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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

#11

Post by nichodges »

My initial reaction was dismay that Google seemingly didn't consult any decent auto designers on this. But then I wonder if that's actually fine.

My kids will likely be baffled by the idea that we attached so much of our own identity to our cars. The financial investment in cars to make a statement about ourselves (over and above getting us from A to B) is immensely irrational.

With self driving cars ownership will likely disappear, and be replaced with time sharing. At that point the connection between our view of ourselves, and the car we ride in disappears.

I'm not sure that completely excuses the lack of modern car aesthetic here, but it could go some way to explaining it.

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

#12

Post by coldpie »

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..

Well, I don't think they'll be selling this thing, especially not directly to consumers. This is a research prototype for using on the real road. They're announcing that they now have a complete car in that it meets whatever criteria the law sets for using a car on the public roads. Some time after that, they'll figure out how to market and monetize the technology. I'd be surprised if Google themselves ever got into the car business.

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

#13

Post by berberous »

sparkzilla wrote: post #3

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

I suspect that may be deliberate, so that safety worries are minimized. You look at this car and think, I'd probably be the one to survive in a head-to-head collision with my SUV.

The first driverless cars need to appear as least threatening as possible.

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

#14

Post by twrkit »

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.

In < 5 years, when someone opens up his or her Uber by Google app, they won't care about what the vehicle looks like on the outside (much like an Uber customer today!). All that matters is that it shows up promptly, and that it takes them to wherever they want to go safely, quickly, and comfortably. The focus will be on the interior - WiFi, power outlets, cup holders, leather seats - so that the passenger can pleasurably remain nose deep in his or her smartwatch / smartphone / tablet. The emotional attachment won't exist - it's just another service on demand. Not until the market becomes stratified will the luxuriousness of the autonomous vehicle come into play.

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

#15

Post by melling »

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.

Yes, it's almost like they're designed to be a business solution where "cool" doesn't matter. You know, like to get you from the airport to long-term parking. Maybe a solution for an Uber/Lyft to enter smaller markets?

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

#16

Post by jasonwilk »

The way Google seems to be approaching self-driving cars is the right one in my opinion. Self-driving cars will be on-demand, booked through something like Uber and will not be owned by the end-user.

I feel that the other car companies working on self-driving car technology for consumers are wasting their time. The main reason I enjoy owning a nice car is that I like driving it. If I wasn't in control of driving my car, what would be the point? Vanity of course has to be considered but in the future, I see self-driving cars which we don't own will the the status quo in cities, and owning a manual operating a car will be either a novelty or something for people outside of major city hubs.

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

#17

Post by thrownaway2424 »

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 have any technology to speak of. They sell a sled filled with thousands of flashlight batteries. The only thing Tesla has is their car looks cool.

So Google doesn't have cool, and Tesla doesn't have technology. Could be some synergy maybe.

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

#18

Post by greeneggs »

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.

It's a taxi. Google doesn't need the design to appeal to individuals, because they aren't selling it to individuals. Instead, they want it to appeal to the cities that they want to partner with. For that purpose, the design is fine. I'd love to see a fleet of these driving around our streets here.

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

#19

Post by agumonkey »

nichodges wrote: post #11

My initial reaction was dismay that Google seemingly didn't consult any decent auto designers on this. But then I wonder if that's actually fine. My kids will likely be baffled by the idea that we attached so much of our own identity to our cars. The financial investment in cars to make a statement about ourselves (over and above getting us from A to B) is immensely irrational. With self driving cars ownership will l…

I often wonder how much of it is a human trait. Transportation has many sides, it's a psycho-physiological wonder (push a pedal while sitting, and move faster than running), it's a moving private space, a technical and aesthetic source of pleasure, obviously a social status sign also. Were people as attached to their horses, boats ? was it a rite of passage or just a mundane thing ?
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