Friday, February 18, 2022

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Baidu's robotaxi service is now available in all 'first-tier' Chinese cities

Posted: 18 Feb 2022 06:17 AM PST

Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxi service should now a regular sight in China's biggest population hubs. Gizmodo and state-owned China Daily report the tech firm has introduced Apollo Go to Shenzhen's Nanshan District, making self-driving taxis available in every 'first-tier' Chinese city following rollouts in six cities that include Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai. The launch covers one of the most densely populated regions in southern China (Shenzhen's total population tops 13 million), and offers autonomous rides on the home soil of local tech industry heavyweights like Huawei and Tencent.

The initial robotaxi service is available through Baidu's Apollo Go app at 50 stations between 9AM and 5PM. The initial focus is on "high-frequency" transport arteries, including Shenzhen Talent Park and the surrounding area. Baidu plans to expand coverage to more than 300 stations by the end of 2022.

Apollo Go is far from ubiquitous at this stage. Baidu expects to serve 65 cities by 2025, and won't reach 100 cities until 2030. It also faces growing competition from rivals like AutoX, which also offers self-driving rides to the public. Even so, this represents one of the largest real-world robotaxi deployments. Waymo's One service is only generally available in parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area, while GM's Cruise just recently began offering limited public rides in San Francisco. Baidu is ahead of the curve, and it's just a question of whether or not the company can sustain that advantage.

Engadget Podcast: Reviewing the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra

Posted: 18 Feb 2022 05:30 AM PST

It's all about Samsung this week! Cherlynn, Devindra and Engadget Senior Editor Sam Rutherford dive into the company's newest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra. It's jam-packed with new features, we just wish they were easier to use. (And what the heck is "Vision Booster" anyway?) Also, Sam gives us his thoughts on Alienware's x14 gaming laptop, and Cherlynn is introduced to the infamous Bitcoin cryptocouple.

Listen above, or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you've got suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcasts, the Morning After and Engadget News!


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Topics

  • Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra Reviews – 1:35

  • Alienware X14 Review – 30:49

  • Android 13 developer preview / privacy sandbox on Android – 39:20

  • New productivity tools in Google Smart Canvas – 43:38

  • Chrome OS Flex – 46:36

  • Motorola and Verizon's weird 5G neckband – 47:32

  • Cryptocouple scammers caught trying to launder 25,000 BTC – 52:54

  • Working on – 57:33

  • Pop Culture Picks – 1:02:00

Video livestream

Credits
Hosts: Cherlynn Low and Devindra Hardawar
Guests: Sam Rutherford
Producer: Ben Ellman
Music: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien
Livestream producers: Julio Barrientos and Luke Brooks
Graphic artists: Luke Brooks, Kyle Maack 

Snapchat adds real-time location sharing to its map

Posted: 18 Feb 2022 05:30 AM PST

Snapchat is adding a new location-sharing feature as it looks to build up its safety features. The app is introducing live location sharing, which allows users to share their exact whereabouts with select friends for short periods of time.

The Snap Map has had location sharing for years, but the current version of the feature only updates the location when the Snapchat app is opened. The new "live location" will allow select friends to see exactly where you are in real-time for a set period of time, much like Apple's "Find My" app. Location details can be shared for 15 minutes, one hour or eight hours at a time.

Snap says the optional feature could make it easier to meet up with friends, or help people "stay safe" in situations when they may want the extra reassurance of knowing a friend or family member can see where they are. The company notes users will need to be friends, and mutually opt into the live location sharing in order to use it.

The update comes as Snap has tried to build up its safety features in recent months. The company recently announced it would limit friend recommendations for teens in an effort to deal with drug dealers targeting teenage users. The app is also expected to launch new parental control features later this year.

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