>it's really a shame that they aren't the one capturing all the media spotlight

This does seem at least a bit intentional on Waymo’s part. They appear to have adopted an under promise, over deliver mindset (unlike some other robotaxi alternatives that come to mind). They’ve seen a lot of their competitors (Uber, Cruise, etc) capture a lot of ultimatelt negative attention and folded as a result, I would probably try to avoid the limelight if I were them too. The tech speaks for itself.

Riding in one is pretty mind-blowing at first. But what's more shocking is how fast you get used to it. After a while it's just a boring car ride.

I wish more people would experience it and see that the future is now.