Uber Adds Live Location Sharing, Beacon Expansion, Request for a Guest, In-App Gifting

Uber has announced Live Location Sharing, Beacon Expansion, Request for a Guest, and In-App Gifting features ahead of the holiday season.

Everyone wants to be able to relax in between all that constant going. So we’re announcing a handful of updates to the rider app to give you one less thing to worry about this holiday season.

Live Location Sharing:
When you’re at the mall, airports, and other busy locations, it can be challenging for you and your driver to find one another. With live location sharing, your driver can see where you’re located in relation to your pickup spot. That way, your driver knows you’re right there – or walking around the corner – to meet them. To turn on “live location” tap the grey icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. When your icon is blue, you’re sharing your location. You can change this at any time by tapping the icon on your map, or going to your privacy settings in app.




Beacon Expansion:
Whether you’re heading home from a night out with friends or a holiday party, we all want to spot our Ubers as quickly as possible. Live location sharing makes it easier for your driver to find you, but Beacon can help you spot the car. Beacon, a device that goes on a driver’s windshield to help drivers and riders more quickly connect at night and in crowded areas, is expanding to NYC, SF and Chicago. When matched with a driver with a Beacon, riders can select from an endless number of colors for the Beacon to glow on their driver’s vehicle.



Request for a Guest:
You aunt needs a ride to the airport, or grandpa needs a ride home from your family dinner, but you don’t have a car and they don’t have the Uber app. With our updated request for a guest feature, calling an Uber for a loved one is now as easier than ever. Simply tap “Where to?” as you normally would, then choose who’s riding. Your loved one will receive an SMS text message with important trip details like ETA, car type, and the driver’s contact info, enabling them to coordinate with the driver directly should they need to get in touch.




In-App Gifting:
We’ve all been there. You’ve forgotten a gift for someone, and don’t have time to run out to the store. With in-app gifting, you can send Uber credits to a friend or family member from your Uber app to theirs. Just tap the menu, then “Send a Gift.” Select the amount, enter the recipient, and a personalized message. The gift can be sent instantly, or later, and will be charged to your card on file with your Uber account.



You can download Uber from the App Store for free.

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