Uber’s decision this summer to release its application programming interface (API) could be a game changer for the travel industry. An API is software code that lets other applications and websites easily integrate each other’s functionality. By making its API public, Uber lets customers book rides directly from TripAdvisor (TRIP), Hyatt Hotels (H), United Airlines (UAL) and a handful of other apps and sites, including Starbucks (SBUX).
Microsoft (MSFT) on Thursday entered the fast-growing fitness band and activity tracker business with its Microsoft Band. The software giant joins a crowded market ahead of the launch early next year of the Apple Watch. The Microsoft Band has 10 sensors for 24-hour heart rate monitoring, calorie burn measurement and sleep quality tracking. It also includes “guided workouts” from Gold’s Gym, Shape, Men’s Fitness and Muscle & Fitness. Plus, the Microsoft Band offers at-a-glance notifications of incoming calls, emails, texts and social updates as well as access to Microsoft’s Cortana personal assistant. In addition, people will be able to make purchases at Starbucks (SBUX) coffee shops using the Microsoft Band. The device costs $199 and is available now in “limited quantities” at Microsoft retail and online stores, Microsoft Corporate Vice President Todd Holmdahl said in a blog post. The Microsoft Band works with the company’s new Microsoft Health…