This week's tech news is buzzing with innovation and debate! From self-driving taxis hitting the streets of Austin to a fascinating look at the ethics of AI in storytelling, and a deep dive into how an iPhone helped launch an Oscar-winning career, there's a lot to unpack.
Waymo and Uber Roll Out Robotaxis in Austin
Get ready, Austin! Waymo and Uber have officially launched their robotaxi service in the city. Exclusively available through the Uber app, riders can now hail a self-driving Waymo vehicle when requesting an UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric.
While you're not guaranteed a Waymo every time, Uber suggests adjusting your "Ride Preferences" in the app to increase your chances. The price remains the same whether you get a human driver or a robot, and if you do end up in a Waymo, no tipping is required! The service covers 37 square miles, and in a unique twist, a third-party partner, Avomo, will handle the cleaning and maintenance of the Waymo fleet. This makes the experience even more like a traditional taxi service.
But Waymo isn't the only player in the Austin self-driving game. Tesla is also planning to launch its robotaxi service in the Texas capital this June. It will be interesting to see how quickly Tesla can catch up to Waymo, which currently boasts 50,000 paid trips per week. Uber has even expressed interest in offering Tesla rides through its app in the future, though Tesla is currently operating independently.
The AI Debate Heats Up at the LA Times
The rise of Artificial Intelligence continues to spark debate, and the Los Angeles Times is right in the middle of it. The newspaper recently published an op-ed warning about the potential dangers of AI, particularly within the film industry.
The co-directors of the Archival Producers Alliance, Rachel Antell, Stephanie Jenkins and Jennifer Petrucelli, expressed their concerns, stating, "Some in the film world have met the arrival of generative AI tools with open arms. We and others see it as something deeply troubling on the horizon."
Adding fuel to the fire, the LA Times also published an AI-generated response, arguing that AI will actually democratize storytelling. This response, created by an AI tool labeled "Insight," claimed the original op-ed had a "center-left" bias. This bold move has ignited further discussion about the role and ethics of AI in journalism and creative fields.
From iPhone to Oscar: Sean Baker's Inspiring Journey
In a truly inspiring story, Oscar-winning director Sean Baker, known for his recent success "Anora," got his start shooting films on an iPhone 5s! His breakout film, "Tangerine," was made on a shoestring budget and shot entirely on Apple's mobile phone.
Baker explained that the decision was initially financial. "We were stuck with a very tight budget, and I was exploring many different options," he said. He discovered the possibilities of iPhone filmmaking and used an anamorphic adapter from Moondog Labs to achieve a cinematic widescreen look.
While Baker now uses 35mm film for his Oscar-winning projects, he acknowledges the impact of his early work with the iPhone. He noted that using a smartphone lowered the intimidation factor for his actors and allowed him to focus on storytelling. "There's always this hump, this 1-week hump where the first-time actors have to get used to the fact that there's a camera in their face... In this case, because we're basically using a communication device that everyone owns, that didn't factor in this time," Baker explained.
Baker's story serves as a reminder that creativity and innovation can thrive even with limited resources. As he said, "I think so. I’m not going to say I did anything special. There were very basic steps we took that can be achieved by anybody."