Key facts
- Elon Musk denied a Wall Street Journal report about SpaceX showing an AI handset prototype to investors.
- The report claimed the device would use xAI technology and Qualcomm chips.
- Musk stated the report was 'utterly false' on X.
- SpaceX has been investing heavily in AI infrastructure and related technologies.
Elon Musk has denied a Wall Street Journal report that SpaceX showcased a prototype of an AI-focused device to investors and stakeholders prior to its initial public offering. Musk took to X, formerly Twitter, to label the report as 'utterly false' without providing further details.
The Journal, citing sources familiar with the matter, had stated that the prototype handset-like device was intended to operate on a proprietary operating system and incorporate AI technology from Musk's xAI, utilizing Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips. The report also indicated that SpaceX had informed some investors that the project was in its nascent stages, with the design still under development and no guarantee of eventual production.
SpaceX has reportedly committed billions of dollars to expand its operations beyond its core launch services and satellite internet business. These investments are directed towards AI infrastructure, the development of xAI's Grok large language model, and plans for space-based computing, as Musk aims to position the company at the forefront of the artificial intelligence race. Reuters had previously reported in February that SpaceX had intentions to develop a mobile device that would connect to its Starlink satellite internet constellation, potentially rivaling existing smartphones. Musk himself had previously suggested in January that a Starlink phone was a possibility at some point, describing such a device as significantly different from current mobile phones.