E-hailing taxi service Uber today introduced Uber Lite for South African commuters.
Uber Lite, which is designed to make booking rides easier in low connectivity and slower than average Internet speeds, is a light version of the e-hailing app and works on any Android phone.
In a statement, Uber says the new app requires 5MB to download and the booking process is fast even in low connectivity.
Uber Lite retains the core functionality of the rider app, has in-app support, and includes critical safety features, such as an emergency button that connects riders to a third-party supplier that provides emergency services and security response services, and the ability to share your trip with friends and family, it reads.
Alon Lits, general manager for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa, explains: "Every day, hundreds of thousands of South Africans rely on Uber for mobility and work, and we understand that a one-size-fits-all app doesn't work for the diversity of network conditions, devices and rider needs across the country.
"After extensive research with our riders, it was obvious we couldn't just make a smaller copy of Uber. We needed to reimagine the experience for South Africa and key markets around the world. The result is Uber Lite. A completely redesigned app that is light, simple and works on any Android device and on any network."
Other Uber Lite key features include guided pickups, which guides users through the request experience by detecting their current location, so minimal typing is required. If it can't detect your location because of GPS or network issues, it guides you to choose popular landmarks nearby.
There is also the tap over type option, which allows users to pick a destination at the tap of a button. Uber Lite also only loads maps when needed.
The more users utilise Uber Lite, the smarter the app becomes, says the e-hailing taxi service.
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