Airbnb, the popular lodging middleman, recently unveiled a new direction: new logo and a product redesign, bringing it out of Web 2.0 and into the new technosphere. Here we take a look at the company's app and how easy it is.

How Airbnb Works

Before we dive right into the app, it's important to note what exactly Airbnb is. Short for "AirBed & Breakfast," the service is unique in the sense that it offers users places to stay that aren't cold, gray, linoleum towers with hundreds of rooms. Instead, it connects those in need of a place to stay with owners.

Airbnb is essentially a marketplace listing for those a) willing to open their homes up to strangers and b) wanting a room with a personal touch. Hosts are exactly that -- they are the ones who put up their humble abodes for invasion. Anybody can stay there and, depending on the type of listing, most travelers have to gain the approval and trust of the host. This usually involves a conversation and some reassuring on the part of the traveler (after all, it is somebody's home) alongside any reviews and the traveler's history.

If it seems like it could be a disaster putting strangers in other strangers' homes, you're right -- it does seem horrible. But with over half a million listings and places to stay in almost 200 countries, Airbnb has grown since its founding in 2008 and its app brings the $10 billion company into a new era.

The App Itself

The most eye-catching aspect of Airbnb's new app is its Flipboard nature. Location information within the app is codified into giant, easy-to-read squares with a heavy emphasis on visuals. One of the first things that greets the user after opening Airbnb is the Discover page.

The Discover page is a great little tool that pretty much shows off what Airbnb can offer. It rightfully presents some of the most popular destinations such as Los Angeles and New York but also contains a little something for those looking for an even more exotic stay. Users can find listings for private islands, overnight stays in vans, overnight stays in art galleries, urban farms and more. There aren't exactly a ton of the out-of-ordinary places, but it is something that almost no other large-scale, modern-day travel agency (don't worry, there aren't any extra fees other than the price the room/house/van/floor space is listed at) can offer. There are also plenty of filters to help sift through the selection.

(Photo : App Store)

Which brings us to the logistics. Selecting a listing brings up the basics such as price, amenities, availability, and more. The app also makes it easy for the user to learn about and contact the host as well as read reviews about the place (which inevitably also includes reviews of the host). Profiles are clean and most provide pictures and tidbits that help travelers see if they can get along with the host and vice versa. Find a place you like? All you have to do is log in, or sign up, and hit the book button. There are even some places that allow for instant booking. It's all straightforward and effective.

Airbnb happens to be more than just a travel service for many and it's the social aspect of the company that has allowed it to foster quite a dedicated base, and naturally, sharing listings is easy. All you have to do is hit the share button at the top right and you begin peer-pressuring your friends or family to stay with you in that amazing van you found out in the desert.

Other than that, the app isn't too loaded. Swiping right brings up the left sidebar that divides the whole experience in two: travel and host. The travel part is simple, as explained above, and the host part is even simpler thanks to a straightforward walkthrough that allows anyone to put up their room for a stay. It's all neat and tidy, pleasant to look at, and carries a Web 3.0 new age-Google look.

(Photo : Google Play)

The only downside to Airbnb could be in the post-app experience itself -- it's not going to give users a traditional hotel lobby experience. Instead, everything is meant to be slightly more personal, and many of the listings imply that the traveler will have to stay with the host. It's meant to help wanderers and roofs connect with each other, not provide a five-star vacation. Those who buy into the Airbnb lifestyle will find that the app pretty much has its bases covered.

Tap That App?

Definitely, especially if you're interested in unique vacations with a personal touch -- or if you have an extra room, want to make some cash, and are open to meeting and hosting strangers. You can download the Airbnb app for either iOS or Android devices via the App Store or Google Play.

Let us know your experience with Airbnb's app in the comments section below.

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