The current prototype does not have a steering wheel, accelerator or brake; the model simply has two controls: a start button and an emergency ‘e-stop’ switch. Presently travelling at a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour, Brin envisages that the vehicles could reach speeds of up to 100 m/hr given the sufficient safety measures. Google has set a goal of manufacturing 100-200 of these test cars, which carry two passengers are gondola-like in appearance. The project has been ongoing for the past four years across Detroit, California and Germany.
Elsewhere, Google is reportedly considering a move for connected camera-maker Dropcam. A start up company, Dropcam produces home surveillance cameras costing just $150. The device uses internet connectivity to stream security footage to phones and computers. It is understood that Google would incorporate Dropcam as part of Nest Labs, its $3.2 billion January acquisition. The move would see Google foray even further into the smart home market. Google shares have performed particularly well over the past 5 days with its Class A and C shares gaining 5.2% and 2.8% respectively. Wall Street has responded well these recent insights into Google’s future. Insurance companies will be tuning in closely to ‘self-drive’ developments considering the potential loss of business they would incur. Find the tightest fixed spreads on Google stock at individual-shares.