As mentioned in the blog post, that API is built but in whitelist-only mode:
What about requesting a ride? Yes, we’ve implemented that endpoint as well, but because calling it immediately dispatches a real driver in the real world, we’re releasing it in a more controlled fashion, starting with a small set of partners. Stay tuned for more on that, and please let us know if you’re interested in being added to the whitelist.
Agreed it's a shame this is read only - I'd like to build this for Android Wear, among other things.
You could build a companion app, send the HTTP request you mention, which would trigger a push notification to that user's companion app/device, which could then trigger a deep link to the Uber app :)
Re:Uber Opens Its API
by davidmking on Wednesday August 20, 2014 @05:04PM
(#8204614)
Hard to completely released the ability to order cars through any app to any person. Although, the API is largely going to be a part of the marketing more than anything else I would assume.
Re:Uber Opens Its API
by crisedward on Wednesday August 20, 2014 @05:23PM
(#8204727)
Yeah, I was hoping for rides request, I have many ideas with Uber and the TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon would been a great place to make one.
They have some deep linking APIs to start their apps on Android, iOS, or a mobile web site - but none of those will work on Glass. I suppose, theoretically, I can make the HTTP requests to their mobile site as if I were a browser and a user tapping the right buttons, but that it is a lot more brittle than having an API. It will break any time they change their web site.
Being able to say, "OK, Glass,""Get me a ride" and the car shows up would be exciting. "OK, Glass" "Show me the cost and time estimate to go to the Design Center" is just a boring advertisement. Right now their API just allows boring advertisements, pretty much.