Self-driving cars aren’t science fiction anymore — they’re picking up passengers right here in Central Florida. Waymo officially launched its robotaxi service in the Orlando metro area, and tens of thousands of people have already taken a ride. But new technology always brings new questions: Is it safe? What about your privacy? And what scams should you watch out for? In this week’s episode of Tech Talk with Refresh Computers, David Levitt and Greg Rhodes break it all down, plus share practical advice on refurbished computers and how to protect yourself after data breaches like the recent Booking.com incident.
Listen to the Episode
Waymo Launches in Orlando: What It Looks Like on the Ground
Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service is now available to the public across the greater Orlando metro area. It started as an invitation-only test back in February, limited mostly to the tourism corridor near Universal Studios. But as of mid-April, anyone can download the Waymo app and request a ride. Over 60,000 early riders have already signed up in Central Florida alone.
The vehicles themselves are Jaguar I-PACE models built specifically for Waymo’s autonomous platform. They use a combination of cameras and sensors to navigate roads, detect obstacles, and make driving decisions — all without a human behind the wheel.
Why No Interstate Driving Yet?
For now, Waymo is sticking to surface streets and highways rather than interstates. Anyone who has driven on I-4 probably understands why — high-speed, unpredictable traffic requires a level of critical thinking that autonomous systems are still perfecting. The vehicles do well on repeatable, well-mapped routes, which is why trips to the airport, theme parks, and popular dining districts are ideal use cases right now.
The Real-World Challenges for Self-Driving Cars
Autonomous vehicles face some genuinely tough situations that human drivers handle with instinct and experience. These include:
- Construction zones that appear without warning
- Emergency vehicles approaching from different directions
- Pedestrians darting into intersections unexpectedly
- Heavy rain — a near-daily occurrence in Central Florida during summer months
These are all scenarios that test even the most advanced AI systems. The technology is impressive, but it’s still a work in progress when it comes to handling every edge case on the road.
How Fast Technology Disrupts: From Taxis to Uber to Robotaxis
Remember when Uber launched back in 2009? The entire taxi industry was up in arms. Airports posted signs warning passengers not to use rideshare vehicles. Fast forward to today, and Uber is a household name — but now it’s the one being disrupted. Uber is even investing in autonomous vehicle technology itself because it has no choice but to keep up.
The same app that changed the world is now being changed by the next wave of technology. That’s how fast things move in the tech industry.
Tesla is also expanding its robotaxi ambitions, announcing plans to grow in Dallas and Houston. The autonomous transportation revolution isn’t coming — it’s already here.
New Tech, New Scams: Protect Yourself from Fake Ride Apps
Whenever new technology gains popularity, scammers aren’t far behind. With robotaxis generating buzz, expect to see fake ride apps, fraudulent QR codes, and phishing texts designed to trick you into handing over personal information. Before you download anything, make sure you’re getting the official app directly from a trusted app store — not from a random link someone texted or emailed you.
If someone sends you a link or QR code to sign up for a rideshare service, don’t tap it. Go directly to the official app store and search for the app yourself.
Privacy in Autonomous Vehicles: No Driver Doesn’t Mean Private
Here’s something many people don’t realize: just because there’s no driver in the car doesn’t mean you’re in a private space. Autonomous vehicles record video and audio inside the cabin, and they log GPS location data for every trip. That information is stored somewhere and may be used to improve the service — or for other purposes outlined in the fine print you agreed to when you downloaded the app.
Treat an autonomous vehicle like any shared space. Be mindful of what you say and do, because it’s all being recorded.
Why Refurbished Computers Can Be Better Than New
Switching gears to something you can act on today — if you’re shopping for a computer, don’t overlook refurbished options. A well-refurbished computer can actually outperform a brand-new one, and here’s why.
No Bloatware
New computers come loaded with “bloatware” — pre-installed software trials and programs that take up disk space, consume system resources, and constantly nag you with pop-ups. At Refresh Computers, every refurbished machine ships with zero bloatware, so it runs clean and fast from the moment you turn it on.
Fresh Thermal Paste and New CMOS Batteries
Refresh Computers applies brand-new thermal paste to every desktop CPU — a step that most refurbishers skip entirely. Fresh thermal paste helps your processor run cooler and more efficiently. They also replace the CMOS battery in every machine by default, ensuring reliable performance from day one. These are the small but critical housekeeping steps that make a Refresh computer different.
Red Flags When Buying Refurbished Elsewhere
If you’re shopping for refurbished computers online, watch out for listings that say “as is,” provide vague condition descriptions, are missing serial numbers, or don’t mention any testing process. If the seller can’t answer basic questions, that’s a major red flag.
The Booking.com Breach: What to Do Right Now
A recent data breach at Booking.com has exposed user information including email addresses, physical addresses, and partial credit card numbers. If you’ve ever used Booking.com, here’s what you should do immediately:
- Pause your credit card. Most credit card companies let you temporarily freeze your card through their app. Do this now — don’t wait for a fraudulent charge to appear.
- Change your passwords. Use a unique, strong password for every site. Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
- Use a password manager. Tools like Google Password Manager create and store complex passwords so you don’t have to remember them.
- Set up passkeys. A passkey ties your login to your specific device and your biometrics. It’s the strongest form of login security available today.
- Install an authenticator app. Apps like Microsoft Authenticator add an extra verification step before you can log in — such as a biometric scan or a one-time code.
Data breaches are a “when,” not an “if.” The best defense is having strong habits in place before your information is exposed.
Scammers are patient. Just because you don’t see fraudulent activity today doesn’t mean your stolen data won’t be used weeks or months from now. They test which cards are still active, send phishing texts with your partial card number to trick you into revealing your security code, and use AI tools to craft convincing scam messages. Stay alert and never share verification codes with anyone who contacts you.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed
Whether it’s riding in a self-driving car, buying a computer, or protecting yourself after a data breach, the common thread is the same: technology moves fast, and staying informed is your best defense. Passkeys, authenticator apps, and smart purchasing decisions aren’t complicated — they just require taking that first step.
Need help setting up a passkey, removing bloatware from a new computer, or picking out a reliable refurbished laptop? The team at Refresh Computers is here to help. Visit the superstore at 820 E. State Road 434 in Longwood, Florida, browse the full inventory at refreshcomputers.net, or call the free tech support hotline at 407-478-8200. Whether you need hands-on help or just want a quick answer over the phone, Refresh Computers has your back.
04-18-26 Convenience or Surveillance? What Your Smart Devices Are Really Doing — Plus AI Chatbots, Trade-Ins, and More