In a late-breaking announcement, the self-driving car unit of Alphabet, Inc, parent company of Google Laboratories, stated they will outfit all new car models with a robotic hand to "give the finger" to other unmanned vehicles as well as traditional vehicles that engage in any "finger worthy" behavior on the streets of New York City.
The move comes shortly after a partnership with Uber, in which both companies agreed the self-driving experience should mimic real-life driving scenarios and responses as much as possible. Astro Teller, director of Google X laboratory, added, "We knew that NYC drivers want to be as comfortable as possible using and sharing the road with these cars, this is a yuuuuge first step to making that happen."
New York City residents were split about the decision, some saw it as a nice gesture but not moving far enough. Vito Coglione of Queens, NY, said, "It's ok they did that, I mean it's great, but sometimes I grab my nads and the other guy does the same, with these robot hand things, how's that gonna work, ey?"
Others have welcomed the addition, and are whole heartedly welcoming the opportunity to flip off a self-driving car. Lisa Porter said, "I don't care if the car flips me off, I'll flip him off right back, this is New York F#$@#$ City, you feel me?"
When asked if any further additions were forthcoming, Teller was muted but did suggest that "authentic" New York scents such as garbage, pizza, and "formidable" farts were in the process of being collected, tested and analyzed. "We hope to have those added by end of calendar year 2016."
