George Hotz is well known for hacking the PlayStation and jailbreaking the iPhone, and he is about to launch his first product from his autonomous driving company Comma.ai.
Comma One is a new add-on for existing cars that will give your car some self-driving features, and it will launch before the end of the year for $999.
Features and Capabilities of Comma One
The Comma One will give your car similar autonomous driving features to Tesla’s Auto Pilot, and it will be available for a small range of cars at launch. George Hotz is hoping to expand the compatibility to more vehicles as time goes on. The initial release will focus on popular car models that have the necessary built-in technology to support the Comma One system.
“It is fully functional. It’s about on par with Tesla Autopilot,” Hotz said. It doesn’t have a lot of sensors as the Comma One relies on built-in car front radars and comes with a camera. “The key sensors that we’re getting back is the cam. We’re actually getting back the video, even Tesla isn’t doing that.” Hotz said. “We have all the video data.
The reliance on existing car sensors and the addition of a camera make the Comma One a unique product in the market. Unlike other systems that require extensive hardware modifications, Comma One aims to be a plug-and-play solution. This ease of installation could make it an attractive option for car owners who want to upgrade their vehicles without significant investment or technical expertise.
Potential Impact on the Automotive Industry
If the Comma One system works well, then this could end up being a very popular device, and automakers may also be interested in the technology. The success of Comma One could pave the way for more aftermarket autonomous driving solutions, potentially leading to a more competitive market and faster advancements in self-driving technology.
Moreover, the affordability of the Comma One at $999 makes it accessible to a broader audience. This price point is significantly lower than the cost of purchasing a new vehicle with built-in autonomous features, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious consumers. The ability to retrofit older cars with modern technology could also extend the lifespan of existing vehicles, contributing to more sustainable automotive practices.
In addition to consumer interest, the Comma One could attract attention from regulatory bodies and safety organizations. As autonomous driving technology becomes more widespread, there will be increased scrutiny on the safety and reliability of these systems. George Hotz and his team at Comma.ai will need to ensure that their product meets rigorous safety standards to gain widespread acceptance.
The potential for data collection and analysis is another significant aspect of the Comma One. By capturing video data from the camera, Comma.ai can gather valuable information on driving patterns, road conditions, and potential hazards. This data could be used to improve the system’s performance over time and contribute to broader research efforts in the field of autonomous driving.
The launch of Comma One represents an exciting development in the world of autonomous driving. George Hotz’s innovative approach and focus on affordability could make self-driving technology more accessible to the average consumer. As the product rolls out and gains traction, it will be interesting to see how it influences the automotive industry and the future of transportation.
Source TechCrunch
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