Uber adds an advance booking option in NYC

Hailing an Uber is pretty straightforward. You launch the app, choose a pickup location and hit the "request" button. Easy. Uber's simplicity has been to the detriment of flexibility, however. For the longest time, you couldn't schedule a ride in advance -- say, if you were planning for an early flight, or an important work meeting. That's now changing, however. Following roll-outs in Seattle, London, and other parts of the UK, Uber is bringing its early booking system to New York City. Starting today, you can hail a ride anywhere between 15 minutes and 30 days in advance.

It's another blow for the taxi industry. Uber has built its business on convenience, and this new feature will only further that reputation. Given the company's track record -- it's known for fast, aggressive expansions -- we suspect it won't be long before this option is offered elsewhere too.