So the truth is Google is expanding its pool of test users, removing their NDAs, and starting in the easiest place in the world to operate a driverless car.
It’s certainly progress, but I would have appreciated a less click-bait headline.
It’s certainly progress, but I would have appreciated a less click-bait headline.
Of course they're starting in one of the easier places to operate driverless cars. Why would they introduce more risk than necessary to the launch of an extremely complex new technology?
> It will operate under a new brand and compete directly with Uber and Lyft.
It wasn't clear until now what the plan was, if they would start their own service or run their cars inside the Lyft/Uber network. The fact that they will start a new service with a new name is pretty big news, and therefore not click bait.
When this launches, will the cars have drivers in them?
That’s how you can tell if it’s a driverless car.
Arizona has the highest rate of pedestrian deaths in the US. Pedestrians have apparently been trained to keep off the streets.
It's also not immediately clear if this will be in the city of Phoenix itself. The earlier testing was in the suburb of Chandler.
Huh? Taxis are for sure used way more in NYC than out in the suburbs. They benefit significantly from density. Out in the suburbs you can't even catch a taxi unless you call one to you.
The popular way of getting around in the suburbs is driving your own car. In cities mass transit and taxis are much more common, especially because parking is so expensive that it makes more financial sense to hail a taxi for the occasional trip.