Google Maps now lets you get an Uber without leaving the app

Google’s making it way easier and simpler to hail an Uber with Google Maps. Today the company announced that the latest version of Google Maps on Android and iOS lets users request a ride from Uber without ever leaving the app. Previously, you could use Maps to check for price estimates and start the process of getting a lift, but eventually you had to finish things up in the Uber app. Now, the entire request process takes place directly in Google Maps. You just sign in with your Uber account info, which pulls up your stored payment info and other details.

The “ride services” section of Maps, as Google calls it, has been given a makeover with this new release. Instead of a list of services (Uber, Lyft, etc.) with pricing beside each one, now you’ll see the traditional on-screen map with a visual representation of where nearby drivers are. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem as though you can fully hail Lyft rides in-app for the time being.

Uber would probably prefer you stick with its redesigned app — and many people probably instinctively do that anyway instead of using Google Maps for requesting rides. But if you’re not a fan of the new Uber’s look or its very aggressive location tracking, well, now you’ve got a pretty convenient alternative. Google says the new update is “starting to roll out” globally as of today on both platforms.

source@theverge