Apps
Talabat UAE Intros Cashless Option for All Vendors
talabat, the UAE’s leading food delivery, and q-commerce platform has announced today that it has introduced an option for its vendors to accept cashless-only payments, and aims at reaching 100% cashless payments in the coming years. The move supports the UAE’s vision of remaining one of the top 10 cashless payment economies in the world and is aimed to provide talabat customers with enhanced safety from exposure to COVID-19 and ease of payment, and vendors with faster reconciliation, and greater financial transparency.
Earlier this year, talabat UAE’s online orders grew by 90%, based on January 2020 vs January 2021, and app downloads doubled in comparison to the same period last year. This growth in orders has created an increased need for cash handling, and infrastructure upgrades resulting in the introduction of a small cash handling fee, similar to a bank’s fee for online payments.
Commenting on the talabat’s vision to fully shift to cashless transactions, Jérémy Doutté, Vice President UAE at talabat said, “Moving forward, we see cashless payments as the primary currency. As a matter of fact, cashless already stands for the lion’s share of our transactions. Therefore, we want to support partners who want to engage in that transition. We will continue to offer cash-on-demand as a service while encouraging the usage of cashless payment methods. The future in the UAE is digital.”
“Going cashless brings several advantages including convenience, financial transparency, traceability, and safety. It also reduces the risk of loss of physical money and the usage of paper, adding an environmental factor that is in line with talabat’s sustainability mission. A cashless economy is no longer an ambition, it is the reality of the times that we live in, which has been rapidly accelerated by COVID-19,” added Doutté.
As part of its ongoing efforts, talabat remains committed to supporting its ecosystem – from partner restaurants and customers to its riders and employees – and the UAE’s digital transformation vision through various partnerships with governmental and private entities.
Apps
Meta Expands Integration of WhatsApp with Accounts Center
Since its launch in 2020, Accounts Center has allowed users to manage their connected experiences across Facebook, Instagram, and Meta Quest with ease. In a significant expansion, Meta announced the rollout of a new option to add WhatsApp to the Accounts Center over the coming months.
The integration prioritizes user choice and privacy. WhatsApp accounts will remain separate from other apps, and only users can decide to link them. This integration is optional and off by default. However, those who opt in can enjoy added convenience. For instance, sharing updates from WhatsApp Status to Facebook or Instagram Stories will become seamless, eliminating the need for multiple posts. Additionally, a single sign-on feature will enable quick and easy access to WhatsApp accounts.
Meta plans to introduce more cross-app features over time. Future updates will allow users to manage their avatars, Meta AI stickers, and Imagine Me creations all in one place. The company commits to providing clear explanations for these updates within their apps to help users make informed decisions.
Privacy remains a priority, with personal messages and calls on WhatsApp continuing to be protected by end-to-end encryption. This ensures that no one, not even WhatsApp or Meta, can access this content. Integrating WhatsApp into Accounts Center does not change this standard.
The global rollout will take time. Users will see the new option in their WhatsApp settings or when prompted while performing cross-app actions, such as resharing their Status. Meta aims to enhance user experience by making digital interactions smoother and more intuitive.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login