Big changes are coming to the tech world this week, from driverless cars expanding across Europe to a surprisingly cheap new accessory from Apple.
To start, the self-driving car company Waymo is planning to bring its robotic vehicles to Munich, Germany by 2027. Waymo makes autonomous cars, which are vehicles that can drive themselves without a human operator. The company will start testing its cars with backup safety drivers on Munich streets in the coming weeks. Waymo wants to get the official permits it needs to offer fully driverless rides to the public by next year. If you live in London, you might see them even sooner, as rides could start there as early as next month. Waymo is also setting up offices in other European countries, including France, Spain, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
At the same time, Apple has quietly lowered the price of a popular accessory. The company is now selling its cleaning cloth for $9 instead of the original $19. This is the exact same soft cloth as before. It is made from a material that will not scratch your screens. It is safe to use on delicate displays, including nano-texture glass. This is a special matte screen designed to stop glare from light. While Apple recently released new computer models like the Mac Mini, those devices do not come with screens. But if you buy a separate monitor to go with them, this newly discounted cloth is a great way to keep it clean. The cloth still works on a huge list of older devices, going all the way back to the iPhone 5 from 2012.
These updates matter because they show how everyday technology is shifting. Self-driving travel is quickly becoming a reality for more people outside of the US. Meanwhile, even the most expensive tech companies are willing to offer a rare bargain on the small items we use every day.
Whether you are looking forward to a futuristic taxi ride or just want a cheaper way to keep your phone screen clean, tech is getting a bit more accessible.
