Google eyes Uber space

Google is preparing to offer its own ride-hailing service, putting it in direct competition with Uber, Bloomberg News reported, citing a person close to Uber's board.

Google is one of the biggest investors in Uber.

David Drummond, Google's chief legal officer and a member of Uber's board, had informed the app-based ride service of Google's plans, Bloomberg reported.

The source also said Uber's board was weighing whether to ask Drummond to resign, Bloomberg reported.

Neither Uber nor Google was available for comment.

Uber executives have been made privy to screenshots of Google's ride-sharing app, which is currently being used by Google's employees, Bloomberg reported.

Google's move may imperil Uber's reliance on the search giant, as the cab service's smartphone applications for drivers and riders are based on Google Maps.

Google recently said its driverless car technology was in development within its Google X research lab.

However, it is two to five years from being ready for widespread use, according to Bloomberg.

Uber also announced a tie-up with Carnegie Mellon University earlier this week to create the Uber Advanced Technologies Centre in Pittsburgh aimed at developing Uber's own self-driving vehicle technology.