Here’s a fascinating bit of news from Google, and one that has more potential to reshape our lives than the standards “update to Android” news:

Google today announced the formation of Sidewalk Labs, an urban innovation company that will develop technology at the intersection of the physical and digital worlds, with a focus on improving city life for residents, businesses and governments.

Smart Cities are what you get when many of the current trends – internet of things, autonomous cars, 3D Printing and pervasive sensors – come together. But if they’re to reach their potential, we need some co-ordinated action on them. Looks like Google is walking that sidewalk.

Dan Doctoroff, the former CEO of Bloomberg LP and Deputy Mayor of Economic Development and Rebuilding for the City of New York, and now CEO of Sidewalk labs said:

“We are at the beginning of a historic transformation in cities. At a time when the concerns about urban equity, costs, health and the environment are intensifying, unprecedented technological change is going to enable cities to be more efficient, responsive, flexible and resilient.”

These are big, complex but ultimately human-created systems. That the great brains of technology are considering how to improve them is good news.

[via The Verge]