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Uber News
Knowridge
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Image Credit: Knowridge
Uber’s pricing algorithm is hurting both riders and drivers, Oxford study finds
- A study conducted by the University of Oxford revealed that Uber's pricing algorithm has resulted in higher costs for riders and decreased earnings for drivers.
- This research, led by Associate Professor Reuben Binns, analyzed data from 258 Uber drivers in the UK covering 1.5 million trips between 2016 and 2024.
- Following the implementation of Uber's dynamic pricing algorithm in 2023, customers are paying more for rides, while drivers are earning less per hour.
- Drivers' average hourly income dropped from over £22 to just over £19 after the algorithm change, despite increased waiting time between rides.
- Uber's commission, or “take rate,” has risen, with drivers sometimes earning less per minute even as fares increase.
- The study highlights a disparity between what riders pay and what drivers take home, with Uber taking a bigger cut from more expensive trips.
- The researchers express concerns about fairness and transparency in the gig economy, emphasizing the importance of understanding pricing algorithms that impact workers and consumers.
- These findings will be presented at the ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency (FAccT 2025) later this month, aiming to address fairness issues in technology.
- The study suggests that Uber's pricing changes have not equally benefited both riders and drivers, raising questions about fairness and transparency in the gig economy.
- Drivers have experienced a decline in earnings per hour since the implementation of the new pricing algorithm, affecting their overall income.
- Uber's commission rate has increased, resulting in drivers earning less per minute, especially on higher-fare trips.
- The study by Oxford University highlights the impact of Uber's pricing system on both passengers and drivers, shedding light on the disparity in benefits between the two parties.
- Understanding the implications of pricing algorithms in the gig economy is crucial, given the significant number of individuals relying on platforms like Uber for income.
- The researchers stress the importance of addressing fairness and accountability in technology to ensure a more equitable system for all stakeholders.
- The findings of the study will be presented at the FAccT 2025 conference, aiming to drive discussions on creating a fairer tech environment for everyone.
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TechCrunch
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Uber and Waymo’s commercial robotaxi service is open for business in Atlanta
- Uber and Waymo have launched a commercial robotaxi service in Atlanta, expanding from Austin.
- The service initially covers about 65 square miles in Atlanta, potentially boosting both companies' businesses.
- Uber has partnerships with 18 AV companies and handles 1.5 million AV trips per year, while Waymo provides 250,000 paid robotaxi rides weekly.
- Waymo's Atlanta fleet, currently in the 'dozens,' is set to grow over time.
- Riders in Atlanta and Austin can use the 'Waymo on Uber' service, where robotaxis and human-driven vehicles coexist.
- Users can set preferences in the Uber app to increase their chances of being matched with a Waymo vehicle.
- The cost for robotaxi rides will be the same as regular Uber services like UberX or Uber Comfort.
- Uber manages charging, maintenance, and cleaning of the autonomous vehicles, while Waymo oversees the tech and autonomous operations.
- The partnership between Uber and Waymo plans to expand the robotaxi service in Austin and Atlanta by early 2025.
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The Verge
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Image Credit: The Verge
Waymo’s robotaxis are now available on the Uber app in Atlanta
- Uber customers in Atlanta can now hail Waymo robotaxis through the Uber app, making Atlanta the second market, after Austin, to have this autonomous ridehail partnership.
- Waymo's vehicles will operate exclusively on the Uber app in Atlanta, with Waymo One app users being redirected to Uber for rides in Atlanta.
- The service area for Waymo's vehicles in Atlanta covers a 65-square-mile area, including Downtown, Buckhead, and Capitol View neighborhoods, excluding highways and airport trips.
- To increase the chances of getting matched with a Waymo vehicle, customers can opt into autonomous rides in the Ride Preferences section of the Uber app.
- Rides with Waymo vehicles will be priced the same as UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric rides in Atlanta.
- Uber will manage fleet services for Waymo vehicles in Atlanta, while Waymo will handle vehicle testing, roadside assistance, and elements of rider support.
- Uber and Waymo, former competitors turned partners, aim to increase the adoption of driverless vehicles together.
- This collaboration is not exclusive, as Uber is also partnering with other autonomous mobility companies for various services.
- Waymo has been testing its vehicles in Atlanta since 2018, with driverless testing starting in January 2025 and passenger trips in May 2025.
- Waymo plans to expand to Miami and Washington, DC with its own Waymo One app in addition to the Uber partnership.
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Eu-Startups
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Italian EdTech startup Wibo raises €500k for its upskilling and leadership programmes
- Turin-based EdTech startup Wibo has secured a €500k funding round to enhance its upskilling and leadership training programs in Italy.
- The funding round was led by a group of notable business leaders and supported by Talent Garden and VC fund Techstars.
- Wibo aims to combine human and tech skills through live sessions, exercises, and practical tools in its training model.
- The startup plans to expand its team, focus on AI training areas, and develop proprietary technology with the new funding.
- Founded in 2019, Wibo transitioned from a quiz app to a live quiz platform before pivoting to HR and Learning & Development training.
- Its model integrates human skills like leadership and communication with AI practical use, partnering with over 150 corporates and training 14,500+ individuals.
- Wibo's programs are designed to be immediately applicable to everyday work, aiming to create a memorable and practical learning experience.
- The startup addresses the perceived ineffectiveness of traditional corporate training by providing business-oriented, experiential programs led by industry executives.
- With insights from executives of major companies like Nike, Amazon, and Google, Wibo's training includes simulations, role-playing, and actionable steps for participants to implement.
- Wibo emphasizes bridging the gap between human and AI skills to drive business success by leveraging real-world experiences in its training.
- The startup plans to hire 5 new team members in product, tech, and customer success areas, aiming for continued growth and impact.
- Wibo has launched a pre-registration list for its Wibo Humans+AI Mini-Academy, offering free access to interested individuals.
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TechDigest
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Perplexity: the $14 Billion AI Google Killer, TCS denies blame for M&S cyber attack
- Perplexity, a $14 billion AI startup, is considered a threat to Google in search dominance by offering a summarization service.
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) denies any involvement in the M&S cyber attack, stating that none of its systems or users were compromised.
- Tesla has launched a robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with safety monitors in the vehicles despite not being open to the general public.
- A 10-year plan for the UK's NHS includes DNA testing for every baby to screen for diseases, moving towards prevention rather than treatment.
- Internet users are advised to enhance digital security after 16 billion login records were at risk of exposure by cybercriminals through leaked datasets.
- Manufacturers in the EU must now include an energy efficiency label in smartphone and tablet boxes, as Apple starts displaying these labels on its devices.
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TechDigest
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Tesla rolls out robotaxis in Texas
- Tesla has launched its CyberCab robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with a flat fee of $4.20 per ride.
- The service is invite-only, using a fleet of 10-20 Model Y vehicles with safety monitors in the front passenger seat.
- Safety monitors can intervene if necessary, with additional backup from chase cars and remote drivers.
- Operating hours are from 6 AM to 12 AM, avoiding highways, airports, and adverse weather conditions.
- The service area in Austin is limited and mapped along the Colorado River, Highway 183, Highways 290 and 71, and Zilker Park.
- Future plans include a fully autonomous CyberCab sedan without a steering wheel, with production set for 2026.
- Tesla aims to expand to Los Angeles and San Francisco, allowing owners to integrate personal vehicles into the fleet.
- Elon Musk expects the robotaxi service to have a significant financial impact for Tesla by mid to late next year.
- Initial rides have been relatively uneventful, with users comparing the app interface to Uber.
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Pymnts
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Image Credit: Pymnts
Uber AI Solutions Expands Resources for Training AI Models and Agents
- Uber AI Solutions, part of Uber Technologies, has expanded its offerings and made them accessible to AI labs and enterprises in 30 countries.
- The solutions provided by Uber AI Solutions have been developed over a decade and aim to help others build more advanced AI efficiently.
- One of the solutions offered is a platform connecting enterprises to global talent for annotation, translation, and editing services.
- Uber AI Solutions also provides datasets, task flows, annotations, simulations, and platforms for managing large-scale annotation projects.
- The company is positioning itself as a crucial element in global AI development, combining software, expertise, and scale.
- The AI industry has been facing a scarcity of high-quality data required for training AI models, with diversity and accuracy being essential.
- SandboxAQ recently launched a dataset to aid researchers in advancing AI models for drug discovery, leveraging AI capabilities.
- The dataset allows researchers to train AI models to predict protein-ligand binding affinities significantly faster than traditional methods.
- Uber AI Solutions is focusing on addressing the demand for reliable AI data in real-world applications.
- The expansion aims to cater to the increasing need for high-quality data and diverse talent in the AI industry.
- The company's offerings include tools for training large AI models in generative AI, mapping, speech recognition, and more.
- Uber AI Solutions aims to become a prominent player in AI development globally by providing essential data and resources.
- The AI industry's challenges include acquiring unbiased, accurately labeled data, which is crucial for effective AI model training.
- Uber AI Solutions is positioned to complement AI development efforts by offering access to its platforms and expertise.
- The announcement signifies Uber AI Solutions' commitment to aiding AI development and addressing data scarcity challenges in the industry.
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Medium
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Uber’s Real-Time Resilience: How Marketplace Dynamics Built a $120 Billion Mobility Empire
- Uber, founded in 2009, revolutionized urban transport by connecting riders and drivers instantly.
- The company's 6 billion annual trips by 2025 demonstrate its ability to perform under pressure with key marketplace engine components like dynamic pricing, AI matching, and trust features.
- Uber's success in completing 95% of rides within 10 minutes shows the efficiency of its marketplace engine.
- The 2024 '#UberEverywhere' campaign generated 10 million impressions, spiking rider numbers by 12%, emphasizing global accessibility.
- Uber's PMs focused on in-app city guides to enhance user trust, highlighting the importance of marketplace thriving on trust.
- Real-time marketplaces need a balance of supply and demand, optimized for speed and trust.
- Uber's AI orchestrates millions of transactions daily, adapting to real-time data like traffic and events for seamless operations.
- Uber's AI prioritizes user outcomes and aims for speed while maintaining trust.
- To build a successful real-time marketplace, PMs can utilize a six-step framework focusing on tools, user needs, and operational stability.
- Uber's challenges underscore the need for resilience under pressure, emphasizing the monitoring of user feedback, incentives, and regulations.
- The 2024 'UberEverywhere' campaign boosted Uber's global reach and rider numbers, showcasing the importance of aligning marketplaces with user needs.
- Uber's real-time resilience demonstrates the effectiveness of AI and trust features in managing marketplace chaos.
- PMs can learn from Uber's approach to build platforms that impact the world, shaping user experiences with technology and trust.
- User engagement is encouraged to share experiences on improving Uber rides and participating in discussions to enhance tech product development.
- Follow The Product Brief for insights on creating tech products efficiently and purposefully.
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Insider
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Image Credit: Insider
Local lawmakers are trying to delay Tesla's robotaxi launch in Austin
- Texas lawmakers urge Tesla to delay the robotaxi launch in Austin until new regulations are in place requiring autonomous cars to meet safety standards and have emergency plans.
- Tesla faces competition from Waymo, Zoox, VW, and Hyundai in the robotaxi space in Austin.
- Seven lawmakers in Texas signed a letter requesting Tesla to postpone the robotaxi launch set for June 22, awaiting new regulations effective September 1.
- Tesla must adhere to new regulations which include registration, safety standards, and emergency plans for autonomous vehicles.
- Business Insider reached out to Tesla for comment on the lawmakers' request.
- Concerns were expressed about Tesla's self-driving safety measures by Representative Vikki Goodwin, one of the letter's authors.
- Tesla CEO Elon Musk mentioned testing full self-driving cars in Austin, with plans to launch robotaxis not only in Austin but also in cities like San Francisco.
- A safety test conducted by The Dawn Project raised concerns about Tesla's self-driving technology after a Model Y with Full Self-Driving engaged failed to stop for a school bus stop sign and dummy.
- Musk acknowledged potential delays in the robotaxi launch due to safety concerns and emphasized Tesla's caution about safety.
- Texas has few regulations regarding autonomous vehicles, making it a hotspot for self-driving technology; if launched, Tesla's robotaxi will join Waymo, Zoox, VW, and Hyundai in Austin.
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Guardian
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Image Credit: Guardian
Rough ride: how Uber quietly took more of your fare with its algorithm change
- Abdurzak Hadi, a former Uber driver involved in a legal battle, still faces challenges driving for the company.
- A recent study by the University of Oxford and Worker Info Exchange revealed insights into Uber's pricing algorithm.
- The study found that Uber drivers have seen a decrease in earnings since the introduction of a dynamic pricing algorithm in 2023.
- Uber's algorithm adjusts trip prices based on factors like time, distance, available drivers, demand, traffic, and weather.
- The new algorithm resulted in Uber taking a higher cut of fares, reducing drivers' control over earnings.
- Uber's take rate averaged 29% of a fare, rising to over 50% in certain cases, as per the study.
- The data contradicts Uber's claim of a steady 25% take rate and suggests drivers may experience earnings reduction.
- According to the study, drivers face unpredictability in pay post-dynamic pricing, impacting their livelihoods.
- Drivers expressed concerns over the lack of transparency and the changing predictability of pay.
- Uber stated that drivers in the UK earned over £1bn in the first quarter of this year and emphasized flexibility and transparency in earnings.
- Uber remains confident in its pricing model, but drivers feel less certain about their trip earnings.
- The study highlights how Uber's algorithmic changes have affected driver earnings and control over their work.
- Despite Uber's stance, drivers continue to face challenges in predicting trip earnings and maintaining control over their work.
- The findings raise questions about the fairness and transparency of Uber's pricing system.
- The ongoing debate between Uber and drivers underscores the complexities of gig economy work.
- Overall, the study sheds light on the impact of algorithmic changes on Uber drivers' pay and working conditions.
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TechDigest
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Image Credit: TechDigest
Texas Instruments pledges $60bn US chip investment, Uber drivers earnings’ cut after algorithm changes
- Texas Instruments plans to invest over $60bn in the US to build or expand seven chip-making facilities, creating 60,000 jobs.
- Uber drivers are earning less after the introduction of a new algorithm by the company, resulting in lower hourly earnings.
- A SpaceX rocket, Starship 36, exploded before launch at SpaceX's facility in Texas, described as a 'major anomaly'.
- Electric vehicles have a higher breakdown rate compared to petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles, as per a poll of 30,000 drivers by WhatCar.
- Google introduces Gemini 2.5 Flash-Lite AI chatbot model for faster responses in tasks where speed is crucial and budgets are limited.
- Experts warn that 3D-printed guns could become preferred weapons for criminals and violent extremists globally, being untraceable and DIY.
- The NFC Forum introduced version 15 of the NFC standard, featuring extended communication range of 2 cm for faster and more stable connections.
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Guardian
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Image Credit: Guardian
Many UK Uber drivers earning far less an hour under dynamic pricing, study finds
- A study by the University of Oxford revealed that since the introduction of dynamic pricing in 2023, UK Uber drivers are earning substantially less per hour.
- Uber's take rate has increased from 25% to 29%, with some trips reaching over 50%, leading to lower earnings for drivers.
- Unions criticized the lack of transparency in Uber's dynamic pricing, potentially pushing down working conditions for drivers.
- Average pay per hour for Uber drivers remained stagnant or decreased after the introduction of dynamic pricing.
- Uber's increase in taking a cut from fares could result in higher prices for passengers without better pay for drivers.
- Uber claimed that drivers are guaranteed to earn at least the national living wage.
- The study highlighted that drivers' average hourly pay was £29.46 by Uber's definition or £15.98 when considering waiting time.
- Uber stated that UK drivers earned over £1 billion between January and March, indicating growth in earnings.
- The study indicated discontent among some drivers who felt Uber was taking a significant share while not benefiting drivers.
- The research warned that many aspects of Uber drivers' jobs have worsened post-dynamic pricing implementation.
- The study was conducted in collaboration with the Worker Info Exchange and raised concerns about the impact of Uber's dynamic pricing.
- Uber faced previous controversies, including a UK court ruling on minimum wage entitlements for drivers and a global investigation revealing dubious practices.
- One driver mentioned in the study expressed shock upon hearing the fares paid by passengers, highlighting a perception of exploitation by Uber.
- The research did not account for costs like vehicle maintenance, insurance, or fuel when calculating drivers' average pay.
- Uber emphasized drivers' flexibility and transparency in earnings, stating that thousands of drivers choose to work with the company.
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TechBullion
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Image Credit: TechBullion
Top Uber Clone Scripts To Launch an App Like Uber
- The article discusses the rise of the ride-hailing industry and the appeal of launching a taxi booking app like Uber using clone scripts.
- Uber clone scripts are pre-built solutions that replicate Uber's functionalities, allowing for customization and branding.
- These scripts include rider and driver apps, an admin panel, and can be white-labeled to fit specific business needs.
- Key features of a reliable Uber clone script include smooth operations, user satisfaction, and scalability.
- Several top-tier Uber clone scripts in 2025 offer customizable features, scalability, and robust support for successful ride-hailing services.
- Leading Uber clone scripts include VivoCabs, Elluminati Inc., Appdupe, TaxiMobility, Gofer, Onde, V3Cube, Apporio Taxi, SpotnRides, and UnicoTaxi.
- These scripts provide various features like real-time tracking, multiple payment options, advanced analytics, and customization.
- Choosing the right Uber clone script is crucial for a successful ride-hailing business, considering factors like long-term growth and user experience.
- Advanced Uber clone scripts offer a cost-effective way to launch a taxi booking business with a proven business model.
- Selecting the right technology and clone script can be the competitive edge in building a successful ride-hailing service in today's digital age.
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Insider
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Image Credit: Insider
I took a chaotic, surreal robotaxi ride through central London. It left me impressed, but with one big question.
- Wayve, a self-driving startup, is testing its technology in a fleet of Ford Mach-Es in London.
- The author shares their experience riding in a Wayve robotaxi through central London, praising its handling of the chaotic environment.
- Uber is partnering with Wayve to launch driverless taxis in the UK, challenging the dominance of London's traditional black cabs.
- Wayve's AI driver system aims to navigate complex city streets without relying on high-definition maps like other competitors.
- During the test drive, the Wayve robotaxi encountered jaywalkers, tight gaps, roadblocks, and busy pedestrian zones.
- The author observes the cautious nature of the robotaxi, including a moment where it stopped abruptly at an amber light.
- Wayve's CEO highlights the challenges and advantages of testing autonomous vehicles in London's intricate road network.
- The drive showcases the robotaxi's ability to handle unexpected scenarios and complex urban environments.
- Despite impressive performance, experts raise concerns about the challenges of deploying self-driving technology in a dynamic city like London.
- The article emphasizes the importance of widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles beyond affluent areas and the need to build public trust in the technology.
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Siliconangle
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Image Credit: Siliconangle
Clay reportedly raises new funding led by CapitalG on a $3B valuation
- Clay Labs Inc., an AI-driven sales and marketing startup, has raised a Series C round of funding on a $3 billion valuation led by CapitalG Management Co., an independent growth fund owned by Alphabet Inc.
- Founded in 2017, Clay offers a platform for managing relationships through AI-powered enrichment, research, and outreach automation.
- Clay's platform connects with multiple CRM systems and data sources to clean, update, and deduplicate contact records automatically.
- The AI services provided by Clay include personalized messaging, enabling users to craft targeted emails based on enriched data.
- The company caters to over 300,000 go-to-market teams, serving notable customers such as Canva, HubSpot, Dropbox, Uber, and more.
- Clay has raised a total of $102 million over four funding rounds, with existing investors including Meritech Capital Partners, Sequoia Capital, and First Round Capital.
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