Anyone Hear of UberPool?

On August 15th, 2014, Uber announced a Beta version of it’s newest product – UberPool.  The startup location app has been widely popular across the United States in recent months.  Users are picked up in a private car and can request a car before stepping out of the house.  The service uses the GPS on your phone to accurately hail a cab.  The taxi-company of the 21st century is a perfect example of how technology is making life easier.  There have been a few issues with the service, but I am extremely pleased with Uber’s customer service and believe in the product they are selling.

One of the biggest drawbacks of Uber was price.  Often more expensive than a regular cab, I found myself not wanting to pay for $50 Uber ride when I could spend $15 in a regular yellow cab.  UberX presented a price solution, offering rides at or below taxi prices.  The service is not to the level of a full scale Uber SUV, but it is also cheaper than a yellow cab, not to mention a newer, nicer, cleaner car.

Now, UberPool is here to offer an even cheaper offer.  Basically UberPool turns your trip into a ride share program where passengers with similar routes are picked up and dropped off together.  I am not sure how successful this will ultimately end up being for Uber.  The thought of sharing a cab ride with someone else does not sound to appealing right off of the bat. Ultimately, I do think that this will help Uber continue to reach more consumers.  If Uber can make this work, the company will have captured market share from the very top to the very bottom.  The program has been up and running for slightly over a month.  Maybe one day we will see it here in New York.

WSJ: What Your Zip Code Says About What You’ll Buy

The Wall Street Journal came out with an incredible post that breaks down consumer purchasing power based by zip code.  Topics ranged from “Dorms to Diplomas,” (college grads) to “Las Casas” (newly immigrated/1st generation American communities), and so on.  Click the link and see if you fall into your zip code’s stereotype.

Also keep in mind that this information is what large internet providers send out to marketers.  Those ads for the shoes you have been eyeing undoubtedly were influenced on where you click your mouse throughout the day.

Click here for a more in-depth look and a direct link to the Esri site.

@Grecobs

How Far Can You Travel In Ten Minutes? (via @AtlanticCities

Isoscope is an analytics firm that takes the study of human traffic flows to a next level.  The interactive map lets you see how far you can travel depending on the time of day.  The map is incredibly detailed, breaking down travel times depending on time of day, day of the week, and mode of transportation.  I used the New York map, however the information was available across the United States and Europe.  

If you have some free time today and are always wondering about traffic flows, take a look!

How To Survive In New York City

Click the link for all 27 very relevant GIFs.

PHOTO: Supertall & Super-Luxurious – 57th Street’s Development Boom

120 Years of Los Angeles’ Urban Sprawl Growth

This incredible video is one of three that document the growth of urban sprawl. Los Angeles is featured in this clip, check out Paris and Sao Paulo as well. Pretty incredible stuff, I wonder what the next 100 years have in store.

Here is the full article: http://www.theatlanticcities.com/neighborhoods/2014/04/visualizing-200-years-urban-expansion-paris-sao-paulo-la/8794/

Urban Outfitters Williamsburg Opens Friday – Hipsters Flee

The Gothamist just reported on the ongoing gentrification of Williamsburg.  Urban Outfitters plans to open its newest store this Friday, just steps from the Bedford L train.  The national chain has been on a big push across many developing areas of New York City, opening a massive store in the Financial District just a few weeks back.  

Urban is just of many chain retailers making the jump across the East River.  This particular UO will be part of the space ninety 8, a new and Williamsburg’s first urban mall.  Sephora, J.Crew. Gant, Whole Foods, have all moved into the area in the last year alone.  WIlliamsburg has now been called Times Square for hipsters, among other titles.  It won’t be long before the strollers move in and the hipsters move out.  

Color Blind CEO Changing New Harlem Development’s Color Scheme

A Look Inside New York’s Most Expensive Building

15 Central Park West has quickly become one of the most sought after addresses for the global elite.  The New York Post took a look into the lives of the workers who keep the building running.  A great read, even if it came from The Post…

The Hudson Yards Info-graphic Made For Everyone (via @CurbedNY)