Memos is an open-source, self-hosted alternative to tools like Rewind and Recall. It allows users to capture their digital life—including web pages, screenshots, code snippets, terminal commands, and more—and makes it searchable and readily accessible. Memos emphasizes privacy and data ownership, storing all data locally. It offers a clean and intuitive interface for browsing, searching, and organizing captured memories. The project is actively developed and aims to provide a powerful yet easy-to-use personal search engine for your digital life.
HN users generally praise Memos for its simplicity and self-hostable nature, comparing it favorably to commercial alternatives like Rewind and Recall. Several commenters appreciate the clean UI and straightforward markdown editor. Some discuss potential use cases, like journaling, note-taking, and team knowledge sharing. A few raise concerns about the long-term viability of relying on SQLite for larger databases, and some suggest alternative database backends. Others note the limited mobile experience and desire for mobile apps or better mobile web support. The project's open-source nature is frequently lauded, with some users expressing interest in contributing. There's also discussion around desired features, such as improved search, tagging, and different storage backends.
Summary of Comments ( 139 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43128987
HN commenters discuss the vagueness of the recall notice, questioning whether it's a software or hardware issue, and how a software update could resolve a "loss of power steering assist." Some express skepticism about Tesla's reliance on over-the-air updates for safety-critical systems, noting the potential for unforeseen software bugs. Others point out the increasing frequency of Tesla recalls and question the robustness of their initial quality control. A few commenters share personal anecdotes of similar issues with their Teslas, highlighting concerns about safety and the inconvenience of these recurring problems. Some also mention the potential impact on Tesla's reputation and the broader implications for the autonomous driving industry.
The Hacker News post discussing the Tesla recall of 380,000 vehicles due to a power steering issue generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a mix of skepticism, technical analysis, and comparisons to other automakers.
Several commenters questioned the framing of the issue as a "recall," pointing out that it's an over-the-air software update rather than a physical repair. They argued this highlights the difference between Tesla's software-centric approach and traditional automakers, where such an issue might necessitate a trip to a dealership. This sparked a debate about the semantics of "recall" in the context of software updates, with some arguing that the term is still appropriate due to the safety implications, while others viewed it as unnecessarily alarmist.
Some users delved into the technical aspects, speculating about the potential root cause of the problem. One commenter with apparent software engineering experience suggested that the issue might stem from Tesla prioritizing power efficiency in their steering assist algorithm, leading to premature wear on the electric motor. This theory tied into a broader discussion about Tesla's engineering choices, with some praising their innovative approach while others criticized a perceived focus on cost-cutting over robustness.
Comparisons to other automakers were also prevalent. Some commenters pointed out that all manufacturers experience recalls, arguing that the Tesla situation isn't unique or particularly alarming. Others contrasted Tesla's over-the-air update solution with the more cumbersome processes required by traditional automakers, highlighting the potential benefits of Tesla's software-driven approach.
A few comments focused on the user experience aspect. One commenter shared their personal experience with the issue, describing the steering as becoming progressively heavier, particularly at low speeds. This anecdotal evidence added a real-world perspective to the technical discussions.
Finally, there was some discussion regarding the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s involvement, with some speculation about the agency's potential influence on Tesla's decision to issue the update. However, this aspect of the conversation remained largely speculative.
Overall, the comments reflect a nuanced perspective on the recall, acknowledging the seriousness of the safety issue while also considering the specific context of Tesla's software-centric approach and comparing it to traditional automotive practices. The discussion demonstrates a keen interest in the technical details of the issue, the broader implications for the automotive industry, and the real-world impact on Tesla owners.