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Uber Has Big Plans for Lots More Robotaxis and EV Charging Stations
CNET· 2026-02-18 22:20
Core Insights - The robotaxi industry is expected to experience significant growth, with Uber investing over $100 million to establish autonomous vehicle charging stations in major US cities [1][4] - The robotaxi market is projected to grow from an estimated $610 million last year to $147.25 billion by 2033, indicating rapid industry expansion [2] - Uber aims to operate autonomous vehicle fleets in at least 10 cities by the end of 2026, expanding its global presence [3] Investment and Infrastructure - Uber's charging stations will be located at new autonomous vehicle depots, which will also handle cleaning, maintenance, and inspections [3] - The company plans to develop DC fast charging (DCFC) stations in priority cities, which can provide a full charge in under an hour [4] - Partnerships with charge point operators will lead to the addition of over 1,000 chargers in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and London, enhancing infrastructure for both autonomous and human-driven EVs [5][6] Community and Environmental Impact - The addition of charging stations in low-income areas is expected to benefit ride-hail drivers by reducing operational costs and improving community health [7]
Tesla Can Still Sell Cars in California After 'Autopilot' Language Change
CNET· 2026-02-18 17:33
Group 1 - The article discusses the importance of maximizing the utility of services, apps, and software used daily [1] - It emphasizes the need for users to stay informed about the latest news and tips related to these technologies [1]
Amazon Pharmacy to Offer Same-Day Delivery to 2,000 More Communities in 2026
CNET· 2026-02-11 22:15
Core Insights - Amazon plans to expand its same-day prescription delivery service to approximately 2,000 new areas, increasing the total to over 4,500 locations by the end of the year [1][2] - The expansion targets areas in Idaho and Massachusetts that have experienced pharmacy closures and limited access to care [2] - Amazon Pharmacy aims to enhance accessibility to medication through its logistics network, helping patients start treatment faster [2] Service Features - Amazon Pharmacy offers various programs, including RxPass, which costs $5 per month for Amazon Prime subscribers, allowing savings of up to 80% on generic medications and 40% on brand-name medications [3] - A caregiver support feature was introduced in 2025, enabling families to manage medical subscriptions for other members [4] - Amazon Pharmacy has kiosks for prescription pickups at certain clinic lobbies, with plans for further expansion of these kiosks this year [4]
Chip Shortages Are Affecting Apple's Ability to Make Enough iPhones
CNET· 2026-01-30 20:07
Core Insights - Apple reported record sales of $85.3 billion in the last quarter, driven by the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air lineups [1] - CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that Apple could not meet all the demand for iPhones due to chip supply constraints [1][2] Group 1: Sales Performance - The company achieved record sales of $85.3 billion, indicating strong demand for its latest iPhone models [1] - Cook described the demand for new iPhones as "staggering," highlighting the popularity of the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air [2] Group 2: Supply Chain Challenges - Apple is facing supply-chain constraints similar to other tech companies, primarily due to increased memory prices and shortages [2][4] - The rise in RAM prices is attributed to the diversion of components to AI technology, impacting availability for smartphones [4] Group 3: Manufacturing Capacity - Apple is struggling to find sufficient manufacturing capacity for its A and M systems-on-a-chip, which are produced by TSMC and Apple [3] - There are no widespread reports of iPhone shortages currently, but the company is preparing for potential demand spikes [5] Group 4: Future Product Strategy - To manage demand, Apple may stagger the release of specific iPhone models, starting with the upcoming iPhone 18 generation [5] - Reports suggest that Apple could introduce a new foldable phone and advanced iPhone 18 models later this year, while delaying the basic iPhone 18 to 2027 [6]
ADT Security Drops One of Its Most Promising Features With Google Nest
CNET· 2026-01-30 17:15
Core Insights - ADT is discontinuing some advanced features of its Trusted Neighbor program, particularly the auto-unlock technology that integrated with Google Nest and Yale smart locks, effective January 29, 2026 [5][3] - The decision to remove these features is likely influenced by new AI partnerships and changes in Google's strategy, particularly with the introduction of Gemini for Home [7][9][10] - Despite the removal of certain features, ADT remains a viable option for consumers willing to engage in long-term contracts and pay monthly fees for comprehensive security services [14] Company Developments - ADT has made significant improvements to its security system, including smart features and interactions with Google Nest devices, but is now scaling back on some of these advancements [2][3] - The auto-unlock feature, which utilized AI for familiar face recognition, is being removed as ADT shifts focus to more reliable access methods [5][9] Industry Context - The competitive landscape in home security is evolving, with Google investing heavily in proprietary AI technologies, which may limit partnerships with other companies [11][12] - AT&T has launched its Connected Life platform, which integrates Google Home and Abode security systems, indicating a shift in partnerships within the industry [12][13] - Other brands like Ring, Blink, and Arlo continue to offer effective AI features, suggesting that while ADT is scaling back, alternatives remain available in the market [16]
Waymo Opens Up Airport Service in San Francisco. Everything to Know About the Robotaxi
CNET· 2026-01-29 21:10
Core Insights - Waymo is expanding its fully autonomous ride-hailing services, recently launching rides to San Francisco International Airport and planning to serve additional airport locations in the future [1][2] - The company operates in multiple cities, including Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Austin, with plans for further expansion [3][4] - Waymo is increasing its fleet size and capabilities, opening a new manufacturing facility and integrating sixth-generation self-driving technology into new vehicles [5][6] Expansion and Operations - Waymo has opened fully autonomous rides to the public in various cities, including Phoenix and San Francisco, with plans to expand to more locations [3][15] - The company is also entering new markets, such as Baltimore, St. Louis, New Orleans, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, and San Diego, with manual driving operations already underway [25][30][32] - Future expansions include cities like Nashville, Denver, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, with plans to launch public rides in 2026 [36][40][41] Technology and Safety - Waymo has driven over 127 million fully autonomous miles, reporting significantly fewer crashes compared to human drivers, with an 88% reduction in serious injury crashes [7][9] - The company is developing its sixth-generation self-driving technology, which aims to enhance vehicle performance in extreme weather conditions [52] - Partnerships with Hyundai and Toyota are set to integrate advanced technology into new electric vehicles, expanding the Waymo One fleet [6][53] Partnerships and Collaborations - Waymo is collaborating with Uber for ride-hailing services in cities like Austin and Atlanta, allowing users to summon Waymo vehicles through the Uber app [20][23] - The company is also working with Avis Budget Group to manage its fleet in Dallas, enhancing operational efficiency [41] - In Tokyo, Waymo is partnering with local taxi services to adapt its technology to the unique driving conditions of the city [50][51]
Tesla Sunsetting Model S and X Next Quarter to Refocus on Optimus Robot
CNET· 2026-01-29 20:09
Core Insights - Tesla is ending production of the Model S and Model X, marking the retirement of its two longest-running electric vehicles as part of a strategic shift towards an autonomous future [1][3] Production and Sales - The Model S was introduced in 2012 and the Model X in 2015, both contributing significantly to Tesla's establishment in the premium EV market [2] - In 2025, the Model 3 and Model Y accounted for approximately 97% of Tesla's total vehicle deliveries, which reached 1.6 million units [2][4] - The total production for 2025 was 1,654,667 vehicles, with 1,600,767 being Model 3/Y and 53,900 classified as "Other Models" [4] Strategic Shift - The decision to cease production of the Model S and Model X aligns with Tesla's broader strategy to cut costs and focus on more profitable models, as these older models are among the slowest sellers [3] - Tesla is transitioning from a traditional hardware-focused automaker to a "physical AI" company, with plans to scale up production in robotics, energy storage, and battery manufacturing [6] Future Focus - The Fremont factory, currently producing the Model S and Model X, will be repurposed for the production of Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot, with plans to ramp up production to 1 million units per year [7][8]
A Waymo Robotaxi Struck a Young Pedestrian Near a School, Launching an Investigation
CNET· 2026-01-29 19:19
Core Viewpoint - A Waymo self-driving vehicle was involved in an incident where it hit a child pedestrian near an elementary school, prompting an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) [1][2] Group 1: Incident Details - The incident occurred during normal school drop-off hours, with other children and vehicles present in the vicinity [2] - Waymo reported that the child sustained minor injuries and that the vehicle braked hard, reducing speed from approximately 17 mph to under 6 mph before contact [1][2] - After the incident, the pedestrian walked to the sidewalk, and Waymo called 911, with law enforcement eventually clearing the vehicle to leave [1] Group 2: Company Response and Safety Measures - Waymo emphasized the importance of its safety systems in its blog post, stating its commitment to improving road safety [2] - The NHTSA investigation will assess whether the Waymo robotaxi operated with the necessary caution near an elementary school and adhered to speed limits [2] - Waymo's Safety Impact report claims that its technology has resulted in 88% fewer crashes leading to serious injuries and 78% fewer injury-causing crashes compared to average human drivers over 71 million autonomous miles [4] Group 3: Historical Context and Challenges - Waymo has faced several high-profile incidents, including difficulties navigating construction zones and a previous incident involving a robotaxi hitting a neighborhood cat [3] - The company has made claims that a fully attentive human driver would have made contact with the pedestrian at approximately 14 mph in the same situation [5]
Meta Confirms Testing of Premium Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp Subscriptions
CNET· 2026-01-27 17:14
Core Viewpoint - Meta is planning to introduce premium subscription tiers for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, allowing users to access additional features beyond the free versions currently available [1][2]. Group 1: Subscription Plans - Meta has confirmed the testing of premium subscription tiers for its three main services, which will provide users with "special features and more control" over their sharing and connectivity [1]. - The specifics of the subscription plans have not been detailed, but they are expected to differ from the existing Meta Verified badge aimed at businesses and content creators, which starts at $15 [2]. - The new subscriptions will likely include AI-related features, such as access to AI image generators or agents, with the offerings potentially evolving based on customer feedback [3]. Group 2: Industry Context - The trend of introducing subscriptions for previously free social media services is becoming common, with platforms like LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Snapchat already offering paid options for enhanced features [4].
'Is Microsoft Down?' Outlook and Teams Go Dark in Widespread Outage
CNET· 2026-01-23 02:18
Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the professional background and expertise of Gael Cooper, emphasizing her extensive experience in journalism and her contributions to pop culture literature [1][2]. Group 1: Professional Background - Gael Cooper has been a journalist since 1989, working for various notable publications including Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Twin Cities Sidewalk, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and NBC News Digital [1]. - She is a co-author of two pop-culture encyclopedias focused on Generation X, published by Penguin Books [2]. Group 2: Awards and Recognition - Cooper has received multiple accolades, including the "Headline Writer of the Year" award from the American Copy Editors Society in 2017, 2014, and 2013 [2]. - She also won first place in headline writing from the 2013 Society for Features Journalism [2].