Google PR head leaves for Uber

Uber is gaining a high-profile member for its team. Longtime PR boss for Google, Rachel Whetstone, leaves the tech giant for Uber. Whetstone will replace David Plouffe as the SVP of public policy and communications at Uber. Plouffe will become the chief adviser to the company and CEO Travis Kalanick. He’ll also be taking a seat on Uber’s board of directors.

Whetstone will be in charge of the day-to-day global policy and communication operations of the company, while Plouffe will be focusing on the “big picture policy issues” and take on special projects that’ll help further the business’s goals. Jessica Powell will become the interim communications operations head at Google.

Source: BuzzFeed

Report claims Spotify and Uber will announce partnership

While Taylor Swift and Spotify won’t ever be getting back together, Spotify looks to be forging a new partnership with ridesharing service Uber. This supposed partnership will allow you to select what Spotify playlist to listen to when you’re in an Uber car. Invites were reportedly sent to the media for a Monday conference call with a “special guest partner” and a “first-of-its-kind partnership.” The invite shows a music staff as seen above.

 We’re not sure how the setup will be and if a separate app will be needed to make this happen but we will keep you posted on updates. Both companies refused to comment about this report.

Source: The New York Times | Via: CNET

Uber makes a Windows Phone debut, misses a few features

Terry Myerson, executive vice president of Operating Systems for Microsoft, kicked off the release of the Uber app as our rider zero on his way to the Microsoft Global Exchange conference in Atlanta.

Windows Phone users how have been missing Uber on their device can breathe a sigh of relief now. Uber is making its way to the platform. However, it is missing a few key features. There isn’t any in-app fare quotes, fare splitting option, and shareable trip information. The other things you can do though include locking in a location, calling for a ride, and sort payments. It still has the basics down. We just hope they get those missing features back soon.

Fare splitting done right with Uber

Uber isn’t just helping you hail cabs. The app’s latest update will help you split your taxi fare fairly with friends. You just need to input who you’re splitting the bill with and Uber will do the work for you.