Zipcar for Android comes out of beta

Now that summer is here it's perfect timing for Zipcar for Android to arrive officially. Having been available in the Android Market for a while now under the beta tag, Zipcar has taken v1.0 through the approval process and made it available for all.

If you're not familiar with Zipcar, it's a metro-based service that makes the process of renting cars easier just by simply signing up for their site and reserving a car as needed. You'll find the full press release and more information about the service past the break.

Source: PRNewswire

Zipcar Officially Launches Android™ App v1.0App Delivers Powerful User Experience and Expands Member Accessibility to ZipcarCAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zipcar, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZIP), the world's leading car sharing network, today announced the official launch of its Android mobile application with the removal of the public beta tag. The beta test, launched May 5, 2011, allowed Zipcar members to test the application and provide feedback to Zipcar to ensure the product would be capable of offering a powerful, seamless mobile experience. The official Zipcar Android App v1.0, which runs on the OS 2.1 or higher Android platform, is now faster and more efficient than the version introduced during the beta test, and offers enhancements to the user interface and improvements to user features.With the introduction of its Android app, Zipcar is adding to its collection of mobile applications and services that work with members through all stages of the reservation process using a variety of mobile devices. The app allows members to search for and reserve Zipcars by time, location and vehicle type.  Members can use the application to view available Zipcars on a map, get directions to the vehicle location and extend or cancel a reservation. The application can also be used to honk the horn to locate a Zipcar as well as lock and unlock the vehicle after scanning the Zipcard into the reservation.  Non-members can download the app to search for vehicles and vehicle locations, learn more about Zipcar and initiate the membership application process."Our members are rapidly transitioning from traditional to mobile devices.  With this official release of our Android App, we're responding to the needs of our members.  This launch also reflects a cornerstone of the Zipcar brand -- our unrelenting commitment to providing the best member experience," said Scott Griffith, Zipcar Chairman and CEO. "The feedback from our members during the beta test was instrumental in making this first version powerful, easy and fun."The Android App is part of a suite of integrated mobile applications that includes Zipcar's iPhone® application -- recognized by Time Magazine as one of the "50 Best iPhone Apps in 2011" -- as well as a mobile website, which can be used on BlackBerry® devices and smartphones to make, extend or change reservations; and two-way SMS texting, allowing the vehicle to proactively reach out to members during their reservation via their mobile device to manage their reservation, including instant reservation extension.For members without a smartphone, Zipcar offers an interactive, automated call line which recognizes members and their reservation status, and dynamically changes the options (i.e. extends a reservation) based on where members are in their reservation experience. The app is available for download at www.zipcar.com/android or can be downloaded directly on an Android-powered device by searching for "Zipcar" in the Android Market.  Members can visit www.zipcar.com/android/faqs with any questions regarding Zipcar for Android, and can also send feedback directly through the application.  For more information on Zipcar, visit www.zipcar.com.About ZipcarZipcar is the world's leading car sharing network with more than 575,000 members and more than 8,000 vehicles in urban areas and college campuses throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models of self-service vehicles by the hour or day to residents and businesses looking for an alternative to the high costs and hassles of owning a car. More information is available at www.zipcar.com.Photos and b-roll footage are available for media purposes at www.zipcar.mediaroom.com.Zipcar and the Zipcar logo are trademarks of Zipcar, Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions.  The trademark BlackBerry is owned by Research In Motion Limited and is registered in the United States and may be pending or registered in other countries. Zipcar is not endorsed, sponsored, affiliated with or otherwise authorized by Research In Motion Limited.  iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

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