Apps
Huawei Reveals the Top 30 Regional Shortlisted Apps for Apps UP Global App Innovation Contest
Huawei, one of the world’s largest technology providers, has announced Apps UP’s top 30 shortlisted apps for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. Under the theme “Together We Innovate”, Huawei’s Global App Innovation Contest invited all developers from the Middle East and Africa to bring their most creative ideas to life and build cutting-edge apps by integrating HMS Core. The success of Apps UP 2022 is verified by the numbers: the total registrations reached 5,000 apps and a total of 2,500 apps were successfully submitted, demonstrating the widespread interest among developers globally.
With a total prize pool of US$230,000 awaiting the best apps of this year, Apps UP 2022 enters its next phase. The region’s top 30 apps are here and the list includes the following: A Gum’s Life, Advanced English Dictionary, Alsaree3, Anti-Terrorist Shooting Game, Arabic Voice Keyboard, Calorie Diet, CardioCam, Cava.tn : Vente/Achat en Tunisie, CodeFellow, CVBox, DigCV, Driver Companion, Dubai Police, emPay, FilGoal – في الجول, Find, Fit Gym, Foodicious, Golootlo, لثغة: علاج اللثغات و مشاكل النطق, Messiah, Mowash, Panda بنده, Pregnancy App : MAA, QMobile, Real Prado Parking Free Games: Offline Driving Car Games 2021, Safe Community, Taleemabad School App, Survival Quest, نَحنُ وهٌم. The apps were shortlisted based on their innovation, social impact, business value, and overall user experience.
Anyone can now vote for their favorite apps from 8th November to 20th November (GMT+8) through Apps UP’s 2022 dedicated website. Each email ID is eligible to vote up to ten times per day with a maximum of three votes per app. The public vote will account for 10% of the final rating, the app’s open capabilities and application scenarios will account for another 40%, and the judges’ votes will account for the remaining 50%. The Apps UP 2022 judging panel is composed of renowned and experienced professionals across the gaming, technology, and financial sectors, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the contest.
Lu Geng, Vice President of the Middle East and Africa, Huawei Global Partnerships & Eco-Development, Huawei Consumer Business Group, said, “The overwhelming response to this year’s Apps UP Global Innovation Contest justifies Huawei’s determination to continue investing in innovative creators and supporting local talent. We are so proud to have the MEA region rank No. 1 globally in number of registrations outside of China. Our confidence in the ability of the regional developer community to resolve pressing social issues and build globally applicable solutions has been reinforced by the high quality of the submitted apps. Groundbreaking ideas combined with the robust and ever-evolving capabilities of the HMS Core set the stage for a smarter and brighter future for people all around the world.”
Huawei’s Apps UP Innovation Contest is a global event that brings together developers from all over the world to build an app ecosystem that intelligently links everything. It aims to inspire developers to innovate, connect people, devices, and scenarios together, and build consistent app experiences while exploring seamless AI integration. At the same time, Apps UP provides developers with unrivaled opportunities. Participants get exclusive workshops and hands-on coaching from Huawei’s top experts, enabling them to bring their product to market faster, and with more technical support. In addition to the attractive cash rewards of US$230,000 for the MEA region, developers have the chance to achieve global recognition and get the attention of people who matter, such as the 730 million Huawei device users and potential partners or investors.
The 2022 edition of the Apps UP Innovation Contest spanned over 100 days and covered the regions of Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, and China. 5,000 teams submitted their apps worldwide, while Huawei secured more than US$1,000,000 in total cash prizes for the winners of the five regions combined. Individual award amounts in the MEA region vary from US$5,000 to US$15,000, and participants compete in the following categories: Best HMS Innovation Award, Best App, Best Game, Best Social Impact App, All-Scenario Coverage Award, Best Arabic App, Tech Women’s Award, and Student Innovation Award.
The winners of the Apps UP 2022 Innovation Contest will be unveiled in the month of December.
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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