Tesla fires hundreds of employees while Model 3 production experiences delays

Photo: Tesla Motors via european pressphoto agency

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been quoted before saying the company plans to make 5,000 units of its mass-market Model 3. But early stumbles and issues seem to be bogging the company down, putting into question whether this goal is feasible. On top of this, the automaker also seems to be cleaning its ranks as part of its annual performance review. Tesla dismissed several hundred of employees, including everyone from engineers, salespeople, managers, and down to factory employees. The company won’t give specifics about these dismissals beyond that. According to a statement from the company, “Like all companies, Tesla conducts an annual performance review during which a manager and employee discuss the results that were achieved, as well as how those results were achieved, during the performance period," explained a brand spokesperson. "This includes both constructive feedback and recognition of top performers with additional compensation and equity awards, as well as promotions in many cases. As with any company, especially one of over 33,000 employees, performance reviews also occasionally result in employee departures. Tesla is continuing to grow and hire new employees around the world.”

How this’ll affect production of its new vehicle remains to be seen. Tesla began production of the Model 3 in July and was able to build 260 of them in the third quarter. However, this is only 17 percent of the projected 1,500 units produced in the same time period. The company might be reevaluating its processes to see that they can meet the goal it set for itself.

Source: The Drive + USA Today

Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup 10/08-10/14

Review: Google Home Mini

Microsoft opens up Mixed Reality partnerships

BlackBerry unveils all-touch Motion smartphone with IP67 rating

Here’s our first look at the 11th season of ‘The X-Files’

Microsoft exec confirms there won’t be a Windows Phone coming out any time soon

Here’s a new look at ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’

Review: Huawei P10

Search Ads come to the Apple App Store in Canada

Canadian ArthritisHack to be hosted in honour of World Arthritis Day

OnePlus has been collecting user data without permission

Amazon now offers a waterproof Kindle Oasis eReader

Review: Fitbit Ionic

Razer might be launching a smartphone on November 1st

Review: Fitbit Flyer

Everyone can now virtually visit Quttinirpaaq National Park in Nunavut thanks to Google Street View

Bluewave Audio's wireless headphone amp solves disappearing headphone jacks

The final trailer for Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things 2’ is here!

Google slashes the price of its USB-C to 3.5mm dongle in half, now costs $10

Owners of 2016 Pixel phones get to keep free unlimited original-quality photo uploads on Google Photos

Review: Apple TV 4K

Review: Anki Overdrive - Fast and Furious Edition

Amazon Studios cuts ties with Weinstein Company

After reports that detailed sexual harassment and abuse by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein surfaced, Amazon Studios decided it no longer wanted to work with Weinstein’s studio. The studio has even cancelled a two-season mafia crime television drama from Silver Linings Playbook director David O. Russell, which had Weinstein as an executive producer. It was set to star heavy names in the industry like Robert De Niro, Julianne Moore, and Michael Shannon. The stars released a statement claiming they supported Amazon’s decision even as the cancellation comes at a high price—with a budget of US$160 million for both seasons.

One other production Weinstein co-produced will be pushing through but without the Weinstein Company’s support. This is from Mad Men’s creator Matthew Weiner and is called The Romanoffs. Amazon makes this move following the suspension of its studio head, Roy Price, who is also being accused of sexual harassment.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft builds tree houses as meeting places (because why not?)

Tech companies have been known to push the boundaries in many aspects and that includes their workspaces. For Microsoft, this includes having tree house meeting spaces for its employees. The company has three tree houses built by Pete Nelson from the TV Show Treehouse Masters. The rationale behind this, as seen in the video above, is that nature is supposed to improve “creativity, focus, and happiness.”

The meeting places have two enclosed areas with an elevated area called Crow’s Nest that will let employees work outdoors. There is Wi-Fi and power points to charge devices. There won’t be AV systems and climate control here, though, so those that need PowerPoint presentations will need hold meetings in the more traditional spaces in Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington campus. The third tree house is still being built and is said to be a “sheltered lounge space.”