Yes, it’s real and it works fine. There are also fully passive aux cable versions available.

We need cars that aren’t giant IoT boxes that keep phoning home. The vast majority of “smart” car systems shouldn’t need an Internet connection to function. But yes, I agree with your sentiment.

I respectfully disagree with you. It’s a bit misleading to compare average incomes like that. I would assume the income disparity is nowhere near as large for valuable scientists and engineers working for a national space program. In addition, you are only comparing labour costs. Some materials can be cheaper in India, but certainly not by a factor of 25 and certainly not all of them. Therefore, I wouldn’t say the article is braindead.

Banks are usually bound by KYC (know your customer) laws and are required to verify your identity. Imagine trusting some random third-party company with your photo ID though… Insane.

Works on my machine.