Jun 12

Airbnb’s disaster response tool to help survivors find free housing (video)

Posted in: Today's Chili

EDIT Airbnb shelter for disaster victims

Airbnb has launched a new disaster response tool in an effort to make things easier for willing hosts to offer free shelter to survivors of catastrophes. Activated within 30 minutes or less from the time trouble strikes, the solution will send out emails to local users and ask if they’d like to offer their rooms at no cost. Thoughtful folks will then be able to list their space on a dedicated page where guests can easily find generous souls to stay with. The P2P lodging service was inspired to cook up this plan after its New York patrons opened up their homes to Hurricane Sandy survivors, and it had to cobble together a portal to connect people. With the new system in place, the firm hopes it can quickly reach more hosts and guests and make the process of offering and finding emergency housing more efficient.

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Via: Fast Company

Source: Airbnb

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May 13

Airbnb updates Android app interface, adds calendar availability and guest pre-approval

Posted in: Today's Chili

Airbnb updates Android app interface, adds calendar availability and guest preapproval

Airbnb’s Android app just scored a significant refresh, including some major design tweaks and additional tools for hosts. Version 2.0 adds two features that should make it easier for property managers to interact with guests efficiently, including the ability to update calendar availability and pre-approve users from any compatible Android handset — that latter feature hit the iOS app in December. There are also quite a few bug fixes in tow, according to the release notes — push notifications should now be working, for example. The focus here is on host usability, however. According to a TechCrunch report, only five percent of hosts current use the Android app, and while these additions should streamline operation, they’re unlikely to account for a major shift from the web interface.

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Via: TechCrunch

Source: Airbnb (Google Play)

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May 08

AirBnB Now Disrupting San Francisco Housing Market

Posted in: Today's Chili
AirBnB Now Disrupting San Francisco Housing Market

San Francisco rent prices are notoriously sky high, bolstered by the onslaught of newly minted tech millionaires moving up from the peninsula. Can’t swing a $3,000 studio apartment? Hit up AirBnB and you can rent this van in the city’s …

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Aug 14

Prostitutes Turn Airbnb Apartment Into Brothel [AirBnb]

Posted in: Today's Chili

Airbnb—the service that allows you to get some easy money by renting your place to strangers—has risks. You know your things can get stolen, your place can get trashed, your sofa can get infested by someone else’s pubic hair—and now, your apartment can get turned into a brothel. More »

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