On-demand ice-cream trucks from Uber

Uber, a spunky startup that's made a name for itself by using mobile devices to hook up people with rolling stock -- starting with an app that let idle limo drivers in San Francisco know about people who couldn't get a cab due to the city's notoriously dysfunctional taxi regulations -- has a great new stunt. They're giving ice-cream truck drivers and people who want ice-cream the ability to understand each others' needs: if you're willing to buy five or more ice-creams, you can signal that and nearby truck-drivers will see and respond to your desire. The service is available in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Washington DC.

* You can request ice cream by selecting the ‘ice cream cone icon’ in your Uber app.
* Set the location where you want the ice cream truck to show up and tap ‘request ice cream delivery here.’
* You’ll receive an ETA and be able to communicate with the driver.
* The ice cream truck will deliver five ice creams (you will have the option to order more when the truck arrives).
* We’ll bill your credit card card on file $12 for each bundle you order and hook you up with some sweet Uber swag.

#OMGUBERICECREAM (via Hacker News)

I write books. My latest is a YA science fiction novel called Homeland (it's the sequel to Little Brother). More books: Rapture of the Nerds (a novel, with Charlie Stross); With a Little Help (short stories); and The Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow (novella and nonfic). I speak all over the place and I tweet and tumble, too.

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http://www.minusmanhattan.com Minus Manhattan

This is a startup to watch, they do everything right. I use them all the time.
techdeviant

There is massive rain and thunder going on in Seattle right now, but I’m still going to order ice cream anyway. Uber is an awesome service!

http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3q2y9w/
Cowicide

Come to Denver. We like ice cream here, especially FroYo.
- JProffitt71
  
  Then if you want to swing on down south a little bit on the way out, we here in Colorado Springs would appreciate a nice cool treat after literally burning.
Bizket Jones

When they offer service in West Seattle, I will be all over this.
http://twitter.com/digitalArtform Joseph Francis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9BkmMjgrwM
Ben Tobin

It was fun. I’ve never been able to summon an ice cream truck before.
StCredZero

I wonder if this could be done in city parks with bottles of water?
http://twitter.com/qazwart David Weintraub

So, this is what heaven must be like!
just_a_user

Only $12 for an ice cream cone.