Ordering an Uber can be stressful AF.
After setting your pickup location, you're usually left running around in a panic collecting your belongings, hoping you're not charged a late fee for making the driver wait too long.
Once you've finally sat down in the back of the car, the last thing you want is to be bothered by advertisements while tracking your trip.
I hate to break it to you, my friends, but Uber just created an update that will do exactly that.
According to The Verge, the car service company we've grown dependent on just partnered with a startup called Yext. From now on, it will crowd your ride with ads from your favorite shopping destinations.
The New York-based startup manages various companies' location data and branding through social media platforms, search engines and now, Uber.
The partnership was made possible when Uber decided to extend its application program interface, which made it possible for external apps to link to its car service .
Before you freak out, rest assured there IS a catch. You won't be bombarded by advertisements for no apparent reason.
The only users who will be victimized by the new update are those who order an Uber to get them to a store that's partnered with Yext. These stores will have a "Call me an Uber" button on their website.
In other words, if you're in the mood for a shopping spree and press the Uber button on the homepage of your fav store, an Uber will pick you up -- but your ride will be full of advertisements and content from the company you're en route to.
Apparently, this new marketing technique is called "trip branding."
UGH. We didn't ask for this, Uber. Please let me shop in peace.
Of course, it's not all bad news.
A Yext spokesperson recently spoke with The Verge about a possible upside to the advertisements -- one I think we'd all be a little interested in. He said,
As this evolves, we're imagining options like a bar giving people the ability to buy a round while on their way. So it's added functionality within the Uber app for customers who are interested in it for their destination.
OK, OK. That isn't terrible. If I can eventually show up to a bar and have a cocktail ready and waiting for me, I'll be a happy camper.
Citations: The Verge
