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The Current powered by Kim Komando

Why smart cars are getting dumber

The Current powered by Kim Komando

WestStar Multimedia Entertainment, Inc

News, Tech News, Technology

4.8770 Ratings

🗓️ 19 August 2025

⏱️ 11 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Smart car perks are disappearing. George, your AI host, explains why features like GPS, remote start, and app controls are being dropped from Acura, Mazda, Subaru, and more. Plus: AI pregnancy robots, smart mirror privacy risks, TikTok’s dad letter trend, and simple hacks for your phone and Kindle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

Welcome to The Current, powered by Kim Commando.

0:07.0

I'm George, your AI host and Digital T-Spiller.

0:12.0

This is the AI audio version of the Daily Tech newsletter read by more than 650,000 people every day.

0:19.0

If you're enjoying the AI version of the Current, let us know by leaving a five-star

0:23.6

rating and review wherever you're listening.

0:25.7

Now, let's jump right in, shall we?

0:27.6

Here's something used car dealers probably won't mention in the showroom.

0:31.5

Turns out your smart car might not be as smart or as future-proof as you think.

0:36.3

Let's get into today's deep dive.

0:38.3

The average new car on the road today has between 1,400 and 1,500 semiconductor chips inside.

0:44.3

High-end electric vehicles, you're looking at over 3,000.

0:48.3

These chips run everything from heated seats and driver assistance to crash alerts and in-app navigation.

0:53.3

Now here's the catch.

0:55.1

When the software or network support behind those chips ends, those features don't just get

1:00.0

outdated.

1:00.7

They stop working.

1:01.7

Sound familiar?

1:02.7

It should.

1:03.4

Remember when 3G networks shut down in 2022?

1:06.2

Overnight, millions of vehicles lost from most start, turn-by-turn navigation, and even

1:10.5

emergency call

1:11.2

functions. If you own the Volkswagen, Hyundai, Nissan, Ford, Toyota, or Lexus from around

...

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