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Re:Google Maps On Mobile Gets Uber Integration by awj on Tuesday May 06, 2014 @01:09PM (#7705728)
Other than a decidedly not-Uber-like experience of throwing ads at a captive rider, I really don't see a reason that Google would be interested in that space.
Re:Google Maps On Mobile Gets Uber Integration by rm999 on Tuesday May 06, 2014 @05:19PM (#7707143)
Google wishes it wasn't 95+% an ad company. It's a highly profitable space, but it leaves them vulnerable in the long term.

Google is entering into the delivery space (Google Shopping Express) and into self-driving cars, both which are similar to or complementary to Uber's business model.

Re:Google Maps On Mobile Gets Uber Integration by rory096 on Tuesday May 06, 2014 @01:13PM (#7705761)
As it stands now I'd agree, but Uber's the first market that'll be overturned by self-driving cars.
Re:Google Maps On Mobile Gets Uber Integration by aetherson on Tuesday May 06, 2014 @01:58PM (#7706055)
Commercial trucking is the first market that will be overturned by self-driving cars. More predictable routes, do not have to deal with passenger misbehavior, higher total profits to absorb early-on technology costs associated with creating the self-driving vehicle (LIDAR costs and whatnot).
Re:Google Maps On Mobile Gets Uber Integration by erichurkman on Tuesday May 06, 2014 @01:36PM (#7705928)
Google has other realms that could benefit from self-driving cars, not just ride-sharing/taxi. Why have separate fleets of vehicles if you can have one that does taxi services, shopping deliveries, and data collection (street view) at the same time?