Soon, Request Uber Taxi Rides From Other Apps

Uber back in August launched its API, it allowed third-party apps to give details about a ride from within their own app with the Request function. Now, the company has expanded the the functionality of the Uber API by addeding 'Request endpoint', which will enable third-party developers to let users request Uber rides from within their apps - without being redirected to Uber app.

Announcing the news, Scott Woolsey Biggart in a blog said, "Today [Tuesday], the Uber API team is excited to announce the public release of our Request endpoint. With the Uber API's initial launch last August, we made it easy to surface information about Uber products within third party applications, but getting a ride always required deep-linking to the Uber app. With the Request endpoint, you can now build applications that incorporate the entire Uber experience."

The company alongside also announced its first hackathon on ChallengePost. It begins Tuesday and developers can submit an app taking advantage of the new Request endpoint until May 17. Winners will be announced in June and the company confirmed that some winners will get a trip to Uber HQ in San Francisco to meet CEO Travis Kalanick.

It's worth noting that to book an Uber ride - users will still need an Uber account where one needs to log-in for the first time on the company's site. Once the connections are made, users will be able to book a ride from any third-party app supporting Uber's Request endpoint API.

"Today's launch builds on a successful start for Uber's API. We've seen tremendous adoption by the development community at large, including strategic partners such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Citymapper, Transit App, and TripAdvisor. With the Request endpoint, a new wave of developers will be able to incorporate the entire Uber experience into the applications they build," adds the blog.