Uber’s decision this summer to release its application programming interface (API) could be a game changer for the travel industry. An API is software code that lets other applications and websites easily integrate each other’s functionality. By making its API public, Uber lets customers book rides directly from TripAdvisor (TRIP), Hyatt Hotels (H), United Airlines (UAL) and a handful of other apps and sites, including Starbucks (SBUX).
Tech columnist Ed Baig took to the court to test a new “smart basketball” equipped with nine sensors that communicate with an iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth wireless technology. The 94Fifty basketball and associated iOS app, made by InfoMotion Sports Technologies, tracks performance by measuring speed and pressure applied to the ball. It also coaches aspiring hoops stars with voice feedback. Users can work on drills or challenge other players. “My two small kids were engaged, and they were excited when they improved their scores,” Baig reports.