Technology

Why self-driving cars are able to completely break the rules in this California city

Published

2 years ago

January 25, 2024

Why self-driving cars are able to completely break the rules in this California city

If it feels like technology is speeding ahead, you might be right. In some states, like California, the laws have yet to catch up with technology.

If ride-share drivers and rental scooters aren’t complicating the roadways enough already, now there are self-driving cars on the road and no one to hold them accountable.

With the ability to cause as much damage as a car with a driver, it would seem natural to assume that there would be the same level of consequence or recourse for self-driving cars.

Yet, unlike Arizona and Texas, the laws have not been changed in California.

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Cruise AV (Kelley Blue Book)

How autonomous vehicles escape traffic tickets in the city by the bay

In San Francisco, autonomous vehicles (AV) have been allowed to operate without a driver within city limits since 2022. While AVs can be stopped by an officer like any other vehicle on the road, a citation cannot be written unless there is a driver or safety driver present overseeing the operation of the car.

Cruise AV (Kelley Blue Book)

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Technically, the registered owner of the AV can be cited for non-moving violations such as parking violations. Alarmingly, the registered owner of an AV cannot be cited for moving violations, such as blowing past a stop sign or driving down the wrong side of the street.

“Subject to ticket” sign (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)

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Why California needs to catch up with other states on autonomous vehicle laws

While states like Arizona and Texas have updated their laws so that self-driving cars can get moving violation citations with or without a driver present, California has not. Because of this technicality, California has become the wild, wild west for AVs as self-driving cars do not face the same consequences for moving violations. This is especially troubling as one could argue that the potential damage moving violations can cause is usually greater than that from nonmoving violations.

Ironically, California has the largest market for robotaxis, which are AVs. There are over 500 AVs operating in San Francisco alone between Waymo and Cruise, and this is before the controversial vote allowing for their expansion. Compare that to Austin, Texas, where only 125 AVs are operating.

Street in San Francisco (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)

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The urgent need for legal reform on autonomous vehicles in San Francisco

San Francisco locals and officials alike have been reporting the challenges of inhabiting a city teeming with AVs. From blocking emergency response teams to dragging a pedestrian under an AV, it is clear that something needs to change, legally.

While top robotaxis companies such as such as Cruise are taking a step back and pausing service after the widely publicized pedestrian dragging incident, it is clear that the law needs to speed up the technology.

Cruise AV on the street (Cruise)

What can be done to make autonomous vehicles safer and more accountable?

As technology advances, so should the laws that govern it. AVs are not just a novelty, they are a reality that affects the lives and safety of millions of people. San Francisco, as one of the leading cities for AV innovation, should also be a leader in AV regulation. There are several steps that can be taken to make AVs safer and more accountable in San Francisco.

Updating the laws to allow for moving violation citations for AVs, regardless of whether there is a driver present or not. This would create a deterrent for reckless or faulty AV behavior and ensure that the registered owners of AVs are held responsible for their actions.

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Creating a clear and transparent system for reporting and investigating AV incidents, especially those involving injuries or fatalities. This would help to identify the causes and prevention of AV accidents and improve public trust and confidence in AV technology.

Establishing a minimum standard for AV safety and performance, such as requiring AVs to have sensors, cameras, and communication systems that can detect and avoid obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles. This would ensure that AVs are capable of operating safely and reliably in complex and dynamic urban environments.

Collaborating with AV companies, researchers, and stakeholders to develop best practices and guidelines for AV testing and deployment. This would foster a culture of innovation and cooperation among the AV industry and the public sector and ensure that AVs are aligned with the needs and values of the community.

Kurt’s key takeaways

AVs can change the way we travel, move, and live in San Francisco and beyond. But they also bring significant challenges and risks that need to be dealt with and controlled. By taking proactive and responsible steps to regulate autonomous vehicles, San Francisco can make sure that AVs are not only a technological wonder but also a social good.

Are there AVs in your city yet? Who do you trust more to do the driving: humans or machines? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

YouTube made its video player easier to navigate on TVs

Published

4 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

YouTube made its video player easier to navigate on TVs

The YouTube watch screen has been given a new look on TVs. The redesign aims to provide a “more intuitive experience with easier navigation,” according to YouTube’s announcement, relocating the video title and several controls, and adding a new “Description” button to access creator information and other video features.

I’m already seeing the update on my own Nvidia Shield Pro streaming box and native Phillips TV OS, and I do think it makes it easier to find specific video features and controls. My colleague Thomas Ricker says he isn’t seeing the redesign in Apple TV’s YouTube player, however, so they may still be rolling out. These changes are pretty delayed, considering YouTube announced in April that they would arrive “this summer.”

Videos on the YouTube app for TV will now show the title in the top left corner of the screen instead of just above the video scrubber at the bottom of the page, and the title can no longer be clicked to open comments, metadata, and information about the creator. Instead, those controls are now available by clicking the new “Description” button. The channel thumbnail and subscribe function have also been separated into two buttons, with the creator’s thumbnail now taking users directly to their channel.

Controls have been reorganized into distinct groups under the video scrubber: Channel, Description, and Subscribe on the left, Previous, Pause/Play, and Next in the center, and Like, Dislike, Comment, Save, Closed Captions, and Settings placed into two groups on the right. YouTube says the Subscribe button will remain visible to subscribers, adapting to flag pay-gated content or alert users to new live streams. A “Multiview” control has also been added for live sports content, while Music and Premium subscribers will see a new “Display Mode” control.

Technology

Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 eyes on the scene

Published

5 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 eyes on the scene

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Holiday travel and winter storms create risky moments for drivers and families. Stress rises fast during emergencies, and describing the scene to 911 can feel overwhelming.

Now, a new Android feature closes that gap by providing live visual information that helps responders act with speed and accuracy.

If you use an iPhone, Apple offers a similar tool through its Emergency SOS Live Video feature. You can learn how it works right here.

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Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 a secure live view of the scene, so responders understand what is happening right away. (Cyberguy.com)

What Android Emergency Live Video does

Google is rolling out Android Emergency Live Video to give dispatchers a secure view of the scene during an active call or text. A dispatcher can request a live video stream through your phone when it is safe for you to share it. With a single tap, you can stream real-time video that helps responders understand what is happening.

This can help during car accidents, medical emergencies or fast-moving hazards such as wildfire conditions. Live video can also help dispatchers guide you through steps that save lives, such as CPR, until responders arrive.

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How the Android Emergency Live Video feature works

Android designed this tool to work with no setup. When you call or text 911, the dispatcher reviews the situation. If they decide video would help, they will send a request to your phone. You see a clear prompt that lets you choose whether to start the secure stream. The feature uses encryption and gives you full control. You can stop sharing at any moment.

The feature works on Android phones running Android 8 or newer with Google Play services. It is rolling out across the U.S. and select regions in Germany and Mexico. Google plans to expand coverage with more public safety partners.

How to use Emergency Live Video on Android

You cannot turn this feature on in advance. It appears only during an active 911 call or text.

1) Call or text 911 on your Android phone. The dispatcher reviews your situation.

2) Watch for a request on your screen. If the dispatcher decides live video will help, they send a prompt to your device.

3) Tap the notification that appears. You will see a clear message asking if you want to share live video.

4) Choose Share video to start streaming. This opens your camera and begins a secure live feed.

5) Tap Stop sharing at any time. You stay in control the entire time and can end the video at any time.

With one tap, you can choose to share real-time video during a 911 call or text which gives dispatchers the clarity they need to guide you. (CyberGuy.com)

Why Emergency Live Video on Android matters now

Emergencies create confusion. Sharing details verbally takes time and can lead to miscommunication. Video removes guesswork. Responders gain clarity in seconds, which can speed up help and improve outcomes. This tool builds on Android’s safety features, including Satellite SOS, Fall Detection and Car Crash Detection.

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Alastair Breeze, a Software Engineer for Android, tells CyberGuy that the team built this feature with one goal in mind. “Providing people peace of mind is at the core of Android’s safety mission. Android Emergency Live Video gives you the ability to securely share real-time video to provide dispatchers the critical eyes-on-scene context they need to assist in emergencies.”

What this means to you

If you carry an Android phone, this feature adds another layer of protection during moments that demand quick action. You stay in control of when the video is shared. You also get a simple way to show the situation when describing it feels impossible. Faster clarity can lead to faster help, which can shape how an emergency ends.

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The feature works on Android phones running Android 8 or newer and helps responders act faster during emergencies when seconds matter. (Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com / USA TODAY)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Android Emergency Live Video brings real-time awareness to moments when every second matters. It gives responders a clear view, so they can guide you through urgent steps if necessary. Most of all, it adds peace of mind during situations no one plans for.

Would you feel comfortable sharing live video during an emergency if it helped responders reach you faster? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

The Game Awards 2025: all the news and announcements

Published

16 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

The Game Awards 2025: all the news and announcements

The Game Awards are back once again to showcase a metric ton of commercials, provide the gaming public with their monthly dose of Muppets, and validate gamers’ opinions on which title should be named the Game of the Year. I don’t wanna say it’s a foregone conclusion what this year’s GOTY will be — Silksong may surprise us — but it’s pretty obvious that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the frontrunner and for good reason. It’s netted 12 nominations, the most out of this year’s contenders, including all five craft awards (Direction, Art, Music and Score, Narrative, and Audio Design).

On the announcements side, Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Games are planning something related to the Tomb Raider series. Keighley also probably had plans to reveal big news about Resident Evil: Requiem, but unfortunately it got spoiled early thanks to some leaked key art on the PlayStation Store. Here’s all the news, announcements, and trailers from The Game Awards 2025.