Apps
BIGO’s Likee Increases Focus on MENA Region
Likee has strengthened its focus on the Middle East and North Africa region, in response to a significant rise in user numbers. Offering short-form videos – recorded and live-streamed – Likee is at the forefront of a revolution in how people consume and interact with content. Likee is committed to creating a relevant environment and experience for regional users, backed by the advanced Artificial Intelligence-driven content curation and quality control technology from BIGO.
Launched in 2017, Likee has grown dramatically. In fact, according to the recently launched earnings report by parent company JOYY, Likee’s total Monthly Average Users (MAUs) has swelled to 115.3 million. In addition, in 2019 Likee was also recognized as being the seventh most downloaded application in the world, and ranked first in the ‘Top 10 Breakout Apps’ list, according to App Annie, the app industry watcher. This growth has continued into 2020, with industry analyst Sensor Tower ranking Likee as the fourth most popular application in the world in January 2020.
Mike Ong, Vice President, BIGO Technology, said: “Our continued expansion and refinement of content has enabled us to achieve a 208.3% increase of MAUs on a yearly basis and 15.1% on a sequential basis. The MENA region is a key focus for us as a company, and our platforms are well-received among the youthful, tech-savvy, and globally-connected regional community. We are at the forefront of a revolution in content creation and consumption, and we are proud to bring our users a way to express their individuality and talents, showcase their unique cultures, and engage with a like-minded global network.”
Likee’s growing popularity can be tied to the rise in preference for short-form video as a way to consume content and interact with a diverse, dispersed network. The platform also offers a number of features that allows users to customize their videos, including templates for backgrounds and effects, age progression, morphing and swapping, and converting to comic. Advanced capabilities include the ability to edit make-up and hair colour, image and video filters, and there is significant investment in innovation to continuously add to the user experience.
Fully committed to a safe and enjoyable for all users, across age-groups, Likee has incorporated strong measures for user privacy and parental control. These features enable a more curated experience in content consumption, content creation, and interactivity. These controls will specify the categories allowed by automated recommendations, make all videos private, and disable livestreams, comments, private messages, and more.
With the hashtag feature, Likee is also a platform for brands to get active in engaging their audiences. Likee has already seen celebrities getting active for promoting movies, community initiatives such as #LikeeDreams, and even initiatives to promote fitness such as #1KM1DAY, which encouraged and educated users to be more active. In India, Likee earned its way into the Guinness Book of World Records with its #IAmIndian campaign, for the largest online video album of people waving a flag.
“We believe that the high smartphone and Internet penetration in the MENA region is dramatically altering how digital natives and adopters use video as a communications tool. Likee is also breaking news grounds in digital innovation, including being used for education. Our #LikeeDreams campaign has highlighted the potential for Likee to drive socio-economic progress within communities and nations, and we look forward to being a part of the digital transformation narrative of the MENA region,” Ong added.
Apps
Lamborghini Rolls Out Smart TV App
Lamborghini has launched Lamborghini TV, a smart TV app that offers fans and customers an immersive experience in the world of this iconic automaker.
The app delivers exclusive content, including in-depth model analysis, technical insights, motorsport highlights, event coverage, lifestyle features, interviews, and podcasts.
Available on Android TV (8.0 Oreo and above), Samsung Tizen (2018+ devices), and LG WebOS (2018+ devices), Lamborghini TV can be downloaded directly from smart TV app stores. With high-resolution visuals and curated programming, the app allows enthusiasts to explore behind-the-scenes stories.
From comprehensive looks into Lamborghini’s latest supercars to exclusive podcasts offering expert insights, Lamborghini TV is designed to provide a captivating experience tailored to every fan. The app is available for download now on compatible devices.
Apps
Elon Musk Teases Launch of ‘Xmail’ to Rival Gmail
Elon Musk has sparked speculation about the potential launch of ‘Xmail,’ an email service that could rival Google’s Gmail. The excitement began when the X account DodgeDesigner suggested that an X-based email service would be “cool.” Musk responded, stating, “Yeah. On the list of things to do,” confirming that the concept is being considered.
Interesting.
We need to rethink how messaging, including email, works overall. https://t.co/6wZAslJLTc
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 15, 2024
This announcement is in line with Musk’s usual method of revealing updates through casual interactions on X. Although no official timeline or details about ‘Xmail’ have been shared yet, the news has generated significant buzz on social media, especially among Musk’s followers.
As of September 2024, Apple Mail dominates the global email market with a 53.67% share, while Gmail holds 30.70%, according to recent data. Outlook, Yahoo! Mail, and Google Android combined account for less than 10% of the market. If Musk introduces ‘Xmail,’ it could potentially disrupt the current market dynamics, leveraging his influence as the world’s richest man and US President-elect’s ‘First Buddy.’
Supporters are already rallying behind the idea. One user expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “I’d drop Gmail so damn fast,” reflecting frustration with Google’s dominance.
The potential launch of ‘Xmail’ underscores Musk’s ambition to expand X’s ecosystem and challenge established tech giants. Whether ‘Xmail’ will succeed remains to be seen, but the anticipation and excitement are already high.
Apps
Careem Groceries Expands to Abu Dhabi
Careem has expanded its ultra-fast grocery delivery service to Abu Dhabi, adding to the ride-hailing, food delivery, and payment services already available in the city. With an average delivery time of 20 minutes, Careem Groceries provides Abu Dhabi residents with fresh, high-quality essentials at unbeatable prices. Customers can expect the highest quality fruits and vegetables, premium meats, baked goods, and other essentials like school supplies, electronics, cleaning and household items, available in a few taps.
Chase Lario, VP of Groceries at Careem, commented, “We’re thrilled to bring Careem Groceries to Abu Dhabi. We’re now delivering the highest-quality daily items to your door in just minutes, at unbelievably competitive prices. The Everything App has landed in Abu Dhabi, and it’s a true one-stop solution for all your everyday needs.”
To celebrate the launch, Careem is offering Abu Dhabi customers 50% off their first five grocery orders using code GRAB50. Careem Plus members enjoy exclusive perks, including up to AED 100 in monthly savings on groceries and unlimited free delivery. Members also benefit from unlimited free delivery on food orders, credit back on 10 rides every month, as well as discounts on Careem Bike.
Careem Plus members save an average of AED 300 a month, for a monthly fee of just AED 19. Careem Groceries has delivered over 3.4 million orders in 2024 and has already delivered tens of thousands of orders since launching in Abu Dhabi.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login