Apps
SOUQ.com Announces Record Sales During White Friday 2017
SOUQ.com today announced that the number of items sold during White Friday 2017 more than doubled compared to last year – making it the biggest shopping event in SOUQ history. An unprecedented one million deals were on offer during the event, and 18 items were sold per second during peak times. Customers enjoyed the four-day online shopping event and over 70 per cent of customers shopped through mobile devices across the region.
Products from over 16,000 international fashion, beauty, electronics, grocery and other brands were on offer during SOUQ White Friday 2017 from the 22nd to 25th November across the GCC and Egypt. Almost half of payments during the event were through made through e-payment methods instead of cash, the highest SOUQ has seen in the region to date. This surge is a testament to customers’ rising confidence in online shopping and online payments.
Commenting on the record-breaking numbers, Ronaldo Mouchawar, Co-Founder and CEO, SOUQ.com, said: “We’d like to thank our customers who shopped with us on White Friday – we welcomed seven times more new customers during this shopping event compared to an average day. Our teams and thousands of sellers worked hard to make White Friday a great event for our customers – with over a million deals in total. It is exciting to see that so many customers used our convenient online payment options and our mobile App. Our teams will keep working to delight our customers by adding more products and selection, improving delivery times and offering first-rate customer service.”
SOUQ.com is constantly innovating on behalf of its customers to offer a seamless online shopping experience. SOUQ had invested heavily in local operations in the UAE, KSA and Egypt by expanding its fulfillment center (FC) facilities, upgrading technology, increasing local resources and adding pickup points ahead of White Friday to prepare for the high volume of orders. Hundreds of full-time and temporary FC associates were added ahead of the event to provide an impeccable shopping experience to customers.
Parikshit, SOUQ customer in the UAE said, “SOUQ White Friday sales is probably the best thing that happened to me this week! Bought a TV and it got delivered in a day.” Ali, an avid online shopper from the UAE commented, “SOUQ order delivered at competitive price that you can’t find in the local market and fast delivery despite high demand. Thank you SOUQ.com for the great deals and discounts.”
Nawaf, SOUQ customer in the KSA said, “The culture of White Friday spread across the region thanks to SOUQ and now this culture is ready to be extended to the rest of the world, a great team work and their efforts crowned with success.” Rabea from Jeddah said,” Thanks SOUQ, despite heavy rains in Jeddah I received my order within one day.”
Apps
Yango Maps Launches Live Public Bus and Marine Transport Tracking in Dubai
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.
Apps
PetWatch App Launches in the UAE
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:
- Certified Caregivers: Every PetWatch sitter completes our rigorous training program, ensuring they have the skills to provide exceptional pet care.
- Thorough Vetting: Our team personally verifies each sitter, including ID checks and in-person meetings, building trust between owners and sitters.
- Continuous Learning: Our sitters learn from professional vets and dog trainers, gaining hands-on experience and preparing them for any pet situation.
- 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.
Apps
Google Photos Upgrades with AI Video Editing
Google Photos, the popular photo and video management service, has announced a significant update to its mobile video editor. The redesigned editor aims to simplify the video editing process and make it more accessible to users of all skill levels.
The new video editor interface places key editing tools front and centre, making it easier for users to access and utilize features like muting, enhancing, adjusting speed, stabilizing, and exporting frames. Additionally, the trim tool has been improved with more precise controls, allowing users to cut footage with greater accuracy.
One of the most notable additions to the video editor is the introduction of AI-powered video presets. These presets offer a variety of editing options, including basic cuts, slow-motion effects, zooming, and dynamic motion tracking. By applying these presets, users can quickly and easily create professional-looking videos without extensive editing knowledge.
Google has begun rolling out these improvements to Google Photos, but a specific timeline for the update has not been provided. You are encouraged to check your app regularly for new features to become available.