Facebook wants to integrate car-hailing service Uber into Messenger

Facebook's Messenger app is not even close to where Mark Zuckerberg would like it. The vision is to transform Messenger from a pure communications tool into an e-commerce platform not unlike what Asian competitors Line and WeChat have pulled off.

A potential first step in that direction could be an integration with car-hailing service Uber.

Zuckerberg has held private talks with Uber chief Travis Kalanick about doing just that according to sources familiar with the matter as reported by Re/code. At least one source noted the whole idea is very conceptual at this stage and nowhere near execution

Both Facebook and Uber declined to comment on the subject.

Integrating Uber with Facebook could make a lot of sense for both companies. For Uber, it would expose the service to far more potential customers. Back in April, Zuckerberg revealed that Messenger had 200 million monthly users.

Facebook, meanwhile, would be one step closer to making Messenger a well-rounded app with more than just communication to offer. They'd also get more credit card numbers on file which could be useful for future endeavors.

The only potential hiccup would be what to do with Uber's own mobile app. Those that already use it would likely continue to do so while newcomers may be confused at whether or not they should use the standalone app or the one integrated in Mesenger.

Next Pinterest has a better male-to-female workforce ratio, but lags in ethnic diversityPrev Google X is working on a project to map perfect human health

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Facebook wants to integrate car-hailing service Uber into Messenger

Facebook's Messenger app is not even close to where Mark Zuckerberg would like it. The vision is to transform Messenger from a pure communications tool into an e-commerce platform not unlike what Asian competitors Line and WeChat have pulled off.

A potential first step in that direction could be an integration with car-hailing service Uber.

Zuckerberg has held private talks with Uber chief Travis Kalanick about doing just that according to sources familiar with the matter as reported by Re/code. At least one source noted the whole idea is very conceptual at this stage and nowhere near execution

Both Facebook and Uber declined to comment on the subject.

Integrating Uber with Facebook could make a lot of sense for both companies. For Uber, it would expose the service to far more potential customers. Back in April, Zuckerberg revealed that Messenger had 200 million monthly users.

Facebook, meanwhile, would be one step closer to making Messenger a well-rounded app with more than just communication to offer. They'd also get more credit card numbers on file which could be useful for future endeavors.

The only potential hiccup would be what to do with Uber's own mobile app. Those that already use it would likely continue to do so while newcomers may be confused at whether or not they should use the standalone app or the one integrated in Mesenger.

Next Pinterest has a better male-to-female workforce ratio, but lags in ethnic diversityPrev Google X is working on a project to map perfect human health

View the original article here

Motorola wants you to unlock your Moto X with this digital tattoo

Unlocking a smartphone can be a drag, especially if you're the type that checks your handset dozens of times a day. It's a first world problem that has led many to simply leave their phones unprotected (obviously not a wise decision) but now, Motorola thinks they've come up with yet another solution.

Motorola has announced a new wearable accessory based on VivaLnk's eSkin technology. It's basically a nickel-sized "digital tattoo" that users can affix to their arm. By using NFC technology, the wearer can simply tap their phone to the tattoo to unlock it without having to enter a passcode.

A post on Motorola's official blog says each tattoo is made of super thin, flexible materials with an adhesive backside. Each tattoo can stay in place for up to five days and is designed to withstand showering, swimming and other vigorous activities like jogging.

The digital tattoo currently only works with the Moto X although I suspect it could migrate to other handsets if the concept catches on with consumers.

VivaLnk is charging $9.99 for a pack of 10 tattoos. Do the math and you're looking at around $80 for a year's supply of tattoos (assuming you wear them every day). That's a decent chunk of change to spend on something that only shaves off a few seconds each time you use it but then again, that level of convenience might be worth it so long as you don't feel silly wearing a digital tattoo in public.

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