Uber App Gets a Makeover: Here Are 7 New Features

Uber today announced the launch of its new rider app, rebuilt completely from the ground up for the first time, since the last redesign in 2012. The new rider app aims to recapture the clean and simple aesthetic of the original Uber experience.

Here are the new features:

Destination first: The new Uber experience is redesigned around a simple question—“Where to?” By starting with the rider destination, Uber aims to tailor the journey better.

Shortcuts: The new Uber app learns from riders’ routines. So, frequent riders will see “shortcuts” that predict where one could be headed.

Calendar Integration: Soon, riders will also be able to connect their calendar with Uber. Once connected, the riders meetings and appointments will automatically appear as “shortcuts,” saving them the hassle of digging through another app to find the right address.

People Search: Uber will be introducing a new that enables riders to set their destination to a person instead of a place. Riders just need to sync their contacts with the app, type their name into the search bar and once they’ve shared their location, the rider can get moving.

Choose your car and compare fare: After entering the destination in ‘where to’, rider can decide how to get there. “We know riders prefer different types of ride for different moments. If the rider is on the way to a party or with business associates, a more spacious uberX or UberBLACK ride is preferred, while an uberGO serves as the most affordable everyday ride. And for a run-of-the-mill trip to the market or the lowest cost option, an uberPOOL works well, said the company in a release.

Split fare: Once the rider is on trip, the focus is on helping them make the most of their ride. They can still split the fare, keep track of estimated time to destination and share trip status with friends.

On trip integrations: Going forward, Uber will provide experiences tailored around rider destinations that will include on trip integrations with other utility based mobile applications, social media platforms, and news aggregators.