The iPhone 18 Pro's camera features a variable aperture main lens for improved low-light and depth-of-field control, but software upgrades prove more useful for daily photography. The Vergecast explores these camera improvements alongside discussions of AI safety concerns and third-party evaluators in AI labs.
Waymo plans to launch an all-electric autonomous ride-hail service in Singapore, starting with manual operations next year and progressing to fully autonomous vehicles. The service aims to enhance road safety, support sustainable mobility, and complement Singapore's existing public transportation network.
Waymo detected a firearm inside one of its robotaxis carrying two teenagers in early September and alerted police, leading to arrests. The incident raises significant questions about privacy expectations in autonomous vehicles, what data they record, and how that footage is shared with law enforcement.
Alphabet's Waymo plans to launch a fully autonomous robotaxi service in Tokyo in 2027, partnering with Japanese taxi firms Go and Nihon Kotsu. The service will start with a small fleet and expand to 100 vehicles, marking the first autonomous service on Japanese public roads and part of Waymo's global expansion that also includes London.
Elon Musk's Tesla Cybercab, a fully autonomous robotaxi painted gold, lacks traditional controls like steering wheels and mirrors, relying entirely on self-driving software to navigate traffic. During a test drive in Austin, the vehicle demonstrated capable lane changes and parking maneuvers but raised concerns about passenger helplessness in complex situations requiring driver communication. Priced at $30,000 with operating costs of $0.20–$0.40 per mile, the Cybercab aims to undercut competitors like Waymo and Zoox.
General Motors is integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into its vehicles after previously considering omitting them, featuring a redesigned infotainment interface with improved aesthetics and quick-access controls. The update will debut on GM trucks before expanding across its broader portfolio, allowing phone projection platforms to work alongside native apps like trailering and vehicle status.
Edge AI applications in autonomous driving and robotics are showing genuine interest in HBM memory as a solution to DRAM bandwidth bottlenecks. SK hynix has already supplied HBM2E to Waymo's autonomous driving platform with automotive qualification, though these segments remain early-stage with limited near-term demand contribution.