In a few years, Uber changed the way we get around. But it’s not sitting well they depend on Google Maps to help drivers get around. That’s not all.
Uber invests $500 million in a mapping project. Their goal is to loosen their dependence on Google and other mapping apps. Eventually, they hope this helps the quest for driverless cars. Uber already sees progress. They have vehicles throughout the US and Mexico. These vehicles collect data and gather images for maps. These vehicles will visit other countries soon. Uber rose to power because of other companies’ technology, from smartphones to GPS/mapping systems. Now that Uber has the money, power and influence, they want their own system. That’s because Google Maps power most of Uber. The alliance between Google and Uber is morphing into a rivalry. Both tech corporations want to build the first driverless car. Last year, Uber hired Brian McClendon. He’s one of the greatest digital mapping experts in the world today. Uber also stole him from Google. You know a rivalry gets intense when top talent is stolen or lured away. McClendon believes mapping is the backbone of Uber. That’s why they’re investing hundreds of millions of dollars.
There could be another factor here. Google raises fees for Google Map usage. Could that be inspiring Uber to make it’s own maps? This expense adds up quickly. Take into account Uber provides over 2 billion rides a year in sixty countries. So Google Maps is making billions off Uber. From that standpoint, I see why Uber wants it’s own maps. But there’s a deeper meaning here. When Uber began, just a few years ago, Google was their biggest supporter. Now, Uber is all grown up. They’ve even taken Google high-ranking employers. It’s almost like the little cousin who leaves the big cousin’s protection. Now little cousin wants to overtake the big cousin. Little cousin even stole one of big cousin’s exes. Who will win this race?