business news7 People-to-People Apps to Save Money, As Long As You're Willing to Share
By
Elizabeth Whittlesey Jul 25, 2012 11:10 am
Welcome to the new "collaborative consumer economy."
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MINYANVILLE ORIGINAL The recent debut of start-up app SideCar highlighted a growing trend that's taking the technology world by storm. SideCar, developed by entrepreneur Sunil Paul and backed by investors such as Zynga (ZNGA) CEO Mark Pincus, is just the latest example of a growing number of ride-sharing services accessible by smartphone, joining the ranks of similar apps such as Uber, Lyft, and Avego already available via iPhone (AAPL) and Android (GOOG).
Essentially, SideCar allows you to find someone in your area willing to give you a ride; the app then displays a suggested fare based on local averages. Afterwards, both parties have the opportunity to rate one another, ensuring future users can avoid cheapskates and other less-than-desirable driving partners.
Ride-sharing, however, is just one aspect of a new generation of people-to-people apps and websites. This basic concept is expanding into various fields, from housing to dining to finance. Here, a few examples of what’s populating the collaborative consumer economy.
Essentially, SideCar allows you to find someone in your area willing to give you a ride; the app then displays a suggested fare based on local averages. Afterwards, both parties have the opportunity to rate one another, ensuring future users can avoid cheapskates and other less-than-desirable driving partners.
Ride-sharing, however, is just one aspect of a new generation of people-to-people apps and websites. This basic concept is expanding into various fields, from housing to dining to finance. Here, a few examples of what’s populating the collaborative consumer economy.
No positions in stocks mentioned.
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