Uber Technologies has introduced the audio recording pilot feature to better tailor user experience and ensure better commuter experience.
Uber plans to roll out the audio record conversation feature to better resolve some disputes which have been previously flagged regarding their services.
The feature will allow commuters and drivers to use the app to record and share audio of their trip as evidence in case of a safety incident.
According to the franchise the new audio feature set to be rolled out as a pilot on Thursday this week, in Johannesburg and Pretoria then other countries will follow.
The feature will operate as an opt-in feature to allow commuters, and the driver access to recorded conversations.
Before you think about privacy, the recording will head straight to Uber headquarters, and will be encrypted to ensure that only Uber technicians will have access to your conversation.
The Uber technicians will also not have access to contents of the recording unless an issue has been flagged requesting the recording. The recording will last for a period 15-days and will be deleted after.
Why record?
Uber says it wants to better tailor their services and recorded conversations may better resolve some verbal disputes.
The feature will be accessible to both driver and commuter, with both being aware of the recording taking place.
Commuters can opt to not have their conversations recorded. It is after all a right we all have.
The audio feature has been already been successful in Latin America and the US and it hopes to bring the feature to our shores.
Other features introduced:
One of the features being introduced will be better alcohol administration when delivering alcoholic beverages, UberX, UberXL, and a few others in several parts of Africa.
Users will soon have their identity cards scanned when buying that drink over Uber eats to ensure no minors are allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages.
UberXL
With the launch of UberXL in Nairobi, Kenya. This option provides seating for up to six people, great for airport and business trips.
Uber has also expanded to new markets in Kenya, customers in Eldoret, Nakuru, Naivasha, and Kisumu will finally be able to use the e-taxi app.
Prior to the announcement, Uber had been operating in select towns, including Nairobi, Thika, and Mombasa.
Uber availability in the named towns means that Uber it will be available across 8 cities in East Africa.
The development also marks an expansion strategy to beat the likes of Bolt, which serves more than 15 towns in the country.
“We are committed to East Africa, a key contributor to the growth of our business in Sub-Saharan Africa. We’re passionate about helping people travel and discover their city with ease and helping drivers increase earning opportunities.” said Imran Manji, Uber Head of East Africa
“With a 67% year-on-year growth of subscriptions on Eats, we are humbled and encouraged by the expansion that we have seen in South Africa and Kenya.” said Kui Mbugua, General Manager for Uber Eats Kenya
