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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

#21

Post by jsolson »

thrownaway2424 wrote: post #17
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.

Have you actually driven or in fact spent any time in a Tesla?

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

#22

Post by toomuchtodo »

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..

Surprise, I don't care what the car looks like if I'm paying per trip to get me from A to B.

Do you complain about the fashion sense of the BART?

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

#24

Post by cmdli »

jasonwilk wrote: post #16

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 c…

There could be a market for owning self-driving cars outside of major cities. Not everyone has access to a cab-like service now so unless that changes adding some sort of autopilot to regular cars would be useful.

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

#25

Post by amckenna »

A lot of people are bashing the car's appearance, but I think people forget that putting the first driverless cars on the road is as much a PR challenge as it is a technological challenge. Truly autonomous driverless cars is a huge shift in the way we have operated for almost 100 years. There will be a lot of caution and resistance from political groups, concerned citizens, entrenched interests, etc. The car that they put forward first needs to be non-threatening, safe, and easy to adopt.

Given Google's stake in Uber the car will be part of a fleet that can be summoned by a mobile app, not some product you go out and buy. Because there will be no dealerships and individual owners, they don't care about attracting buyers for the vehicle - it doesn't need a cool factor. What it needs is to be non-threatening and safe so you will feel comfortable getting in one and going for a ride.

Additionally, the first car on the roads will just be making in town trips and will be limited to 25mph - no highways or major arterials. This means it makes more sense for the car to be compact, light, and similar to a Smart Car, than a Camry or SUB.

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

#26

Post by thrownaway2424 »

jsolson wrote: post #21
thrownaway2424 wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

Have you actually driven or in fact spent any time in a Tesla?

I own two.

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

#28

Post by JetSpiegel »

soyiuz wrote: post #4

http://assets.blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/t... Where can I take you sir?

The question is when will self driving cars go beyond that Johnny Cab. Remember, Arnie had to rip the driver off in order to escape human pursuers.

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

#29

Post by JetSpiegel »

toomuchtodo wrote: post #22
zzleeper wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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

Surprise, I don't care what the car looks like if I'm paying per trip to get me from A to B. Do you complain about the fashion sense of the BART?

Aluminium Grey is the new Black.

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

#30

Post by noobiemcfoob »

thrownaway2424 wrote: post #17
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.

Single gear electric motor? Revolutionary battery technology? Nope; no technology here.
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