undefined | Better HN

0 pointsTor34y ago0 comments

Could you elaborate? I've traveled extensively over the last 40 years or so, and I can't see how to any extent those companies (which I assume must be among those listed - Google, Apple, Amazon, Netflix..) are making traveling easier. I use all of them, and they don't in any way make traveling easier than before. If anything it's more difficult, just as the parent post said - in the past there was no risk for having to need a Google Pay account just to rent a bike at your destination.

0 comments

4 comments · 2 top-level

WORMS_EAT_WORMS4y ago· 2 in thread

Sure…

If you look at all the complaints being had here it’s all basically related to banking and legal stuff. This is a failure in governance, not really the tech companies.

Some quick devil’s advocate talking points:

- Access to ridiculous amount of information and reviews basically anywhere. What to do. What not to do. Finding hidden niche cool things. Etc…

- Access to ridiculous people too. We did a small trip in a remote location and had this young college student show us around for a private tour. Was amazing, personal, real, and got to see/try things/places we normally wouldn’t. We would not have ever had a chance to be connected with her before. It would have been big stupid tour company.

- Instant mapping basically anywhere and looking things up (just the fact you can look up a bike or car rental store in 1 second on your phone even if say you can’t do the auto bike option…)

- I can just hold my phone over a menu in any language and it translates it in real time

- Safer between family tracking me in real time via location app or just having the option to ship medicine nearly overnight if needed, etc…

- Netflix… no comment

I just feel this is a bit dramatic for one annoying rent a bike station.

silverpepsi4y ago

>I just feel this is a bit dramatic for one annoying rent a bike station.

I think that's because you took the example off my head and failed to extrapolate that every where I go there are some roadblocks with what have now becoming (every day to a greater degree) basic services?

Access to food delivery & local Uber equivalents can be a problem, how exactly is not being able to get food or transport a "bit dramatic" as opposed to a 100% legit complaint (in fact I got caught in multiple countries' lockdowns, and I think goodness I didn't need to self-isolate to protect people and get caught with no food delivery options etc.)

Basically - if there is no awareness - they won't be addressed. This is not about a "trade off" with the great things Google or whoever "adds" to my life, there is no tradeoff, there is simply no attempt to address this stuff AFAIK first and foremost due to 0 awareness.

WORMS_EAT_WORMS4y ago

Some really good points.

Except I do think you are being dramatic and I do think it actually is about “trade offs”.

Still appreciated reading your notes.

benhurmarcel4y ago

From Google, Maps and Translate have definitely made travelling easier.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse