Google Maps Gets Rid Of Uber Integration–Why Though?
That feature didn’t last too long.
The tech giant has quietly removed Uber ride booking from its Google Maps app on Android, CNET and other news outlets reported Monday.
Why Google, why?
In early January 2017, Google and Uber teamed up to put a cool feature in Google Maps: You could search for, book, and pay for an Uber all directly from Google Maps. You didn’t even need the Uber app installed. Now, 18 months later, the feature is gone. Google posted a new support page (first spotted by Android Police) that flatly states, “You can no longer book Uber rides directly in Google Maps.”
You are still able to access the ride-sharing tab, but instead of booking an Uber, it just gives you an estimate and offers to kick you out to the Uber app.
“We’re always experimenting with new features for Google Maps. Based on feedback, we determine whether these changes roll out permanently,” an Uber spokesperson told Mashable.
Because of this change, in the US at least, only Lyft is integrated as a route option when using Google Maps for directions.
Despite the ride-sharing tab supporting 17 different services, Uber was the only one that let you pay for a ride and complete your trip all inside Google Maps. It’s not known why Google and Uber have decided to end the program. But you can still look up the route in the Maps app and then request the ride from the Uber app. That applies to both the iOS and Android versions of the app, so it appears that this feature is gone for good.
