Written Android App Review
Popular car-share company, Zipcar, finally got it together and hit the Android Market. All it took was about 40 percent of their subscribers hitting it first. Now Android users in more than 50 cities (including locations in the USA, Canada and the UK) can search for, reserve, honk, lock, and unlock Zipcars with ease from the screen of their favorite phone.
Functionality
Once you’ve installed Zipcar, you’re a few clicks away from reserving a vehicle for a few hours or a full day. Simply search your city, or ask Zipcar to use your Android’s GPS feature to locate you by tapping “Curent Location.” Specify the type of car you want to drive today for customized search results. You won’t pay for insurance, gas or maintenance, but you do have to be a Zipcar member to use the car. Register through the application or on Zipcar’s mobile site. You cannot use the Zipcar application to unlock the vehicle for the first time. Register first and receive your unique member Zipcard for that. The mobile application itself is free.
Non-members can still have fun with Zipcar for Android. You don’t have to be a member to push the “Play around” button. So push away and enjoy the soothing sounds of a car honking.
User Interface
Zipcar for Android
Zipcar for Android has a simple user interface that leaves very little room for confusion. Launching the application will bring you to a sign in screen. A simple push of the “Not a member?” button will take you to a screen where you can search for cars and honk imaginary car horns to your heart’s content. Sign in to make reservations and use real Zipcars. Search for cars in the “Reserve” tab. Honk your Zipcar’s horn to find it in a busy lot, lock or unlock your doors, and extend your reservation from the “Drive” tab. View reservation and account details in the “My Zipcar” tab.
Stability
The May 4, 2011 release of Zipcar is a beta version, so expect a few bugs. I had to restart the application once when it failed during launch, and the search functionality will benefit from a little sprucing up. If you’re a current Zipcar user, an eco-friendly Android user or are looking for an easy way to car-share on-the-go, Zipcar for Android will be right up your alley.
The first few days of user reviews have been positive. Sounds like Zipcar drivers were patiently waiting for this release and are finding it infinitely easier to use than Zipcar’s mobile site. Pros include a streamlined user experience for Zipcar drivers while cons include possible application crashes while Zipcar pushes through the beta phase.
Android Apps Review Details: Zipcar app is free. This app requires Android 2.1 and up. You may download Zipcar from the Android Market.
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