Uber wants to be everywhere and available at any time. Whether it be on a new Windows 10-powered device or through your Outlook application, Uber clearly wants to be in your face the moment you might need a ride. Now Uber, along with other ride services over time, is being integrated into Facebook's Messenger chat application.
As of today, users of Messenger will be able to hail a car from within the app via the new Transportation feature, which now supports Uber. There are two ways you can access this feature. First, simply selecting the car icon below your text entry field within a Messenger conversation will bring up available car service options. Alternatively, tapping on an underlined address from within a conversation also works. Messenger underlines the address text and allows it to become a link, which then gives you the options "Open in Map" and "Request a ride" when touched. Using either method, Messenger then opens up an in-app Uber interface that gives you the option of signing in or creating a new account. Once signed in, all available Uber services are then presented to you.
Your pickup and drop-off locations are automatically entered into the appropriate fields, though you can adjust either should you need to. The ETA of the nearest vehicle is displayed as well as the fare estimate. Selecting the "REQUEST" option will call the car, and off you'll go. As a bonus, Messenger users that call an Uber will get their first ride for free (up to $20), you don't even need the Uber app installed on your device to call the car via Messenger.
Facebook states that the option to call an Uber through Messenger isn't widely available yet as it's still in testing. Facebook says only "select users in the locations where Uber operates in the United States" have access to Uber within Messenger right now (we were able to access the feature in the Seattle, WA market). More locations in and out of the United States will have access over time. Facebook is also working on bringing more rideshare services into the Messenger app, though none were mentioned by name.
Source: Facebook
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