e-commerce
Uber lets teens sign up on app as parents keep watch on every ride
MUMBAI: Teens can now call their own rides but mum and dad still get to ride shotgun. Uber has rolled out a new update in India that lets teenagers sign themselves up on the app under Uber Teens, giving them newfound independence while keeping guardians firmly in the loop.
The move marks a big step in Uber’s family-focused revamp, which also includes refreshed features for both Teens and Seniors. The self-onboarding option means teens can create and manage their own Uber accounts, while parents retain full visibility over every trip from live tracking to fare details.
And there’s more than just freedom on offer. Teens can now enjoy Uber One membership benefits, mirroring their guardian’s perks such as cashback and discounts. Every family ride now contributes to a shared reward pot through the Family Hub, where savings multiply the more members use Uber.
“Teens today are far more independent, and we wanted to give them the flexibility to manage their own Uber accounts safely, with guardian approval,” said Uber director of consumer growth for India and South Asia Shiva Shailendran. “At the same time, we’re making it easier for families to stay connected on the platform so that everyone from teens to seniors can travel comfortably and confidently.”
Uber’s upgrades also make family travel simpler. Users can now set up a Family Profile without needing a shared credit card, each member can pay using their own method, whether it’s digital wallets or cash. That means no more “Who’s paying for this ride?” debates at the door.
And while teens are getting a tech-savvy upgrade, seniors aren’t being left behind. Uber has introduced a dedicated Seniors profile, offering a lighter, more accessible experience. The interface features bigger text, simplified screens, and fewer buttons, automatically switching to “Simple Mode” for ease of use. Guardians can help manage these profiles, track rides, and even set up saved destinations for elderly family members.
The updates reflect how modern Indian families are evolving juggling digital convenience, safety, and shared autonomy. For Uber, the message is clear: whether you’re a teen heading to tuition or a senior visiting the doctor, there’s now an Uber made just for you.
In India’s increasingly multi-generational tech landscape, Uber’s latest ride seems perfectly tuned giving freedom to the young, comfort to the old, and peace of mind to those in between.
e-commerce
Instamart and Duolingo launch street spell check campaign for Instaprint
Duo the owl fixes signboard typos across cities to showcase instant printing.
MUMBAI: If spelling mistakes had a sworn enemy, it might just be a bright green owl with a printer. Instamart has teamed up with language learning platform Duolingo for a quirky nationwide campaign that turns everyday spelling errors into a public spectacle while promoting its instant printing service, InstaPrint. The playful activation takes aim at the many misspelled shop boards and public signs scattered across Indian streets. From “saloons” that promise haircuts rather than drinks to menus and posters peppered with punctuation mishaps, the campaign sends Duolingo’s mascot Duo on a mission to restore linguistic order.
Armed with Instamart’s instant printing feature, Duo prints corrected versions of the mistakes on the spot and pastes them over the originals. The result is a series of humorous street interventions that have quickly begun circulating on social media.
Photos and videos of the grammar correcting owl have been widely shared online, with amused users reacting to the unexpected spell check patrol. One user joked, “Ab ayega na maza bhidu,” capturing the internet’s delight at the unusual campaign.
Behind the humour lies a practical message. The activation is designed to showcase the capabilities of Instaprint, Instamart’s printing service that allows users to print documents and posters almost instantly.
The company says the feature is meant for everyday needs such as printing resumes, visa documents or last minute posters without the usual scramble to locate a print shop.
Instamart introduced Instaprint in 2025 across select metropolitan cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi. The service allows users to order printed materials directly through the platform, extending the quick commerce model beyond groceries and household essentials.
By combining Duolingo’s famously persistent owl with India’s street level spelling quirks, the campaign taps into the internet’s long running fascination with grammar mistakes while demonstrating a real world use case for instant printing.
After all, in a world full of typos, sometimes what you really need is a quick printer and a very determined language teacher.
