Mutualism is a form of symbiosis in which two inviduals exist in a relationship where both of them benefit from each other. Why did I bring that up? Because Uber has released a new API that allows third party developers to add a Ride Request Button into their apps that deeplinks into Uber’s app.
The idea behind this move is that third-party developers would make apps that comes integrated with the Ride Request Button, providing Uber with more traffic. In return, those same developers would earn USD 5 for every first-time rider they refer. However, do note that this offer is only open to US-based developers only.
While this may seem like a good opportunity for some developers, do note that implementing this features does come with its own clauses. Scrolling through Uber’s API terms, there is a paragraph that states that users of Uber API are not allowed to use the services provided in any manner that is competitive to Uber or Uber Services. In laymen’s speak, developers are not allowed to integrate their apps with Uber’s competitors such as Lyft, or in Malaysia’s case, GrabCar.
