Uber for Messenger App
Facebook wants to make it easier to plan get-together with your friends. The social network has announced that users will be able to call Uber ride directly from the Facebook Messenger app. With this announcement, Uber comes to Messenger. It is not just a link encouraging users to grab a next but a way to call an Uber app without need of even opening the app.
How to access this feature?
You can book Uber ride while in Facebook Messenger in two ways. One is to mention the destination address in the conversation and simply tap it to order a car. Another way is to select the “More” option in Messenger and it will take you to the new transportation option. According to Facebook, you don’t even need to have the Uber app installed on your phone to use the service. You can link your existing account to Messenger or create a new account of Uber from within the Messenger app.
Company’s Say
“Today, we’re expanding the services available to you with our launch of transportation on Messenger,” Facebook product manager Seth Rosenberg said in a blog post. “With this new feature, you can request a ride from a car service without ever needing to download an extra app or leave a conversation. It’s super easy and doesn’t take you away from the plans that you’re making with your friends or family.”
Purpose
The partnership is beneficial to both sides with Uber looking for more subscribers and Facebook wants to build transportation-based services to Messenger app. Facebook’s strategy is to continue to expand its app beyond a basic means of communication. Facebook is one of the most popular mobile apps with more than 700 million users. With this partnership, Uber hope that more users sign up to its service and book more rides. Facebook is trying to turn its social networking app into a complete hub of shopping, entertainment and more.
Availability
The new location-based Uber-for-Messenger feature will be rolled out to U.S. with plans for international expansion in next year. Currently, the new features are available to anyone in the United States.
To encourage users to try the service, the users are being offered first ride free of up to $20.
Do you like this initiative by Uber and Facebook to directly book Uber rides from Messenger app? Do you find this feature useful? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
