Waymo Launches Public Driverless Ride-Hailing: A Milestone for Autonomous Vehicles
Alphabet’s self-driving subsidiary Waymo has reached a pivotal moment in autonomous vehicle technology, while Apple extends its TV+ free trial and fintech firm Affirm files for an IPO. Here’s the latest in tech for October 8, 2020.
Waymo’s Driverless Ride-Hailing Goes Public
Waymo achieved a groundbreaking milestone by opening its fully driverless ride-hailing service to select members of the public in Phoenix.
Key Details:
- Previous Limitations: Earlier rides included safety drivers or required NDAs for testers.
- New Accessibility: Waymo One users can now hail autonomous rides without human oversight and bring passengers.
- Expansion Plans: The service will gradually widen access in the coming weeks.
This shift marks a significant step toward mainstream adoption of self-driving technology.
Tech Giant Updates
Apple TV+ Extends Free Access
- Apple prolonged free subscriptions for TV+ until February 2021 for eligible users.
Amazon’s Electric Delivery Fleet
- Partnering with Rivian, Amazon unveiled its first electric delivery van, featuring advanced driver-assist sensors.
IBM’s Strategic Spin-Off
- IBM announced plans to separate its $19B infrastructure services unit, focusing on hybrid cloud and AI.
Startup & Funding Highlights
- Instacart: Raised \(200M at a \)17.7B valuation, capitalizing on pandemic-driven demand.
- Affirm: Filed confidentially for an IPO after July reports of its impending debut.
- goPuff: The delivery startup secured \(380M at a \)3.9B valuation for its ultra-fast convenience goods service.
Industry Insights from Extra Crunch
- API Startups Boom: Founders and investors report surge in demand for API-driven solutions.
- Tech’s Pandemic Role: Experts urge collaboration over disruption in COVID-19 response efforts.
- Podcast Monetization Challenges: Three key barriers limit revenue growth in the podcasting industry.
Additional Tech Developments
- GM’s Tech Revamp: General Motors adopts Unreal Engine to overhaul its in-car interfaces.
- App Spending Records: Consumers spent $28B in Q3 2020, driven by pandemic-related usage.
- Space Force Training: A VR space simulator, developed with Mandalorian VFX studio, will train U.S. Space Force personnel.
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