# How Uber Updates App Features for Specific Groups of Users > A system that automatically changes how an app looks or behaves for some users based on their location or device, while leaving other users' apps unchanged. - **Patent:** US 9888087 - **Original title:** Adjusting attributes for an on-demand service system based on real-time information - **Owner:** Uber Technologies Inc - **Granted:** 2018 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 2 - **Field:** consumer_electronics, software, telecommunications, ai_ml ## What it does This patent describes a way for a central server to push updates to a specific subset of users without updating everyone at once. The system collects real-time data, such as GPS location or device type, from various phones running a specific app. It then automatically triggers a change—like showing a different graphic image on the screen—only for the devices that meet certain criteria. For example, Uber could use this to show a special 'surge pricing' icon only to users in a specific neighborhood while keeping the standard interface for everyone else. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover updates that are pushed to all users simultaneously. - Does not cover manual updates where the user must download a new version of the app from an app store. - Does not cover systems that lack a mechanism to differentiate between two sets of users based on device data. ## The clever bit The system treats the app's interface as a dynamic variable controlled by a remote configuration database rather than a static piece of code, allowing for surgical, real-time UI changes based on user context. ## Real-world examples 1. Uber's phased rollout of new ride-type icons. 2. Targeted promotional banners in ride-sharing apps. 3. Dynamic UI changes based on a user's city or region. ## Why it matters This technology is the backbone of modern A/B testing and phased feature rollouts. It allows companies to test new interface designs or pricing models on small groups of people in real-time to see how they react before committing to a global change. It is essential for managing the complexity of large-scale, location-based services like ride-sharing or food delivery. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How Uber Updates App Features for Specific Groups of Users cover? A system that automatically changes how an app looks or behaves for some users based on their location or device, while leaving other users' apps unchanged. ### Who owns patent US 9888087? Uber Technologies Inc owns this patent, granted in 2018. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on February 6, 2038, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 9888087 cited by? This patent has been cited by 2 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? This technology is the backbone of modern A/B testing and phased feature rollouts. It allows companies to test new interface designs or pricing models on small groups of people in real-time to see how they react before committing to a global change. It is essential for managing the complexity of large-scale, location-based services like ride-sharing or food delivery. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover updates that are pushed to all users simultaneously. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9888087/uber-pool **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US9888087 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How Uber Manages Data Connections for Self-Driving Car Fleets](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10050760/uber-eats) — A system that splits network traffic for autonomous vehicles by sending heavy data over cheap channels while reserving a highly reliable channel specifically for delivery confirmations. - [How to Update AI on Small Devices with Slow Internet](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20250363357/systems-and-methods-for-deploying-and-updating-neural-networks-at-the-edge-of-a-) — This patent describes a method for efficiently updating artificial intelligence models on small, internet-connected devices, like smart cameras, by sending only the changes, or 'patches,' instead of the entire updated model, which saves bandwidth. - [How Computers Automatically Adjust Tasks to Run Faster in Data Centers](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9405582/aws-elastic-beanstalk) — A method for cloud computers to monitor their own performance while processing massive data tasks and automatically changing their settings or resource levels to stay efficient. - [How Apps Automatically Switch Between Video Call Connection Methods](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9083770/facebook-reactions) — A system that automatically decides whether to connect video calls directly between users or through a central server based on the number of people and connection quality. - [How Networks Keep Video Streams Smooth During Busy Times](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9538220/netflix-a-b-testing-framework) — A method for internet providers to automatically balance network resources so that multiple users streaming video simultaneously experience the best possible overall quality.