[moocow01]

I think the problem really is profit. Pepsi and Coca-Cola both sell sugar water, a commodity, at a profit. Lyft and Uber have made rides a commodity but at this point it looks like commoditization of rides is not able to be sold at a profit. I think they both are touting that scale and technology will lead them to profitable rides but its not obvious that this is going to ever come true in a way that justifies their value. To me the scary part for them is that they already have commoditized their product.

[windexh8er]

In my opinion the outstanding question today is: are they both too early? It's currently a race to the bottom of driver oriented rides. As soon as driverless becomes viable the current rider fee suddenly shifts to being a more positive profit margin and also shifts opex back in favor of both. But can either last long enough to get there?

[LordHumungous]

Driverless could become viable in five years, ten years, or never. It's too unknown at this point to make business decisions on.

[spookthesunset]

> As soon as driverless becomes viable

Alexa can't even turn on my living room lights more than 50% percent of the time. I'm not holding my breath for driverless cars coming any time soon (if ever).

[thewizardofaus]

This is so sad alexa play despacito

[TylerE]

To nitpick: Neither Coke nor Pepsi actually sells sugar water. They sell syrup. It's the independent local bottlers that actually add water.