KARACHI: Uber, the global smartphone app that seamlessly connects riders to partner drivers, has announced the launch of Uber Lite, a redesigned, simple version of the Uber app in Pakistan.
Pakistan is amongst the few countries around the globe all set to experience Uber Lite; a slimmed down version of the app that saves space, works on limited internet connectivity, and on Android phones.
The less than 5MB download size of Uber Lite enables those with basic smartphones operating in spotty network conditions to book a ride and start their journey – all in a matter of seconds.
Uber Lite makes picking your destination as easy as a tap of a button. Instead of typing where you are, you can choose a nearby point of interest. Additionally, the app stores the city’s top places so that even when you are offline, no network is needed for them to appear. And, with a 300-millisecond response time (literally in the blink of an eye), the booking process is fast even in low connectivity.
This was made possible as Uber believes in connecting millions to safe, reliable transport at a push of a button. In view of the challenges faced by many in Pakistan, who use low-end Android smartphones or are not yet subscribed to high speed mobile internet, Uber Lite was specifically developed to cater to this audience. According to data available from December 2018 at Statcounter[1], Android holds a share more than 90 percent of the mobile operating system market in Pakistan.
About Uber Lite, Head of Marketing, Saad Pall said, “At Uber, we believe that anyone, anywhere should be able to get a ride. This includes hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis who face particular barriers to avail the safe, reliable rides on offer through our platform. Uber Lite is an answer to these barriers and was developed keeping in mind these new wave of riders, who can now book an Uber even in low connectivity areas.”
Uber Lite keeps the core functionality of the rider app, and has many of its existing safety features like the ability to share your trip with friends and family and driver and vehicle details.
Uber Lite will go live in Pakistan, Qatar, Lebanon, Bahrain. Since its launch in Pakistan, Uber now operates in nine cities providing flexible economic opportunity to hundreds of thousands Driver Partners across Pakistan. Uber continues to showcase its commitment to Pakistan, increasing its range of services to meet the needs of riders, driver partners, and cities. Says in press release
