Since WhatsApp has the option of sharing Live Location and Location to contact, the feature to directly fetch a ride for the shared exact location on the messaging platform itself comes as a big sigh of relief.
How does it work?
This new feature by Uber could help the tech company tap into the more than 500 million user base of Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp in India.
With this feature, riders will no longer need to download or use the Uber app separately and can directly book a ride through WhatsApp chat. They will also receive their trip receipt on the messaging platform itself.
So how does this work? It's pretty simple.
There are three ways to book a ride via WhatsApp. Users can now book an Uber ride directly through WhatsApp...
1. By messaging to Uber's business account number
2. Scanning a barcode
3. Clicking a link directly to open an Uber WhatsApp chat
But what about safety?
The riders will get the same safety features and insurance protections as those provided on the Uber app. The user will be informed about the required safety guidelines, including how to get in touch with Uber in case of emergencies, directly on the WhatsApp chat flow itself.
The new feature will be first launched in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, and then will slowly expanded to other locations in India by next year.
The service will be available in English, Uber said in a statement, adding that other Indian languages will be included in the near future.