Waymo Now Providing 100,000 Robotaxi Rides Weekly

- Alphabet's CFO Ruth Porat announced a new multi-year investment of $5 billion in Waymo during the company's Q2 earnings call. - The funding will support Waymo's goal to build the world's leading autonomous driving technology company. - Google aims to improve efficiencies in its 'other bets' segment, which includes projects like Verily, Calico, and Wing. - Waymo is delivering over 50,000 paid rides per week and has expanded its driverless ride-hail service to Los Angeles and Austin. Source: Techcrunch

Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving technology unit, laid off 137 employees in its second round of layoffs this year, the company reported on Wednesday, bringing the total number of layoffs for the year to 8%. As part of the cuts, Waymo has eliminated some engineering roles to “focus on commercial success,” the company said in a statement.

- Bengaluru's auto and taxi drivers are increasingly using Telegram, WhatsApp, and zero-commission apps to counter Ola and Uber's dominance. - These zero-commission apps, often backed by drivers' unions, are providing stiff competition, leading to longer wait times for users on traditional aggregator platforms. - Telegram and WhatsApp 'duty groups' help drivers share leads and coordinate trips, ensuring no commission fees and government-fixed fares for passengers. - Union-backed apps like Namma Yatri and Nagara Metered Auto are gaining traction, offering higher earnings and instant payments to drivers. - Ola and Uber are attempting to retain drivers through rewards programs, microloans, and potential shifts to subscription models. Source: Moneycontrol

- Moving Tech Innovations Ltd, the firm behind Namma Yatri, raised $11 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by Blume Ventures and Antler, with participation from Google. - The funds will be invested in technology, R&D, and product innovation to empower drivers, integrate public transport, and enhance customer experience. - Moving Tech aims to increase driver earnings and provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable mobility solutions through direct-to-driver and multimodal transportation models. - Originally launched as the Yatri app, Namma Yatri debuted in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Tumkur, and Kochi, and has expanded to Chennai, where it also facilitates metro-ticket bookings. - The company was spun off from Juspay in April 2020 and is led by Shan M S and Magizhan Selvan, who aim to create an impact similar to UPI in India and Linux worldwide. Source: Moneycontrol

Auto driver was harassing the person because he took rapido bike for his office. When will this stop in bengaluru why auto drivers consider them as don of Bengaluru?

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So, what developments can we see with this?