Uber Releases API, Allows Partners Like United or OpenTable to Access Uber Info

Uber, the insanely popular ride requesting service that my hometown of Portland hates (personal problem), released an API this morning that allows partners to build-in Uber support to their apps and services. Through this API, apps can now “pass a destination address to the Uber app, display pickup times, provide fare estimates, access trip history and more.”

What does that mean? Well, it could be that you book a car to pick you up just after you book your restaurant reservation for tonight. Or maybe you need a ride to and from the airport, which you could book through you favorite airline’s app? 

As of today, Uber has already partnered with 11 companies, including Expensify, Hinge, Hyatt, Momento, OpenTable, Starbucks, Tempo Smart Calendar, Time Out, TripAdvisoer, TripCase, and United Airlines.

Here are some other examples of how this new integration could work:

• Dinner date? Request an Uber to your favorite restaurant right from the OpenTable app. Your driver will arrive already knowing where you are headed.
• Catching a flight? The United mobile app shows ETAs of the closest drivers and fare estimates, so you can get reliable ride to and from the airport for less.
• Night out? Time Out shows different Uber options—from low-cost to luxury—so you can be sure to arrive in style to the city’s best nightlife.
• Need a place to stay? Book a room through the Hyatt Hotels & Resorts app and request a ride to your hotel right from the reservation screen.
• Want a recap of your journey? Use Momento to view a timeline of your Uber trip history alongside other moments in your life.

At some point down the road, they may give apps the power to request rides, but for now, they want to keep that kind of power to a small group of partners.

To celebrate the launch of this API, Uber and many of its partners are offering $30 off first rides.

Via:  Uber