Discussed topics
Uber app setup and account creation
Siena demonstrated how to download and set up the Uber app from scratch on an iPad.
- Details
- Siena: Showed how to download the Uber app from the App Store and set up an account using a phone number
- Siena: Demonstrated the account verification process using a one-time password (OTP)
- Siena: Explained notification settings and permissions needed for the app to function properly
- Conclusion
- The Uber app requires location access, contact access, and notifications to function properly
- Users can sign in with phone number, email, Apple ID, or Google account
Safety features in Uber
The group explored various safety features available in the Uber app, with particular focus on PIN verification, trusted contacts, and emergency settings.
- Details
- Siena: Demonstrated how to access safety settings and set up trusted contacts
- Jeff: Shared his experience with PIN verification, mentioning that drivers can accept the last 4 digits of your phone number instead
- Hans: Explained that the PIN is generated for each ride and appears in the app when a ride is confirmed
- Ivy: Asked about where to find the PIN in the app
- Ali: Helped navigate through the safety settings screens
- Conclusion
- Users can enable PIN verification for added security when getting into an Uber
- Trusted contacts can be added to share trip status and for emergency situations
- The app allows recording of rides for safety purposes
- There was a technical issue with VoiceOver not announcing trusted contacts that were added
Service animal accommodations
The group discussed how to set up service animal accommodations in the Uber app.
- Details
- Liz: Asked about Uber drivers’ obligations regarding service animals
- Siena: Located and demonstrated the service animal settings in the accessibility section
- Palmer: Mentioned recent news stories about drivers refusing service to people with service animals
- Ivy: Shared concerns about driver screening and safety
- Conclusion
- The Uber app has specific settings for service animals under Accessibility settings
- Users can disclose service animal information to drivers who will be reminded of legal obligations
- Enhanced support is available if issues arise, including waived cleaning fees
Booking a ride with Uber
Siena demonstrated the process of booking a ride through the Uber app.
- Details
- Siena: Showed how to select a destination and pickup location
- Siena: Explained different ride options (UberX, Uber XL, Comfort)
- Jeff: Mentioned that the pickup location selection is very sensitive to touch
- Liz: Asked about pricing and whether it changes if the ride takes longer due to traffic
- Conclusion
- Users can select from different ride types based on their needs and budget
- The app provides fare estimates upfront
- Users can schedule rides in advance
- According to Ivy, significant delays due to traffic may result in additional charges
Accessibility features for blind and low vision users
The group discussed various accessibility features in the Uber app specifically designed for blind and low vision users.
- Details
- Siena: Demonstrated how to access and configure accessibility settings
- Jeff: Mentioned that he had set his low vision status in the app
- Ivy: Shared an experience where not disclosing her low vision resulted in a taxi leaving
- Ali: Emphasized the importance of disclosing vision status when booking rides
- Conclusion
- The Uber app has specific settings for blind and low vision users under Accessibility
- Users can choose to disclose their vision status to drivers
- Disclosing vision status helps drivers provide appropriate assistance
Technical challenges with VoiceOver
The group encountered and discussed technical issues with VoiceOver not properly reading certain elements in the Uber app.
- Details
- Siena: Experienced issues with VoiceOver not announcing trusted contacts that were added
- Jeff: Confirmed visually that the contacts were actually added despite VoiceOver not announcing them
- Jeroo: Also confirmed seeing the contacts on screen
- Ali: Suggested it might be a VoiceOver issue rather than an app issue
- Conclusion
- VoiceOver in iOS 26.3 beta has some issues with certain app elements
- Siena will report the issue to both Apple and Uber
- Users may need to “trust the process” when VoiceOver doesn’t announce all elements
Headphone discussion
After the main presentation, participants discussed various headphone options, particularly focusing on bone conduction headphones.
- Details
- Siena: Described her Shokz OpenCom 2 bone conduction headphones with boom mic
- Ivy: Asked questions about AirPods and how they might have become unmuted during the meeting
- Liz: Asked about options for connecting wired headphones to newer iPhones without headphone jacks
- Palmer: Discussed latency issues with Bluetooth headphones
- Conclusion
- Bone conduction headphones like Shokz are a good option for those who want to hear their surroundings
- Lightning to headphone jack adapters are available for connecting wired headphones to newer iPhones
- Bluetooth headphones can have latency issues that affect VoiceOver responsiveness
Uber driver requirements and safety concerns
Participants discussed concerns about Uber driver requirements and safety issues.
- Details
- Liz: Asked about qualification requirements for Uber drivers compared to taxi drivers
- Ivy: Shared concerns about limited background checks for drivers
- Palmer: Mentioned that drivers are supposed to take training but the content is unclear
- Ivy: Recounted stories about safety incidents with Uber drivers
- Conclusion
- There are concerns about the level of screening and training Uber drivers receive
- Some participants expressed hesitation about using Uber for longer trips to unfamiliar areas
- The group was uncertain about accident protocols for Uber drivers
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