Google Task Mate
Google has today launched TaskMate in Kenya, a crowdsourcing app that lets people use smartphones to do tasks and get paid, tapping the growing gig economy. The tech giant said it has rolled out the beta version after a year-long experiment in the East African country and is preparing to introduce it to other countries across the continent. The app is available in India too, where it’s also in the pilot stage.
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TaskMate mobile app users fulfill skilled and unskilled tasks such as translation or photography for businesses — that are approved by Google to post on the platform.
TaskMate joins a growing list of apps and services launched by Google that offer people payment for services carried out. They include a rewards app that lets people get paid for filling out surveys and local services ads that link businesses, at a fee, with clients within their vicinity.
“Today we have launched TaskMate, and it’s the first time we have opened it in Africa and across the world,”
Mike Knapp, TaskMate product manager
The pilot started in Kenya late last year and users were able to carry out different tasks including taking photos of plants for a research project carried out by Penn State University. The app’s gigs are defined as either sitting or field tasks.
“This is a crowdsourcing platform that simplifies the distribution and accomplishments of tasks from business, for businesses and organizations. It is also an app that provides opportunities to Kenyans, whether it’s community building or earning extra income. This is Google’s commitment to build for and with Africa, in its digital transformation journey”
Mike Knapp
Africa’s digital economy is expected to grow as integration continues, offering newer growth opportunities as more people get connected
Google Task Mate
