The Waymo app is now in the Google Play Store – but do not expect to hail a driverless car right now

The application of Waymo Ride-Hail is now available on the Google Play Store for Android users, but do not download it, it should not be downloaded in the hope of being able to immediately call an autonomous car.

Waymo, Google's autonomous unit, parent company of Google Alphabet, has officially launched its first stand-alone commercial taxi service in the surrounding cities of Phoenix at the end of last year. But the application used by runners to call one of Waymo's stand-alone minivans was only available through a private link in an email invitation. Now everyone can download the app and add their name to Waymo's growing queue for runners – but depending on where you live, you may wait a very long time.

The addition of the app to Google Play seems to be a forerunner of the extension of its commercial taxi service. This is the way the company says, "We are ready to welcome a much larger number of customers." Waymo indicates that interested users with an Android device can download the application and join the waiting list to follow it. "Once accepted on our waiting list, you can ask to use the application and make your first trip," says the company.

Waymo essentially opens the flood gates for a torrent of driving demands in his autonomous cars, which implicitly implies that everyone in the Phoenix area will have the opportunity.

To be clear, Waymo operates its commercial service only in the cities of Chandler, Mesa, Tempe and Gilbert, Arizona. And its cars are not even available to the vast majority of people in these communities. To be approved as a runner, you must first be a member of the Waymo Beginner Program. These riders are required to sign confidentiality agreements before being allowed to test in Waymo vehicles.

In the end, these early users may request to be transferred to what was previously known as Waymo One, but has now been renamed Waymo Public Service. (The Early Rider program and the public service now operate under the Waymo One banner, and the company is also working on trucking, delivery and many other companies.) Confusing again?

A Waymo spokesperson would not give any information on the number of people using his vehicles at the moment, simply confirming that the number is in the order of "hundreds". Waymo does not encourage people from outside the Phoenix area to download the app, but if you feel lucky, go for it.

What about iOS users? The app runs on iOS, but Waymo says it will have to find an agreement with Apple before it can debut in the App Store.