Apps
Review: Selfdrive App
Online car subscription services offer convenience and better prices than traditional offline car rental companies. The hassle of filling out multiple forms, depositing ID cards or passports as collateral when booking a car for rental, and the fact that whether you will receive your security deposit back at the end of the rental period on time, are some of the negatives of offline car rental companies.
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To ease this process, online car subscription platforms offer the simplicity and flexibility of renting out cars either on a long-term or short-term basis without much groundwork. One such online car subscription service is Selfdrive and we got a chance to test their app and their service level.
Selfdrive has onboarded more than 25 dealerships across UAE, thus offering a wide selection of cars via renting, subscription, and leasing directly from these dealerships. The service currently covers the entire UAE, except for the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain.
The entire process of renting out the car of your choice is pretty simple. Install the app from Google Play Store or Apple’s app store. Fire up the app and let the app access your location. For renting, you can choose between Expres Booking (Daily/Weekly), Micro Lease (for monthly subscriptions ranging from 1 month to a 12 months period), Airport Rental, and Lease Pro (which lets you lease a brand new car for a period of 12, 24, or 35 months).
Categories of cars include hatchback, sedan, MUV/SUV, and luxury. Cars are also listed as per the brands, so it’s easier for you to choose the car you want to go with easily. For this review, we chose to go with the BMW X5 40i. Click on Book Now, and then select the pick-up date and the pick-up time. Next, the app will suggest added services such as roadside assistance, personal accident insurance, and so on. Choose the add-ons as you like, and click Next.
Before you confirm the booking, you will be asked to keep certain documents ready, based on your residency status. If you are a UAE Expat Residence, which I am, you will need to present your Emirates ID, UAE Driving License, Passport, and Visa with a minimum validity of 30 days. The KYC can be completed from within the app.
The next screen shows your every month installment if you were to lease the car for a period of more than a month. Confirm the details, fill up your personal and communication information, pay the first installment using either a debit or credit card and you are good to go. On the day of the pickup, you will need to go to the pickup point based on your selection while booking the car, to pick up the car.
In our experience, the car we chose was delivered to us on time. The overall procedure was pretty simple. The driving experience with the BMW X5 40i was just outstanding. Once your lease period is done, you will need to return the car to the location of your choice, which was selected in the app, while booking the rental.
The rates quoted for the lease within the app cover everything, including service, repairs, maintenance, registration, tires, insurance, 27/7 roadside assistance, and a free replacement car. Fuel costs are not covered, which is standard.
There, however, is one issue with the app. During the process of selecting the pickup location in the app, though you get an option for “Sheikh Zayed Road”, for some reason, the map displayed on top of it, showing the location, is the map of Lithuania. This error seems to be only happening in the “Luxury” section of the app. I did not encounter this issue while choosing a hatchback or a sedan model. I hope Selfdrive’s development team can quickly fix that error.
The ease of booking a rental car from the comfort of your home, without having to go through a bunch of hoops is the advantage of online car subscription services such as Selfdrive. In addition, you have assured quality vehicles, unlike many offline rental companies that offer very old models at higher than market rates.
If you are on the market for a rental car and want to get the booking done without any hassle, Selfdrive is a service you should definitely check out.
Selfdrive App As per the car chosen
Summary
Categories of cars include hatchback, sedan, MUV/SUV, and luxury. Cars are also listed as per the brands, so it’s easier for you to choose the car you want to go with easily. For this review, we chose to go with the BMW X5 40i.
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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.