The transport app 99 has received a series of changes in the versions for Android and iPhone (iOS). The main one is the use of artificial intelligence, which should reduce the waiting time between the order and the arrival of the car by approximately 20%. In addition, the app will now show the value of the race in real time.
Some features already present in the Uber app also reach 99. One of them is the «Variable Price», which is now released for the whole of Brazil, with operation similar to the rival «Dynamic Rate». The sharing of route also takes effect in the company’s races. The news will be released from this Friday (26), but some users are already receiving the update on their smartphones.
99 reduces waiting time for races – Photo: Press Release / 99
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The changes mark the arrival of DiDi Chuxing in control of 99. The China group announced the purchase of the app in early 2018, which made 99 the first Brazilian «unicorn» – name given in the entrepreneurship circuit to the company that has a market value above $ 1 billion.
Real-time value and discounts
With the update, the app starts to show in real time the value of each race. In this way, it will be possible to view the price from minute to minute, avoiding surprises. In practice it is like a «virtual taximeter».
Discounts, through codes or promotions, will be easier to identify, since the price estimate itself, before ordering a car, will come with the rebate. The app will also select the best discount automatically.
New version of the 99 app will automatically select better discounts – Photo: Disclosure / 99
Route sharing comes to the app with the promise of more security. It will be possible to send contacts the location in real time while on the route. Thus, a friend or family member can follow the entire route online. In addition, it will be possible to chat with the driver who responded to the race, avoiding getting into cars by mistake.
99 app will allow you to chat with drivers – Photo: Disclosure / 99
The app also gets a help center that works 24 hours a day. Through it, the user can resolve issues such as the loss of an object inside the car and make other requests.
Like Uber’s dynamic fare, the price of 99 POP races – with private cars – may vary according to demand. The differentiation of value according to availability at that time already existed in some cities, but now it is valid for all locations with 99 POP offer.
The difference for the competitor’s service is that users of app 99 will have the option to order a taxi with a fixed price within the same app.
More options for drivers
For drivers, 99 included a map where it is possible to identify areas with greater demand to increase earnings. Another option is «Set Destination». With it, the driver will be able to define specific routes that he / she prefers to pick up passengers, as in the return trip, for example.
The changes are available for both Android and iOS. However, in some regions you will need to download a new application. Users from the metropolitan areas of SĂŁo Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Santos downloaded are just able to update the app already installed. Elsewhere in Brazil, drivers and passengers should download the Novo 99 application.
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