Google Maps removes Uber feature for booking rides without leaving app
Google Maps giveth and now it has taketh away a handy Uber feature that had let you book rides without leaving the app.
In 2016, Google Maps added the ability to book Uber rides directly, without any need to launch the Uber app, saving users time from hopping between apps. Now, the feature's gone from both the Android and iOS versions of Google Maps.
SEE ALSO:Google Maps is trying to out-Yelp Yelp... and it might succeedGoogle Maps' support page has been updated to reflect the change, but provides no explanation on why the feature was removed.
😭😭😭Credit: screenshot google"We’re always experimenting with new features for Google Maps. Based on feedback, we determine whether these changes roll out permanently," a Google spokesperson told Mashable.
Uber didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
To be clear, Uber integration hasn't been wiped out from the Google Maps apps. You can still get an estimate on how much an Uber ride will cost and how long it'll take for you to get to a location. But if you want to complete the booking, you'll now have to open the Uber app.
There's now an "Open App" button for Uber in the Google Maps app for Android.Credit: screenshot: raymond wong/mashable
Here's how ride-sharing integration looks now in iOS.Credit: SCREENSHOT: RAYMOND WONG/MASHABLEUber is now highlighted with other ride-sharing apps such as Lyft and Gett, along with cost estimates, though all require you to open the respective app to complete a booking.
It's unclear if the feature will return in the future, but the fact that Google has updated its support page to reflect the new update suggests it may not.
UPDATE: June 18, 2018, 1:09 p.m. EDT Added comment from Google.
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