It used to be that the major corporations did basic research. The actual R in R&D. Bell Labs and Xerox PARC come to mind. Today, few if any companies do that.

It used to be that the major corporations did basic research. The actual R in R&D. Bell Labs and Xerox PARC come to mind. Today, few if any companies do that. They focus on D and assimilate products and IP wherein the research was done elsewhere and which fits their specific market needs in the near term. I think that is a loss. So I am quite encouraged to see a company that is really exploring with basic research: Self-driving cars, medical contact lenses, augmented reality, and lots more that I am sure have not seen the light of day yet. Once in a while, they will get something right, like ChromeCast. And in the mean time, they provide me kindling for innovative optimism.