Uber Eats gets a little cheaper and a little more expensive
The food delivery service swaps its $4.99 flat fee for a range of booking fees.
Uber Eats' delivery fees now depend on how far you are from the restaurant.
When you order food with Uber Eats, you pay for a few different line items.
First, there's the cost of the pizza, sushi, ice cream or whatever it is you're ordering. Then there's the $4.99 delivery, aka booking, fee. Finally, you might have to pay for surge pricing if it's a busy time. Add those costs up and it's possible to pay upwards of $20 for something like a burrito.
Some of that cost breakdown is changing as of Wednesday. Over the past year, Uber has been working on a price tool that'll vary the booking fee primarily based on a customer's distance from a restaurant. The closer you are, the cheaper it'll be, and the further you are, the more expensive it gets. The range varies per city but is usually somewhere between $2 and $8.
The company's goal is to make food delivery "an everyday thing" in people's lives, Ben Dreier, product manager for Uber Eats, said in an interview.
"We've been talking to eaters to better understand what are the barriers," Dreier said. "What became obvious was that we needed to change something about our core fee feature."
Uber Eats is the food delivery branch of Uber. While Uber was originally founded in 2009 as an upscale black car service, it's evolved and grown over the years. It's now mostly known as a ride-hailing company that lets passengers connect with drivers through a smartphone app. But it's also working on many other projects, including self-driving cars, bike rentals and food delivery.
Uber first launched its food delivery service in Los Angeles in 2014 under the moniker UberFresh. But with the original iteration of the app, which offered prepackaged meals, customers didn't have many menu options. So, eventually it morphed into Uber Eats with an official launch in Toronto, Canada, in December 2015. The idea was to give customers access to restaurants' entire menus.
"If you can make food delivery work in a dense winter city, you can pretty much work anywhere," Dreier said.
Uber Eats added a new filter to its app for people to choose their maximum booking fee.
By the end of 2016, Uber Eats was in 56 cities worldwide. Today it's in more than 293 cities in 35 countries. Uber Eats is even in some cities in Canada, France, Mexico, Japan and India, which don't have the ride-hailing service.
Uber Eats partners with restaurants to let them decide what menu items to sell on the app. The company then charges restaurants a service fee that's calculated as a percentage of their sales on the platform. Uber now has more than 100,000 restaurant partnerships, which include everything from upscale eateries to McDonald's.
On-demand food is a competitive space. Besides Uber Eats, people have several apps to choose from. There's Caviar, Grubhub, Seamless, DoorDash and Postmates. There's also the old-fashioned choice of simply calling a restaurant and ordering food, though not all restaurants deliver.
All these apps have different pricing models. With Uber Eats, people are allowed to order as much or as little as they like and they'll still be charged the same delivery fee. Until now, it's been a flat fee of $4.99 (for most cities), no matter the restaurant or its distance.
"It's really important to us that these fees are transparent," said Annie Fogel, product operations manager for Uber Eats.
So Uber decided on varying fees based on distance. When customers open the app, they'll see how much delivery costs from a certain restaurant. If it's close, the fee will likely appear in the $2 to $3 range; or if it's farther away, it'll probably be in the $6 to $8 range. All cities will have options that are under $5, Uber said.
With the variable booking fee, the Uber Eats app will also come with a new filter, so people can select restaurants only within a certain delivery price range.
"The idea is you see it up front before you click into the menu," Fogel said.
Uber Eats has been testing the pricing tool in several cities across the US over the past few months. Fogel said 52 percent of those orders had booking fees that were cheaper than $4.99. On Wednesday, the new pricing system will roll out to all US cities.
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Life, disrupted: In Europe, millions of refugees are still searching for a safe place to settle. Tech should be part of the solution. But is it?
How to Use ChatGPT to Summarize a Book, So You Don't Have to Read It
Got a huge TBR pile? Here's how AI could summarize the key points from a business productivity book. Whether you should do it is another question entirely.
I have a goal to read one book a month. On my weekends, I cozy up on the couch with my coffee, and my phone in another room. The point of this ritual is to create space in my schedule that's unbound by time and to-dos -- but as my reading list grows, I find myself trying to get through more pages and more books.
I wanted to see if I could use artificial intelligence to summarize the main concepts, lessons and wisdom of a book I knew I wouldn't get to for months, or even years. Keep the beautiful prose for the physical page, but use AI to summarize non-fiction business books, for example.
I picked Deep Work by Cal Newport to test run on ChatGPT. After using various AI tools, I thought ChatGPT, one of the best-known text prompt chat tools, would do the job best. I also have the $20 a month paid membership, so I wanted to make the most of it.
Ponder on the parameters
If I've learned anything about AI, it's that the preprompt thinking is just as important as the first prompt. I didn't just want a huge summary of the book. I wanted to learn Newport's big ideas, arguments, strategies and frameworks regarding deep work, so I could apply it in my work.
So, I started the chat with some expectation-setting.
- First, ask ChatGPT if it has access to the whole book.
- Tell ChatGPT that I want deep insights, not a superficial summary.
- Ask for suggestions on how to apply the key strategies to my freelance business.
- See if it can pull from reviews and reader commentary for more surprising and actionable takeaways.
Prompt 1: "Do you have access to Cal Newport's book, Deep Work?"
I learned that ChatGPT doesn't have access to full manuscripts -- due to avoiding plagiarism and respecting intellectual property rights -- and would just summarize from the existing information about it online.
Not ideal, but I had an idea. I found a 6-hour audiobook YouTube clip, so I asked if it could use that to summarize the book for me.
But no such luck. It told me to watch the video.
Watch a video for 6 hours? No thanks.
There are over 32,000 reviews of the book on Amazon, so I thought maybe there's enough commentary on the book to come up with an in-depth summary. So I started over from this angle.
Next prompt: "I haven't read Cal Newport's book, Deep Work. Highlight the key ideas, concepts, strategies and frameworks, so I can apply to my business as if I've read it. I don't just want a summary of the book."
ChatGPT had a hard time interpreting "comprehensive," spitting out a ton of suggestions. It also started to give advice without asking me about my line of work, like "educate your team on the importance of deep work and provide training on time management and focus techniques" and "allocate dedicated blocks of time for deep work on your calendar." It also gave generic suggestions like "focus on tasks that provide the most value and minimize time spent on low-value activities."
All pretty vanilla advice, if you ask me. Time to apply the pressure, one question at a time.
I still wasn't getting any breakthrough insights, so I kept pushing.
OK, ChatGPT, off to the Swiss countryside I go.
I wish.
I asked for an example of deep work in 2024, and we started to get somewhere. I liked one suggestion, about batching shallow work.
While I do this instinctively, it was a helpful reminder to batch tasks and watch context switching.
Getting Google involved to keep ChatGPT on track
At this point, I was using ChatGPT to ask random questions, like if there's a limit on deep work hours.
It said 4 hours max of deep work per day.
I remember a concept I like called the manager-maker schedule, which details the two main schedule types. As a writer, I'm on the maker schedule, meaning blocks of uninterrupted time are critical.
I had to do a quick Google search of the key lessons in the book so that I knew what insights to prod ChatGPT for. Apparently "productive meditation" was an important takeaway, so I asked for more details about that.
Finally, a new concept. Deep work isn't just head down at desk time.
This strategy was the unlock -- looking on Google for nuggets in summaries, then going back to ChatGPT to expand. When directed, it was great.
I scanned a second summary and found another concept that sounded interesting: keeping a compelling scoreboard. ChatGPT helped unpack the concept.
The TL;DR?
If you want to use ChatGPT to learn about a book, you'll have to spend at least 30 minutes browsing reader summaries yourself and use the most interesting ideas to frame your prompts. This inevitably takes a chunk of your potential deep work time. You can't just ask the AI tool to do it for you.
Once you get on the right track that way, you might discover one concept that changes your productivity or perspective -- but ChatGPT still isn't as good as just reading the book yourself.
You also have to consider that since ChatGPT doesn't have access to the actual book, and only summaries and reviews that are available online, you may not even be getting accurate key points.
And whether using an AI summary defeats the purpose of a book about deep work is still up for debate.
Solar Cheat Sheet: Your Guide to Getting Solar Panels
Thinking of installing a solar panel at your home? We have the answers to all your solar panel questions, even those you didn't know you had.
- Master's degree in environmental journalism
- 2013 Media Award Winner Issued by Press Club Long Island
Solar panels can generate cheap and clean energy. Here is everything you need to know.
In the recent times, residential solar panels have become increasingly appealing for meeting your home's energy needs. The rising costs of energy across the US, along with falling prices for solar panels, thanks to the federal tax incentives, have simply made the economics of solar power not only attainable but beneficial for homeowners in the long run.
"If you looked at solar just a few years ago, costs have continued to come down since then," said Ben Delman, communications director at Solar United Neighbors. "It depends on your situation, but more and more homeowners and families are deciding that solar makes sense for them as a way to save money by taking control over where their electricity comes from."
Below, we've collected CNET's expert advice to get you through the process of purchasing solar panels.
Solar panels work in many different climates and are not just used in the sunniest.
How do solar panels work?
Buying a solar panel system means buying a lot of equipment the average person doesn't have reason to know about. In the most basic terms, photons from the sun are absorbed by the solar panels and converted into direct current, or DC, electricity. For this energy to be used in American homes, it has to go through an inverter attached to the solar array to become alternating current, or AC, electricity.
Read up on what you'll actually be buying with the stories linked below:
- The Most Efficient Solar Panels
- How Sand Becomes Solar Panels
- Here's How Solar Panels Turn Light Into Power
- How Much Energy Does a Solar Panel Produce?
- What's a Virtual Power Plant? Should You Join One?
- Solar Energy Basics: The Magic of Photovoltaic Panels
- Solar Panel Efficiency: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
- Solar Cell, Module, Panel and Array: What's the Difference?
- The Solar Panel Angle That'll Generate the Most Energy Possible
- What You Need to Know About Solar Inverters: Essential Solar Equipment
- Bifacial Solar Panels Generate More Electricity, but Not When You Put Them Here
Is there a solar panel option that works for me?
Fortunately for the solar-curious, many options exist for homeowners and even renters to get some or most of their electricity needs met with energy from the sun.
The most common way to go solar for homeowners is the installation of panels on their roofs. These systems can be purchased directly through an installer (or assembled for the DIYers) as a large cash purchase or through relatively affordable financing (such as a 1.99% APR 15-year loan). There are also options for rooftop solar for those who may not have the capital to get a project started. These are solar leases, where a homeowner pays a fixed monthly cost to a company who retains ownership of a solar system; or a power purchase agreement, in which a homeowner pays for the electricity generated by solar panels rather than the system itself.
Finally, both homeowners and renters in many places have access to community solar. This option allows people to opt in to a nearby solar farm to enjoy some energy savings.
- Yes, You Can Use Solar Power as a Renter
- Solar Power Purchase Agreements, Explained
- Solar Energy Just Became More Accessible for Renters
- Here's How to Know if Your Home Works for Solar Panels
- Should You Buy Ground-Mounted Solar Panels? What to Know
- Tesla Solar Roof: The Sleekest Solar Option Isn't Your Best One
- Power Your EV or Home With Clean Energy From a Solar Carport
- Community Solar: Get Solar Power for Your Home Without Rooftop Panels
- New Solar Shingles Get Rid of the Ugly, Complex Hassle That Can Be Part of Rooftop Solar
Regular cleaning can improve solar panel production, especially in dry, dusty climates.
How much do solar panels cost?
The costs of solar panels will depend on a few factors, including where you live, how much of your energy needs you want the system to cover, whether you install it yourself and whether you want a battery (which could cost as much as the system itself). The average cost was about $3 per watt in 2022 for an 8 kW system through an installer, according to the consulting firm Wood Mackenzie.
The way you pay for your system is vital. You'll notice the biggest hit to your bank balance by paying for solar outright, while financing will spread the expense out over years but with added interest. A lease or PPA is most friendly to the budget-minded, but you won't enjoy the long-term benefits that come with owning a system outright.
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
- 4 Cheaper Solar Energy Options to Use at Home
- Free Solar Panels: Here's What the Fine Print Means
Here's How Solar Panels Can Earn You a Big Tax Credit - Tax Credits and Incentives Help Businesses Go Solar Too
- How to Finance Your Solar Panels: Cash, Loan, Lease and More
- Yes, You Can Get Tax Exemptions From Rooftop Solar — Here's How
How much do solar panels cost in my state?
Here's the average total cash price, cost per watt and system size for a solar panel system in your state, according to data from FindEnergy.com. These prices don't factor in tax credits or state incentives. Certain states don't have any FindEnergy solar data and are grayed out on the map.
How much money will solar panels save me?
If you're buying a system outright or financing it, you'll receive a 30% tax credit through the Inflation Reduction Act.
To get a better idea of when to expect a return on investment, look at how much energy you've consumed in the past year or two and how much it cost you. Then, working with an installer, figure out how much of your energy you'd like to offset with solar and how much the system will cost. Eventually, the savings from not having to buy electricity from your utility will be greater than the cost of the solar system itself.
"In terms of payback, broadly seven to 12 years is a decent average when you see returns from investment in solar after purchasing a system," Delman said.
- Do Solar Panels Save Money? Yes. Here's How
- How Net Metering Makes Home Solar Panels a Better Deal
- These 7 States Have the Best Tax Incentives for Solar Panels
- Solar Panels Eventually Pay for Themselves. This Formula Will Tell You When
- How to Approach Home Batteries if the New 30% Tax Credit Has Your Attention
- The Inflation Reduction Act Will Help You Pay for Solar Panels and Other Energy Upgrades
Ground-mounted solar panels might be a better option for some homes.
Can I install solar panels myself?
It is possible to install most of a solar panel system yourself — mounting the panels on your roof and connecting them to each other. But if your home is connected to a grid, you'll need to hire a licensed electrician for the final connection needed to feed electricity to your utility.
"Another thing to keep in mind if you're doing it yourself is whether the warranties for the panels that you purchase require them to be installed by a professional," Delman said. "Often when people do it themselves, they'll hire an electrician to do the finishing work so it can get certified. It's also good if you're not an expert to have somebody with expertise to just go over the wiring and make sure that everything is where it should be."
Where should I shop for solar panels?
If you want to buy panels directly, most hardware stores and larger retailers have them available. If you'd like to get them through a professional, a good place to start, according to Delman, is the website of your local solar industry association (for example, the New York Solar Energy Industries Association). These organizations should have a list of its members, which will often include installers and suppliers. Typically, installers work with one or two solar panel brands.
"Look for an installer who's experienced, particularly with the kind of situation you have at your home," Delman said. "Have they worked with the same roofing materials? Do you want a ground mount system installed? Check reviews on Yelp, Angie's List, Google and others, and get references too." (Solar United Neighbors also offers resources for going solar, free of charge.)
The best way to make sure you're getting the best deal on your solar panels is to get multiple quotes and ask as many questions of your potential installers as you need. CNET has reviewed many of the national solar companies, but it's a good idea to check into local installers, too, who sometimes can offer lower prices.
- Best Solar Companies
- 7 Tips for Finding the Best Solar Installers Near You
- Solar Panel Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- US-Made Solar Panels Get an Extra Tax Credit — If You Can Find Them
How do I maintain solar panels?
Solar panel maintenance is generally minimal and fairly easy. Even so, we've got the info you need to keep your panels in the best possible shape.
- Solar Panels Get Less Efficient Over Time. Don't Worry About It
- Solar Panels Are Super Durable. How to Make Them Last Even Longer
- Yes, Solar Panels Deteriorate Over Time. Here's What You Need to Know
- How to Boost Your Solar Panel Performance Through Snow and Ice This Winter
Does solar work where I live?
Solar panels, in general, will work in a variety of climates, even those with frigid winters. The more important questions to ask are: Does my roof get adequate sunlight? Are any trees shading my roof? And most importantly, does my utility offer net metering?
Net metering is perhaps the most important aspect of going solar, in that it stipulates that your energy utility will pay you for the energy created by your solar panels that you don't consume. Net metering ensures that the return on investment in going solar is financially sound.
More on solar in your state
Do I need a backup battery?
For most homeowners, buying a backup battery is an expensive proposition, costing almost as much as a solar system itself. Solar batteries can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $22,000, according to the US Department of Energy. If your home is connected to the grid, the high price of batteries puts it squarely in the non-necessity column.
That being said, there are instances where a battery may be worth the expense. If your area is prone to frequent blackouts and/or you have medical needs that, for example, require cold insulin or medical equipment, a battery is a good investment. Batteries will also be a necessity if you live off the grid.
- Best Solar Batteries
- What It Takes to Go Off the Grid With Solar Panels
- Solar Battery Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- Why You Need Home Batteries — And It's Not All About Blackouts
You'll need a battery to go off the grid with solar panels. A bigger one than these.
Does solar increase the value of my home?
Going solar has another benefit for homeowners: It can boost the price of their properties if and when they decide to sell. According to studies by the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and Zillow, homes with solar panels often sell for about $10,000 more compared to those that don't.
- Solar Panels Are a Big Draw for Gen Z House Hunters
- How Solar Panels Can Add Thousands to Your Home's Value
Are solar panels a scam?
No. Solar panels are a proven technology that can help you shift some of your energy use to cheaper, greener electricity. But that doesn't mean that scammy companies (while apparently rare) don't exist. The company discussed in the story linked below recently went out of business, but a bit of caution is a good thing.
What is net metering?
Net metering — the process by which you're paid for electricity generated by your solar panels but sent back to the grid — is a critical factor in whether homeowners should go solar.
"Let's say during a beautiful sunny day, you're at work, the lights, TV and dishwasher are off, so you're probably generating more electricity from your system than you're consuming," Delman said. "When that happens, that electricity goes to the electric grid through your electric meter to be used by your neighbors. Net metering is what ensures you receive credit for that electricity so that your investment is still being paid back even if you're not using the electricity yourself."
You can see what your state's policy toward net metering is here.
- Are You Still Connected to the Grid if You Get Solar Panels?
- Net Metering Changes in California: How Will They Impact You?
- Net Metering: How You Can Get Paid for Solar Power You Generate
Should I go solar?
Solar won't be an option for everyone. If your home does not receive adequate sunlight due to shading on your roof, you live in a state without net metering or there's no community solar, going solar may not be viable for you.
But with rising energy costs and the falling price of solar panels, for many people there's never been a better time to go solar. There's options to go solar that should fit most people's needs, whether that's through financing, a solar lease, PPA or community solar, that will allow them to start seeing savings on their energy bills almost immediately. By most estimates, a solar system starts paying for itself after between seven and 12 years.
Powering your home with solar not only allows you to get your electricity from a clean source, but provides an unmatched return on investment that will save you money on your energy bills and boost the value of your home.
