Unveiling Zipcar iPhone App – Making Life Easier
10/02/2009 07:20:00 PM - 0 comments
Kudos to the This application is the iPhone compliant version of the popular Cambridge, Massachusetts-based car-sharing service, which rents its vehicles, parked in central locations, on hourly basis to its members. This breakthrough application is the first app to control the operation of a car with the
Zipcar recently has made a deliberate attempt to tread along the most contemporary path of reaching out to a wide customer base and enhancing its car rental service with the help of its newly-released iPhone app. The app allows you (the Zipcar members) to quickly locate the nearest Zipcar service; and even lock and unlock the doors. A latest announcement from Zipcar has revealed that iPhone caters to almost one-third of Zipcar members.
Features: Zipcar iPhone App
- Zipcar iPhone app facility is available exclusively to Zipcar members. You can be a member and avail Zipcar car rental service (now operational in 13 major US cities and 120 university campuses) by paying a yearly charge of $50 and a car rental fee (inclusive of gas and insurance) of about $7 per hour.
- A unique Zipcar iPhone app facility allows you to locate and book a Zipcar rental vehicle service; and later locate your reserved Zipcar by honking its horn.
- Car reservation through the Zipcar iPhone app is available round-the-clock and the streamlined interface is a joy to use. You just need to tap on the iPhone touchscreen to contact Zipcar for any help required during reservation. It also allows you to extend and cancel car reservation while on the move.
- As a Zipcar member, you will be provided a unique RFID-enabled membership card on online reservation of a car; tapping which to a windshield sensor will enable you to easily unlock your chosen vehicle. So, you are able to unlock the car with the iPhone touch screen.
- You can choose cars from Zipcar as per car type, model and availability during reservation time; and even view forthcoming reservations.
- Ahead of each reservation, you can unlock and lock your Zipcar after scanning your Zipcard and also get directions to your Zipcar.
How it works
The Zipcar app works by swiping the membership card over the dash for gaining accessibility to the car keys, but will require authorization for use. A Zipcar member on swiping the card can use the iPhone to virtually unlock the car doors and drive away for the duration of their trip.
The app is designed like a car key and works on basic cellular technology. The wireless network used to keep the Zipcar fleet connected has also been used for the app. A little black box, Zipcar M200 also referred to as the car’s brain is placed ‘hidden’ on all cars – regulating the use of the car. For instance, you will not be able to drive the car even with the keys, if a windshield is smashed.
Zipcar App Requirement:
The basic requirement for the Zipcar iPhone app is OS 3.0. You can run the OS 3.0 software, and the Zipcar App on any existing iPhone or
What more….to expect
Zipcar authorities have indicated future additions to the iPhone app like:
- Detailed directions to your Zipcar's parking spot
- Visual snapshot of car availability (analogous to zipcar.com)
- Better flexibility to adjust your reservation time during the booking process as possible now in the Zipcar website.
Posted: Seuli.B
0 Responses
Post a Comment