Image used with permission by copyright holderGoogle’s self-driving cars are crossing the Atlantic. According to reports from the Guardian, transport officials in London are in “active discussions” with the Silicon Valley firm to make the British capital one of the trial cities for its autonomous technology. If it happens, London would become the first non-U.S. city (and one of the few, period) to play host to these self-driving cars. And if Google really is planning on world domination, then hopping over the pond seems like a logical move anyway.
The self-driving cars project, which first began back in 2009, has made considerable strides and the vehicles have been tested thus far in the streets of Mountain View, California, Austin, Texas, and soon, Kirkland, Washington. “It’s going to have to work in big cities, so why don’t we start trialling it now?” asked Isabel Dedring, the U.K.’s deputy mayor for transport. “Google have said they are focused on the US, but they’re starting to think about going elsewhere, so we’re in active discussions.”
Waymo robotaxi attacked and set on fire in San Francisco
A Waymo self-driving car was set upon by vandals in San Francisco on Saturday evening.
According to footage and eyewitness reports of the incident, the attackers graffitied the car before smashing its windows and throwing fireworks inside. The vehicle then caught fire and burned before fire crews arrived to extinguish the blaze.
Google is bringing Chrome browser to cars, even more EV features to Maps
Google is bringing a great combination of features to Android Auto and cars with Google built-in, particularly for those who drive an EV.
Google Maps is adding more EV-centric features for those who use Android Auto from their connected phone. Starting with the Ford F-150 Lightning and Mach-E, you'll now see information on expected state of charge on arrival to your destination, as well as charging station locations and expected charging times for longer trips. This is a feature that's been available for EVs running Google built-in (aka Android Automotive), and in my experience, it's extremely helpful and helps alleviate charging anxiety. It's wonderful to see this brought to the much wider-reaching Android Auto version of Maps, and I hope it expands to more cars soon.
Beleaguered robotaxi startup Cruise lays off quarter of workforce
Beleaguered autonomous car startup Cruise has laid off 900 workers, equal to about a quarter of its workforce. The news comes a day after nine executives were also dismissed.
The General Motors-backed firm has suffered a series of setbacks in recent months, triggered by an accident on the streets of San Francisco in October when one of its self-driving cars came to a halt on top of a woman, pinning her to the ground just moments after she’d been hit by a human-driven car.
