Some Uber users are seeing a new in-app feature that gives them the choice to save money by waiting longer for a ride. A screenshot of the feature has appeared online; in it, we see an advisory stating that "if you're OK leaving later, we'll request your ride" at the later, cheaper time slot. Users are presented with both the current and delayed costs.
![Google Maps just evicted Uber bookings [Updated]](https://c.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/uber-google-maps-980x620.jpg)
Google Maps users can no longer use the app to book a ride with Uber, with the option quietly disappearing from both the Android and iOS versions of the mapping app. The change means that, in the US at least, only Lyft is integrated as a route option when using Google Maps for directions.
Uber has just targeted emerging markets in a big way with the launch of a new lightweight app called Uber Lite. The ridesharing service currently operates in more than 600 cities around the world, but that's only a sliver of the user base Uber dreams of. In an effort to draw in more customers, the company has launched a "lite" version of its app that can run on older and slower smartphones.
Uber has submitted an application to patent an artificial intelligence technology that identifies drunk passengers. The patent, which is dated June 7 with the US Patent and Trademark Office, is titled "Predicting User State Using Machine Learning," and it hints that such a system may be used to accommodate riders who are outside of their "normal behavior" state.
Uber, the ridesharing company that is working on the development of its own self-driving vehicles, hopes to get Alphabet's Waymo onboard. Company CEO Dara Khosrowshahi revealed the ambition during Code Conference, explaining that the relationship between the two companies -- which recently settled a major lawsuit -- is warming up.
Uber has added a panic button to its mobile app for US customers. We've known since the company's April announcement that it was planning to add a new safety feature to the app this summer, one that directly dials emergency services for drivers who fear for their safety. This is one of multiple safety measures the company is taking to address criticism.
The initial report on the Uber self-driving car crash that saw a pedestrian killed in Arizona has been released, with the NTSB putting the spotlight on the vehicle's emergency braking system. While the preliminary report does not go into analysis of the crash, nor reach any conclusion about who - or what - was at fault, it does reveal more of the circumstances of the incident in March.
Uber is shutting down its autonomous vehicle project in Arizona, opting to cease operations in the state altogether in the aftermath of a fatal collision in March. The company had previously frozen all public testing of its self-driving cars in the state, after one of the vehicles struck a pedestrian in Tempe, AZ.
Uber suspended its self-driving car tests in March following a fatal collision with a pedestrian. News later surfaced that the company wouldn't be renewing its testing permit with California, but according to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, the tests may resume later on this year. The revelation was made during the company's Elevate event in LA today, though specifics weren't provided.
Say the name Uber and most think of the fleet of cars and drivers that will come and take you wherever you need to go. Uber is working on an autonomous future that will eliminate the need for those drivers. Autonomous autos isn't all Uber has up its sleeves.
The fatal collision involving Uber's autonomous car in Arizona earlier this year saw the vehicle's systems intentionally avoid swerving, insiders claim, having reportedly been programmed with a higher tolerance for unexpected items in the lane ahead. The crash took place in Tempe, AZ, in March of this year, with a driverless car in self-driving mode colliding with a pedestrian who stepped out unexpectedly into the road.
Uber is doubling down on safety features in an effort to ease rider concerns. The company introduced several new features it plans to launch this year, among them being 911 Assistance and a dedicated Safety Center. As well, Uber says it will be strengthening its driver screening to make sure they continue to meet company standards after being approved as a driver on the platform.