Google suddenly removes Uber integration from Maps

All those Uber users who have been using Google Maps to book their rides without ever bothering to install and launch the dedicated mobile app are now forced to install it, because the tech giant behind the world's most popular search engine has suddenly dropped this feature. As a side note, Google Maps got Uber integration more than a year ago — in January 2017, to be more specific.

Both Google and Uber are silent for now, the only official pieces of information being present on Google's support page about the "Request a ride" feature in Google Maps. The essential part in this support page reads the following: "You can no longer book Uber rides directly in Google Maps. But you can still look up the route in the Maps app and then request the ride from the Uber app."

Besides the possibility that Google and Uber failed to reach an agreement for keeping this feature alive — after all, integrating Uber into Google Maps is definitely a form of advertising — there is also the chance that Uber wants its users to book rides exclusively using the dedicated app. At last, it is also possible that Google pulled the plug on this Maps feature due to the bad press Uber received in the last year.

Those looking for an alternative service with Google Maps integration should give Lyft a chance, especially since the company has a better track record than Uber.