Category: General

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest General Retail news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • Telegram enhances user experience with new browser

    Telegram enhances user experience with new browser

    In its latest update, Telegram has introduced a range of new features designed to elevate the user experience. These include a new in-app browser with support for multiple tabs, a mini app store, a novel type of mini apps, and the ability to gift Stars to friends.

    The in-app browser now allows users to collapse and reopen pages from the bottom bar, facilitating seamless movement between messages, websites, articles, and mini apps. Notably, the browser supports decentralized websites hosted on TON, extending Web3 access to Telegram’s vast user base. Moreover, users can now view notifications without losing their place in articles, web pages, or games, and they can bookmark pages for future reference.

    A new ‘Apps’ tab in Search simplifies access to frequently used and popular mini apps. Developers can now enhance their mini app previews with video demos and screenshots. Mini apps integrated with Telegram Stars may gain visibility in the ‘Popular Apps’ section. Additionally, mini apps can generate custom story content for users to share directly as Telegram Stories.

    Telegram has also added the option to gift Stars to contacts, facilitating the purchase of digital goods in mini apps or access to paid content in channels. Birthdays are highlighted for gifting, and gifted Stars are presented in an animated gift box in the chat.

    Video messages now offer the option to use the front flash for better lighting in low-light conditions. Stories can be augmented with an animated weather widget, automatically adapting to the viewer’s temperature unit preference and displaying the moon phase on clear nights. When sharing video stories on profiles, users can select a specific frame as the cover photo.

    Furthermore, Telegram for macOS now boasts a revamped browser with tabs supporting a variety of content, including games, mini apps, instant view pages, and Web3 ton-sites.

    By combining these multi-platform tools, this update positions Telegram as a leading platform for productivity and communication, catering to the evolving needs of its users. This update should begin rolling out to all users right away.

  • Microsoft makes Skype ad-free on all platforms, rolls out new features

    Microsoft makes Skype ad-free on all platforms, rolls out new features

    Microsoft is now rolling out a major Skype update that brings a bunch of new features and improvements. Hidden in the fairly long list of changes is a line that feels like it deserves its own paragraph: Skype is now ad-free.

    The Redmond-based company announced that the latest update removes all ads from Skype Channels and the entire Skype platform. Users can now finally focus on their chats without any ad distraction, as the app has now become cleaner and more user-friendly.

    Besides decluttering Skype, Microsoft also introduced a wide range of new features and design tweaks. Here are some of the most important changes included in this update:

    • Streamlined Access: Easily access the AI image creator from the chat window or the top bar.
    • Enhanced UI: Enjoy a more intuitive and visually appealing interface for creating AI images.
    • Improved Image Expansion: Images now expand on click, making it easier to view your creations.
    • Better Navigation: Navigate seamlessly with the new back button for the ideas page.
    • Optimized Menu Options: The image creator option is now more conveniently placed after the forward option in the message context menu.
    • Consistent Margins: Fixed margin inconsistencies in the image creator on macOS for a consistent design.

    In addition to the changes above, Microsoft confirmed that Skype for iOS is finally getting OneAuth introduction, a feature that was available on Android for quite some time. The OneAuth integration simplifies the sign-in process across all Microsoft apps.

    Obviously, OneAuth replaces the old sign-in system, as the former lets users sign in to Skype automatically if they’ve already signed into other Microsoft apps like Teams. Basically, if you’re signed into any Microsoft app, you’ll now be signed into Skype too.

    Finally, Microsoft fixed a couple issues on mobile platforms, including one that prevented some users from sending media when connected to a 5G network. Also, the bug where users could hear the ringtone but were unable to pick up the call on iOS has been addressed too.

  • Google Maps and Search expand wildfire tracking to 15 countries

    Google Maps and Search expand wildfire tracking to 15 countries

    Google Maps and Search are expanding their wildfire tracking features to 15 new countries across Europe and Africa, bringing the total to 22 countries where users can access this potentially life-saving information. This update comes after the successful implementation of wildfire boundaries and information in regions like the US, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

    The newly added countries include popular tourist destinations and regions prone to wildfires:

    • Andorra
    • Bosnia & Herzegovina
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • France
    • Greece
    • Italy
    • Kenya
    • Monaco
    • Montenegro
    • Portugal
    • Rwanda
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • Turkey
    Google’s AI-powered wildfire tracking has already proven its worth by mapping over 40 wildfires in Southern Europe this summer. By providing wildfire boundaries and information in Search and Maps, as well as sending out notifications, Google aims to complement existing on-the-ground efforts to help people access crucial information and stay safe during wildfire events.
    In just the first week of July, an estimated 1.4 million people utilized Google’s wildfire information, demonstrating the significant impact this feature can have in regions experiencing wildfires. Users in affected areas can receive alerts through notifications on their phones, as well as while using driving directions in Google Maps.

    This expansion of Google’s wildfire tracking features is a welcome development, providing valuable information to a wider range of users and potentially contributing to greater safety and awareness during wildfire events. By leveraging AI and existing infrastructure, Google continues to demonstrate its commitment to utilizing technology for the greater good.

    The inclusion of Kenya and Rwanda in the list of countries with wildfire tracking is particularly noteworthy, as these regions often face unique challenges in terms of wildfire management and access to information. By expanding its wildfire tracking capabilities to these countries, Google is helping to address a critical need and potentially saving lives.

    Furthermore, the ability to access wildfire information through Google Maps and Search can be especially beneficial for travelers, as it allows them to stay informed and plan their routes accordingly. By providing real-time updates on wildfire locations and boundaries, Google can help travelers avoid dangerous areas and make informed decisions about their itineraries.

    Overall, Google’s expansion of wildfire tracking features is a significant step forward in the fight against wildfires. By providing accessible and up-to-date information to a wider audience, Google is empowering people to stay safe and protect their communities.

  • WhatsApp starts testing AR call effects and filters on Android

    WhatsApp starts testing AR call effects and filters on Android

    WhatsApp is rolling out new features to its Android beta users. If you’re enrolled in the Google Play Beta Program, you’ll be getting a new update that adds AR call effects and filters so that you can try them out before they go live for everyone.

    Spotted by WaBetaInfo, the new features are only rolling out to Android users. WhatsApp is working on so many new features and improvements that is rather hard to keep track of everything until they make it into the beta testing.

    We reported about WhatsApp’s plans to add AR effects and filters to its app last month, but at that time these weren’t available for users, not even those enrolled in the beta program and running WhatsApp beta on their phones.

    The latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.16.7 marks that addition of both these new features. Although AR call effects and filters might only be available to select users at first, WhatsApp usually expands availability over the coming days or weeks.

    The newly added AR effects allow users to enhance their video calling experience by personalizing their calls. Currently, it’s possible to enable dynamic facial filters like the ability to smooth skin appearance and a low-light mode that improves visibility in darker environments.

    Besides that, the updated beta version of WhatsApp features a background editing tool, which makes it easier to blur the background or customize it during group calls. It’s also possible to customize the background by simply choosing to use one of the default ones added by WhatsApp during calls.

    Although it didn’t take WhatsApp too long to roll out AR effects and filters to the beta program, we might have to wait quite a bit for the app to make these available to the general public. Stay tuned for more on this one.

  • Microsoft launches new contact editor for Outlook on iOS and Android

    Microsoft launches new contact editor for Outlook on iOS and Android

    Microsoft is bringing Outlook Mobile users a brand-new contact editor, which includes a slew of features developed based on users’ feedback. The new contact editor was specifically designed to enhance the contact experience on both mobile platforms, iOS and Android.

    The contact editor allows users to easily add and edit contacts. It’s important to mention that the new contact editor will replace the use of the devices’ native editors in Outlook Mobile.

    After receiving feedback about compliance concerns in the previous native Android and iOS editors related to managing and enforcing Intune policies for contact editing in Outlook Mobile, Microsoft found a solution that brings multiple benefits to make the contact editing experience better.

    • Compliance: Users can now efficiently manage their contacts in Outlook Mobile using the editor, while ensuring compliance with their chosen Microsoft Intune policies.
    • Coherence: Enjoy a consistent contact-editing experience across iOS and Android, as well as with the editors on Outlook.com and the new Outlook app for Windows.
    • Easy to organize: Categories offer an easy, flexible way to sort your contacts. Think of categories as tags that you can apply to group your contacts into meaningful clusters.

    According to Microsoft, all contacts that were created through the earlier native editors will remain accessible for viewing and editing within the Outlook mobile and web platforms.

    In order to access the new contact editor, users must first update their Outlook Mobile app, click on Apps in the bottom panel to navigate to the Contact tab, and then click on “New Contacts.”

    Another way to access the new contact editor is to navigate to the Feeds tab from the bottom panel and then click on “Create+.” Finally, Outlook Mobile users can click on “Add to Contacts” or “Edit Contact” from a People Card to access the new contact editor.

    Besides that, Android users can also navigate to the Feeds tab from the bottom panel, click on “Create+” and choose “Scan Business Card.” The card details should automatically appear pre-filled in the editor. Once again, this feature is not available on iOS.

  • Changi Airport reports robust growth in Q2 2024 operating indicators

    Changi Airport reports robust growth in Q2 2024 operating indicators

    Singapore Changi Airport handled 16.5 million passenger movements from April to June 2024, an increase of 13.4% compared to a year ago. This was 98.2% of passenger movements for the same period in 2019. Aircraft movements, including landings and take-offs, totalled 89,300 for the quarter, up 9.7% year-on-year, and was 94.5% compared to the second quarter of 2019.

    Changi Airport’s top five markets for the second quarter of 2024 were Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Australia and India. China saw the highest growth among Changi’s top markets, with traffic doubling compared to the same period last year, and surpassing pre-Covid numbers. For the period, North Asia was the fastest growing region, registering a 40.8% increase year-on-year, and also exceeding pre-Covid levels.

    From April to June 2024, Changi Airport registered 486,000 tonnes of airfreight throughput, surpassing the same period last year by 16%. Growth was registered across all cargo flows – exports, imports and transhipments, led by strong cargo flows between Singapore and China, as well as the United States of America. For this period, Changi’s top five air cargo markets were Australia, China, Hong Kong, India and United States of America.

    Mr. Lim Ching Kiat, Changi Airport Group’s Executive Vice President for Air Hub and Cargo Development said, “Changi Airport continues to expand its global network, having added more flights in the second quarter. Travellers can now explore more destinations with Changi’s connectivity to cities such as Broome, Brussels, Quanzhou and Vancouver, and enjoy more options to evergreen favourites like Tokyo and London. Together with our airline partners, we are striving towards full travel recovery by the end of this year.”

    As of 1 July, 94 airlines operate over 6,900 weekly scheduled flights at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to 158 cities in 50 countries and territories worldwide.

  • Aldi confirms it has abandoned plans to launch online shopping

    Aldi confirms it has abandoned plans to launch online shopping

    Supermarket chain Aldi has dropped its plan to expand into online shopping believing it might affect its ability to continue providing low-cost products for customers.

    According to Jordan Lack, Aldi’s MD of buying, the company dismantled its online team late last year after serious consideration.

    “The greater concern is the impact on cost structure as fundamentally keeping our costs low has a direct impact on the prices we can offer our customers,” he said.

    Lack stressed that the company prioritises value over convenience as price plays a great importance to consumers.

    Last month, consumer group Choice said Aldi was $17 cheaper for a basket of 14 grocery items compared to Woolworths and Coles.

    In addition, offering online shopping would also create more complexity given Aldi is still building warehouses and an automated distribution centre, Lack stated.

    Instead, the retailer is considering new products while targeting growth corridors on the outskirts of major cities and growing sales at its existing 570 stores.

    “There was 5.1 per cent growth in new households shopping with Aldi in the last three months,” Lack said. “Customers are coming for price, but we are holding them because of quality. We are aiming to get more shoppers to come to Aldi as their first stop.”

  • Google Maps rolls out alerts for issues impacting accessibility

    Google Maps rolls out alerts for issues impacting accessibility

    Google Maps has just introduced an accessibility alert feature that will alert users of outages at public transit stations that could make it more difficult for those with disabilities to access these locations. The update is available on iOS, Android, and desktop devices. Initially, it’s rolling out in New York, Paris, Seattle, Boston, Budapest, and Brisbane.

    The alert feature will inform users of issues such as broken elevators, which could make it difficult for people in wheelchairs to access certain platforms. This information can be particularly useful for those who rely on accessible routes and want to plan their trips accordingly. For example, those who use wheelchairs, have strollers, or are carrying heavy luggage can use this information to avoid stairs.

    The update aims to enhance the inclusivity and usability of Google Maps by providing users with information about accessibility issues at transit stations before they arrive. It empowers users to make informed decisions about their routes and avoid unexpected obstacles.

    To access the accessibility alerts on Google Maps, users first need to activate the “wheelchair accessible routes” option. This can be done by following these steps:

    • Enter your desired destination in Google Maps.
    • Tap the three dots located in the upper-right corner of the app, next to the starting location.
    • Select “Options.”
    • Tap on “Wheelchair accessible.”
    Once this option is enabled, users will see alerts next to any route options that might have accessibility issues. Clicking on an alert will reveal more information about the specific issue. For example, users might see a notification about an elevator outage at a particular station.

    As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to ensure that it caters to the needs of all individuals. By integrating accessibility features into its platforms, Google is setting a positive example for the industry and working towards a future where technology truly benefits everyone, regardless of their abilities.

  • Google Drive gets automatic captions for video uploads with new update

    Google Drive gets automatic captions for video uploads with new update

    Google Drive is now rolling out a useful feature for videos you upload: automatically generated captions. It seems the new feature is widely rolled out.

    The feature is available for personal Google Accounts and uses speech recognition tech to transcribe the audio. To use the feature, users should request automatic captions after uploading a video to Drive. On the other hand, for Google Workspace users, the captions are enabled automatically, unless their admins disable it.

    To generate captions for a video, you can right-click on the video and then click on Manage caption tracks, and then generate automatic captions. On mobile, tap the three-dot menu on the top right, and then go for Manage caption tracks and generate automatic captions, but this has to be done when a video is already playing.

    It takes some time for the request to process. Then, the automatic captions will be available in a YouTube-esque player by tapping “CC”.

    Having captions is also great for searching for videos based on content, while they also improve the accessibility of media stored in Drive. For now, English is the only language that is supported, with other languages planned “in the future”.

  • One new change to Apple Maps in iOS 18 is panned by some users

    One new change to Apple Maps in iOS 18 is panned by some users

    If you’ve rolled the dice and decided to install the iOS 18 Public Beta release on your eligible iPhone device, you might have noticed something other than a drop-off in your battery life and some of the new features that we have written about. Apple Maps has been changed, and not all users are thrilled with it. In iOS 18, some businesses, restaurants, and stores have larger fonts and icons, helping them stand out on the map. Colored fonts are employed to make these places stand out.
    According to Apple Maps users on Reddit, some of these locations were described as “suggested” or “sponsored” places. Apple is essentially highlighting these locations, which stand out compared to street names and other places printed in smaller gray and black fonts. This appears to be a way for Apple to monetize the Maps app, and users are not happy with what they see as advertisements being placed all over the map.
    Not all Apple Maps users agree with that assessment and state that Apple is making these businesses stand out on Maps to help users more quickly and easily find where they are on the map and where to turn. While it sounds as though some of these users might have had a sip of the Cupertino Kool Aid, there might be some truth to this. Business owners on Reddit whose stores are highlighted on Apple Maps say that they are not paying any money to Apple.
    Apple Maps wouldn’t seem to require using business locations to help users navigate since the app already does a great job of using stop signs and traffic lights as landmarks to tell you when to make a turn. Still, for those who don’t listen to the spoken turn-by-turn directions on Apple Maps, using certain businesses as landmarks would make sense. For example, knowing that you make a right at Starbucks might prevent you from missing the turn.
    No iPhone user is going to install the iOS 18 Public Beta just for this change to Apple Maps. However, the pre-release version of iOS 18 will allow you to customize your Hone Screen app icons, schedule messages to be sent at certain times, open any app from your Lock Screen, and more.
    As for Apple Maps, iOS 18 will eventually add hiking and custom walking maps that can be used at U.S. national parks. The app will also start showing topographic maps revealing the terrain of certain areas.
  • Korean Air to order up to 50 widebody Boeing aircraft

    Korean Air to order up to 50 widebody Boeing aircraft

    Korean Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing on July 22 at the Farnborough International Airshow to upgrade and expand its widebody fleet. The airline has announced its intent to procure 20 Boeing 777-9s and 20 Boeing 787-10s with options for 10 more of the largest 787 Dreamliner variant.

    The signing ceremony was attended by Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air, and Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

    The 777-9s and 787-10s, with their capability of long-haul flights to regions such as North America and Europe, are expected to play an important role after Korean Air’s merger with Asiana Airlines.

    The 777-9 is known as the most reliable and efficient airplane in the 777 series. The new carbon-fiber composite wings are longer than the previous 777 family airplanes, enabling the airline to achieve an improved fuel efficiency of more than 10%. With a range of over 13,000 kilometers, the 777-9 can provide direct services to all U.S. destinations from Incheon International Airport. The 777-9 has the longest fuselage in the 777 series, with a typical seating capacity of 400 to 420 seats.

    The 787-10 is the largest variant in the 787 family, capable of carrying 15 percent more passengers and cargo than the 787-9 currently in service. It is also more fuel efficient compared to similar-sized aircraft with reduced carbon emissions of over 20%.

    “The addition of the Boeing 777-9 and 787-10 aircraft marks a significant milestone in our strategic objective to expand and upgrade our fleet,” said Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air. “This investment underscores our commitment to providing a best-in-class flying experience. These new airplanes will elevate passenger comfort and enhance operational efficiency, while significantly reducing carbon emissions, supporting our long-term commitment to sustainable aviation.”

    “We are honored Korean Air has selected two of our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to their global network,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Boeing airplanes have played an integral role in the growth of Korean Air over the past 50 years, and we are confident the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will support the airline’s long-term sustainability goals and continued growth.”

    With the addition of the Boeing 777-9s and 787-10s, Korean Air plans to have a total of 203 next-generation, eco-friendly aircraft in its fleet by 2034, including 33 A350s, 50 A321neos and 20 Boeing 787-9s.

  • WhatsApp could add AirDrop-like file sharing feature to its iOS app

    WhatsApp could add AirDrop-like file sharing feature to its iOS app

    WhatsApp has been working on bringing a file-sharing feature to Android users for a few months now. The first proof that WhatsApp plans to introduce this functionality dates from April, but only the Android platform was mentioned in relation to this specific feature.

    Due to the limitations of the iOS ecosystem, bringing the same file-sharing feature to Apple fans would have required a slightly different strategy. Thankfully, WhatsApp seems to have found the right formula to allow users to share files through its app, similar to what AirDrop allows users to do.

    The folks at WABetaInfo discovered in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.15.10.70 update from the TestFlight app that the same file sharing feature tested on Android is likely to be added to the iOS app too.

    With the new feature iOS users will be able to share files with people nearby using WhatsApp’s iOS app. However, the feature works slightly differently on iOS, as users are required to scan a QR code in order to start receiving the shared files, whereas Android is using a nearby device detection method that doesn’t involve any extra steps to share files.

    The file-sharing feature is expected to work across different platforms no matter what type of phone/tablet users have. If the implementation of the feature remains the same as in the beta version of WhatsApp, iOS users will have to follow one or more extra steps to start sharing files

    According to the report, the AirDrop-like file sharing feature is still in the early stages of development, so WhatsApp can still significantly change its implementation approach.

    Obviously, there’s a slim chance that WhatsApp won’t add the ability to share files with nearby people at all, or at least not in the near future. We’ll be keeping an eye on this one since it seems to be one of the more important features that WhatsApp is still missing.

  • Google Messages might finally support sending high quality photos over RCS

    Google Messages might finally support sending high quality photos over RCS

    Google Messages and RCS (Rich Communication Services), the next step in SMS messaging (a greatly enhanced step, if you ask me), is going to get even better with Google’s future improvement

    The enhancement has to do with the way Google Messages handles images sent through the app – people have been complaining for a while now that the pictures are getting excessively compressed.

    For example, users are reporting that Google Messages over RCS shrunk a 50MP/6MB image down to just a 1.9MP/147kB shadow of its former self. That’s a lot of data lost, which equates to a worse quality. Not fun!

    That’s a pity, since RCS makes the default messaging app into a social media-like experience similar to WhatsApp, allowing users not only to send photos, videos, GIFs, and various other files, but RCS also supports end-to-end encryption, read receipts, and typing indicators.

    A change is going to come rather sooner than later, though: Google is apparently going to address the issue. According to the report, Google is finally going to increase the image compression limit.

    The analysis discovered code strings suggesting that users could soon send images up to 8,192 pixels wide and tall with JPEG quality set to 100. If the “Send Photos Faster” option is enabled, images will be compressed to 2,408 pixels with JPEG quality reduced to 90. Currently, this option compresses images to 1,600 pixels, significantly affecting their quality.

    This issue isn’t inherent to RCS, as other apps like Samsung Messages also use RCS without such limitations. The problem lies with Google, and if the company implements this change, users will notice a significant improvement in image quality sent through Google Messages. This change might be influenced by Apple’s decision to support RCS in its Messages app with iOS 18, as Google has frequently urged Apple to adopt RCS.

  • Google Maps rolling out one minor UI change that should make it easier to use

    Google Maps rolling out one minor UI change that should make it easier to use

    Google Maps is now rolling out a set of new changes on Android phones, which aim to make the app easier to use and understand. One of the most notable ones is the use of “sheets” instead of full screens to further streamline the look of the app.

    These sheets are like smaller windows that pop up on top of the map. They have rounded corners and let you see more of the map while you’re using them. It’s a subtle change, but it makes the app feel less cluttered and helps you stay oriented while you’re exploring.
    Google Maps before and after the new “sheets” | Images credit — 9to5Google

    For example, if you look up a place, the information will show up in a sheet instead of taking over your whole screen. You can close the sheet with a tap or a swipe. And if you want to get directions, the tools for choosing your mode of transportation (like driving or walking) are now at the bottom of the screen, making them easier to reach.

    Google has been working on this redesign throughout the year. They tried it out earlier this year but made some changes based on user feedback. Now, the new design is finally being rolled out to everyone who has the Google Maps app on their Android phone. If you have an iPhone, you’ll have to wait a bit longer.

    These are all the key changes to Google Maps for Android that are currently rolling out:

    • Sheets instead of full screens for a cleaner look and better map visibility
    • Rounded corners on sheets for a more modern feel
    • Easier access to transportation mode options at the bottom of the screen
    • Redesigned interface for searching for directions
    This update is all about making Google Maps more user-friendly and doesn’t really introduce any new functionality. However, by simplifying the design and making things easier to find, the app should become more helpful, particularly when you are out on the road in a hurry. If you have Google Maps on your Android phone, keep an eye out for this update rolling out to the stable version 11.136.x.
  • Google Photos to Apple iCloud Photos direct transfer tool rolling out next week

    Google Photos to Apple iCloud Photos direct transfer tool rolling out next week

    The users of Google’s Photos service will finally be able to send all of their media content collected there directly to Apple’s iCloud Photos. The Google Photos to iCloud Photos transfer tool is again provided thanks to the open-source Data Transfer Project (DTP) stack of the Data Transfer Initiative (DTI) that first made the reciprocal transfers from iCloud Photos to Google Photos a reality.
    The new tool will be available starting next week and, according to the new Apple and Google photo collection transfer guidelines, it will allow an easy and direct way to take your entire picture, album, and video collection with you by importing it into the competing service when getting a new device.
    If you got a new iPhone and want to bring your Google Photos content to iCloud, here’s what needs to be done:
    1. Go to Google Takeout and mark which albums you’d like to export
    2. Pick Apple – iCloud Photos as import service and sign in with your Apple ID.
    3. Tap Allow to share permission with Google to add photos and videos to iCloud.
    Alternatively, pick Photos under the Recently used Google services or Other Google services entries in your Google Account Dashboard, and tap the Transfer data button.
    Apple says that you will get a confirmation email when the Google Photos transfer is complete, while Google reminds that this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size and complexity of the transfer.
    Your photos and videos will then appear in the Photos app, all tucked in a dedicated album, with the name Import from Google and the date of the actual transfer. Since not all photos and videos can be indexed along with their metadata, if some appear missing, they will most likely be in a folder with the same name in your iCloud Drive storage system.
    The Data Transfer Initiative’s open-source Data Transfer Project technology stack counts Apple, Google, and Meta as its founding partners and provides tools like the direct Google Photos to iCloud Photos transfer for billions of their users.