The newest update from app-transportation service Ola brings added features and functionality for iOS 10 users by which Apple iPhone and iPad owners will now be able to book an Ola taxi directly with the help of Apple‘s virtual assistant, Siri. According to an official statement from the company, users of Apple devices running iOS 10 have only to ask Siri to book them an Ola cab for their next ride and the feature will do it for them.
Ola is one of the most widely used app-cab services in India, writes the Hindustan Times. Ankit Bhati, co-founder and CTO of Ola, pointed out the importance of app-based services to stay on top of technological innovations to be able to provide the best possible services for their customers, and that played a key role in the company’s move to integrate their services with iOS 10. “Technology is at the core of all our solutions aimed at providing enhanced mobility to our customers. Integrating our app with iOS 10 is a step towards redefining customer experience. We are proud to be one of the early adopters of Sirikit and Mapkit in the world,” he said.
The Mapkit integration, which is also a part of the latest update, will allow Apple users to get direct access to Ola’s services when they are searching for a location on Apple Maps. In addition to the new range of conveniences for iPhone and iPad users, Ola has also launched an independent app for Apple Watch users.
In addition to these iOS 10 updates, Ola has launched a host of new features on its app for all users who use its services. Among them are Ola Hotspots, which would help the app identify popular hotspots around the user’s location and present those as suggestions. Another new feature will use the customer’s booking history to suggest pick up locations. Additionally, customers will now have an option to “Share Direction” with their drivers for a smoother pick up process by sharing information about the landmark closest to their location which will be communicated to the driver automatically.
Ola also recently introduced the “Offline Booking” feature on its app for times when the user’s internet connection plays havoc on them. When offline, the app will allow users to book a cab by sending their location to the server via SMS, following which a booking will be carried out.
