Waymo, the self-driving car subsidiary of Alphabet, has been discovered to be testing a new feature in its app that allows customers to tip for their robotaxi rides. However, unlike traditional tipping, this feature is designed to solicit charity donations, sparking both praise and criticism from users and experts alike.

The discovery was made by Jane Manchun Wong, a security researcher who has a history of uncovering unreleased features in popular apps. Wong posted screenshots of the new feature on social media platform X, showing a button that reads "add a 'tip'" - with "tip" in quotes. Further investigation revealed that the feature is actually a charity donation tool, allowing users to select a charity from a dropdown menu.

Wong herself was enthusiastic about the feature, calling it "great" and suggesting that Waymo consider incorporating it permanently, perhaps as a way to round up fares for donation. However, not everyone was convinced of the company's motives. Some users speculated that Waymo might be seeking tax breaks from the government by collecting charitable donations, while others worried that asking for "tips" for self-driving cars could backfire and damage the company's public image.

Waymo's public image is still a work in progress, with the company struggling to overcome public skepticism about self-driving cars. A recent survey by AAA found that 64% of respondents expressed fear about self-driving cars, and several Waymo vehicles have been vandalized in the past few years. Despite this, the company continues to release data showing that its vehicles are safer than human-driven cars.

It's worth noting that Waymo has yet to break even, with parent company Alphabet committing $5.6 billion to the project. Some Bay Area tech workers have called for a tipping feature, arguing that Waymo deserves extra revenue for providing a desirable service. However, others argue that the company's focus should be on improving its technology and public image rather than seeking additional revenue streams.

A spokesperson for Waymo did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new feature. It remains to be seen whether the company will roll out the charity tipping feature permanently, and how users will respond to it. One thing is certain, however - the debate over Waymo's motives and public image is far from over.

In the broader context, the development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by companies like Waymo as they seek to integrate self-driving cars into mainstream transportation. While the technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry, it also raises complex questions about liability, regulation, and public trust. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor developments like Waymo's charity tipping feature and their implications for the future of transportation.