California approves TaxiOS as old school rivals take on Uber

Flywheel claims to be the world's first and only regulator-approved, GPS-based taxi meter - and is stepping up competition against rivals Uber and Lyft

California's state regulators have approved TaxiOS, an app for hailing traditional taxis - making it the first and only GPS-based taxi meter in the world approved for use by state regulators.

Customers can view a real-time display of their current ride price, though drivers can lower their rates during off times so the cost can be split between friends or a carpool group, similar to the Uber Pool and Lyft Line options offered by its ride-sharing competitors.