If you're looking out the car window during an Uber ride and you're way behind — and you've exhausted all other options for killing time on your smartphone — the company has a new way to keep you busy.
On Tuesday, the app launched a feature called Uber Trip Experiences, letting third-party developers entertain users or give them productive things to do during their trip.
Examples include getting a playlist to last for the duration of your trip, notifying you of information and offers available at your destination, or allowing you to turn on the heating when you're on your way home.
One use case that sounds particularly interesting is Gamification, in which riders can earn points or rewards for getting around the city. Since Foursquare-style badges are a bit passé now, earning virtual points (and, potentially, real-life rewards) as you use Uber could give you a little more energy in a sense.
If this sounds more like an annoyance to you, don't worry: Riders will ask for your permission before any app can connect to Uber and access your information. Plus, they'll be able to disable this feature on an app-by-app basis.
Uber has provided information for developers along with a warning: Developers should not spam users or drain smartphone with too much unnecessary activity.
Uber launched its API in August 2014, allowing developers to integrate Uber data with their own apps. And in March 2015, the company provided developers with an easy-to-create button, allowing users to request a ride from a third-party app, such as Facebook Messenger.
