This digest compiles the latest from Tech Spot.
Today’s Tech Spot Roundup
Waymo admits that its autopilot is often just guys from the Philippines
Waymo’s chief safety officer, Mauricio Peña, recently noted that when the company’s robotaxis encounter unusual situations, they may switch control to the remote drivers. While some of the contractors work in the US, many operate from other countries, such as the Philippines.
3D-printed batteries aim to reshape energy storage in small devices
Material won a $1.25 million contract from the US Air Force to validate the 3D-printing technology earlier this year. The 18-month project aims to demonstrate how printed, conformable batteries could transform design freedom for defense and aerospace hardware.
Apple's iPhone 17e could arrive as soon as this month with MagSafe
Macworld reports that Apple is set to launch the iPhone 17e this spring, possibly as soon as late February. Likely keeping its predecessor’s $599 starting price, the entry-level phone is expected to be a cut-down version of the iPhone 17, with several upgrades over the iPhone 16e.
Google Play Store 50.0.23 arrives with under-the-hood improvements
Google has rolled out version 50.0.23 of the Play Store, continuing its steady cadence of under-the-hood updates. As usual, this release focuses on stability and performance rather than flashy new features. You can check your current version under Settings > About in the Play Store app, and if you’re behind, you cna download the latest build right here.
Apple may soon open CarPlay to ChatGPT, Gemini, and other AI assistants
The move would represent a notable change of course for Apple. Until now, Siri has been the only voice assistant allowed to operate within CarPlay’s interface. Opening the system to external AI models would let drivers access chatbots for everything from restaurant suggestions to quick research, all through a spoken…
End of today’s Tech Spot roundup.
