Uber self-driving lead steps aside due to Waymo’s lawsuit
For its part, Uber is claiming it uses different LiDAR technology (which enables self-driving cars to see the environment around them) and has even made the argument that Waymo’s implementation is well ahead of the stuff it’s using. Next week the judge in the case is scheduled to rule on an injunction request by Waymo that could remove Levandowski from the project or otherwise cripple Uber’s efforts, while...
2018 FIFA World Cup will be the first with instant replay
Soccer (or, to the rest of the world, football) traditionalists have shunned video replay for years, claiming it would alter the sanctity of referees’ calls. But well-documented flubbed calls like those that erroneously eliminated England and Mexico in the 2010 World Cup have nudged FIFA into considering the technology. At long last, after getting implemented at professional levels, it’s headed to the game’s biggest...
KeyMe aims to replace locksmiths with kiosks in more cities
Beyond the big expansion, KeyMe’s new kiosks can now copy virtually any type of key, key fob or car key (including transponders). Brass keys cost $2.99 depending on the type. Non-transponder car keys start at $19.99, while fob and transponder keys cost between 89.99. That’s far cheaper than a typical locksmith, who can charge hundreds of dollars for an emergency call. It’s also much cheaper than replacing car keys at...
Wikipedia co-founder launches Wikitribune to fight fake news
Wikitribune’s existence (and success) will depend on donations from people who believe in its mission and the journalism it’s producing. The site will cover traditional news beats, such as UK and international politics, as well as science, technology and specialist subjects chosen by subscribers. “If you take as an example the bitcoin community,” Wales said, “they’ve a very active and obsessed...
Apple fills new hardware team with ex-Google satellite execs
Fenwick and Trela are apparently joining a team led by Dropcam founder Greg Duffy, though there’s no concrete information about their assignments at Apple. However, there’s precedent for a nascent satellite program: Technology industry giants including Facebook, SpaceX and Google are designing drones and satellites to deliver internet to rural regions of the world.It wouldn’t be surprising for Apple to dive into this...
