Today in the Connected Economy: Uber Launches Entertainment Feature

Today in the connected economy, Uber launched a feature that lets people book reservations at restaurants, while a partnership between NCR and Stratacache helps restaurants improve their digital signage.

Also, Tranglo and Ripple formed a new cross-border payment partnership, while home improvement lending marketplace Acorn Finance wants to offer financing options through the contractor app Joist.

Uber Launches Uber Explore in-App Feature for Entertainment Booking

Ride-hailing platform Uber has launched Uber Explore, a feature in its app that lets users browse and book dinner reservations, live events and other activities.

When users open the Explore tab in the Uber app, they’ll see recommendations based on categories, including food and drink, art and culture, nightlife, and music and shows, as well as reviews, photos and directions.

A “ride there now” tool lets customers tap a button and book a ride. The service will also suggest experiences based on past use of Uber and Uber Eats.

Tranglo, Ripple Partner on Real-Time Cross-Border Payments

Tranglo is working with Ripple to tap its on-demand liquidity (ODL) service across its 25 payment corridors and let remittance providers process real-time cross-border payments without needing to pre-fund.

Ripple’s ODL operates across its global financial network RippleNet and uses the digital asset XRP to bridge between two currencies. One of the leading enterprise blockchain cross-border payment providers, Ripple purchased a 40% stake in Tranglo last year.

“Our remittance partners want to enter markets as fast as possible at the lowest cost. ODL offers just that: they can start sending payments without locking in funds at different financial intermediaries, which can be costly and time-consuming,” said Tranglo CEO Jacky Lee.

Home Improvement Lender Acorn Teams up With Contracting Platform Joist

Home improvement lending marketplace Acorn Finance is collaborating with Joist — an estimating and invoicing app for contractors — to embed financing offers into Joist’s platform.

The companies say the partnership will help home improvement contractors using Joist boost sales by “putting competitive financing offers in the hands of prospective clients at the point of sale,” with no cost or on-boarding effort required by the contractor.

Based in Sacramento, California, Acorn offers a network of lenders who bid to finance home improvement projects. The company said the number of customers applying for loans through its platform increased last year by 800%.

NCR and Stratacache Partner on Digital Menu Rollout

Enterprise technology provider NCR has teamed up with global digital signage and retail marketing platform Stratacache to create software solutions that link to the NCR commerce platform, analytics and around-the-clock field service for restaurants.

“Digital signage is a powerful tool that goes beyond simply communicating a menu. It can create operational efficiency, personalize the guest experience and drive revenue,” said Dirk Izzo, president and general manager, NCR Hospitality.

Medius Extends Global Payment Capabilities With Nomentia Partnership

Spend management and eProcurement software firm Medius says it is extending its global payment capabilities by collaborating with cash and treasury management company Nomentia.

Nomentia provides integrated banking services for businesses using Medius Pay’s secure gateway for added payments visibility and control and integrated payments around the world, using integrations with more than 10,800 banks, via host-to-host, SWIFT and local connections.