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There was chatter about the chatting and now it is official: they have chatted. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg held talks with Uber CEO, Travis Kalanich, about integrating Uber into Messenger. While more than a few tech news sites speculated about the likelihood such a deal could take place, it now seems clear that both chief executives think the deal could happen. If Uber and Facebook’s Messenger join forces, this could more effectively monetize Messenger and bring it line with ecommerce platforms like the Asian WeChat and Line. Customers would be able to hail taxis through the combined Messenger/Uber service.
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Through Uber, Facebook can get more information about spending habits of customers, and this will help it fuel the creation of new initiatives and products. Facebook is now testing a “buy” button that will enable purchase directly through ads or posts made by companies. Uber, in turn, will be able to reach out more effectively to a huge new market. One knotty question remains: how will Facebook Messenger customers be enticed to stay with this service without switching entirely over to the Uber app?
Still, all changes and deals raise new questions, and given Mark Zuckerberg’s successful integration of past acquisitions, it’s pretty clear he’ll figure something out.
