Google and the Future of Free Rides

This article dives into a fascinating idea: the potential for free, ad-supported rides via a partnership between **Google** and ride-sharing giant Uber. The author posits that **Google's** advertising prowess could revolutionize the ride-sharing industry, making rides cheaper or even free for users.

• The author argues that the ride-sharing market is moving toward lower prices, with each new tier of service like UberPool offering cheaper options.
• The next step, the author suggests, is free rides, powered by **Google's** vast advertising network.

Google's Ad-Supported Ride Sharing: UberZero

The author envisions a new tier of service called "UberZero," where users would receive free rides in exchange for viewing ads within the Uber app. This concept utilizes **Google's** experience in mobile advertising and its ability to target ads effectively.

• The author proposes various ad formats, including app installs, video ads, lead generation, and local ads, each with the potential to contribute to subsidizing ride costs.
• He emphasizes the value of **Google's** targeting capabilities, allowing for personalized ads based on user location, destination, and other data points.

Google's Power of Redirection: A Key Advantage

The author highlights **Google's** "power of redirection" – its ability to influence user behavior through targeted advertising. This same concept can be applied to ride-sharing, where **Google** could suggest alternative destinations or services based on a user's ride information.

• Imagine being redirected to a nearby Starbucks or hotel with a discount during your Uber ride, all powered by **Google's** advertising network.
• The author argues that this "power of redirection" can translate into real-world foot traffic and create a unique advantage for **Google** in the ride-sharing market.

Google's Network Effects: A Recipe for Success

The author believes that **Google's** entry into the ride-sharing market with an ad-supported model would have significant network effects, creating a virtuous cycle of growth:

• Free rides would attract more users, increasing the reach of **Google's** advertising network.
• This increased reach would allow for more targeted advertising and attract more advertisers, further subsidizing ride costs and driving more users to the platform.

The Potential of Google's Ad-Supported Ride Sharing

The article concludes by emphasizing the potential of **Google's** ad-supported ride-sharing model. It argues that **Google's** experience in mobile advertising, combined with its ability to leverage user data and create network effects, makes it a formidable player in the ride-sharing market.

• The author suggests that if Uber doesn't embrace this model, **Google** might enter the market directly with its own ride-sharing platform, leveraging its existing advertising infrastructure and expertise.
• The article also highlights the benefits of **Google's** ad-supported model for users, offering the potential for free or significantly discounted rides.

Challenges and Considerations for Google's Ad-Supported Ride Sharing

While the author presents a compelling vision, there are some challenges to consider:

• Balancing ad revenue with maintaining a positive user experience. Too many ads can be intrusive and detract from the ride-sharing experience.
• Navigating privacy concerns and ensuring user data is handled responsibly.
• Addressing Apple's restrictions on incentivized app installs and ensuring compliance with advertising guidelines.

Despite these challenges, the author remains optimistic about the future of **Google's** ad-supported ride-sharing. He believes that the benefits – such as increased market reach, improved efficiency, and the potential for free rides – outweigh the challenges and make it a compelling strategy for **Google** to consider.