Waymo adds Google’s Gemini AI assistant and new UI to Ojai robotaxi

This news is about self-driving taxis, not home energy upgrades, so it doesn't affect your house directly. Waymo, Google's robotaxi company, is adding a Gemini AI voice assistant and a redesigned in-car screen to its Ojai vehicle, a robotaxi built specifically for ride-hailing. Riders can talk to Gemini to adjust cabin temperature, ask questions, or get trip information. It runs separately from the system that actually drives the car, so it has no control over steering or routing.

The redesigned screen setup includes three displays that show different information depending on who's sitting where, plus a "Calm Mode" that dims everything down to basic trip details for riders who want less on-screen activity. Waymo is rolling these features out as it prepares to open the Ojai to more public riders, alongside its broader expansion, which now includes over 3,000 vehicles and driverless service in Las Vegas as of this month.

The one link to home energy: the article notes that most people still drive their own car and charge it at home, and that solar can lower the cost of that charging as electricity rates rise. But that's a general aside, not news tied to any new program, rebate, or deadline. If you're weighing a home solar upgrade, checking current rates and available incentives in your state is still the practical step, separate from anything in this robotaxi announcement.