Google preparing to launch ride-hailing service: Bloomberg

(Reuters) - Google Inc is preparing to offer its own ride-hailing service, putting it in direct competition with Uber, Bloomberg News reported, citing a person close to Uber's board. Google is one of the biggest investors in Uber. David Drummond, Google's chief legal officer and a member of Uber's board, has informed the app-based ride service of Google's plans, Bloomberg reported. (http://bloom.bg/1zNI93Z) The source also said Uber's board was weighing whether to ask Drummond to resign, Bloomberg reported. Neither Uber nor Google were available for comment. Uber executives have been made privy to screenshots of Google's ride-sharing app, which is currently being used by Google's employees, Bloomberg reported. Google's move may imperil Uber's reliance on the search giant, as the cab service's smartphone applications for drivers and riders are based on Google Maps. Google recently said its driverless car technology was in development within its Google X research lab, but it is two to five years from being ready for widespread use, according to Bloomberg. Uber also announced a tie-up with Carnegie Mellon University on Monday to create the Uber Advanced Technologies Center in Pittsburgh aimed at developing Uber's own self-driving vehicle technology. (http://bit.ly/1BQHwBK) The partnership seeks to provide "research and development, primarily in the areas of mapping and vehicle safety and autonomy technology," Uber said in its blog. (Reporting by Anya George Tharakan and Nayan Das and Lehar Maan in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty and Alan Crosby)