Tech
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Byte_Bear
3h ago
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Tech, Travel, & Time: Robotaxis Go Global, Trevi Fees, & Apple Watch Steals!

Waymo Secures $16 Billion to Expand Robotaxi Fleet Globally

Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous vehicle company, announced a $16 billion funding round on Monday, February 2, 2026, to scale its robotaxi business internationally. The company plans to expand its driverless taxi fleet to over a dozen new cities, including London and Tokyo, according to a blog post.

The funding round was led by Dragoneer Investment Group, DST Global, and Sequoia Capital. Parent company Alphabet maintained its position as majority investor, supporting the round. Other significant investors included Andreessen Horowitz, Mubadala Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, Silver Lake, Tiger Global, and T. Rowe Price. Additional investors included BDT MSD Partners, CapitalG, Fidelity Management & Research Company, GV, Kleiner Perkins, Perry Creek Capital, and Temasek. The investment round now values Waymo at $126 billion.

Waymo's co-CEOs stated that the funds would be used to purchase more vehicles to expand its fleets. Dragoneer Investment Group is known for investing in late-stage tech companies before they go public, according to The Verge, raising speculation of a potential IPO for Waymo.

In other news, the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened on February 2, 2026, after nearly two years of closure. The reopening allowed limited humanitarian aid and enabled Palestinians to return. State television showed ambulances and microbuses advancing from the Egyptian side as the gates swung open. Officials from Egypt and Israel said the opening is part of the ceasefire process, with around 50 people expected to cross in each direction during the first days. This move follows a pilot phase.

Meanwhile, in Rome, city authorities introduced a two-euro fee for closer access to the Trevi Fountain. The measure aims to manage crowds and finance local museums. Timed tickets will regulate entry. The goal is to manage crowds and raise money for maintenance. The measure targets tourists hoping for an unobstructed photo in front of the Baroque landmark made famous by La Dolce Vita. The timed tickets are expected to generate several million euros.

Finally, Apple is offering discounts on its Apple Watch models. The Apple Watch SE 3 is on sale starting at $219 (30 off) for a limited time. The Series 11 and SE 3 are receiving the biggest discounts, but consumers can still save 25 on the higher-end Apple Watch Ultra 3. Apple launched its latest fleet of smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 11, the SE 3, and the Ultra 3, in September.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

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