Uber said to be working on universal app integration
Taxi app Uber is reportedly close to introducing a universal ‘request a Ride’ button for incorporation into third party apps via a public API, according to reports on TechCrunch.
Such an interface would allow anyone to install an Uber link in their products with the service already said to have opened talks with Facebook about linking with their Messenger app.
Google Map users who have downloaded Uber can now access a ‘Get an Uber’ button as a public transport option, calculating the time and distance and linking directly to the Uber app from where the cab can be booked.
By eliminating the faff involved in hiring a cab by streamlining the number of clicks Uber hopes to drive ever more people to rely on the service.
Mulling the potential opportunities of such a move Josh Constine of TechCrunch said: “Maybe Yelp, Foursquare, or OpenTable could let you book a one-tap ride to a restaurant. Travel apps like HotelTonight could offer an instant Uber to your bed. Navigation apps like Waze, Bing Maps, and Yahoo Maps could get integrations just like Google Maps. Even social apps like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp could let you hail a ride to an address you’re discussing.”
Uber has declined to comment on the speculation.