Google Maps misses out this year, but Uber gets a STAR WARS makeover
TAXI APP gets a new galactic look in order to tie in with new Rogue One film release.
Uber passengers could be in for an intergalactic ride
Uber customers could soon find themselves in a taxi far, far away thanks to a new update from the company.
Users who opt in to the app's latest upgrade will have the opportunity to live out their Star Wars dreams thanks to a new promotion from Disney.
Opting in to the new feature will replace the traditional taxi icon displayed during journey plans with a number of famous spaceships from the Star Wars, including the X Wing.
Once activated, the update turns your taxi into one of several Star Wars-themed vehicles
To activate the new feature, which is available on iOS devices now, all users need to do is to upgrade to the latest version of the Uber app.
Once launched, simply tap the pop-up card that appears, enter your destination, and get ready to blast off.
The tool, which is in association with the release of the new Rogue One: A Star Wars Story film, will be available from today until December 18th.
Uber app users will also be to watch "exclusive video content" from the film during their journeys if they select the new theme.
The company says that the launch will arrive in "hundreds" of cities worldwide, but did not name any specific locations except San Francisco.
The Uber update also lets passengers watch exclusive video content whilst they ride
The Uber update follows a similar launch for Google Maps last year, which saw the mobile mapping service get a Star Wars-themed makeover.
The launch, which coincided with the release of Star Wars Episode VII, allowed users to pick between the Light Side and Dark Side of the Force, which would then provide one of two different themes.
Once activated, Google then populated users calendars with Star Wars-related events and the small StreetView 'Pegman' in Google Maps transforms into either a First Order Stormtrooper or Resistance Pilot.
And once you launch directions within Google Maps – an X-wing or TIE fighter flies to your destination.
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Also included were voice commands from C-3PO in the Waze navigation app.
YouTube progress bars also became lightsabers, and the predictive Google Now service offered up titbits of Star Wars trivia.
Android Wear users were also able to access a special Star Wars themed watch face, as well as a custom Google Chrome skin, although none of these features have yet been brought back.