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Ford Takes Centre Stage with Microsoft at Gamescom

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Ford has announced that the virtual driving simulator series Forza Motorsport has acted as a digital showroom for Ford. The game further enables more consumers than ever before to experience rare, high-performance vehicles such as the Ford GT.

In creating the all-new high-performance Ford GT, the pioneers behind the supercar designed it not only to win races but also to serve as a test bed for new technologies and ideas for future vehicles across Ford’s vehicle lineup.

At Gamescom – Europe’s biggest interactive games trade fair – experts from Ford and Microsoft are participating in a panel discussion about the growing relevance of digital driving experiences for consumers. Forza Motorsport 6 players have collectively spent more than 398 years driving a total of more than 466 million kilometres in Ford vehicles since the game’s launch in 2015. The Ford GT – the game’s cover star – is the most driven car in the game, having covered 66 million kilometres. 

The Ford GT and the acclaimed Focus RS hot hatchback are among the Ford vehicles available to race in Forza. A Ford specialist worked with the game’s developers to ensure every virtual Ford model featured delivers the most accurate imitation of the real car. Ford and Turn10 studios spent almost a year developing the virtual version of the Ford GT using real-world data from the supercar’s top-secret development process to deliver highly realistic looks, performance, and even engine and transmissions sounds.

In the future, Ford anticipates virtual reality technology could offer a convenient way for customers to test drive vehicles from the comfort of their homes. Visitors to Ford’s Gamescom stand will discover interactive activities, including the opportunity to experience the first-of-its-kind Ford Reality Check app using Google Daydream VR, created by Ford, Google and award-winning virtual reality studio Happy Finish.

The app brings to life the potentially fatal consequences of driving while distracted, casting users as a distracted driver picking up friends on the way to a party. Instant messages, phone calls and chatty passengers all compete for attention, sparking a series of near misses. The final distraction proves fatal due to the driver being distracted. The app’s creators hope it will help young people to develop safer driving practices.

Forza players can win the chance to drive the Focus RS on track with tuition from Ford Chip Ganassi Racing driver Harry Tincknell, by setting the fastest virtual lap of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit using the gaming pods at the Ford show stand. Visitors also will be able to experience Tincknell’s real-world lap of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, using 3D virtual reality headsets, while seated in the Focus RS.

Robotics enthusiasts can try their hand at programming a “YuMi” collaborative robot to perform tasks. Ford is among first auto makers to develop a new, closely integrated approach to car workers and collaborative robots working together on the assembly line. DJ Yoda and “YuMi” recently performed a set-list of tracks from 1976 onward to celebrate Fiesta’s 40th anniversary.

Fans of LEGO will appreciate the full-size Ford Chip Ganassi LEGO racing driver. Featuring detailed Ford racing overalls and racing helmet, the LEGO driver contains 67,252 bricks; stands 1839.6 mm (6 ft) tall; weighs 61 kg; and took seven LEGO builders 304 work-hours to construct. Virtual reality not only helps make Ford models accessible to more consumers, it helps Ford create vehicles, too.

Ford engineers use virtual reality in the development and production of vehicles, from immersive technologies that allow designers to fully experience a vehicle without the need for a physical prototype, to full-body motion capture systems that provide data on how an employee uses his or her body to move and complete tasks on the assembly line.

Ford is displaying the Ford GT race car driven by Tincknell in the FIA World Endurance Championship at Gamescom. Last year Ford made an historic return to the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours race with the Ford GT race car taking victory in the LM GTE Pro class exactly 50 years after recording a 1-2-3 clean sweep at the 1966 race. 

The Ford GT race car is based on the 347 km/h Ford GT road car – the fastest Ford production vehicle on the track ever – powered by 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost engine is SAE rated at 647 horsepower and 746 Nm. of torque in U.S. specification. The Ford Focus RS five-door hatchback – featuring a 350 PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, Ford Performance All Wheel Drive and Selectable Drive Modes, and the all-new Fiesta ST-Line – featuring sporty exterior and interior styling, and sports suspension, are also on show.

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Google Maps Integrates Waze Incident Reports for Enhanced Navigation

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Google Maps has started to display Waze incident reports during navigation, allowing users to contribute by confirming road conditions via prompts. This integration follows Google’s July announcement that both apps would share more data, including Waze-sourced road closures, construction updates, speed cameras, and police presence information.

Over the holiday weekend, a Reddit user shared a screenshot of a prompt indicating “Police reported ahead” based on Waze driver reports, as reported by 9to5Google and Android Authority. Users can update these reports to reflect current conditions, similar to other incident notifications in Google Maps.

This is the first confirmed sighting of the feature in action, but more reports are expected. Despite merging the teams behind Maps and Waze, Group Project Manager Can Comertoglu told The Verge that the apps will continue to operate separately. Waze’s 500,000-plus contributors prefer some features of Waze over Google Maps, and vice versa.

This new feature enhances Google Maps’ functionality by leveraging Waze’s real-time incident reporting, providing users with more comprehensive and up-to-date information on their routes.

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Yango Maps Launches Live Public Bus and Marine Transport Tracking in Dubai

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Yango Maps, the popular navigation app, has introduced a significant upgrade for Dubai users. The app now offers real-time tracking of public buses and marine transport, providing a more efficient and convenient commuting experience.

Thanks to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)’s open data policy, Yango Maps can now display accurate and up-to-date locations of public transportation vehicles. By switching to the “Transport” tab, users can easily view the real-time movement of buses and ferries on the map.

The app also allows users to search for specific bus numbers and view their routes, stops, and estimated arrival times. This feature is particularly useful during peak hours or in extreme weather conditions, as it helps users plan their journeys efficiently and avoid unnecessary waiting.

Yango Maps continues to evolve with innovative features that aim to simplify urban navigation. By incorporating real-time public transport data, the app empowers users to make informed decisions and optimize their daily commutes.

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PetWatch App Launches in the UAE

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Today marks the official launch of PetWatch, a revolutionary app designed to cater to the soaring number of pet owners in the UAE. As pet ownership has surged by 25% in the last five years, PetWatch emerges as a solution to the growing demand for reliable pet care. By connecting pet owners with certified sitters, PetWatch fosters a community-driven approach to ensure the well-being of furry friends.

A recent PetWatch survey underscored the concerns of pet owners, with over 68% expressing doubts about the reliability of pet sitters. To address these concerns, PetWatch has implemented a stringent vetting process for all sitters on its platform. Each sitter undergoes rigorous training and certification to guarantee they meet the highest standards of pet care, providing pet owners with peace of mind.

“PetWatch was created out of a genuine need among pet owners. We understand the worries that arise when leaving a beloved pet behind,” said Monja Madan, Founder of PetWatch. “Our platform connects pet owners with trusted sitters and builds a community where pets are cherished as family. With love, trust, and safety at its core, we strongly believe PetWatch app will reform pet care in the UAE.”

PetWatch stands out with its commitment to quality and community. Here’s why:

  1. Certified Caregivers: Every PetWatch sitter completes our rigorous training program, ensuring they have the skills to provide exceptional pet care.
  2. Thorough Vetting: Our team personally verifies each sitter, including ID checks and in-person meetings, building trust between owners and sitters.
  3. Continuous Learning: Our sitters learn from professional vets and dog trainers, gaining hands-on experience and preparing them for any pet situation.
  4. Dedicated Support: PetWatch offers daily customer support, providing owners and sitters with expert advice and resources.

Other features include:

  • Personalized Profiles: Create detailed profiles for your pet and sitter to find the perfect match.
  • Vaccination Management: Track vaccination records and receive reminders for upcoming shots.
  • In-App Communication: Chat, share photos, and stay connected with your sitter.
  • GPS Tracking: Monitor your pet’s location for added peace of mind.
  • Comprehensive Checklist: Ensure all pet care needs are met with customizable checklists.
  • Easy Payments: Handle transactions seamlessly within the app.

PetWatch addresses common concerns like trust and time constraints. By connecting owners with certified sitters, offering personalized features, and fostering a supportive community, PetWatch ensures your furry friend is always in the best hands. “By combining certified expertise with robust community engagement, PetWatch empowers pet owners and sitters alike,” added Madan. “PetWatch represents more than just a platform; it’s a movement toward a better way to care for our pets.”

To further enhance the pet care experience, PetWatch is expanding its platform to include health-tracking tools and educational resources. This will empower pet owners with valuable information about their pet’s health and behaviour.

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