Close
  • Latest News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Video
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Video
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Latest News
    • Mobile

    Microsoft Investing $100 Million in Uber

    Written by

    Pedro Hernandez
    Published August 4, 2015
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.

      Microsoft is betting big on Uber, the San Francisco-based technology company behind the popular transportation app.

      In a deal finalized on July 31, Microsoft agreed to invest approximately $100 million in Uber Technologies, according to a Bloomberg report. The new infusion in cash bumps Uber’s valuation to $50 billion, an increase of $10 billion.

      A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment on the matter. The Seattle Times reported that the authorization for the new funding was filed more than two months ago.

      It’s not the first deal between the two technology companies. In June, The Wall Street Journal reported that Uber was acquiring Microsoft’s Bing mapping technology, and its 100 engineers, for an undisclosed amount.

      In the months leading up to last week’s Windows 10 launch, Microsoft announced that Cortana, the operating system’s built-in virtual assistant, would help users flag down an Uber car.

      “By integrating with Uber, Cortana will not only recommend an Uber for you at the exact time you need it based on your schedule, but will also order it for you,” said Marcus Ash, a Microsoft program manager, in a statement. “For example, let’s say you’ve purchased a movie ticket online and received an email confirmation. Cortana has this information and will display a reminder to you prior to the movie start time.”

      An Uber add-in for Microsoft Outlook, reviewed at the Build 2015 developer conference at the end of April, is also on the way.

      “With the Uber add-in for Outlook, you can set an Uber ride reminder for any calendar event with a single tap. When it’s time to leave for your next event, Uber will send you a notification,” said Nathan Lam, head of product marketing for Uber’s API and Developer Platform, in a blog post announcing the collaboration.

      “Swipe on the notification to jump to the Uber app with the destination already set, and simply confirm your request. Whether you have an upcoming dinner reservation, doctor’s appointment, or flight, Uber and Outlook will help get you there on time,” continued Lam. Uber was the official ridesharing partner for Build 2015.

      Meanwhile, Uber has emerged as one of the tech industry’s top disruptors. And with its heightened profile, it is seeing some challengers.

      Google is joining Lyft and other taxi alternatives with its own service. The search and online advertising giant is piloting a carpooling service called RideWith for office workers in Tel Aviv, Ra’anana and Herzliya, Israel. “Available only during standard rush hour times, RideWith helps connect drivers and potential riders—such as neighbors on similar commute routes or co-workers who live near each other,” said the company in a July 6 announcement.

      RideWith was developed by Waze, the company behind the social navigation and traffic app. Google acquired Waze for $1.3 billion in 2013. The new service piggybacks on Waze to find drivers on a desired route and alert them to potential rides. Riders pay a “modest” distance-based fee, while Google pockets 15 percent.

      Pedro Hernandez
      Pedro Hernandez
      Pedro Hernandez is a writer for eWEEK and the IT Business Edge Network, the network for technology professionals. Previously, he served as a managing editor for the Internet.com network of IT-related websites and as the Green IT curator for GigaOM Pro.

      Get the Free Newsletter!

      Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis

      Get the Free Newsletter!

      Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Artificial Intelligence

      9 Best AI 3D Generators You Need...

      Sam Rinko - June 25, 2024 0
      AI 3D Generators are powerful tools for many different industries. Discover the best AI 3D Generators, and learn which is best for your specific use case.
      Read more
      Cloud

      RingCentral Expands Its Collaboration Platform

      Zeus Kerravala - November 22, 2023 0
      RingCentral adds AI-enabled contact center and hybrid event products to its suite of collaboration services.
      Read more
      Artificial Intelligence

      8 Best AI Data Analytics Software &...

      Aminu Abdullahi - January 18, 2024 0
      Learn the top AI data analytics software to use. Compare AI data analytics solutions & features to make the best choice for your business.
      Read more
      Latest News

      Zeus Kerravala on Networking: Multicloud, 5G, and...

      James Maguire - December 16, 2022 0
      I spoke with Zeus Kerravala, industry analyst at ZK Research, about the rapid changes in enterprise networking, as tech advances and digital transformation prompt...
      Read more
      Video

      Datadog President Amit Agarwal on Trends in...

      James Maguire - November 11, 2022 0
      I spoke with Amit Agarwal, President of Datadog, about infrastructure observability, from current trends to key challenges to the future of this rapidly growing...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2024 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

      ×