Uber Technologies Inc. introduced the Ride Request Button in December, which allows users to book a ride whilst in a third party app. Tapping the button would deep-link into the Uber app where customers could then request their ride.

Today, March 30, the Uber developer team has unveiled a new Ride Request Widget that makes for a more streamlined experience when booking an Uber ride in a third-party app. Instead of deep-linking to the Uber app, it will all happen within the third-party app, from choosing between UberX, UberBlack etc., to sending the request, tracking your Uber driver, all the way through to arriving at your destination. The widget will support all local payment options.

The new Ride Request Widget came about after the company had discussions with developers in India, China and Australia. One need that arose, particularly from the Chinese developers, was to fully integrate the Uber experience into their apps, without the need to invest in a custom Uber API implementation. Uber’s answer is the Ride Request Widget.   

To ensure the widget still works in areas with limited GPS coverage and bandwidth, like India and China, Uber modified the map feature so users didn’t have to wait for it to load. Instead, the widget has a simple, visual indicator that will show them their ride request and trip status. In both China and India, Uber faces stiff competition from the likes of Didi Kuaidi (Xiaoju Kuaizhi, Inc.) and GrabTaxi Holdings Pte. Ltd., both of which are involved in a global alliance with Lift Inc.

In exchange for having users book an Uber ride through the widget, the terms for developers remain the same as the Ride Request Button. For each first-time rider that they refer via the widget, Uber will pay developers $5, but the catch is that developers are not allowed to integrate hooks into any other competing car service.  

Even though the announcement has happened now, the new Ride Request Widget will only be available to all developers in the middle of April.

Watch how the new Ride Request Widget will work in the video below.

Image via: Uber Developers