Uber Lite Shrinks the App for Emerging Countries

Uber has now gained a foothold in dozens of countries around the world, and ferries millions of people around every month. However, in some emerging countries, Uber isn’t the biggest player, with local firms having outmaneuvered the American company.

This is a problem Uber is facing head-on, by either acquiring or merging with said companies. However, it’s now trying a different approach in order to reach the masses, releasing a lightweight version of its app simply called Uber Lite.

Uber Lite Does the Heavy Lifting

Uber Lite is a simplified version of the Uber app the company actually built from scratch. The app is designed to work on any Android handset, no matter how decrepit. It also works on any network, saves storage space, and uses minimal data.

This is Uber for people in emerging countries, who may be stuck using old phones and limited data plans. And while it was designed in India—and being launched there first—Uber Lite will eventually be made available in other countries around the world.

Introducing Uber Lite: a simple version of the rider app that saves space, works on any network, and on any Android phone. Built in India, designed for the world—learn more: https://t.co/fWDxRVnHVd

— Uber (@Uber) June 12, 2018

Uber Lite is a 5MB download, which compares admirably to the 181MB of the full version. Uber Lite also boasts an impressive 300-millisecond response time to make the booking process faster. It’s the reimagined user interface that bring the biggest changes, however.

Uber Lite detects your current location and offers popular pickup points for you to choose from. It also suggests possible destinations, and gets smarter the more you use it. Finally, maps are optional, with a simple progress bar helping you track your ride.

Uber Focuses on its Emerging Future

Uber has had its fair share of problems over the years, and especially in India. However, at the very least Uber Lite suggests that Uber is intent on building its business in emerging countries. After all, that’s where its next wave of riders reside.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ll know that Uber Lite is just the latest in
a line of lightweight apps. There’s a whole slew of lightweight apps designed to help you save on storage space and mobile data usage. So why not give them a go.

Read the full article: Uber Lite Shrinks the App for Emerging Countries

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