Uber makes big bets on travel, hotels and AI voice bookings at annual product showcase

uber announced a bunch of new products at its go-get event in new york on wednesday. the big push is travel — hotel bookings, ai voice booking, and a personal shopper feature. ceo dara khosrowshahi said uber wants to be the first app you open when you get to a city. the hotel booking feature launches with expedia group, offering over 700,000 options for u.s. users. vrbo home rentals are coming later this year. uber one members get 20% off select hotels and 10% back in credits. that puts uber directly against booking holdings and airbnb. the ai voice booking chatbot lets you book a ride by talking to it, powered by openai models. there's also a shopping feature where you send a photo and a personal shopper buys the item for you at the store price. uber black and black suv riders in six cities can add coffee from uber eats for the driver to pick up en route. uber one members also get ride credits and free delivery when traveling abroad.