[ts1506]

Originally Posted by khoj

So Uber App needs to be updated on my hand held and needs access to 'sms' on the phone.

Why do all of the apps need access to the media, camera, contacts et all? More importantly what are the implications for us, the end users

Permissions, when seen like that is very vague.

For example, Uber needs telephony permissions, which allows it to call and message driver directly from app, however that specific permission will show up as read and modify contacts and messages in Google Play listing for eg.

Similarly, the camera and media access is needed for the SOS and Emergency feature (I believe it sends pics from both cameras)

Just having a permission declared in the manifest does not mean the app actually uses that data.

In the end, for an average user, there are no negative implications at all. If you were that paranoid, then you wont be able to use any smartphone at all, as most applications need access to some data or the other.

[S2!!!]

The next time you use the Zomato app to search for an eatery, don't be surprised to see an Uber icon there. This is because the web-based Cab aggregator Uber has joined hands with Zomato - an online restaurant search and discovery service provider.

Zomato users can now see the estimated pickup time and fare to the eatery they wish to visit, from their current location. On tapping the Uber icon, the restaurant's address will be set as the user's destination, the coordinates of which will be shared with the cab driver upon pickup.

This feature is live in 27 cities across 13 countries and there are plans to add it to more cities in the future.

[Rehaan]

Originally Posted by khoj

So Uber App needs to be updated on my hand held and needs access to 'sms' on the phone.

Why do all of the apps need access to the media, camera, contacts et all? More importantly what are the implications for us, the end users

Uber probably needs access to SMS to "send your location to a friend".

Media: Usually when an app allows you to upload something (eg. whatsapp)

Camera: Similar to media, but lets you directly take the picture from within the app.

Contacts: Send information to your contacts (eg. the uber location sharing or uber SOS feature).

Implications for us? Well, these are generic permissions that are often taken at face value. They can be used to access and triangulate much more information about you.

[slicvic]

Originally Posted by ts1506

I have been using Uber in Kolkata for few months now.

What is the probability of not getting an Uber cab at 5.00 AM

Need an Airport drop at 5.00 AM next week from Salt Lake Area

It will be my first time in Kolkatta

If not Uber any other suggestions

[hyd_traveller]

See the availability at 5:00 am every day over the next few days at Salt Lake. Simple.

[ts1506]

Originally Posted by slicvic

What is the probability of not getting an Uber cab at 5.00 AM

Need an Airport drop at 5.00 AM next week from Salt Lake Area

It will be my first time in Kolkatta

If not Uber any other suggestions

For a scheduled drop, I'd rather use Ola's scheduling feature.
Most times you can get one at 5, but why take a risk.

[nishantbhatia84]

I've tried to book Uber Cabs around 3 times now, and each time have been unsuccessful in doing so!
Why?
On checking vehicle availability it showed me a vehicle available in 8-10mins, however, as soon I proceeded to confirm the cab after entering the destination, viola! The cab magically disappeared and it said no cabs available!
Now since this has happened to me thrice, I think it is no coincidence!!
I'd rather stick to TabCab as they've always provided me with a cab whenever needed!

[balajisv]

Originally Posted by ts1506

For a scheduled drop, I'd rather use Ola's scheduling feature.
Most times you can get one at 5, but why take a risk.

Exactly. I always schedule Ola or TaxiforSure for my early morning airport trips. However, I do take Uber on my way back home from the airport.
You usually get Uber cabs early morning, but, why take a risk? Even a 10 minute delay will add up to the anxiety of reaching airport within time!

[kiku007]

Uber Go Chennai rates unbelievably low. I end up taking the cab more often than ever.

However if the low rates are a pleasant surprise, the Surge Pricing is shocking. Last Friday evening when there were showers in Chennai, the Surge Pricing was 2.8 X Normal Fare. Are there takers for it?

The day wouldn't be far, when the TN Govt puts a tab on this. In our state we cap Cinema Tickets at Rs.150 whatever be the facility

[msdivy]

I had to use cabs many times last week. Everytime Ola bailed me out. Though Uber was available, I couldn't book since my PayTM balance was low. Uber has turned into a prepaid service and it doesn't work for me. Reluctance to accept cash is costing Uber. They have decide if they want to pursue cab service or their business model.

Originally Posted by balajisv

Exactly. I always schedule Ola or TaxiforSure for my early morning airport trips.

Whatever time you book, the drivers gets the alerts just 20 minutes before the ride ! Not sure what Ola will do if there are no cabs available at that time in that region.

[Rehaan]

Some interesting infographics in Uber's latest blog post : Uber Mumbai Celebrates 1 year





Left: UberBLACK average ETA / Right: uberX average ETA

[moralfibre]

Uber has gone a step ahead and launched Inter-city cab services. On the slider for cab type, you'll see uberIntercity. A fare estimate from my location in Pune to the International airport in Bombay says it would cost me Rs. 3,999/- to get there. The cab must be an Innova or any mini-van going by the maximum seating capacity:



This is about Rs. 1,500/- to Rs. 2,000/- more than what a private operator would charge me for a drop to the airport. I'll atleast have a confirmation for cab availability before hand unlike in the case of Uber where I'd have to bank on a last minute check for cab availability.

[Rajeevraj]

Used UberX after a long time. Was surprised at the low rates. For a 14.42 KM journey that took 70 min in the evening at 7PM, the total bill was Rs 225. Rs 115 distance charge and 70, time charge. That worked out to be Rs 8/km.

Are the rates always so low now a days?

[Vid6639]

Originally Posted by Rajeevraj

Used UberX after a long time. Was surprised at the low rates. For a 14.42 KM journey that took 70 min in the evening at 7PM, the total bill was Rs 225. Rs 115 distance charge and 70, time charge. That worked out to be Rs 8/km.

Are the rates always so low now a days?

Yup these are the new rates. They have done away with that 25-35% discount and made these rates as fixed. It actually went up last week as they are now complying with service tax.

[msdivy]

Originally Posted by Rajeevraj

Are the rates always so low now a days?

My recent rides in Bangalore:
1) UberX, Distance: 9.92, Time: 01:02:02
Base Fare 40
Distance 79.36
Time 62.03
Normal Fare ₹ 181.39
Surge x1.4 72.56
Subtotal ₹ 253.95 (This was at 3PM)
Note: Even after surge pricing, UberX was cheaper than UberGo

2) UberX, Distance: 10.51, Time: 00:52:35
Base Fare 40
Distance 84.08
Time 52.58
Subtotal ₹ 176.66 (This was at 10PM)