When you get into an Uber or Lyft, the goal is to get you to your destination. But with Waymo’s robotaxis, it seems that the company wants to expand further on that experience. To that end, Waymo has unveiled its Ojai experience powered by Google’s Gemini.
Waymo unveils Gemini-powered Ojai experience
So, what is Ojai? According to Waymo, “Designed from the ground up for ride-hailing, the Ojai reimagines the vehicle cabin as a flexible, premium space for riders to make their own – a true living room on wheels.” Basically, it’s a platform that lets you take your experience to the next level with varying types of customizations.
As Waymo puts it, the car itself drives you to your destination. You don’t need to think or worry about that. So while you are in your Waymo ride, you can take advantage of the Gemini-powered Ojai to personalize your ride. For instance, riders can ask Gemini in the car to adjust the air conditioning temperature.
They can even ask Gemini to recommend the best coffee shops or ask questions about landmarks. If you’ve ever gone to a foreign country and had a taxi driver explain the different sights and sounds to you, this is something similar. Users can also request for Waymo to pull over via Gemini.
However, the company notes that Gemini itself does not actually control the vehicle, but it’s a command you can issue if you want. For those who are concerned about their privacy, don’t be. Waymo says Gemini will remain inactive until you engage with it. So it’s not as if Gemini is listening in all the time.
A new screen experience
Waymo has been on the road testing its tech for years. So obviously certain things are due for an upgrade or refresh. This includes an all-new screen interface. Waymo says, “Dynamic screen elements display key ride information and streamline music playback, while an intuitive system menu makes it easy to adjust cabin controls or access media options.”
There will be three screens in Waymo’s cars. But instead of the screens all mirroring each other, it’s a dynamic setup. This means that each screen will display relevant information. For example, if it’s just you, you’ll see full controls. The other screens will just show a simplified trip status or a media player.
Riders can even set a “Calm Mode,” perfect for when you’re traveling home and want to just relax.
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