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Tag: asia

  • Singapore’s ride-hailing platform Tada sets sight on Hong Kong

    Singapore’s ride-hailing platform Tada sets sight on Hong Kong

    Singapore-based ride-hailing company Tada will expand to Hong Kong in November with up to 4,000 vehicles as part of a collaboration with local taxi firms.

    “Singapore and Hong Kong share many similarities, which allows us to bring what we have learnt from our success in Singapore over to Hong Kong,” Tada’s chief executive officer Sean Kim said.

    As Hong Kong does not allow drivers to operate transport services without a taxi or car-hire permit, ride-hailing firms such as Uber have been focusing on partnering with taxi drivers.

    Tada charges a fixed platform fee per ride instead of a flexible commission as other ride-hailing apps.

    This policy appeals to drivers as it allows them to keep more of their earnings and will result in better service, Kim said.

    Tada was established in 2018 and is one of five ride-hailing platforms licensed in Singapore.

    Hong Kong has three services currently operating in the city, including U.S.-based Uber, Beijing-based Didi.

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  • 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.

  • Dollar gains on black market

    Dollar gains on black market

    The U.S. dollar rose against the Vietnamese dong on the black market Friday afternoon.

    Unofficial exchange points sold the greenback at VND25,750, up 0.53% from Thursday.

    The State Bank of Vietnam kept its rate unchanged at VND24,246.

    The dollar has risen 5.36% to VND25,750 against the dong this year.

    Globally the dollar was poised to snap a two-week losing streak on Friday, as traders pondered the U.S. rates outlook, while the yen was steady after inflation in Japan accelerated for a second month, keeping the prospect of a rate hike there on the table.

    The U.S. dollar was on the front foot in Asian hours after a stormy week that saw the yen, euro and sterling make significant gains against the greenback as investors fully price in a rate cut from the Federal Reserve as soon as September.

    The yen was at 157.72 per dollar after touching a six-week high of 155.375 on Thursday, according to Bank of Japan data. This was in the wake of Tokyo’s suspected interventions last week that could total nearly 6 trillion yen ($38.14 billion).

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  • VinFast VF 5 Vietnam’s most popular car by wide margin

    VinFast VF 5 Vietnam’s most popular car by wide margin

    VinFast sold 13,000 units of its VF 5 electric car in Vietnam in the first half of the year, making it the top seller in the market.

    A person familiar with the matter said that 20,000 VF 5s were sold globally.

    Mitsubishi Xpander was the second most popular car in Vietnam with 7,773 units, followed by the Ford Ranger, which sold almost exactly the same number.

    But analysts said it is still early to decide if VinFast has won over Vietnamese consumers with the crossover VF 5 as a large number were bought to be used as taxis and ride-hailing vehicles.

    “Eventually all car manufacturers want to sell to retailers, not taxi companies,” an analyst who asked not to be identified said.

    We are making efforts to convince retail consumers to buy the VF 5 by offering personalized color choices and other incentives.

    Many ride-hailing drivers buy the VF 5 for its affordable price and the fact that electricity is cheaper than gasoline.

    Overall, 154,265 cars were sold in the first six months, down 7% year-on-year, according to data from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association and Hyundai Thanh Cong, which sells Hyundai cars.

    VinFast does not release data by market but said it delivered 21,800 units globally, down 8% year-on-year.

  • Dollar weakens on black market

    Dollar weakens on black market

    The U.S. dollar fell against the Vietnamese dong on the black market Tuesday morning. Unofficial exchange points sold the greenback at VND25,690, down 0.35% from Wednesday.

    Vietcombank kept its rate unchanged at VND25,457. The State Bank of Vietnam’s reference rate was stable at VND24,245.

    The dollar has risen over the dong by 4.16% since the beginning of the year.

    Globally, the dollar hung around five-week lows on Tuesday as comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell bolstered the case for a rate cut in September, while cryptocurrencies gained on rising odds of former President Donald Trump getting reelected.

    Powell said on Monday that the three U.S. inflation readings over the second quarter of this year “add somewhat to confidence” that the pace of price increases is returning to the Fed’s target sustainably.

    The euro was a shade lower at $1.0893, while sterling last fetched $1.2967. The dollar index, which measures the U.S. unit versus six peers, was at 104.3, not far from the one month low of 104 it touched on Monday.

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  • Google Wallet’s upcoming option to scan and store “Everything else” is getting close to a rollout

    Google Wallet’s upcoming option to scan and store “Everything else” is getting close to a rollout

    Google Wallet is adding a new feature that lets you scan and store digital copies of various documents and passes, including loyalty cards, passports, IDs, and more. The feature, called “Everything else,” was first shown off at Google I/O earlier this year and is expected to roll out to users soon.

    Before you can use the feature, Google Wallet will ask for your permission to process your data, but it assures users that all processing happens on your device and no data is sent to Google’s servers. This information was accessed through an APK breakdown by enabling hidden flags in the code.

    Once you give permission, you can scan and save two types of documents: normal and private. Normal documents, like your student ID or business card, don’t need any special security to add or access them. Private documents, like your driver’s license or tax ID, will require biometric authentication, such as your fingerprint or face scan, for added security.

    Google Wallet will try to automatically identify, scan, and categorize the documents you add. It can recognize various document types, like loyalty cards, passports, IDs, insurance cards, event tickets, and more. If it can’t figure out what type of document it is, it will put it in an “Other” category, and you can manually enter the information yourself.

    You can also change the category of a document if you think it’s been labeled incorrectly. You can add more information to scanned documents, with each document category supporting up to five additional fields.

    Sometimes, changing a document’s category might remove the scanned information, requiring you to re-enter the details. However, if you switch back to the original category, the information should reappear. This is designed to make sure that the feature doesn’t accidentally mislabel information in your scanned documents.

    This new feature isn’t yet available in the current version of Google Wallet, but Google has already announced that it will be included in a future update.

  • 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.
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  • Cheap imported meats flood market

    Cheap imported meats flood market

    Some 304,850 tons of meat and meat products were imported in the first five months of 2024, up 29% year-on-year, at an average price of VND46,000 (US$1.8) per kilogram.

    According to data from the Agency of Foreign Trade, they shot up in May to 76,120 tons worth $140 million, up 32.1% from a year ago in volume and 28.6% in value.

    India, the U.S., Russia, Poland, and Brazil are Vietnam’s top suppliers.

    In HCMC, imported frozen pork is 30-40% cheaper than local products.

    Thanh Hoa, owner of a meat import business in the city’s Tan Binh District, said prices of Vietnamese pork are rising.

    The Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam warned that cheap imports could pose unhealthy competition to domestic products and affect consumers’ health if they are of low quality.

    It called on authorities to tighten control over meat imports to protect both consumers’ health and the local industry.

  • Vivo smartphone damaged ID card chip, users complain

    Vivo smartphone damaged ID card chip, users complain

    Some Vivo smartphone users have complained that the device damaged the chip on their ID cards after making near-field communications contact, an allegation the Chinese company is verifying.

    A Vivo-focused social media group with 33,000 members has been getting dozens of posts about users’ ID card being damaged digitally after making NFC contact with their phones. The complaints mostly involve high-end Vivo phones such as the X100 Pro, X100 Ultra and X100S Pro, which are not sold in Vietnam and are bought overseas.

    However, there are also some complaints about the X80 Pro, a model Vivo sells in the country.

    Vu Duy Tan of HCMC said after using a Vivo phone to connect with his ID card, the latter no longer connected with other smartphones.

    He got it replaced but found the same thing happening again.

    Dang Tien Dung of Can Tho City also discovered a similar problem with his Vivo X100 Pro.

    His ID card used to connect normally with an Oppo phone but stopped doing so after he once used the Vivo phone.

    After finding the card could not connect with any other phone, he suspected its chip was damaged.

    A Vivo Vietnam spokesperson said some users have reported the issue to the company. Vivo is now investigating the issue.

    NFC is a technology found in phones, cards and payment machines. Tech analyst Le Cong Minh Khoi said a card chip could be damaged if a smartphone’s NFC signals are too strong.

    A similar thing happens when people put their smartphones next to NFC cards such as hotel door keys for a long time, he added.

  • Gasoline prices slip after 5 weeks rising

    Gasoline prices slip after 5 weeks rising

    Gasoline prices on Thursday fell slightly after increasing non-stop since early June.

    The popular fuel RON95 dropped 1.10% to VND23,290 ($0.92) per liter. Biofuel E5 RON92 declined by 0.80% to VND22,280.

    Diesel fell 1.61% to VND20,830.

    Global gasoline prices in the last seven days were affected by possible ceasefire deals in the Gaza, the U.S. entering summer travel peak time, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to regulators.

    Gasoline has dropped by 0.1-0.4% while oils fell 1-1.4% in the period. RON95 is now at $97.8 per barrel, and diesel at $101.2.

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  • Google Messages may get Snapchat-like 3D effects soon

    Google Messages may get Snapchat-like 3D effects soon

    Google Messages is reportedly working on new features that will allow users to share photos and videos with fun avatars and 3D effects, much like Snapchat’s popular Lenses feature. This is according to an APK breakdown of the app’s code, which suggests that the feature is still in development and unknown when it will be released to the public.

    If the feature does make it to a public release, it could offer a new way for users to express themselves and add some personality to their messages. The 3D effects appear to mimic the user’s facial movements, with some effects covering the user’s face entirely and others adding accessories like hats or glasses.

    The feature in action shows a new button in the app’s camera UI that brings up a carousel of available effects. Users can tap on the icons in the carousel to trigger the effects, and then capture a photo or video using the shutter button. Below are the nine effects that are hidden in the current version of Google Messages:

    • Bunny
    • Glasses
    • Dinosaur
    • Film Noir
    • Glowing hat
    • Runner
    • Portrait touch-up
    • Strawberry
    • Valentine’s Day panda

    However, it is possible that Google may add more effects before the feature is released to the public. The company has not yet shared any official information about the feature or a possible release timeline, but if testing works out and the company decides to roll it out, it is expected that more details will follow.

    The addition of Snapchat-like filters to Google Messages could be a welcome change for users who are looking for new ways to express themselves and add some personality to their messages. It will be interesting to see how this feature develops and how it is received by users if and when it is eventually released.

    It is clear that Google is investing heavily in Google Messages, and it is likely that we will see even more new features and improvements in the future. The app is already one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, and it is only going to become more popular as Google continues to add new features and make it more user-friendly.

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  • Gold ring price inches up

    Gold ring price inches up

    Saigon Jewelry Company gold ring price rose 0.07% to VND75.95 million (US$2,987.21) per tael Wednesday morning.

    Gold bar price was stable at VND76.98 million per tael. A tael equals 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces

    Gold price was at $2,367.43 per ounce at the time of publishing.

    The growing speculation that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) is likely to start cutting rates as early as September continues to support the non-yielding metal. Furthermore, political uncertainties within Europe and globally might boost Gold price, a traditional safe-haven asset.

    On the other hand, the pause of China’s central bank Gold purchases for a second consecutive month might prompt traders to reduce bullish bets in the yellow metal as China is the world’s largest gold consumer.

  • Tax collection from online vendors rises by 54%

    Tax collection from online vendors rises by 54%

    Tax collection from online sellers rose 54% year-on-year in the first half to VND9.98 trillion (US$392 million) as the government cracks down on tax evasion by e-commerce sellers.

    Some 43,000 vendors and businesses aid taxes, with over 4,500 also paying fines for violations, according to the General Department of Taxation.

    Typically, a seller needs to pay 1.5% revenue tax.

    Delays in registering a business and apprising the tax office about sales data could result in a fine of VND15 million.

    The government estimates there are 3.1 million households and individuals doing business across the country, many of them online, who have not registered with tax authorities.

    The department of taxation is cross-checking their data with that of the Ministries of Public Security and Industry and Trade, and e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, Sendo, and Tiki to ensure no one escapes the tax net.

    Hanoi has identified thousands of online vendors, including livestreamers, and collected VND10 trillion from them in the first six months.

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  • Spotify enhances podcasts with new commenting feature

    Spotify enhances podcasts with new commenting feature

    Spotify is launching Comments for podcasts and a new mobile app for podcasters to build stronger relationships with their listeners. These new tools allow podcasters to manage their shows and engage with fans in a deeper and more convenient way.

    The company has been adding features to their podcasts for some time now. A few years ago, the platform introduced Q&A and polls to allow listeners to interact with podcasts. Since their introduction, over 9 million unique Spotify users have engaged with a Q&A or poll and interactions have grown by 80% year-over-year. This suggests that interactive features like Comments are in high demand.

    Ben Wilson, the creator of “How to Take Over the World,” shared that he uses Comments to get feedback from his audience and understand which takeaways from the podcast resonate most with them. This feedback helps him create a stronger connection with listeners and makes podcasting more rewarding for him.

    The new Comments feature builds on the existing Q&A and polls functionality. With Comments, Spotify hopes to further enhance the interactive experience for both podcasters and listeners. This feature is available to all podcast creators, regardless of where their episodes are hosted. Creators can manage listener feedback, track their podcast’s growth, and interact with listeners, all through the new Spotify for Podcasters mobile app.

    The new Spotify for Podcasters mobile app has been rebuilt to be more inclusive and now works for all podcasters, regardless of where their show is hosted. It also includes new notification features that help podcasters stay informed about their show’s performance and listener feedback. The ability to manage comments has also been added to the app.

    Spotify’s VP of Podcast Product, Maya Prohovnik, stated in an interview that Comments were a highly requested feature by podcasters and listeners alike. Furthermore, she stated that since Spotify is committed to making its platform the best place for creators to connect with their fans, the addition of Comments aims to achieve that goal. Historically, podcasts have been a one-sided experience, and while features like Polls and Q&A have been available for some time, there has been a desire for more direct interaction.

    The new features and app are designed to offer a better podcasting experience for everyone involved. For podcast creators, these tools provide a meaningful way to grow their audience and strengthen relationships with listeners. For fans, the biggest benefit is the ability to connect with their favorite podcasters on a deeper level, directly on the platform where they are already listening.

  • Google Maps “Promoted Pins” feature that’s freaking everyone out is not new

    Google Maps “Promoted Pins” feature that’s freaking everyone out is not new

    When Anthony Higman, the person who first posted about the feature, was told the same, he was adamant that he did not tap anything, and the suggestion popped up on its own. The good news is that Higman said that the popup disappeared on its own in less than a minute.

    While it’s not clear if “Promoted Pins” can sometimes show up on their own, it’s a relief that they disappear after a while

    As X user Anthony Higman has shared, Google’s map app will not shy away from suggesting a quick detour to get you to visit one of the locations paying it to advertise on the app. Highman was asked to make a stop at Royal Farms, which is rated 2.9.

    Apparently, these hangouts are suggested arbitrarily and don’t have anything to do with your search history, which is how online ads usually work.

    As if we don’t already have enough ads all around us, be it billboards on the road or on websites we frequent, Google has somehow decided it’s a good idea to blast ads in your face when you are driving.

    Since the ads appear while you are driving, they are quite distracting and potentially dangerous. And from the looks of it, the popup doesn’t go away unless you tap on “Cancel” or “Add stop.” Given many people rely on audio instructions while driving, tempting them to interact with the screen could jeopardise their safety.

    A sponsored ad in Google Maps in the middle of your journey could potentially cause you to lose sight of where you were supposed to be going, especially if you are a new or inexperienced driver.

    Google seems to have lifted this bright idea from its subsidiary Waze, which is allegedly only supposed to show sponsored suggestions when your vehicle is not moving, but, as some users have observed, that’s not the case.

    It’s not known whether this feature is in testing or is here to stay. Higman has already declared that he will stop using the app if he gets sponsored suggestions every time he is driving. Not everyone hates the feature though, with one X user mentioning that it could be a good way to discover new places to go to.

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