Google to Develop its Own Ride-Sharing Service: Is it Game Over for Uber?

Feb 5, 2015

Google-driverless-car

Photo credit: John Karakatsanis via Flickr

Uber could perhaps tells us what it feels like to be stabbed in the back. Don’t you think so? Is it a game over for the $40 billion dollar company now that tech behemoth Google is about to step on its turf?

The search engine giant is planning to develop its own ride-sharing service for the long term in conjunction with its long-in development driverless car project according to Bloomberg.

In 2013, Google’s venture capital firm, Google Ventures invested $258 million in Uber, which was reported to be the biggest investment deal ever. The former is known for its robust and highly sophisticated resources and services that the latter is currently using—especially its dependence on Google Maps to track drivers and riders—a possible partnership or acquisition in the future wouldn’t be a surprise for the public. It was very unlikely for them to become competitors.

However, Google’s chief legal officer and senior vice president of corporate development, David Drummond had already informed Uber’s board of the probable project, a source familiar to the matter disclosed. Uber executives have seen screenshots of Google’s ride-sharing app, currently used by Google employees, and an insider who requested not to be named said Uber is now deliberating whether to ask Drummond to leave his incumbent position.

While there are other options for Uber to integrate mapping solutions like AOL Maps or Apple Maps, Google Maps capabilities are unparalleled in terms of accuracy, precision, and GPS functionality. In case Google’s project will push through, it could possibly cripple Uber unless it will develop its own hub of map data, partner with another company, or make a move in China. In December 2014, Uber had its strategic partnership with China’s largest search engine company that powers Baidu Maps. But the local market is already controlled by homegrown taxi-hailing apps like Alibaba’s Kuaidi Dache and Tencent’s Didi Dache, a tough market and a cutthroat competition on that note. Meanwhile, Google and Uber declined to comment regarding the matter.

What does the future hold for Uber? What’s special about the sharing economy that tech behemoths like Google is willing to throw its hat for long-term, seeing it potential to enrich people’s lives and build smart cities?

What do you think of Google’s unexpected move?

Source: Bloomberg Business

BOLD V LAST CHANCE 2023
About Author

About Author

Maria Krisette Capati 玛丽亚

Maria is the Editorial Associate of Crowdsourcing Week in charge of media outreach. She's a major of Business Management and Entrepreneurship and an advocate of faith-based non-profit organizations, women's, and children's rights. When she's not writing and dabbling with the Crowdsourcing Week team, she satiates her wanderlust and travel around Asia.

You may also like

Crowdsourcing cognitive surplus

Crowdsourcing cognitive surplus

Crowdsourcing cognitive surplus refers to the practice of using digital technologies to tap into the free time and expertise of large groups of people in order to collectively solve problems or create content. People can share spare rooms through Airbnb, crowdsourcing...

Earn From Your Smartphone In The Crowd Economy

Earn From Your Smartphone In The Crowd Economy

The gig economy continues to provide new opportunities for people to earn money, either from what can become a fulltime occupation, or a number of side hustles, from what they already own. One is an opportunity from Mode Mobile to earn money from your smartphone. Mode...

How To Connect Social Media Influencers With Brands That Fit

How To Connect Social Media Influencers With Brands That Fit

Influencer marketing is a hot topic. How big do you think the creator economy is? In 2023, an estimated $1.25 trillion will change hands through Social Commerce, and social media influencers will help sell products worth billions of dollars online. Influencer...

Speak Your Mind

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.

Join Our Global Community

You have Successfully Subscribed!