Apps
eXtra to Sell STARZ PLAY Subscriptions in Saudi Arabia
STARZ PLAY and United Electronics Company (eXtra) have signed a strategic partnership confirming eXtra as STARZ PLAY’s sole agent and distributor across Saudi Arabia in the electronics retail sector. The agreement was signed last week and will be implemented from mid-March, giving eXtra the sole rights to distribute and sell STARZ PLAY’s subscription and services across the Kingdom.
Through this new agreement, STARZ PLAY subscribers in Saudi will be able to sign up for the service via all eXtra’s 40 branches in 24 cities, as well as the extra.com portal, making it much easier for residents to purchase STARZ PLAY’s 6- or 12- month plans. What’s more, these can also be offered as a bundle deal upon purchasing selected eXtra’s products.
STARZ PLAY is the region’s most popular video-on-demand service, and users can enjoy more than 10,000 hours of the latest blockbuster Hollywood and Bollywood movies, same-time-as-the-US TV shows, documentaries, kids entertainment and dedicated Arabic content all ad-free and in HD or 4K quality. The platform features English, Arabic and French audio options and user interfaces, plus one-click Arabic subtitling.
Moreover, STARZ PLAY provides the biggest boxset selection in MENA with shows such as Friends, The Walking Dead and Grey’s Anatomy; in addition to a distinctive collection of more than 30 Day-and-Date leading TV series such as Power, Vikings and Britannia, among others. Also, the service provides two of the highest grossing movie franchises of all time, Star Wars and Fast And The Furious.
Commenting on the agreement, Mohammed Jalal, CEO of the United Electronics Company eXtra, said: “We are thrilled to add STARZ PLAY to eXtra’s family of products and services, and highlight the role of the company which extends beyond product offerings to include solutions, services and content as well. It’s no secret that the content sector is witnessing a demand from all segments of the society, which necessitates us to conclude such a strategic agreement with an upcoming new player that is expected to become a leader in the streaming video on-demand service.”
“The signing of the agreement coincides with the announcement last month of eXtra’s 2017 records, which exceeded the expectations of analysts. eXtra closed the past year with positive results with profits surpassing 140 million riyals. In addition to this, 2017 year resulted in an increase of the company’s market share which exceeded 24% from the year before (2016), despite the decline of the retail market in electronics in Saudi Arabia by more than 10% of 2016 compared to 2017.” Jalal added.
“With MENA’s streaming industry on a dynamic growth, our new strategic partnership with eXtra will further strengthen our position as the leading service provider in the region,” says Maaz Sheikh, CEO and Co-Founder of STARZ PLAY. “According to a recent study by IHS Markit, the growth of online video subscriptions is predicted to rise by 64.2% in 2022, with STARZ PLAY holding 24% of the OTT market share. Saudi Arabia boasts the highest percentage of STARZ PLAY sign-ups in MENA, and through this new and exciting partnership, we look forward to being able to service the region even better.”
eXtra has held similar strategic alliances in the past that strengthened the company’s leadership position in Saudi Arabia in particular, as well as in the region as a whole, which serve to provide better customer service and innovative solutions. With the firm’s leading position in the ecommerce world, eXtra’s strategy will continue to focus on strengthening its lead in this sector. eXtra’s vision is to become the only party capable of providing the largest variety of electronic and home appliances with its guarantee of the region’s lowest prices.
Customers can purchase eXtra’s broad range of products in 24 cities across the Kingdom and in addition, the firm offers 24-hour services in Bahrain and Oman via the company’s portal (www.extra.com), with payment options ranging from cash-on-delivery, pre-payment through the website, or even instalments through the “Tasheel” financing program.
All these are supported by an integrated system of unlimited after-sales service and warranty provided to customers within its unique warranty programs. United Electronics Company (eXtra) is a Saudi company with 100% Saudi capital. It was established in 2003 and listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange as a Public Shareholding Company in 2011. The company has 43 branches across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman.
Apps
Google Maps Integrates Waze Incident Reports for Enhanced Navigation
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.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login