Uber launches new Seniors Accounts across Canada

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Getting around in a big city like Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal can be overwhelming especially if you're a senior. Having aging parents myself, it's a growing concern to get them from A to B. I can see the days are numbered as they begin to dwindle down their ability, or desire, to drive. Uber has been on my mind in recent years and how it can be used to get my parents around comfortably without worrying about them driving. They've been apprehensive of using any apps for fear of being confused or disoriented and having to provide credit card information isn't something they've wanted to do. Today, Uber has officially launched the new Seniors Accounts across Canada that is designed to offer a simplified way to use the App. 

This is a new option designed to make getting around easier, more intuitive, and more accessible for older adults. Senior accounts are part of Uber’s Family Profiles feature, allowing loved ones to help set up an account and offer support when needed. And for older adults who prefer to ride independently, Uber is also introducing Simple mode, which offers the same streamlined experience—no Family Profile required. 

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Uber to test TaskRabbit-like service in Edmonton

Uber

Uber plans to test a new service that lets users hire drivers from its app to do household chores and projects. The service, called Uber Tasks, aims to grow beyond its core ridesharing and courier business. It will start as a “small pilot” in Fort Myers, Florida and Edmonton, Alberta in the next few weeks.

Bloomberg first reported the news, confirming its previous report in September that found a new “Chore” option in the Uber app’s code. You can think of Uber Tasks as similar to TaskRabbit or Thumbtack, online platforms for freelance workers. The difference is that Uber Tasks is only for Uber drivers and couriers who can join the program.

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Uber launches video ads across its apps, including Drizly

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Uber is launching video ads across its apps, including Uber Eats and Drizly, its newly acquired alcohol delivery service. The Wall Street Journal reports that users will see ads up to 90 seconds long while waiting for a ride or order and another personalized ad on a tablet in the car during their trip. Uber says it can target ads based on users’ location, destination, preferences, and history.

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Uber names hacking group behind recent cyberattack

Source: Uber

Uber's computer network was breached by a cyberattacker last Thursday. The company says it hacked into the account of an EXT contractor after possibly buying the employee's credentials from the dark web. The company blames hacking group Lapsus$, which used similar attacks to breach Microsoft, Cisco, Samsung, Nvidia, Okta and others in 2022. 

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