Topic: Google Car

A host describes being rear-ended in Southeast Austin by a young driver who was allegedly distracted by Google Maps on her phone. The account details the immediate aftermath, including the arrival of Austin Police and Fire Department personnel who noted that such accidents occur daily due to smartphone use. The discussion touches on potential technological solutions, such as accelerometers to lock phones while driving, and the legal penalties for device use behind the wheel.

A Google self-driving car was involved in a low-speed collision with a bus in Mountain View, California, which the hosts interpret as a failure of "skip logic" algorithms. Separately, U.S. officials warned of a catastrophic risk of failure at the Mosul Dam in Iraq, which could displace over a million people if it collapses.

The push for driverless trucks is expected to face significant opposition from the Teamsters union and state-level regulatory hurdles. The transition toward automation is linked to the rising discussion of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a solution for human workers displaced by technology. The "obsession" with roboticizing service jobs, such as using iPads in restaurants, is criticized for destroying entry-level employment.

A "clip blitz" covers a Google self-driving car hitting a bus in Mountain View and warnings of a catastrophic failure at Iraq's Mosul Dam. Additionally, three San Francisco Sheriff's deputies were charged with forcing jail inmates into "gladiator-style" fights for entertainment.

The hosts debate the future of autonomous vehicles following President Obama's pledge to accelerate their deployment. One host bets that fully self-driving cars will not happen in their lifetime, arguing that the technology will remain limited to driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control. They criticize the push for driverless cars as "stupid" compared to improving inter-car communication.

A review of the autonomous car industry in 2015 highlights Tesla's "Autopilot" system and testing by Google in Austin and Mountain View. Looking toward 2016, the report mentions potential Apple car rumors and the upcoming unveiling of a prototype by the mysterious company Faraday Future.

Bloomberg reports that Google's autonomous vehicles are involved in accidents because they follow traffic laws too strictly, leading human drivers to rear-end them. California regulators have proposed rules requiring a human driver to be ready to take control at all times. The hosts debate whether programmers should teach cars to "behave more human" by occasionally breaking laws.

The ethical programming of self-driving cars was debated, specifically regarding how an AI should choose between the safety of the passenger and a pedestrian. A humorous suggestion was made that Google might base these life-and-death decisions on a user's search history.

John C. Dvorak introduces a new segment called "ISO of the Day," featuring isolated audio clips for potential use as "evergreens." Contenders include Neil deGrasse Tyson stumbling over words, Al Sharpton discussing Star Wars, and a young girl excitedly spotting a Google self-driving car. The hosts debate which clip is the most effective for future media deconstruction.

The ethical challenges of programming self-driving cars are explored through a hypothetical scenario involving a choice between hitting school children or a head-on collision. The hosts debate how an automated system should prioritize the life of the driver versus pedestrians. This "question of conscience" highlights the legal and moral complexities facing companies like Google as they develop autonomous vehicle technology.

A promotional event for Google's self-driving cars took place at the Thinkery children's museum in Austin, Texas. Attendees observed the "bean-shaped" prototype vehicles and interacted with Google staff members who indicated that "Phase One" of the rollout—where drivers are trained to take over manually from software—is projected for 2020. The event was characterized as lacking clear marketing direction or public engagement despite the presence of live music and refreshments.

A discussion of the Google self-driving car's 700,000-mile record without a traffic violation leads to a theory about the future of law enforcement. The hosts argue that autonomous vehicles could cripple municipal budgets that rely heavily on revenue from traffic tickets. They suggest that cities may resist the adoption of driverless technology to protect these financial interests.

Iran has unveiled the Shahed 129, an indigenous long-range drone, as reports indicate that 76 countries are now developing drone technology. The hosts discuss the Pentagon's push for autonomous drones that can make "ethical" kill decisions without human intervention. They argue that the public is being conditioned for this "drone world" through the legalization of self-driving Google cars and the expansion of drone bases in locations like Djibouti.

Denmark's Defense Minister has expressed interest in replacing F-16 tasks with drones for Arctic surveillance. The hosts argue that Google's self-driving car project is a front for NSA-funded autonomous technology research, preparing the public to accept robotic policing and surveillance.

The hosts mock Google's founders for purchasing a jet fighter while promoting "green" values, comparing it to Larry Ellison's MiG. Curry reports that while traditional advertising is under pressure, transactional business models—such as those using coupon codes for Budget Rent-A-Car—are performing exceptionally well. They discuss upcoming promotional deals for listeners, including discounts on car rentals and Brookstone products.