Walmart Will Launch Autonomous Delivery Service; Microsoft Accounts Can Now Drop Passwords; Nintendo Switch Gets Bluetooth Audio; First Rivian Production e-Pickup Rolls Off Line

Walmart is getting ready to launch autonomous delivery service in Austin, TX, Miami, and Washington, D.C. They are partnering with Argo AI and Ford in the endeavor. According to TechCrunch.com, the service will let customers order online using the Walmart order platform. The Argo cloud infrastructure is going to be integrated with Walmart’s platform, then routing the orders and scheduling package deliveries to customers homes. Initially, the commercial service will be limited to specific geographic areas in each city and expand over time. The companies will begin testing later this year.

Microsoft is now allowing you to remove passwords from your Microsoft accounts. Theverge.com reports that you will be able to sign in with the Authenticator app, Windows Hello, a security key, or an SMS or email verification instead of a password. Redmond had already rolled out this type of authentication for commercial users back in March to help companies connect with remote users more easily. Meanwhile, Google, Apple, and others are working towards less passwords. You can already sign in on Google Chrome without a password, and Apple has Passkeys on iOS 15 and macOS Monterey, which bring a more secure log in using the iCloud Keychain. 

In a software update, Nintendo has now made it possible to use Bluetooth ear buds and headphones with the Switch. Engadget.com says the feature only works with audio output, though…no microphone input. the system allows for up to 10 Bluetooth devices to be saved, but only one can be connected at at time. There have already been third parties accessories to make Bluetooth available, but this will make it much cleaner.

The first actual production Rivian R1T electric pickup rolled off the production line yesterday. Techcrunch.com reports that the Normal, Ill. factory is now getting ready to begin production of the R1S electric SUV as well. A second production line at the plant is set up to produce EV delivery vans for Amazon, which has 100,000 on order. Amazon started testing the e-vans earlier this year in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Rivian didn’t say how many vehicles they were expecting to produce from the pickup line, but did say deliveries are starting this month.