Picture this: you’re in Austin, maybe grabbing some BBQ downtown or strolling through Hyde Park, and you need a ride. You pull up the Uber app, and instead of a chatty driver pulling up in a Prius, a sleek, electric Jaguar I-PACE rolls up—nobody behind the wheel. That’s the futuristic vibe Waymo and Uber are bringing to the city starting in 2025, and behind the scenes, they’re splitting the profits in a hush-hush deal that’s got folks curious. Here’s the scoop on how these two tech giants are making it work—and what it means for regular people like us.

The Backstory: Two Companies, One Ride

Last September, Waymo (the self-driving wizards from Google’s parent company) and Uber (the ride-hailing king we all know) shook hands on a plan to roll out driverless cars in Austin. It’s not their first rodeo—they’ve been doing this in Phoenix for a while—but Austin’s a fresh playground. Starting early next year, Uber’s app will be your only way to book one of Waymo’s fancy autonomous rides here, covering a 37-square-mile chunk of the city from Montopolis to the heart of downtown.

So, how’s it all split up? Uber’s the one running the show day-to-day—keeping the cars clean, fixing them up, and making sure they’re ready to roll out of the depot. Waymo, meanwhile, is the brains behind the operation, handling the high-tech “Waymo Driver” system that steers these cars around without a human touching the wheel. They’re also on call for roadside rescues and answering rider questions like, “Uh, why’d the car just stop in the middle of Sixth Street?”

The Money Mystery

Now, here’s where it gets juicy: how do they split the cash from your ride? Neither company’s spilling the beans, but let’s break it down like we’re splitting a tab at a bar. Uber’s bringing its huge app audience—millions of us already use it—and the grunt work of managing a fleet. Waymo’s tossing in these pricey electric Jaguars and the sci-fi tech that makes them drive themselves. Some folks on X are guessing Uber might snag half the fare since they’re the face of the service, but Waymo’s not walking away with pocket change—they own the cars and the magic that powers them.

Think about it: when you pay, say, $15 for a ride from Zilker Park to East Austin, that money’s gotta cover the car’s upkeep, the tech, and a little profit for both sides. No driver means no one’s taking a cut like in a regular Uber ride, but those self-driving systems don’t come cheap. I’d bet they’ve worked out a deal that keeps both happy—maybe a 50-50 split, or something close, tweaked so Uber pushes these rides hard instead of nudging you toward a human driver.

What’s It Like to Ride?

For us regular folks, this is less about spreadsheets and more about the experience. Imagine hopping in—no awkward small talk, just you and a quiet, smooth ride. Waymo’s already doing 150,000 trips a week in places like Phoenix, and riders there say it feels safer and more reliable than a human driver on a bad day. In Austin, the cars will match UberX or Uber Comfort prices, so it’s not some luxury splurge—just a new twist on getting around.

I talked to a buddy who tried Waymo in Phoenix, and he said, “It’s weird at first, like the car’s haunted, but then you relax and enjoy it.” That’s the vibe they’re aiming for here. And with hundreds of these cars hitting Austin streets over time, you might start seeing them everywhere—zipping past food trucks or waiting silently outside a bar on Rainey Street.

The People Keeping It Rolling

Behind the curtain, there’s a human side too. Uber’s got folks at the depot scrubbing down seats and tightening bolts—not glamorous, but it keeps the wheels turning. Waymo’s engineers are probably burning the midnight oil, tweaking algorithms so the car doesn’t freak out when a biker cuts it off on Congress Avenue. And if you’re stuck wondering why your ride’s parked itself under a live oak, there’s a Waymo support person ready to sort you out over the phone.

Why It Matters to Austinites

This isn’t just tech nerd stuff—it’s a big deal for a city like Austin that’s growing fast and loves its quirky, forward-thinking vibe. No drivers could mean fewer cars clogging up I-35 (okay, we can dream), and the electric part’s a win for anyone who cares about cleaner air. Plus, it’s a chance for Uber to bounce back from ditching its own self-driving dreams a few years ago, while Waymo gets to show off its tech to every Austinite with an Uber app. Check out this Reuters piece for more on how it’s all coming together.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Waymo’s had some hiccups—think unexpected stops or fender-benders—that have regulators keeping a close eye. If something goes wrong on Lamar Boulevard, people might hesitate to hop in next time. And the big question lingers: if the money split’s off, will one company start playing favorites with other options?

The Apple Watch 9 finds itself ensnared in an import ban web spun from the silk threads of patent infringement. The narrative unfolds as a court determined that the luminescent pulse oximetry sensor nestled on the Apple Watches' posterior—a technology vital for gauging blood oxygen levels—trespassed the sanctity of patents held by Masimo, a Californian medical device titan.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) wielded the gavel of prohibition upon Apple Watch models brandishing this proprietary technology. The ban, officially inaugurated with the Biden administration's non-interference stance, now casts a shadow over the import and sale of Apple Watches endowed with blood oxygen detection prowess.

Apple's countermove involved a halt to U.S. sales of the beleaguered Ultra 2 and Series 9 watches. Simultaneously, the tech giant embarked on an appeal odyssey, contesting the ITC's decision. Alas, the plea for a reprieve during the appeal met a stone-cold denial. The legal theater also witnessed Apple's retaliation in the form of a lawsuit against Masimo.

The stage for the patent dispute's climax is set at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. This judicial arbiter now holds the keys to the verdict, dictating whether the ban's shackles will endure. The echoes of this decision will resonate far beyond the courtrooms, shaping the narrative of a high-stakes battle between innovation and intellectual property.

II. The Thicket of Patent Discord

The labyrinthine patent dispute between Apple and Masimo, weaving its tendrils around Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, is a saga of technological contention. The heart of the matter lies in the blood oxygen sensor, a linchpin for Masimo, which accuses Apple of pirating its patented technology.

Masimo's legal salvo found resonance in the halls of the U.S. International Trade Commission. The ITC, donning the mantle of justice, ruled in favor of Masimo, asserting that Apple's sensors trampled on sacred patent grounds. The ban's shadow fell upon the U.S. market, granting Apple a two-month window for a licensing truce with Masimo, a truce that never materialized.

Apple's riposte was swift—a legal appeal that now rests in the hands of the Federal Circuit. This court, currently perusing the legal tapestry, wields the pen to write the epilogue of this patent saga. A ruling favoring Apple could lift the ban's embargo, while a contrary verdict would cement the prohibition on Apple Watches with the contested technology.

In tandem with the appeal, Apple sought a pause button on the ban from the Federal Circuit. However, the court's resolute denial ensures that the ban's curtain remains raised during the ongoing legal drama.

The outcome of this legal tussle, a ballet between patents and innovation, hangs in the delicate balance of the Federal Circuit's decree.

III. The Symphony of Legal Maneuvers

The patent dispute didn't emerge overnight; it germinated in the fertile soil of legal actions and warnings. Masimo's legal fusillade, launched in 2021, accused Apple of poaching talent and replicating its blood oxygen monitoring technology. The ITC's subsequent ruling, akin to a judicial gavel, affirmed Masimo's claim, setting the stage for the ban's inexorable descent upon the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2.

Apple's legal counteroffensive unfolded on multiple fronts. An appeal to the ITC's decision was accompanied by a plea for a ban pause until U.S. Customs and Border Protection dissected the redesigned watches' alleged patent transgressions. Alas, the requests fell on legal deaf ears, and the ban's shadow loomed large over Apple's wristwear empire.

Not content with defense, Apple unleashed a legal barrage against Masimo in 2022, accusing the medical tech behemoth of mimicry in its smartwatch offerings. These legal maneuvers epitomize Apple's tenacious bid to dismantle the ban barricade and safeguard its product lineage.

IV. The Judicial Mandate

The U.S. International Trade Commission's (ITC) edict, akin to a judicial thunderclap, wields the power to alter the trajectory of Apple's fortunes. An independent federal arbiter, the ITC brandished its authority to issue an exclusion order, a legislative dam against the importation of products infringing on intellectual property rights.

Masimo's legal gambit triggered this chain of events, leading to the ban on Apple Watch 9 models. The ITC, rendering judgment in October 2023, upheld the violation verdict, thrusting the ban upon Apple's flagship wearables. Appeals, stay requests, and legal wrangling ensued, with the U.S. Trade Representative declining to reverse the order in a final blow on December 26, 2023.

As the ban's executioner, unless President Biden intercedes on public policy grounds, looms on December 27, 2023, Apple grapples with the prospect of ceding a lucrative market share and navigating uncharted legal waters.

V. The Ripple Effect

The ban's tendrils extend beyond legal quagmires; they entwine with the sinews of Apple's business operations and consumer landscape. A formidable blow to Apple's global aspirations, the ban yanks the rug from beneath the company's feet in a market contributing 15% to its revenue.

The ban unfurls a tapestry of legal risks, regulatory mazes, and competitive gambits. The potential repercussions loom large—losses in market share, customer loyalty, innovation, and profitability, both in the short and long term. Apple finds itself in a crucible, where the alloy of legal adversity meets the flames of competitive strife.

VI. Consumer Odyssey Amidst Bans

Consumers, now navigating the labyrinth of banned Apple Watches, are presented with alternative oases in the smartwatch desert. Amidst the ban-induced void, contenders emerge:

- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: An Android luminary, flaunting a sleek design, a tactile rotating bezel, and a smorgasbord of health and fitness features. Google Assistant and Google Pay integration add a layer of convenience to everyday use.

- Fitbit Versa 3: Tailored for the fitness aficionado, this smartwatch boasts an enduring battery life, integrated GPS, and a heart rate monitor. Tracking sleep quality, stress levels, and blood oxygen saturation, it plays well with both Android and iOS devices, offering compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant.

- Garmin Venu 2: The premium contender, adorned with a high-resolution AMOLED display, a robust design, and an array of sports and wellness features. Beyond the basics, it delves into the realms of measuring body battery, respiration, hydration, and more. Music storage, Garmin Pay, and offline maps sweeten the deal.

As consumers weigh their options amidst the Apple Watch 9 ban fallout, these alternatives beckon, each promising a unique blend of features and functionality.

As the countdown to Black Friday ticks away, the online shopping sphere is buzzing with tempting Apple discounts. If you've been eyeing that sleek pair of AirPods, contemplating an upgrade to the latest iPad, or yearning for the powerful MacBook Pro, the time is ripe to dive into the digital shopping extravaganza.

For bargain hunters in pursuit of Black Friday iPad deals, the spotlight falls on the ninth-generation Apple iPad. This particular gem, featuring a 64GB Wi-Fi model, has descended to an unprecedented price of $230 on Amazon. Thanks to the retailer's generous 30% discount, you're saving a whopping $99 from the original $329 price tag. A word to the wise – act swiftly. Given that this model belongs to the previous generation, stocks might be dwindling rapidly. Don't let this budget-friendly tablet slip through your fingers; complete the transaction at the earliest opportunity.

Known as the iPad 10.2 due to its impressive Retina display size, the ninth-generation Apple iPad, despite its 2021 release, continues to secure a spot on our list of the best iPads for those on a budget. Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, it holds its own against contemporary standards, especially with the option to upgrade to the latest iPadOS 17, Apple's cutting-edge operating system designed for its tablets.

Bytedance, one of the largest Chinese tech and internet companies announced that it will start designing its own semiconductors, also called chips, soon. In addition to owning the popular video app Tiktok, Bytedance owns a large number of popular information, entertainment and gaming apps. The company claims that the chips designed will be used by Bytedance for its own applications only and will not be sold to other companies. This announcement is in keeping with the Chinese government policy of encouraging Chinese tech companies to design their own chips so that China becomes self sufficient in this critical technology.

SMIC Lags Behind

At present the largest semiconductor company in China, Semiconductor Manufacturing international corporation (SMIC) is still lagging behind the world leaders in semiconductor technology like Intel (USA), Samsung , SK Hynix (Korea) and TSMC (Taiwan). Since semiconductors are being used extensively for a large number of applications ranging from home appliances, home automation, vehicles to smartphones, desktops, and servers, design and manufacturing of semiconductors has been a critical technology for countries. The Chinese government has invested a large amount in developing the local semiconductor industry since the country is many years behind the world leaders .

China Self Sufficiency Plan

China is encouraging Chinese tech companies to develop their own semiconductors or chips to become self sufficient and also for national security reasons. The Chinese search engine Baidu has designed a Kunlun chip, while the top Chinese eCommerce company Alibaba has developed the Yitian 710 chip for its own use. The Alibaba chip uses the latest chip design technique, the 5 nanometre process and uses the architecture from Arm, a British semiconductor firm. Oppo, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer is also developing its own chip for its smartphones, using a 3 nanometre process.The Kirin processors developed by another large Chinese tech company Huawei helped it become one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world.

Bytedance Careers

Bytedance which is headquartered in Beijing has advertised the vacancies related to semiconductor design on its website, confirming that it recruiting engineers specializing in chip design. At present, the company is purchasing chips from other companies and then customizing them for their own requirement. Bytedance claims that it is not able to find suppliers for certain kinds of chips it requires. If Bytedance develops its own chips, they can be directly used for the applications no additional programming will be required. However, at present, Bytedance like other Chinese companies will then have to outsource the manufacturing of the chips to other companies which specialize in semiconductor manufacturing.

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If Quantum Computing sounds too technical then you are right, but you don't necessarily need to be an expert to know more about the amazing product that D Wave is providing. D Wave has been in the business of providing and delivering products using the fastest path. Think of the most difficult math problem you had trouble solving when you were in high school, remember the time it took you to solve that with the help of your friends and classmates, now multiply the complexity of that problem to a thousand or more, D Wave's quantum computing program solves that in a second. The future is fast approaching and along with it are the complex mathematical and analytic problems that require a fast solution and you don't want a pen and paper to solve that for you.

D Wave Going Public

D Wave is now at its final steps to bring Commercial Quantum Computing to Public Markets. This is expected to expand D-Wave's Quantum Computing Ability beyond what was originally thought possible. And with all these things in mind, the Market Valuation is expected to reach ~$1.6B.

The support it is getting from its current investors is more than enough to validate the future that this company from NEC and Bezos Expeditions as well as Goldman and Sachs.

D Wave Products

The company offers a wide variety of products and solutions ranging from Manufacturing and Logistics to Life Sciences.

In Logistics computing the most optimal time and route of your parcel considering hundreds and thousands of variables from time of day to vehicle volume, foot traffic and the likelihood of the recipient to be available based on the kind of neighborhood they live can definitely make your delivery services a lot more appealing to customers and saves the business a lot of time and resources.

In the Manufacturing industry scheduling your production based on your staff schedule delivery schedule and the machine rest requirements as well as your historical staff reliability can potentially increase efficiency based on how these things align.

Providing an effective finance solution is nothing but a set of computations based on historical data and probability based on previous data behavior. Fraud risks are identified by considering key factors from a certain set of data presented and what better way to analyze that than doing it in a blink of an eye. Nowadays getting the finance approval out is just as important as getting it out quicker than anyone else.

In this day and age, being right and accurate is still one of the most important aspects of problem-solving, however being the fastest while staying accurate and correct is becoming as important if not more.

If you give everyone enough time as most principles have been established everyone will eventually arrive at the same solution. How fast you get there ahead of everyone is what will take your business from being an average to a leader in the industry.

D Wave is definitely right in cusp of being successful and being part of that journey is definitely one that guarantee that you have a place somewhere in that future.

Minecraft is one of the most popular computer games worldwide and new themes, enhancements of Minecraft are always being released. In one of the most significant changes in visual effects for Minecraft in many years, Microsoft will collaborate with graphics card manufacturer, Nvidia to create a special version of Minecraft with Nvidia RTX ray tracing. This enhanced visually attractive version of Minecraft will be released on April 16, 2020 and is eagerly awaited by Minecraft fans worldwide. In this version Nvidia will use drivers, its upgraded RTX graphics card and a specially created version of Minecraft with light ray tracing, to give a realistic look for the game.

Nvidia Geforce RTX20

In most computer games, including Minecraft, the conventional graphics technologies which are used allow the game designer limited control over the illumination and colors displayed on the screen. For more realistic colors using ray tracing, a high capacity graphics processor and software will be required, which are not easily available. To overcome this limitation of Minecraft, Nvidia has released the Nvidia Geforce RTX20 series graphics card with specially designed Graphics Processor Unit (GPU). This card is using the Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS 2.0) technology for ray tracing without affecting the performance of the game, computer.

Artificial Intelligence Tensor Cores

The Nvidia RTX GPUs are using Artificial intelligence (AI) tensor cores and machine learning, to render life like and realistic visuals. The rendering technique uses super resolution using AI, in which a few pixels are rendered in the conventional way. Then AI is used to construct high resolution images which are sharper. The frames are also being generated at a faster rate. All the illumination effects like shadows, atmospheric effects, reflections, refraction,transparency, scattering, are created using this technology. Since AI is being used extensively for rendering the graphics, the load on the GPU and CPU, power consumption is lower compared to other hardware used earlier.

For the convenience of the users, Minecraft and Nvidia are releasing specially developed textures which showcase the enhanced visual effects, collaborating with different creators. The six textures are Temples & Totems from Razzleberries, Imagination Island developed by Blockworks, Crystal Palace by Gemini Tay, Aquatic Adventure by Dr. Bond, Color, light & shadows by Pearlescentmoon, Neon district from Elysium Fire. These adventure, creative and other themes can be downloaded from the Minecraft marketplace by graphic designers developing their own themes or Minecraft players who wish to enhance their gaming experience.

Announcing Minecraft with RTX for Windows 10

Over the past few years there has been an increasing concern about how private our data really is. And various scandals and leaks have made a lot of people start thinking of ways to better secure our data. Whenever you post something on social media or put information into a website, you are in most cases giving up control of that data for the platform or website you've given it to to be able to do what they want with it. A lot of the time we know this because we will get a popup requiring us to give permission and accept that our data is being used. But in many cases the tracking of our data is done a lot more discreetly. With the data gathered often sold to marketing and data analytics companies, with none of that profit returned to the user. That is why the Blockchain Cell Phone BOB has been created.

Blockchain Secure Calling

There has also been a shift recently to people doing a large amount of their internet activity on their mobile devices as apposed to personal computers or laptops. So it only makes sense that a blockchain powered cell phone would be developed, ensuring all calls, texts and internet activity are secure.

Function X

This is why FunctionX, part of the PundiX Foundation have developed the Blok On Blok or BOB blockchain smartphone. The phone operates on the FunctionX(FX) blockchain protocol. This allows for calling, texting and browsing without ever having to use a centralized service provider. With such a new operating system some people may be concerned about how they will get their favorite apps and use them to connect with their friends and family who don't have a blockchain phone. But BOB's operating system was built off of the latest Android operating system and allows for a unique dual mode where the user can seamlessly switch between blockchain mode and normal Android mode. This gives the user the comfort of knowing their data is completely secure when they want to use the blockchain mode, but they can also use their favorite apps in the normal Android mode. It should be noted however that even if the person you are talking to in blockchain mode doesn't have a blockchain phone, your data will still be secure as long as you are in blockchain mode.

If you've ever tried to help your parent or grandparent find cell phone service, you know reasonably priced senior citizen phone plans can be a nightmare to find. We've taken all the guesswork out and broken it down so you can find the best senior citizen phone plans available.

From The Major Carriers

T-Mobile

Unlimited Magenta 55+

Cost: $50/month with $25 due at signup, requires auto pay for this price

Calls: Unlimited within US, Mexico, and Canada

Texts: Unlimited worldwide

Data: Unlimited 4G LTE

Contract: None

This plan takes the Essentials plan and adds unlimited 4G LTE data. Good for someone who likes to use the web or Facebook. Taxes and fees are included with this plan.

Unlimited Magenta Plus

Cost: $65/month with $25 due at signup, requires auto pay for this price

Calls: Unlimited within US, Mexico, and Canada

Texts: Unlimited worldwide

Data: Unlimited 4G LTE

Contract: None

The extra $15/month gets you unlimited video streaming in high definition. Also, if you sign up for 2 lines for $90/month, you get free Netflix. You can add a 2nd line for only $20/month. Also, there are no added taxes or fees with this plan.

Looking for a tutorial on DSLR photography (Digital Single Lens Reflex)? Want to know about some reviews on DSLR cameras? Want to get some tips? If so, you are in the right place at the right time because we will give you what you need down the road.

DSLR photography is here to stay for a long time because it can give you what you want in terms of image quality. Yes, these gadgets can do that and then some, and you will have a lot of fun with them as time progresses. Therefore, read on if you want to find out more about this exciting field of photography.

Tips

Use the Shutter Priority and Aperture Priority modes of the camera. This is important, and you have to do this at all times now and later. Investing in a quality tripod is what you need to do as soon as possible. This will allow you to keep the item still whenever you need to, and that is truly something great for you in due time. You need to know the autofocus capabilities of your machine because this is truly an important part of the process at all times.You have to know how to use the speed settings so you can get the high-quality images that you have been seeking for a long time too.

Best DSLR Camera

Canon EOS Rebel

The Canon EOS Rebel is here to stay for a long time, and you will love what you will get in terms of features. The Canon EOS Rebel has the versatile set of the important imaging capabilities that you have been seeking for a long time too.

Nikon D3500

Nikon D3500 is the DSLR camera that you need to get today because it has the features you have been seeking these days. The Nikon D3500 is truly easy to use and you will get the hang of it in no time with a little practice and patience.

Bitcoin exploded in popularity in 2018, and many websites started to launch and offer tools. This led to the popularity of Bitcoin mining calculators. With that said, we've researched calculators and have created a short list of the best ones.

Calculators For Beginners
When you're mining Bitcoins, but you're a newbie, then things can become overwhelming very fast. There is a lot of info out there and many factors that play a role in the profitability of mining. Some calculators are simpler than others, and this includes:

CryptoCompare- When you search Google for Bitcoin Mining Calculator, the first one that pops up is this one. There's a reason why, and that's because you can customize the hash-power, cost per KWh and power consumption, as well as the mining pool fee. You can estimate what your yearly income will be, as well as monthly, weekly or even daily. It doesn't take into account potential difficulty changes that may occur in the future, so it may provide you with over-estimates of profits.

Anything Crypto- We have a page dedicated to showing you profitability of different ASIC miners. This includes skeptical and optimistic predictions, and we take difficulty changes and price changes into consideration.