Uber and Waymo Launch Atlanta Robotaxi Service

April 15, 2025, 7:20 am

Two reports describe the collaborative rollout of a robotaxi service in Atlanta by Uber and Waymo. The new service promises to deliver cutting‑edge autonomous ride‑hailing solutions and marks a significant step in the evolution of urban transportation. Preparations include opening waitlists and testing operations for a summer launch, offering users a glimpse into the future of affordable, technology‑driven mobility. Both stories emphasize the anticipated impact of autonomous vehicles on everyday commuting in Atlanta.

cnet.com / Uber Opens Up Its Robotaxi Waitlist in Atlanta

cnet.com / LG C5 OLED TV Review: Great Picture; Now Wait for the Price Drop

techcrunch.com / Waymo and Uber prepare to launch robotaxi service in Atlanta this summer

3 stories from 2 sources in 20 hours ago ... #automation #selfdriving #robotaxis #ai #hardware +

NHTSA Staff Cuts Spark Concern Amid DOGE-Linked Workforce Reductions

April 10, 2025, 11:20 am

Two reports detail significant staffing cuts at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s self‐driving division. Both articles note that these reductions are reportedly linked to measures associated with “DOGE,” affecting safety experts charged with overseeing automotive innovations like Tesla’s systems. The downsizing has raised alarms among regulators and industry watchers, who fear it may compromise oversight and the evolution of vehicle safety standards.

theregister.com / Self-driving car maker Musk's DOGE rocks up at self-driving car watchdog, cuts staff

theverge.com / NHTSA staffers evaluating the risks of self-driving cars were reportedly fired by DOGE

techcrunch.com / NHTSA’s self-driving safety staff reportedly ‘disproportionally affected’ by DOGE cuts

4 stories from 4 sources in 5 days ago ... #ai #automation #techpolicy #selfdriving #cryptocurrency +

Waymo Officially Launches New Tokyo Robotaxi Service and International Testing

April 9, 2025, 11:20 pm

Waymo is expanding its global autonomous vehicle program with two related initiatives in Japan. In Tokyo, the robotaxi service has begun operation, offering a preview of its driverless technology in a bustling urban environment. Additionally, Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are set to start public road testing, marking the company’s first international trial of its advanced driver technology. These efforts aim to validate safety protocols, refine operational capabilities, and gather real-world data to enhance its self-driving network. This expansion represents a significant milestone in Waymo’s strategy to extend its presence beyond the United States.

cnet.com / Waymo's Driverless Vehicles Are Hitting Tokyo Streets. Here's Everything to Know About the Robotaxi Service

theverge.com / Waymo readies autonomous cars for first international tests in Japan

2 stories from 2 sources in 6 days ago ... #ai #robotics #automation #google #selfdriving +

Zoox expands autonomous vehicle testing in Los Angeles streets

April 8, 2025, 11:20 am

Two stories report that Amazon’s autonomous driving subsidiary Zoox is accelerating its driverless vehicle trials on Los Angeles streets. The articles detail how the company is rolling out retrofitted autonomous vehicles in a live urban environment to collect valuable data ahead of a broader public rollout. This testing phase emphasizes Zoox’s commitment to overcoming real-world challenges, refining its safety protocols and operational systems in a city chosen for its diverse traffic conditions and regulatory framework.

cnet.com / Zoox Is Bringing Its Driverless Test Fleet to Los Angeles

techcrunch.com / Amazon’s Zoox begins robotaxi testing in Los Angeles 

2 stories from 2 sources in 7 days ago ... #startups #robotics #automation #selfdriving #robotaxis +

Waymo Policy Debate Over Interior Camera Data Use for Ads

April 7, 2025, 4:20 pm

Two reports on Waymo’s internal data strategy reveal conflicting signals over the use of in-car camera footage. One story states that Waymo has no plans to use its robotaxi camera data for targeted advertising, emphasizing privacy and limited data use. A separate report, however, cites a draft privacy policy suggesting the possibility of leveraging interior video to train generative AI models and deliver personalized ads. Both narratives spotlight the company’s challenge in reconciling advanced AI ambitions with user privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny.

gizmodo.com / Waymo Considering Using In-Vehicle Cameras to Sell Ads and Train Its AI

theverge.com / Waymo: ‘no plans’ to use in-car camera data for targeted ads

techcrunch.com / Waymo may use interior camera data to train generative AI models, sell ads

3 stories from 3 sources in 8 days ago ... #ai #ml #dataprivacy #google #selfdriving +

Automakers Exploit Tesla Brand Woes with Discount EV Offers

April 4, 2025, 11:20 pm

A JPMorgan analyst warns of severe brand damage at Tesla while rival automakers seize the moment by launching attractive discount offers on electric vehicles. The coverage highlights shifting market dynamics as competitors capitalize on growing consumer disillusionment toward Tesla.

cnbc.com / Tesla's June robotaxi deadline looms as political backlash builds over Elon Musk

techinasia.com / Tesla software VP reportedly steps down after 12 years

zerohedge.com / JPM's Longtime Mega Tesla Bear Warns About Brand Damage

4 stories from 4 sources in 11 days ago ... #startups #innovation #techpolicy #fang #cloud-computing +

Trump tariffs trigger tech market decline

April 4, 2025, 2:20 pm

Two reports highlight escalating market uncertainty as retaliatory tariffs from the Trump administration have rattled the tech industry. The news points to steep declines in semiconductor stocks, with major names like Nvidia and TSMC facing notable drops that could ripple across the broader technology and AI sectors, intensifying concerns among investors and industry leaders.

cnbc.com / Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says, as shareholder, tariffs are 'not good'

techspot.com / Trump's tariffs send shockwaves through the video game industry

cnet.com / Grand Theft Auto 5, South of Midnight and More Coming to Xbox Game Pass Soon

techcrunch.com / TechCrunch Mobility: Tesla takes a hit, tariff chaos begins, and one EV startup hits a milestone

7 stories from 7 sources in 11 days ago ... #ai #techpolicy #chips #semiconductors #china +

OnePlus 13T flagship gains massive battery and cutting‑edge performance upgrades

April 3, 2025, 8:20 am

Leaks about the upcoming OnePlus 13T reveal a compact flagship bolstered by an unusually large battery and advanced performance improvements. The new device is generating buzz among enthusiasts as it promises to deliver a blend of power, efficiency, and innovation, positioning itself as a competitive option in the premium smartphone market.

digitaltrends.com / Your OnePlus 12 is picking up these useful features

androidheadlines.com / OnePlus 12 update brings new features and fortifies security

androidheadlines.com / Massive battery & more confirmed for compact OnePlus 13T flagship

5 stories from 2 sources in 12 days ago ... #hardware #mobiletech #semiconductors #china #iot +

China Launches eVTOL Drone Taxis Marking a New Aviation Era

April 2, 2025, 10:32 pm

EHang and Hefei Hey Airlines received certification in China to launch autonomous eVTOL drone taxis for commercial use, leading to progress in human-carrying drone technology. This development sees China take the lead in the low-altitude flight industry as the US grapples with bureaucratic hurdles under the Biden administration, impacting drone innovation in America.

cnbc.com / Xiaomi delivers record cars in March as winners emerge in China's EV race

zerohedge.com / Flying Taxis Officially Lift Off - But Only In China, Thank Biden's FAA

2 stories from 2 sources in 13 days ago ... #robotics #automation #innovation #techpolicy #china +