Last edit by: J.Edward
Hi everyone,
Today we take another step in the overall redesign of our digital channels—the launch of the redesigned United mobile app for Android devices.
In redesigning the Android version of the app, our eCommerce team used data from our current app to understand which features and functions were most important to customers. There’s a lot we’ve packed into this release, including some completely new functionality.
Here’s an overview:
Updated functionality
As with the iOS app released a few months ago, the Android version updates popular tasks like booking and checking in for a flight, monitoring flight status and checking your MileagePlus account summary. Some of the notable updates include:
- An easier way to see all the boarding passes for reservations with more than one traveler.
- The option to book award travel with multiple segments.
- Redesigned seats map graphics that are easier to view.
New functionality
The app also has several new functions that were introduced with the iOS version, such as travel cards and a travel wallet, as well as extras like Sudoku, a checked bag fees calculator, a currency converter and airport maps.
Really new functionality
Unique to this release and (for the moment) the Android app are a few changes designed to improve overall usability:
- Text navigation along the top screen
- Ability to scroll both vertically and horizontally
- The screen will re-orient when rotated so you can use the features in either direction
- For multiple travelers or viewing multiple flight statuses, the data will now stack to show more information at-a-glance
- When you are signed in to the app, any active reservations in your account will have travel cards
- Widget is available on the home screen for quick access into the app
We will introduce many of these elements to the iOS version later this year as we continue to update and improve our app across iOS, Android and Windows devices. And our digital improvements won’t stop there—our new website is in the works. In the next few months, we will begin to launch the new united.com. It will be a phased approach that will span all of 2014, and you can expect that the Preview program will be a key part of each release.
In the meantime, the updated Android app (which is compatible with KitKat and previous operating platforms) is now available from the Google Play store.
-UA Insider
United App-Questions, Answers, Bugs and etc for NON-iPhone and Android [CONSOLIDATED]
#31
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: IAD UA1K, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Programs: Random acts of kindness and senseless beauty
Posts: 1,235
I am happy for the app, but when I am sitting in F I still see far more BB users than Android or Iphone users. I think they should definitely support BB.
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
#35
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: HNL
Programs: UA1k; 2MM; *G; *woodG
Posts: 87
Ok, so I downloaded the app, which I agree is way cooler than the stuff previously out there. Now I'm wondering, how do you see upgrade status? Can you see it on future-waitlisted segments? Or do you have to wait until the UDU window opens? Any advice out there from folks who have already taken this app around the block a few times? How about tips on what you can do with the app?
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Ok, so I downloaded the app, which I agree is way cooler than the stuff previously out there. Now I'm wondering, how do you see upgrade status? Can you see it on future-waitlisted segments? Or do you have to wait until the UDU window opens? Any advice out there from folks who have already taken this app around the block a few times? How about tips on what you can do with the app?
#37
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Kitchener, ON, Canada
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,266
The primary one being that Blackberry is a notoriously difficult environment to program in. Different screen sizes, all with different resolutions. Different operating systems, different web protocols, lousy developer tools... I can go on and on.
As an avowed Blackberry user, I share your pain. But I get why.
#38
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Oregon
Programs: AA EXP, AS 75K, UA 1MM Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Plat, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 4,001
I understand that the iPhone has only two resolutions to program for, but Android has way less hardware standardization than even Blackberry. And the programming isn't abysmal - the whole phone is Java based. No big deal. It really comes down to a choice to dedicate the resources.
#39
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Chicago, Kailua-Kona, Cairns
Programs: UA 1K >2MM, IC Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 740
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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#41
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: WI
Programs: HHonors Gold, UAMP
Posts: 895
Ok, so I downloaded the app, which I agree is way cooler than the stuff previously out there. Now I'm wondering, how do you see upgrade status? Can you see it on future-waitlisted segments? Or do you have to wait until the UDU window opens? Any advice out there from folks who have already taken this app around the block a few times? How about tips on what you can do with the app?
#42
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DFW
Programs: UA peon (+decades 1K), AA Exec Plt
Posts: 1,117
I understand that the iPhone has only two resolutions to program for, but Android has way less hardware standardization than even Blackberry. And the programming isn't abysmal - the whole phone is Java based. No big deal. It really comes down to a choice to dedicate the resources.
If you are sitting in First on a three class flight, you couldn't have booked it on an iPhone or an Android so having it on your FranklenBerry might not done you any good.
Last edited by iluv2fly; Aug 28, 2011 at 12:22 pm Reason: merge
#43
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: United Premier 1K 1MM; AA Plat Pro; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Platinum; Avis President's Club
Posts: 2,529
I would only add that I believe I read somewhere that BB has a more restrictive software policy so it's harder to make apps for BB than iPhone or Android. People who use BB should also take the surveys stating they use their BB so UA/CO has a better understanding of how many BB users they have.
#45
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Oregon
Programs: AA EXP, AS 75K, UA 1MM Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Plat, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 4,001