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Tag: app

  • Apple Fitness+ Future: Will it Weather the Storm or Face a Shutdown?

    Apple Fitness+ Future: Will it Weather the Storm or Face a Shutdown?

    Despite questions about profitability, Apple’s Fitness+ service is poised to remain a part of the tech giant’s offerings. According to informed sources, it is improbable that the health and wellness service will cease, although it may experience some internal challenges moving forward.

    Apple Fitness+ Likely to Persist

    Fitness+ might not be the primary revenue generator for Apple, but it boasts a substantial user base. A potential discontinuation of the service could trigger an avalanche of negative media attention and social media uproar. The consensus is that Apple cannot afford to terminate Fitness+, as negative feedback would inflict more harm than the operational costs incurred by the service.

    Pressure on Fitness+ to Enhance its Performance

    The road ahead isn’t entirely smooth for Apple Fitness+. Sumbul Desai, the Head of Apple Health, has incorporated Fitness+ into her responsibilities and will now be directly reporting to Eddy Cue, Apple’s Services Chief.

    This structural change could signal a probable push for Fitness+ to boost its performance. The service might witness a substantial increase in promotions or more likely, the introduction of innovative, useful features designed to organically drive subscriptions.

    Unanimous opinion suggests that Apple is unlikely to discontinue Fitness+. Any financial advantage gained from such a move would be meager and would likely be immediately nullified by the subsequent negative media coverage.

    While Fitness+ might not appeal to everyone, the service’s unique elements have garnered a loyal following. What Apple could consider is diversifying the range of programs offered by Fitness+, in an attempt to engage a broader audience.

    Future Pricing Considerations

    Should the service see improvements and start attracting a wider swath of fitness devotees, we might observe a rise in its $10 monthly subscription fee. Given the current speculation that Fitness+ is not yielding substantial profits for Apple, it is conceivable that this could lead to a potential price increase.

    In such a scenario, Apple would need to expertly balance the value proposition of its new offerings with an appropriate pricing strategy for its increasing consumer base.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the future of Apple’s Fitness+ service?

    Apple’s Fitness+ service is expected to continue, although it could face internal pressure to improve performance and drive results.

    What changes can users expect in Apple Fitness+?

    Apple might consider introducing new, useful features and diversifying the range of programs on Fitness+, aiming to attract a larger audience.

    Could there be a price hike for the Fitness+ service in the future?

    If the service sees substantial improvements and gains a wider user base, there is a possibility of an increase in its monthly subscription fee. However, this would need to be balanced with maintaining customer satisfaction and perceived value.

  • WhatsApp Unveils Full-Fledged Native App for Apple Watch: Upgrade Your Messaging Experience Now!

    WhatsApp Unveils Full-Fledged Native App for Apple Watch: Upgrade Your Messaging Experience Now!

    WhatsApp has made a long-awaited move by releasing a specialized, native application designed specifically for the Apple Watch. This significant development includes voice messages and comprehensive chat history, effectively bringing key features to users’ fingertips.

    WhatsApp for Apple Watch: A Fresh Look

    Previous versions of WhatsApp for the Apple Watch left much to be desired, functioning essentially as a rudimentary notification center. Users would receive alerts and possibly view the first line of a message, but anything more involved required using an iPhone.

    The recent update signals a shift in this dynamic. WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, announced the launch of a completely new, native application built specifically for watchOS. This isn’t merely a slight tweak, but a comprehensive application designed to enhance the usability of the watch application.

    Key Features of the New Application

    With the new application, users can expect a variety of features including:

    – Reading complete messages, irrespective of length
    – Recording and sending voice messages
    – Identifying incoming calls with call notifications
    – Responding with emojis
    – Viewing better quality images and stickers
    – Accessing an extensive chat history

    While these features present exciting prospects, it’s important to note that they require the latest software. Users will need an Apple Watch Series 4 or later model and must run watchOS 10 or a newer version.

    For the millions of users, particularly outside the United States, who rely on WhatsApp as their primary mode of communication, this update represents a significant improvement on the Apple Watch’s functionality, which previously felt restricted by its iMessage-centric design.

    However, when compared to its competition, WhatsApp has been slow to adapt. For example, Telegram, one of WhatsApp’s main competitors, has long had an efficient native watch application. This allows users to browse chats, send voice messages, and even view stickers. The new WhatsApp application seems less like an innovative move and more like an attempt to catch up with the advanced features provided by its competitors.

    Despite these shortcomings, the arrival of the new application enhances the overall functionality of the Apple Watch, especially in terms of enabling quick replies without relying on an iPhone.

    Final Thoughts

    For users who regularly communicate overseas where WhatsApp maintains a stronger presence than iMessage, the update is a welcome development. The ability to swiftly send voice messages, a preferred method of communication for many, remedies a significant inconvenience previously experienced on the Apple Watch. This update single-handedly addresses this issue, making the Apple Watch a more comprehensive device.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the key features of the new WhatsApp application for the Apple Watch?
    The new application allows users to read complete messages, record and send voice messages, identify incoming calls with notifications, respond using emojis, view high-quality images and stickers, and access an extensive chat history.

    What is required to access the new WhatsApp application on the Apple Watch?
    To use the new WhatsApp application, users must have an Apple Watch Series 4 or later model and must run watchOS 10 or a newer version.

    Does the new application make WhatsApp more competitive?
    While the new features bring WhatsApp closer to its competitors, the update could be viewed as an effort to catch up with existing features offered by apps like Telegram rather than a groundbreaking innovation.

  • Apple’s Leadership Reshuffle: A Strategic Leap Towards Subscription-based Health Services

    Apple’s Leadership Reshuffle: A Strategic Leap Towards Subscription-based Health Services

    Apple Inc. is currently undergoing an extensive internal reshuffling due to the upcoming retirement of its longstanding Chief Operating Officer (COO), Jeff Williams. This strategic reorganization is prompting shifts in the leadership of key divisions such as Health, Fitness+, and watchOS, which provides a clear indication of the company’s future objectives.

    Leadership Transitions at Apple

    Significant alterations are unfolding within the confines of Apple Park. Jeff Williams, the COO and second-in-command to CEO Tim Cook, is nearing retirement, leading to the redistribution of his broad remit across the company. This is not merely a promotion, but a fundamental realignment of how some of Apple’s most crucial product groups will be run in the future.

    The specifics of this executive reshuffle are as follows:

    – The Health and Fitness+ teams are being merged and will report to Eddy Cue, the head of services at Apple.
    – The watchOS team will be overseen by Craig Federighi, who is responsible for software engineering for iOS, macOS, and iPadOS.
    – Full decision-making authority for the Apple Watch hardware will be transferred to John Ternus, the head of hardware engineering, who is rumored to be Cook’s potential successor.

    Strategic Changes for Future Growth

    This reorganization is much more than an administrative makeover; it clearly indicates Apple’s strategic trajectory. By reassigning the entire Health and Fitness division to Eddy Cue, it is aligned firmly with the services business. Given that Fitness+ operates on a subscription model, and a paid Health+ service is reportedly in the pipeline for next year, this alignment is logical. It suggests that Apple envisions a subscription-based future for its health initiatives, akin to Apple Music and TV+.

    Similarly, the consolidation of watchOS under Craig Federighi smoothens software development processes. Federighi will now manage every major Apple operating system, with the sole exception being tvOS. This is expected to facilitate greater integration across the entire ecosystem, leading to a more seamless user experience across iPhone, Mac, and Watch devices. This strategic shift is instrumental in gearing Apple for its next decade of expansion.

    Questions & Answers

    What precipitated Apple’s recent reorganization?
    The impending retirement of Jeff Williams, the company’s longstanding COO, triggered a significant internal restructuring at Apple.

    What are the implications of the reorganization for Apple’s key divisions?
    The Health and Fitness+ teams will now report to Eddy Cue, the head of services at Apple. The watchOS team will be overseen by Craig Federighi, and all Apple Watch hardware decisions will be handled by John Ternus, the head of hardware engineering.

    What does this reorganization indicate about Apple’s future strategy?
    This restructuring signifies Apple’s strategic direction towards subscription-based models for its health initiatives, and greater integration across its ecosystem for a seamless user experience.

  • Gojek Co-founder And Ex-education Minister, Nadiem Makarim, Detained In $121 Million Corruption Probe

    Gojek Co-founder And Ex-education Minister, Nadiem Makarim, Detained In $121 Million Corruption Probe

    Former Indonesian Education Minister and co-founder of the ride-hailing company Gojek, Nadiem Makarim, has been detained and named a suspect in a corruption case. The case involves allegations of malfeasance concerning laptop procurement. Makarim will be held for 20 days while the investigation progresses.

    Makarim’s Role in the Alleged Corruption

    Makarim served as the Education Minister from 2019 to 2024 and is accused of misconduct in the procurement of Google’s Chromebook laptops for his ministry and students. According to Nurcahyo Jungkung Madyo, the lead investigator, Makarim is believed to have misused his ministerial authority for personal enrichment or the benefit of a company, in violation of Indonesia’s anti-corruption laws. The damages from this case are estimated to have cost the state around 1.98 trillion rupiah (US$121.85 million).

    Before his detention, local media reported that Makarim stated, “I did not do anything. God will protect me, the truth will come out,” as he was leaving the prosecutor’s office for the detention house. No comment has been received from his legal representative.

    Procurement Specifications and Meetings with Google

    Prosecutors claim that Makarim had issued a directive in 2021, specifying procurement conditions that only the Chromebook laptop could meet. Furthermore, it is alleged that Makarim had six meetings with representatives from Google Indonesia prior to the selection of the Chromebook. Google Indonesia, however, declined to comment on the case involving Makarim, emphasizing that it operates with resellers and partners to provide its technology, and government agencies transact with them, not directly with Google.

    Gojek and the Investigation

    In July, the attorney general’s office conducted a search at the offices of Indonesian tech firm GoTo Gojek Tokopedia as part of the investigation. GoTo’s director of public affairs and communications, Ade Mulya, clarified that Makarim’s duties as education minister, including the procurement of Chromebooks for the ministry, were never related to GoTo’s operations. Makarim had withdrawn from Gojek in 2019 when he was appointed minister. In 2021, Gojek merged with the e-commerce startup Tokopedia to form GoTo Gojek Tokopedia, becoming Indonesia’s largest tech company.

    Questions & Answers

    Who is Nadiem Makarim?
    Nadiem Makarim is the co-founder of ride-hailing company Gojek and former Indonesian Education Minister.

    What are the allegations against Makarim?
    Makarim is accused of corrupt practices in the procurement of Google’s Chromebook laptops for his ministry and students. He is alleged to have misused his ministerial authority for personal or company enrichment.

    What is the potential cost of the alleged corruption?
    The estimated damages from the case are around 1.98 trillion rupiah (US$121.85 million).

  • Shein hit with complaint from EU consumer group over ‘dark patterns’

    Shein hit with complaint from EU consumer group over ‘dark patterns’

    The BEUC, a Pan-European consumer organization, has lodged a complaint with the European Commission against Shein, an online fast-fashion retailer. The grievance centers on Shein’s use of “dark patterns”, a series of strategies designed to increase purchases via its app and website.

    Manipulative Tactics

    The tactics employed by Shein, as described by BEUC, include pop-up messages urging customers to stay on the app to avoid missing out on deals, countdown timers creating a sense of urgency to finalize purchases, and an infinite scroll feature on the app. All these methods, BEUC asserts, could fall under the definition of “aggressive commercial practices”. The consumer advocacy group further highlighted Shein’s frequent use of notifications, with one instance showing a single phone receiving 12 alerts from the app in one day.

    Agustin Reyna, BEUC’s director general, commented on the matter, stating that such tactics align with the fast-fashion trend of stimulating mass consumption through volume. The issue, according to Reyna, lies in whether Shein is willing to abolish these “dark patterns”, given their potential impact on sales numbers.

    Shein’s Response and the Role of Gamification

    Shein, in response to the allegations, stated, “We are actively collaborating with national consumer authorities and the EU Commission to demonstrate our commitment to compliance with EU laws and regulations.” The company also mentioned that BEUC declined their request for a meeting.

    Shein and its competitor, Temu, another online discount platform, have experienced a surge in popularity in Europe, partly due to their apps’ gamified features. These apps engage shoppers with games that offer the chance to win discounts and products. One of the games on Shein’s app, “Puppy Keep”, encourages users to log into the app daily, feed a virtual dog, and collect points that can be exchanged for free items. Points can be earned by browsing the app and making purchases.

    Dark Patterns Across the Industry

    The BEUC acknowledged that “dark patterns” are not exclusive to Shein, but are commonly employed by many mass-market clothing retailers. In this line, they’ve called on the consumer protection network to broaden its investigation to include other retailers. BEUC’s complaint was supported by 25 of its member organizations across 21 countries, including France, Germany, and Spain.

    Last month, the European Commission issued a notification to Shein about practices breaching EU consumer law and warned of potential fines should the company fail to address these concerns. The firm is also under review from EU tech regulators regarding its compliance with EU online content rules.

    Questions & Answers

    What exactly are “dark patterns”?
    Dark patterns are tactics used by companies on their websites or apps designed to manipulate users into making purchases or taking certain actions.

    What is the “Puppy Keep” game on Shein’s app?
    “Puppy Keep” is a game on the Shein app where users feed a virtual dog and collect points that can be used to win free items. Users can earn more points by browsing the app and making purchases.

    What actions has the European Commission taken regarding Shein’s practices?
    The European Commission has notified Shein about practices that violate EU consumer law and warned of potential fines if they do not rectify these issues. Additionally, the company is under investigation from EU tech regulators regarding its adherence to EU online content rules.

  • China Airlines partners with Chunghwa Telecom Laboratories on new roadmap to develop airline AI applications

    China Airlines partners with Chunghwa Telecom Laboratories on new roadmap to develop airline AI applications

    China Airlines (CAL), a Taiwan-based carrier, has strategically positioned itself for the future by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) this month with Chunghwa Telecom Laboratories (CHTTL) to expand the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology resources. The two companies will share their respective industry applications and R&D technology to co-develop an integrated AI development and management platform. This strategic move will not only make services more accessible to travelers but also define a new roadmap for AI development in the airline industry.

    As the first airline to form such a partnership with CHTTL, CAL will focus on enhancing the AI service experience and strengthening corporate management of on-premises AI applications. The incorporation of “AI interactive voice response” functionality with customer service chatbots into the CAL website will provide travelers with additional answers to their inquiries, enhancing their overall experience. “Customer conservation analytics” performed by generative AI will analyze and categorize questions in audio files in real time to help customer service staff track common traveler questions with great precision. The data can also be used to improve internal education and training as well as enhance the productivity and quality of customer service.$

    For internal enterprise management, CAL will combine AI “forecasting and early warning applications” with big data to accurately predict the number and weight of luggage on each flight. The information can be used to maximize the utilization of belly cargo space on passenger flights and cargo hold space on freighter flights, which promises savings for the workforce. At the same time, the two companies will co-develop a “Smart Generative AI Platform” that uses machine learning model management and the construction of large language models (LLM) to accelerate the scaling and deployment of AI operations. The platform will also assist businesses with more effective management of on-premises AI applications and shorten model development time.

    Research and development of telecommunications and information-communications technologies have always been the focus of CHTTL. The Labs have played a key role in defining international standards and industrial innovation as well. Current fields of research include the core technologies for broadband networking, mobile networking, AI, and information security. CHTTL has already developed numerous AI applications for enterprise use, including AI customer service chatbots, AI voice assistances, and the customer sentiment analysis platform (DeepVoice). These solutions have been recognized by the Taiwan Excellence Awards, National Brand Yushan Awards, and other top awards, demonstrating the quality and innovation of CHTTL’s work. The latest partnership will lead to new milestones in the use of smart AI technology in the Taiwanese airline industry.

    CAL continues to promote innovative services by incorporating the latest AI applications into its traveler experience and into internal management to boost team productivity. In 2024, CAL became the first Taiwanese carrier to receive the award for Best AI System Application Team at the Customer Service Excellence Awards (CSEA). CAL will continue to track the latest developments in the AI industry and collaborate with leading external organizations to build strategic partnerships that will accelerate AI development and boost international competitiveness through smart airline AI services.

  • Fitbit app redesign finally makes Health Metrics easier to read on Android and iOS

    Fitbit app redesign finally makes Health Metrics easier to read on Android and iOS

    Fitbit continues to advance its mobile app experience and the latest update focuses on one of the most essential areas for health-oriented users—the Health Metrics. Users of Android and iOS devices can now access the updated Health Metrics section..

    Until now, the Health Metrics section displayed data through two tabs dubbed  “Today” and “Trends.” The interface contained health data across both tabs but it appeared disconnected from other sections of the application.

    That’s finally changingFitbit eliminated the tabbed interface structure in their latest update. The health metrics data now occupies a single scrollable page without any tabs. Users can view their health statistics through a simple summary widget located at the top that shows their performance across five health metrics using a five-point scale. This feature used to exist exclusively in the “Today”  feed.

    Underneath the summary widget, there’s now a well-organized list of five core metrics:

    • Breathing Rate (BR)
    • Blood Oxygen (SpO2)
    • Resting Heart Rate (RHR)
    • Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
    • Skin Temperature Variation

    Each metric is shown in a card format, making it easier to understand at a glance. Tapping on any of these entries opens a more detailed “Trends” view that now includes Week, Month and Year filters, giving users a better view of long-term health changes.

    The new and more detailed trend pages include short explanations written in simple language for each statistic. For example, breathing rate is described as “the number of breaths you take per minute.”

    The update seems cosmetic at first glance but it greatly improves the user experience. The redesigned interface provides better responsiveness and improved navigation while maintaining design consistency throughout the application.

    This Health Metrics redesign is part of a broader visual overhaul across the Fitbit app. The Water Tracking screen was updated recently, and now Health Metrics follows suit. Next in line? Food logging, which still uses an older interface and could definitely benefit from a similar revamp.

    The new UI comes with the Fitbit 4.39 update for iOS, while the Android versions is rolling out more slowly. Not all users have access to it just yet, as Google which now lists Fitbit under its official “Google LLC” developer account—appears to be releasing it in waves.

  • Bluesky user base soars to two million new members in just one week

    Bluesky user base soars to two million new members in just one week

    Bluesky, the decentralized social network, has recently announced a remarkable surge in its user base, adding an impressive two million new members in just one week. This significant growth brings the platform’s total user count to around 8.4 million, marking a substantial increase in a short period. The announcement, which was also translated into Portuguese, suggests that a considerable portion of these new users might be from Brazil.

    Bluesky’s growth can be attributed to several factors. The platform has been actively introducing features that users seek, such as direct messaging, with plans for group messaging, media support, and end-to-end encryption in the pipeline. Additionally, Bluesky’s decentralized nature and focus on user control might be appealing to individuals looking for alternatives to traditional social media platforms.

    Of course, the elephant in the room is this: Is this incredible and sudden growth attributed to X’s ban in Brazil? Speculation seems to agree with this, considering the recent post on the platform’s blog in the country’s native language.

    While Bluesky may not yet match the feature set of more established platforms, it plans to introduce video functionalities in its next major update, which could further enhance its appeal and help retain its growing user base. The platform, founded in 2019 by Twitter’s Jack Dorsey, initially launched as an invite-only network but opened to the public earlier this year.

    Interestingly, Dorsey, who left Bluesky’s board in May, has since expressed concerns about the platform “repeating the mistakes” he made while running Twitter. Despite this, Bluesky’s recent surge demonstrates its growing popularity and potential to become a significant player in the social media landscape.

    Bluesky’s rapid growth points to a broader trend of users seeking alternative social media platforms that prioritize user control, privacy, and innovative features. As the platform continues to evolve and expand its offerings, it will be exciting to see how it shapes the future of social networking and whether it can sustain its current momentum.

  • WhatsApp is working on a voice chat mode for Meta AI

    WhatsApp is working on a voice chat mode for Meta AI

    WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, is rolling out a new beta update for Android users that hints at an interesting feature in development – voice chat mode for interacting with Meta AI.

    This new feature will enable users to engage in real-time conversations with Meta AI using voice commands, providing a hands-free and potentially more efficient way to interact with the AI chatbot.

    According to the findings, in addition to voice commands, users will be able to personalize their experience by choosing from a selection of voices for Meta AI’s responses. This feature will likely be available in a future update, allowing users to customize the AI’s voice to their liking.

    WhatsApp is also testing a shortcut to activate Meta AI’s voice chat mode directly from the chats list. This will allow users to quickly and easily start voice interactions with the chatbot without having to navigate through multiple menus.

    While Meta AI will continuously listen to voice commands in voice chat mode, users will have the ability to stop the mode at any time by leaving the chat or switching to text mode. This ensures that users maintain control over their privacy and interactions with the AI. Additionally, a visual indicator provided by the Android OS will inform users when Meta AI is actively listening, offering further transparency and control.

    This latest development affirms Meta’s commitment to incorporating AI chatbots across its platforms. It’s part of a broader strategy to make their apps more interactive and engaging, and ultimately keep users coming back for more.

    Although the voice chat mode feature for Meta AI is still in development, it represents yet another step forward in the integration of AI with everyday communication platforms. While the potential benefits are clear, it remains to be seen how widely adopted and truly useful this feature will be in practice. Will users embrace voice interactions with AI chatbots, or will concerns about privacy and the accuracy of voice recognition technology limit its appeal? As AI continues to evolve, the future of communication on platforms like WhatsApp may be shaped by our willingness to engage with these increasingly sophisticated AI companions.

  • YouTube reveals new design for its TV app

    YouTube reveals new design for its TV app

    YouTube has just announced a new design for its TV app that will be rolled out to all users over the next few weeks. The new design is supposed to bring familiar YouTube features and interactivity to the living room while maintaining the same experience that fans of the service know and love.

    The main change is the reduced size of the video player, which is meant to simplify interactions. In addition to the visual changes, the new design will include a broad range of new experiences such as shopping and viewing live scores, as well as improvements to existing functionality like accessing video descriptions and comments.

    Before deciding what to actually change and what to keep in the new design, YouTube tapped into user feedback provided by long-time users, and here what the service learned:

    • The new design works for features that require equal or more attention than the video itself (e.g. comments, description, live chat) but obscuring the video would be detrimental to the viewing experience.
    • We need to continue to prioritize simplicity over the introduction of additional lightweight controls.
    • A one size fits all solution may not be the best approach, as features such as live chat and video description benefit from different levels of immersion.

    The end result “keeps the video front and center, but layers in the ability to access the features that make YouTube unique – all without interrupting the viewing experience.

    The bottom line is the new experience focuses on the ability to read through comments and video description while still having the video player in front of your eyes. It’s an interesting concept that will allow YouTube TV subscribers to explore Views without disrupting what they’re watching.

  • Vietnamese billionaire’s taxi firm to expand to Laos

    Vietnamese billionaire’s taxi firm to expand to Laos

    GSM, an exclusively all-electric taxi company owned by Vietnam’s richest man Pham Nhat Vuong, plans to open services in Laos this year.

    The company, which uses only VinFast electric vehicles, aims to ship 150 electric cars to Laos first, and then increase the number to 1,000 by the end of the year. The cars will be the VF 5 Plus and VF e34 models.

    It will eventually sell and lease VinFast electric cars, similar to its services in Vietnam.

    “This is the first step in GSM’s plan to go overseas, giving it a place in the regional and global markets, is to help introduce electric vehicles to users,” GSM CEO Nguyen Van Thanh wrote on his personal social media page.

    GSM was established in March by Vingroup chairman Pham Nhat Vuong, who owns a 95% stake. It offers taxi and motorbike ride-hailing services.

    The company has partnered with ride-hailing Be Group to incorporate VinFast vehicles in the taxi service.

    GSM is the largest buyer of VinFast cars, according to a report VinFast sent to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the second quarter.

    GSM had received 7,100 electric cars from VinFast by the end of the second quarter. It had earlier signed a deal with VinFast to buy 200,000 electric bikes and 30,000 electric cars.

  • The Files by Google app is about to become smarter

    The Files by Google app is about to become smarter

    Google is reportedly working on a new feature for its Android Files app called Smart Search, which will automatically identify and highlight important documents. This could make it easier for users to find the files they need, such as contracts, tax documents, or medical records.
    Smart Search, not to be confused with Smart Storage which helps you save space on your device by deleting media that has already been backed up to Google Photos, is meant for files in the Documents folder of the Files app. It will use machine learning to identify important documents based on a variety of factors, including their content, file type, and creation date. Once a document has been identified as important, it will be highlighted in the Files app so that users can easily find it

    This was originally found and reported by @AssembleDebug on X, who was able to enable the feature via a flag. While testing, the leaker found that the feature will automatically and periodically scan and index your documents and images using something akin to OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to identify text within those files. Additionally, as the name implies, search will be available to find the related text and document in which it is contained.

    In addition to highlighting important documents, Smart Search can also suggest related documents. For example, if a user opens a contract, Smart Search might suggest other contracts that the user has saved. This could help users to stay organized and find the documents they need more quickly.
    Smart Search is still in development, but it is believed that it will be released in a future update to the Files app. It is a new and innovative feature that could make the Files app even more useful, especially when an important detail in a document is needed right away.
  • Netflix adds new feature to iOS, Android to help you quickly find content to watch

    Netflix adds new feature to iOS, Android to help you quickly find content to watch

    Netflix announced today that it is adding a new feature to its popular mobile phone app. Called My Netflix, this is a one-stop shop for both iOS and Android users that features shortcuts to help you find something to stream on the platform. The new My Netflix Hub will show you the content you recently downloaded, the movies and television shows you gave a thumbs up to, shows and movies you’ve saved to My List, trailers that you’ve viewed, what content you’re in the middle of watching, content you’ve recently viewed and more.

    With the My Netflix Hub, you can check it out wherever you are to get ideas of what to watch next including shows and movies that you’re in the middle of watching, or content that you’ve downloaded to view at any time. Even with the capabilities of the My Netflix Hub, you can always visit your Home tab or other parts of the app to see the entire Netflix library.

    The My Netflix Hub learns more about you the more you use it. So if you save more medical dramas or give a thumbs up to every episode of Grey’s Anatomy, you’re apt to find more medical dramas in the My Netflix Hub. The Hub is rolling out today to iOS users and will be available on Android devices early next month. Check to see if the My Netflix Hub has arrived by opening the app and looking for the tab on the bottom right corner of the display.
    If the My Netflix Hub hasn’t been added to your iOS Netflix app, you can try to manually update the app by opening the App Store and tapping on the profile picture in the upper right corner. You’ll see a list of apps that are in a queue to be updated. Scroll down until you see “Netflix” (that is, if it appears on the list) and tap on “Update.” Wait for the app to be updated before you open the Netflix app to check whether the My Netflix Hub has arrived on your iPhone. I can tell you that the update has hit the Netflix app on my iPhone 11 Pro Max running iOS 16.6.
  • Google suspends China’s Pinduoduo app on security concerns

    Google suspends China’s Pinduoduo app on security concerns

    Google has suspended the Play version of Chinese eCommerce app Pinduoduo after security issues were discovered in app versions outside Google’s app store. 

    Off-Play versions of the app that have been found to contain malware have been enforced on via Google Play Protect, and the Play version of the app has been suspended for security concerns.

    Meanwhile, Pinduoduo has also confirmed to Reuters that the app has been temporarily suspended as the current version is not compliant with Google’s Policy. No further details were shared, according to the report.

    The Pinduoduo app no longer appears in Google Play. Meanwhile, both shoppers and sellers versions of Pinduoduo App are still available to download on Apple’s iOS store. It was unclear if there are similar security concerns around the Pinduoduo app for Apple users.

    Founded in 2015 by PDD Holdings, Pingduoduo started as a fresh agriculture platform before expanding to a leading social commerce player serving approximately 900 million users, according to its website. As a company rooted in agriculture, Pinduoduo has worked with more than 16 million farmers and their communities to take part in and benefit from the fast-growing digital economy. True to its slogan “Together, More savings, More fun”, Pinduoduo strives to bring fun into consumers’ shopping journey.

  • AirAsia Announces New CEO for Superapp Business

    AirAsia Announces New CEO for Superapp Business

    AirAsia on Tuesday announced the appointment of Mohamad Hafidz, who is currently the chief fintech officer, as the acting CEO of AirAsia superapp from April 1 onwards.

    With nearly 30 years in the payments industry, Hafidz, populary known as Mo, will succeed Amanda Woo in his new role.

    Woo was appointed CEO of the superapp in May 2021, she was then the chief commercial officer.

    Speaking to Skift earlier, Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, had said that AirAsia would now be killing its other operations in the superapp to focus on what he calls its bread and butter — travel.

    “Now that travel has returned, we’ve shifted our focus to making the superapp very much a travel fintech superapp,” Fernandes told Skift.

    In his new role, Hafidz would continue to drive the platform’s fintech vision that will further help to boost the superapp’s choices for its users and bring more revenue to the business, the company said in a release.

    Having assisted in shaping regulatory policies in several regional markets, Hafidz has been a strong advocate for payments innovation and security in the Asia Pacific region.

    Hafidz’s appointment follows the recent leadership transition announcement at AirAsia Digital, which include AirAsia superapp and BigPay.

    Colin Currie will be taking on dual roles as AirAsia Digital’s CEO and president, commercial of Capital A.

    Currie will lead the effort to forge a closer collaboration between AirAsia superapp and BigPay to create a better user experience in travel and payment for users within the Capital A ecosystem, a company release said.

    Capital A also appointed its head of investments John Cheing as the chief financial officer for AirAsia Digital and AirAsia superapp.

    Calling fintech an essential part of travel, Fernandes had earlier spoken about the role that BigPay, Capital A’s fintech arm, would play in creating lending for travel as well as for insurance.

    In its fourth quarter results, the company had showed strong performances in both its superapp and fintech business.

    “We are excited to be launching the next phase of growth in our digital portfolios,” Fernandes had said earlier.