Uber and Ola Without the App: Your Guide to Booking Rides the Old-Fashioned Way

Tired of Fumbling With Your Phone? Book Cabs From Your PC with Ease!

Imagine this: You’re in the middle of a work session, suddenly needing to book a cab. Do you interrupt your flow by digging out your phone and opening the app? Not anymore! It’s surprisingly effortless to book Uber and Ola cabs directly from your computer, eliminating the need to switch between devices. From simple workarounds to dedicated apps, several convenient options let you hail a ride without ever leaving your keyboard.

Uber on Desktop: A Mobile-First Solution

While Uber’s official website doesn’t have a booking feature for desktops, there’s a clever trick to get around this. The mobile website, accessible at m.uber.com, functions seamlessly on your computer. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Your Browser: Launch your favorite web browser on your computer.
2. Visit the Mobile Website: Navigate to m.uber.com.
3. Sign in with Your Credentials: You’ll be prompted to enter your phone number and password.
4. Verify with OTP: A one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your phone. Enter this to complete the sign-in process.
5. Location Services Prompt: You’ll see a prompt asking if you want to enable location services. You can choose to enable or disable this based on your preference.
6. Enter Pickup and Drop Locations: Input your desired pickup and drop-off locations on the map.
7. Review Ride Options, Fares, and Time: The app will display various cab options, estimated fares, pickup time, and payment method.
8. Request Your Ride: Click the "Request" button to book your Uber.

It’s a quick and easy way to summon a ride without needing to download a separate app.

Uber Apps for Specific Operating Systems

For a more dedicated experience, there are Uber apps available on some platforms:

Uber for Windows

There’s an official Uber app for Windows 10 devices. Utilizing your location data, it provides a seamless booking process, similar to using the mobile website. However, you might find the browser version faster for simple bookings. If you’re using a Windows 8 laptop or tablet, you can download the app for free from the Microsoft Store.

Uber for Mac: Fastlane

While there’s no official Uber app for Mac, a third-party app called Fastlane offers a convenient workaround. It’s a free app that sits in the menu bar of your computer for quick access. Clicking on it prompts you to enter your pickup and drop locations, and then you can request your Uber with a single click. While Fastlane offers added convenience, it’s essentially an alternative to the mobile website, and users might prefer using the website directly to avoid relying on a third-party tool. You can download Fastlane for free from its official website.

Integrating Uber with Office 365

Uber has partnered with Microsoft to enable integration with Office 365. For Office 365 subscribers, Uber leverages the Outlook APIs, allowing you to manage your rides directly from your calendar. Here’s how it works:

• Set Uber Ride Reminders: You can set up ride reminders within your meeting schedule in Outlook.
• Receive Ride Confirmation Prompt: A pop-up notification will appear when it’s time for your scheduled ride, allowing you to confirm or decline the ride with a simple swipe.
• Ride On! If you confirm, your Uber will be on its way.

This seamless integration makes it convenient to manage your commuting needs while staying productive within your work environment.

Ola on Desktop: A Streamlined Web Experience

Unlike Uber, Ola offers a dedicated web app for desktop users, simplifying the booking process.

1. Visit the Ola Website: Go to www.olacabs.com in your web browser.
2. Enter Pickup and Drop Locations: Use the box on the left to enter your pickup and drop locations, along with your desired ride time.
3. Search for Available Cabs: Click "Search Cabs".
4. Select Your Cab: Review the list of available cars, including fares and expected pickup times. Choose the option that suits your needs.
5. Sign in for Payment: The booking will display "Cash" as the payment option. Clicking on it prompts you to sign in:
   • Enter Phone Number: Provide your phone number.
   • Verify with OTP: An OTP will be sent to your phone – enter this to complete the sign-in process.
6. Confirm and Book Your Ride: You’re now ready to confirm your ride and finalize the booking.

The process is smooth and straightforward, making it an attractive option for Ola users on desktop. However, it’s worth noting that the cancel booking function within the web app didn’t work reliably in our testing, requiring cancellations to be made through the mobile app.

Embracing Efficiency: Choosing the Right Method for You

Whether you’re a frequent Uber or Ola user, the methods described above efficiently eliminate the need to constantly switch to your smartphone. If you prefer the dedicated experience of an app, explore app options for Windows or Mac. For quick and simple bookings, the mobile website versions of both services provide a seamless experience.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your individual preferences and the operating system you use. Embrace the convenience, and book rides with ease from the comfort of your computer.

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