Why are we protesting Google and letting Apple off the hook again? Google just made a big announcement that they would launch plastic Android phones… oh wait, no that was one of Apple’s “big” announcements.
No, Google is making their own car. One that drives itself and doesn’t have any of the basic components we’ve come to expect from a Ford or Honda. In addition to not having a steering wheel, no brakes or gas pedals, the Google car is also missing mirrors, a backseat, glove compartment and the stereo – keeping the G-Car simple.
The aim? To re-engineer transportation, to democratize “going places” for those that don’t have access, and removing human error from the danger of driving (the Google car can only go maximum of 25 miles per hour). That’s all.
Ever since we started the Google self-driving car project, we’ve been working toward the goal of vehicles that can shoulder the entire burden of driving. Just imagine: You can take a trip downtown at lunchtime without a 20-minute buffer to find parking. Seniors can keep their freedom even if they can’t keep their car keys. And drunk and distracted driving? History.
While Apple continues eating monster profits and doing very little to move the world along, Google is putting their resources r o work; quietly making the world a better, fairer place.
Related: Interview with Google Self-Driving Car Head Chris Urmson on Building a Car From Scratch (Re/Code)
