Home / Google / Waymo Introduces Teen Accounts for Families in Phoenix, Expanding Autonomous…
Waymo Introduces Teen Accounts for Families in Phoenix, Expanding Autonomous Ride-Hailing Services
Jul 9, 2025

Waymo Introduces Teen Accounts for Families in Phoenix, Expanding Autonomous Ride-Hailing Services

Curated by · TechCapsules ·

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company, has started offering teen accounts for families in Phoenix, marking a significant expansion of its user base and efforts to entrench young riders in the autonomous life. This move mirrors the approach taken by Uber, which also allows parents to create teen accounts in Phoenix and other cities across the country. In Metro Phoenix, parents can link a profile to their Waymo One accounts for teenagers aged 14 to 17. This enables the teens to order their own rides and share trip status with their parents. By opening up autonomous vehicles to ferry kids, Waymo aims to provide peace of mind to parents who might otherwise be hesitant to put their child in a car alone with another adult. Waymo's move could also help address concerns related to ride-hail drivers transporting minors. In states like California, ride-hail drivers who transport kids are required to get fingerprinted, and autonomous vehicles could potentially remove this red tape. However, safety concerns remain, including the risk of human trafficking and sexual abuse. TechCrunch inquired about Waymo's measures to confirm that the teenager linked to an adult's account is part of that family and what steps the company takes if other riders enter the vehicle with the teenager. While Waymo did not respond to these specific questions, a spokesperson emphasized that safety is the company's top priority. Waymo's specially trained support agents are available 24/7 to assist kids during their rides and can reach out to parents for additional support if needed. According to a press release, Waymo aims to provide teens with a safer mode of transportation via robotaxis, which could help address the higher risk of traffic accidents that teenagers face. Waymo is starting its teen accounts in Phoenix but plans to expand this service to cities outside of California wherever the Waymo app is available. The company operates a commercial robotaxi service via the Uber app in Austin and Atlanta, and plans to launch in Miami this year and in Washington, D.C., in 2026. Waymo may also consider enabling access for teens through "network partners" like Uber in the future.

Capsules Google Startups Transport Uncategorized autonomous vehicle google robotaxi waymo
Read full article
More in Google →
Microsoft will finally let you sign in to Edge with a Google account
neowin.net · Jun 18

Microsoft will finally let you sign in to Edge with a Google…

Microsoft is modifying its Microsoft Edge browser to allow users to sign in with a Google account, in addition to the existing Microsoft Account (MSA) option. This update, set to release in July 2026, will enable users to sync their data across devices using a Google account and potentially facilitate single sign-on experiences. IT administrators will have control over the feature's availability through a policy. This development marks a shift from Microsoft's previous stance on integrating Google services into Edge.

💡 Microsoft's move to support Google account sign-ins on Edge undermines its earlier claim of not integrating Google services by default, highlighting a change in the company's stance on interoperability. The gesture may prompt Google to reciprocate, potentially leading to a more seamless experience for users across Microsoft and Google ecosystems.

I barely use Gemini’s default chatbot after trying the new Gemini Live interface
androidcentral.com · Jun 18

I barely use Gemini’s default chatbot after trying the new Gemini Live…

Google has released a major update for its Gemini app, introducing a new Neural Expressive user interface for Gemini Live. The revamped interface focuses on AI-generated content, displaying spoken words, images, and more on the screen as users interact with the chatbot. This upgrade enables new use cases, such as generating images and viewing the output immediately, and provides users with more control over the conversation, including the ability to copy, share, and export responses.

💡 The Gemini Live update showcases Google's commitment to refining its AI tools, making them more intuitive and user-friendly. By prioritizing visual content, the new interface opens up new possibilities for everyday use, such as improving productivity and creativity.

Google has ended Nest Mini and Nest Audio production, discontinuing both speakers
9to5google.com · Jun 18

Google has ended Nest Mini and Nest Audio production, discontinuing both speakers

Google has confirmed the discontinuation of its Nest Mini and Nest Audio smart speakers, citing the introduction of the Google Home speaker as the replacement. The Nest Mini, launched in 2019, offered a budget-friendly option for Google Assistant, while the Nest Audio, released in 2021, provided improved audio quality. Existing devices will continue to receive software updates and support, but new hardware production has ended. The move leaves Google's ecosystem without a cheaper entry point, with the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max remaining available for purchase.

💡 The loss of the Nest Mini as a budget-friendly entry point into Google's smart home ecosystem may deter price-conscious consumers from adopting Google Assistant, potentially limiting the platform's growth.

Gemini’s co-lead is leaving Google to join OpenAI
9to5google.com · Jun 18

Gemini’s co-lead is leaving Google to join OpenAI

Noam Shazeer, VP of engineering at Google and co-lead of Gemini, is leaving the company to join OpenAI. Shazeer announced his departure on Twitter/X, expressing gratitude for his time at Google and pride in the team's accomplishments. He had been with Google since August 2024, and previously worked as a software engineer and CEO of Character.ai. Google acknowledged Shazeer's contributions, stating they are grateful for his work. Shazeer's new role at OpenAI has not been disclosed. His departure marks a significant change, given his leadership role in Gemini. He is set to join OpenAI, a major player in AI development.

💡 Shazeer's move to OpenAI underscores the intense talent competition in the AI sector. His expertise in AI development will likely bolster OpenAI's capabilities.

Google’s extensive June security update fixes tons of lingering Pixel problems
androidcentral.com · Jun 18

Google’s extensive June security update fixes tons of lingering Pixel problems

Google has released a June security patch for its Pixel phones, addressing various issues that have plagued the devices. The update, marked as vCP2A.260605.012, fixes problems with display and graphics, camera app freezes, and battery charging issues. It also resolves issues with unstable audio, app crashes, and backup settings. The patch is rolling out for Pixel 6 and newer devices, including the Pixel 10 series, Pixel 8 series, and Pixel Fold. Google's patch notes detail several fixes, aiming to resolve lingering problems with Pixel phones. The update is part of Google's June Drop, which includes new features like "Bubbles" and "Screen reactions".

💡 Google's swift action to address Pixel phone issues underscores its commitment to user experience. By fixing critical problems, Google aims to restore user trust in its devices.

Google solves the biggest headache of switching from iPhone to Android
androidpolice.com · Jun 18

Google solves the biggest headache of switching from iPhone to Android

Google has introduced a new version of Android Switch, making it easier to switch from an iPhone to an Android device. The updated feature directly integrates with both operating systems, solving major pain points of transferring data. This improvement is part of Android 17, which brings several new features and enhancements to Pixel devices. According to Paul Dunlop, Product Lead for Onboarding, Settings, and Switching of Android at Google, the new Android Switch addresses significant issues. The update aims to simplify the switching process, providing a more seamless experience for users transitioning from iPhone to Android, with key details including direct integration and improved data transfer.

💡 Simplified data transfer removes a significant barrier for iPhone users considering a switch to Android. Google's direct integration with both operating systems streamlines the process.