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Google Self-Driving Car Project's first vehicle prototype

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Re: Google Self-Driving Car Project's first vehicle prototype

#2

Post by manticore_alpha »

Unfortunately, these things just don't have a cool factor. Here's to hoping Tesla moves forward much more quickly (and regular car manufacturers as well.)

It's something Google probably just doesn't "get" - but a lot of people's identities are tied to their cars. It's why we have colors, shapes, brands, options.

This car may be "perfect" algorithmically, but it doesn't mean it stirs the soul.

Re: Google Self-Driving Car Project's first vehicle prototype

#6

Post by tachyonbeam »

manticore_alpha wrote: post #2

Unfortunately, these things just don't have a cool factor. Here's to hoping Tesla moves forward much more quickly (and regular car manufacturers as well.) It's something Google probably just doesn't "get" - but a lot of people's identities are tied to their cars. It's why we have colors, shapes, brands, options. This car may be "perfect" algorithmically, but it doesn't mean it stirs the soul.

Tesla doesn't quite have the R&D for this yet. They have "autopilot", but it isn't quite as complete/competent. They might want to buy that technology from Google.

Either way, the point of Google's self-driving clown car isn't to look cool, it's to get people used to the idea of robotic cars driving around on the streets, successfully not killing people. It's largely PR. They're really doing everyone a favor.

Re: Google Self-Driving Car Project's first vehicle prototype

#7

Post by BukhariH »

manticore_alpha wrote: post #2

Unfortunately, these things just don't have a cool factor. Here's to hoping Tesla moves forward much more quickly (and regular car manufacturers as well.) It's something Google probably just doesn't "get" - but a lot of people's identities are tied to their cars. It's why we have colors, shapes, brands, options. This car may be "perfect" algorithmically, but it doesn't mean it stirs the soul.

Google is not a car company. They don't want to compete with professional car designers.

What Google wants to do is create a car that is not aggressive in it's design because they want other road users to feel comfortable around a self driving car.

I think they learnt from their mistake with Glass, where it was far too alien/futuristic and hence a lot of people rejected it. Whilst this car isn't futuristic at all but rather cute.

Re: Google Self-Driving Car Project's first vehicle prototype

#8

Post by dougmany »

manticore_alpha wrote: post #2

Unfortunately, these things just don't have a cool factor. Here's to hoping Tesla moves forward much more quickly (and regular car manufacturers as well.) It's something Google probably just doesn't "get" - but a lot of people's identities are tied to their cars. It's why we have colors, shapes, brands, options. This car may be "perfect" algorithmically, but it doesn't mean it stirs the soul.

I disagree. I think we find identity in our car because we a pilot them in a similar way we pilot our bodies. As we get less involved in the control of the vehicle, we will care less about how it looks/feels. Taxi cabs are a good example of this.

Re: Google Self-Driving Car Project's first vehicle prototype

#10

Post by krasin »

zzleeper wrote: post #5
sparkzilla wrote: post #3

This thing looks like a clown car. Perfect for those who think Glass is the height of fashion.

Indeed. Looks "cute", but cute doesn't sell with cars..

I really doubt they would sell this car to public. And having a cute self-driving test vehicle is better for the way people think about it than a dangerously looking sport car with spoilers and basses.
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