Jane Manchun Wong, a prominent security researcher, discovered an unreleased feature in the Waymo app that allowed her to customize the top display of a robotaxi. By manipulating the app's input, Wong was able to display various characters, including her X handle. Although Wong described her modifications as harmless, Waymo quickly responded by updating the app to prevent users from accessing this feature. Their spokesperson acknowledged Wong's discovery and indicated that access to dome display features has been restricted following her findings.
I hacked my Waymo into showing weird texts like empty string, 'wongmjane,' and emojis as the Car ID, pls don't ban me or patch it @waymo lol.
The good old magic of messing around with the Waymo mobile app. I guess their servers didn't validate the input for the Car ID from non-employees.
Jane identified an unreleased feature given her advanced Android knowledge. We have restricted access to the dome display features.
In 2020, Waymo announced that it added moving LEDs to its dome so that it can act as a mechanism for riders to identify the vehicle.
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