Business Insider reported that Uber has unveiled a new, more streamlined version of its mobile app.
This version of the ridesharing app attempts to simplify the ride selection process. Instead of immediately listing Uber’s wealth of ride choices, it simply asks, “Where to?” Only when the user puts in a destination does it lay out the pricing for each ride option.
Users will have the choice to integrate the app with their calendar and contacts. This means automatic destination suggestions and address input based on past rides and future scheduled meetings. The update also allows users to pinpoint a friend's location and direct the Uber driver there. Each of these options is available only after the user gives permission, of course.
The biggest change comes in the form of Uber Feed. It streams information that's customized to each user’s ride. Uber has incorporated the new UberEATS right into the feed so that users can strategize meal delivery to fit their estimated arrival time. Uber's partnership with Yelp allows restaurant recommendations and reviews to be streamed to user's phones as they head into town. The feed also features Pandora stations, an Uber Snapchat filter and public transit info. Business Insider also pointed out that the feed opens opportunities for Uber to generate advertising revenue — although Uber has not made any plans to start streaming ads just yet.
These new features are nifty and seem like they’d shave off excess time, but as The Verge pointed out, while the app has streamlined the customer experience, the upgrade does nothing to address security concerns or mounting issues with gender and racial discrimination. And though Uber carefully edited its app’s previous iteration, it may have added just as many new features as it removed.
Uber’s latest update is scheduled to roll out over the next couple of weeks.
