Uber users can now use their Amazon Echo devices to track the status of Uber Eats orders in the United States.
The integration with Alexa, which was announced in a joint statement, gives consumers hands-free timely updates on critical points in the delivery process, starting when an order is being prepared right through to when the driver is arriving and when the order is delivered.
Consumers have several options when it comes to receiving updates. Alexa can announce when there’s a status change to their order from one or all of their household devices or they can choose to receive an Alexa notification instead. In this instance, the light on their Echo device will change to yellow, and consumers can ask, “Alexa, what’s my notification?”, the companies said.
“With order tracking on Alexa, managing orders from Uber Eats has never been easier—whether a favourite dessert or Friday night pizza heading to consumers’ doorsteps,” said Ethan Hollinshead, Lead Product Manager at Uber.
He added: “We know that consumers are busier than ever before and we are excited to launch our integration with Alexa that unlocks new ways to simplify the experience to help consumers to get anything, from anywhere—which is always our priority.”
To activate the feature, users must go to the Voice Assistant settings in the Uber Eats app and turn on the “Track with Alexa” button. Then, after checkout, they can tap the Alexa. The Alexa tracking feature is currently available on Echo devices in the United States. Amazon is Uber’s third partner in the voice-activated space, after announcing partnerships with Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri for voice ordering integrations during the last twelve months.
Mark Yoshitake, GM and Director of Alexa Skills, added: “Simple ambient experiences let customers be more present with family and friends—they don’t need to be distracted by checking for delivery updates on their mobile apps. Now, customers can settle in for their favourite movie and trust Alexa to let them know when their driver is approaching with their order, or update them if there is a material change to the estimated delivery time. It’s yet another example of how Alexa is helping make customers’ lives easier.”
