Earlier, Google had partnered with Ola and Uber to show their cab on Google Maps, which went extremely well for the company considering the increase in cab-aggregation in India. Now, Google has partnered with other companies to introduce new services.
The US-based company has launched the Areo app in India, which will bring together startups like UrbanClap to provide home services like plumbing, AC maintenance and electrical wiring etc. and Faasos and other such businesses for home delivery of food.
Google itself is not getting into this business, instead, it is bundling two different companies that offer their services on its own app. When you open the Areo app, you will be able to book appointments for house works and see what restaurants deliver food in your area.
At this moment, Google is offering these two services on Areo only to residents of Bengaluru and Mumbai. Just like the integration of Ola and Uber on Google Maps, you can order services directly from Areo.
How does it work?
You can download the Areo app from Google Play Store and Apple Appstore. After downloading, click on get started on the first screen you see. The app will request to see the location of your smartphone, so as to offer services in your area.
If you’re in Mumbai or Bengaluru, click on either of the options you see – Food delivery, beauty, home maintenance, chores and cleaning, repairs and installation, fitness and speciality services.
Upon clicking either of these, you will be able to see the restaurants around you that deliver food like Freshmenu, Faasos, Holachef, Scootsy or Box8 and the dishes you can order. You will also see the price of these items and time taken to deliver.
Similarly, you will see the prices of home services being offered around you, along with the appointment time available with them. UrbanClap and Zimmber are offering their services on Areo at the moment. You can pay via debit or credit cards, in cash or net banking on the app itself.
It is an extremely simple to use app that aggregates different business for you. The company is planning to add more services like legal assistance, gyms, yoga classes and meetups on the app.
This could mean that users might stop using the apps that have been developed by these individual companies, but it also means that more users will be comfortable in ordering food or home services from Google’s app. Overall, it should benefit both the customers and these companies featured on Areo.
AWESOME!! So – will our food get cheaper now? :)