The advantage of Uber over its traditional competitors is the simplicity it offers. Now its calling on developers to make hailing a ride even simpler.
Uber announced the release of a new button that allows iOS and Android developers to add an Uber Ride Request button to their apps. The Uber Rides Software Developer Kits (SDK) for iOS and Android are currently available on Uber's GitHub page.
If your app has a specific address -- a restaurant app, for example -- Uber's button is configured to automatically enter that address as a destination when the app is opened. Interested developers must first register their apps with the Uber Developer Dashboard, install their chosen SDK and configure their location and trip information.
For users, a tap on the button either opens up the Uber app with the destination preset, or the App Store for users who don't have Uber installed.
App developers can even earn some extra cash with Uber's Affiliate program if their apps bring new riders to the Uber app. Uber pays out $5 for each new customer referred, though there's a $250 minimum payout and a $5,000 maximum. Once an affiliate crosses the maximum threshold Uber will consider adding them to its "partners program"
Uber first offered app integrations like this to developers in March of this year, though it required a more involved process than the Ride Request. In fact, Uber says that adding a Ride Request button is as simple as adding "a few" lines of code.
One of Uber's biggest priorities is to operate everywhere. That means being everywhere physically and virtually: taking over the globe and your smartphone.