Ola, Google launch 'Progressive Web App' for smaller towns

Taxi aggregator Ola on Thursday rolled out its Progressive Web App (PWA), a lightweight mobile website that will offer users in smaller towns an app-like experience on simple smartphones, requiring a fraction of the data used by native apps.

The PWA launched by mobile transportation app Ola will enable the use of its platform across hundreds of cities in India and addresses a significant market opportunity of customers and driver partners.

Announced at the Google I/O developer conference in San Francisco earlier today, the PWA will operate in ways that address the local consumer needs and provide light and agile functionality, enabling Ola to magnify its reach to tier two, three, and four cities across India.

With only 50 KB data on first payload and 10 KB on subsequent loads, Ola's PWA will emerge as the preferred option for cab booking for thousands of non-frequent app users.

"The launch of PWA technology represents another milestone in Ola's commitment to building innovative technology that is made for India," said co-founder and CTO of Ola, Ankit Bhati.

"Addressing market needs is a key priority at Ola, and this launch takes us one step further in our commitment to providing mobility for a billion Indians," added Bhati.

Adding to this, Rahul Roy-chowdhury, VP Product Management - Chrome, Google believes that it is exciting to see Ola create their PWA, which will ensure the users to have an engaging experience from the very first moment.

PWA will overcome technological barriers to entry in key markets and make Ola the first ride-sharing platform in hundreds of cities across India, where there is limited connectivity and a prevailing use of low-end smartphones.

Key features of Ola's PWA:

-Simple design, lightweight, and fast usage in areas of low connectivity

-Operates at speed on 2G networks and also supports offline bookings

- Looks like an app, providing the reach of Internet while offering an immersive customer experience similar to native apps

-Ola is the first ride-sharing app in APAC to use PWA technology as well as the Polymer framework

-Seamless integration of extended offerings, including Ola Money and Ola Care

- Users can book an Ola cab through PWA across all categories and can also pay for their ride through Ola Money, making the mobility experience seamless and convenient.