The Uber app launches chat between driver and passenger

When talking about companies that generate controversy, surely the name of Uber comes to mind. Since its inception in 2009, the US company managed to extend its private transport network through those countries where it was allowed to pass through. Even a celebrity like Ashton Kutcher launched into explaining the keys to creating ideas like Uber or AirBnB.

But the many problems he has de alt with, especially with the taxi unions, caused a crisis in the company.It became clear in June, after the departure of the CEO of Uber. However, it seems that this giant is not willing to fall. And proof of this is the novelty that comes to your application, which has always been one of the pillars of your success.

The Uber app wants to facilitate communications

One of the points where Uber got it right is undoubtedly the convenience that its app offers to connect drivers with passengers. Its on-demand transportation service for individuals focuses precisely on that, and its triumph lies there. Now the company announces the integration of a new chat in its app

This is an instant messaging feature for drivers and passengers to communicate more easily Until now, users received communications from unidentified numbers. Messages like “where are you?”, which in the end turned out to be from the driver.Obviously, they were to request any necessary information, but it was still strange to receive something like that from a stranger.

According to Uber, this option is part of its strategy to make pickups more efficient If there is a road closure or any other unforeseen event that is going to pose a problem, the user and the driver may remain in contact to, for example, agree on another collection point if necessary.

Uber's new chat won't distract drivers

Of course, a service dedicated to transport must take safety into account. Driving and chatting at the same time is not a prudent practice, and this aspect is important. For this reason, as reported by The Verge, Uber has included in this new chat a function for reading messages aloud

In this way, when a driver receives a message from the passenger he is going to pick up, he will not have to pick up the smartphone to reply.The company seems to have found a safe and comfortable method. Because it will be as simple as doing a tap on the screen Like this. the passenger will receive a thumbs up emoji as an ok.

In addition to this feature, it also has the read receipt, just like other messaging apps. With this novelty, the Uber app goes one step further to make its service more comfortable. But most importantly, it helps maintain privacy, since drivers and passengers don't have to share their phone number.

This integrated chat can be found at the bottom of the interface of the Uber application, available for Android and iPhone . But it is not the only novelty, because the company has made an effort to make its app more attractive and users spend more time using it.

You have added features that are not directly related to the on-demand transportation service. Specifically, it has opted for integrations with the calendar and the inclusion of Snapchat filters Also a new feature that identifies contacts as destination locations

Will it help the company to overcome the crisis it is going through?