Uber is trying to make your rides less dull by teaming up with other app developers
On Tuesday, the company announced "Uber Trip Experiences." It's a way to let developers integrate their apps into the main Uber app so customers can use them on a journey.
Uber gives a few examples of how this might work: A music app - like Spotify - could build you a ten-minute playlist if it knows you're going to be on a ten-minute trip.
Or, if you'd rather prepare for where you're going, Uber could bring up an app that will provide "insights and offers at your destination."
From Uber's perspective, this also opens up the possibility of new avenues for revenue - feeding the user adverts and promoted apps. That said, a user has to opt-in for each app, so you're (hopefully) unlikely to be inundated with promotions not relevant your interests.
The company is increasingly moving to integrate with other apps and platforms. Its API means other apps can add a "Ride Request" button, and you can also order an Uber via Facebook Messenger's chat.
Last week, the company hired its first Developer Experience Lead, Chris Messina, who is responsible for encouraging developers to use the platform. In a blog post on Medium accompanying his hire, Messina sketched out a vision for Uber that extends far beyond its origins as a simple ride-hailing app.
He frames the company as analogous to Facebook in that it is trying to build a fundamental digital later for users to interact with. There are thousands of apps built on top of the social network today, and Messina envisions something similar for Uber.
Here's part of what he wrote - emphasis ours:
Uber builds the framework, and the developers do the rest.