Apps
Google to Replace Drive with Google One
It was in 2014 that Google updated its storage plans in response to price drops from rival Dropbox. The company is yet again at it to make the prices even more competitive. It’s adding a new tier and dropping prices as part of its “Google One” rollout. That’s not all, though. Google promises enhanced support and more benefits down the line for One subscribers.
Google storage plans apply to multiple services across Google’s cloud. For example, adding more storage to your account gives you more space for Gmail, Google Photos, and general file storage in Drive. This could be a little confusing as the old storage plans show up as part of Drive. Google One will be marketed as an overall Google subscription, and storage space is just part of the deal.
The base 15GB of free storage remains for all users, as does the $1.99 per month upgrade that comes with 100GB of space in Google’s cloud. There’s a new plan in Google One with 200GB of storage for $2.99 per month. That fills the gap between the 100GB and old 1TB plan. That 1TB tier is going away, though. You now get 2TB for the same $9.99 monthly price. That’s double what Dropbox offers at the same price. The 10, 20, and 30TB plans are still available for the same $100, $200, and $300 monthly fees.
The more generous storage options will be handy for people shooting lots of photos and 4K video who want to save the full-quality versions in Photos. Plus, you might only need a single subscription for your family. You’ll be able to share the space on One plans with up to five family members.
Google says that One subscribers will also have access to “Google experts” for instant one-on-one tech support for all Google products and services. This was already available for the company’s paid G Suite accounts, but this is the first time the general public has been able to access premium Google support.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Google One is what the company might do later. The plan is to offer various perks to One subscribers, but Google is vague on what that will entail. The blog post says you can expect deals on hotels booked through Google search and discounts on Google Play. Other benefits will come to One down the line.
You can’t sign up for Google One quite yet. The company says current Drive subscriptions will migrate to One in the coming months. That process will start in the US before moving out across the globe. For new subscriptions, you’ll have to wait until later this year to sign up for Google One.
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.
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