Uber driver Ansu Saryon was confused. When he updated his Uber app before heading out on a rainy Wednesday in Washington, he noticed the familiar black and white "U" app logo was gone. It had been replaced by a hard-to-describe concoction: A red square inside a white hexagon with two vertical lines shooting out. Uber called it part of "a new look and feel that celebrates our technology, as well as the cities we serve."
Saryon was not impressed.
"I don't think it works. It doesn't represent Uber," Saryon said. "They should be working on something better than that."
Just about every media outlet has weighed in on Uber's new logo. So have branding experts. Plenty of doubters there. There was even a 2,800-word story on how the new logo got made.
But what about Uber drivers?
They are the ones who will probably see the logo the most.
READ: Why everyone hates Uber's new logo
Some states require them to post an Uber sign on a vehicle's rear window. These drivers will live closest to Uber's new design aesthetic.
So we set out to see what Uber drivers think.
We hailed some rides.
Saryon has been driving for the popular ride-hailing service for eight months. He likes Uber. He pulled up his phone to show the new red square icon. That's for drivers. Riders will see a green square inside a white circle. Before, both driver and rider logos were the same stylized "U."
He pointed to the red Uber square on his phone.
"That will take time to remember it's Uber. You'll be looking for it and you can't find it," he said.
Another driver, Benjamin Mangoumou, said he liked the new logo. He called it impressive. He also said he was a fan of many recent changes to Uber's app.
And Victor Reategui had not seen the new Uber logo until a reporter showed it to him. He had just left his other job, owner of a shoe shine and repair shop called Victor's Place in D.C.
He looked over the new design.
"I like the old style better," Reategui said, delivering his verdict.
He worried about the lost familiarity of the old Uber logo, which he had plastered to his car's rear passenger window.
"Everyone know this," he said, pointing at the black-and-white sticker. "They don't know about the other one."
READ: That kid from "Home Alone" is now an Uber driver
READ: Soon you can use Uber to hail a helicopter
The new logo was a hot topic on a forum popular with Uber drivers. The reaction trended toward the negative. For example: "wow, that is not good."
Reategui said he could live with the new logo. Uber is the boss, he said.
He just wondered if they were going to send him a new sticker.
The Washington Post
Fri Feb 05 2016
Even Uber drivers do not like the new Uber logo.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.