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Microsoft to Stop Bundling Teams With Office

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Microsoft will no longer make customers of its popular Office software also get its Teams video conferencing and messaging app automatically on their devices, in a move to avoid an official antitrust probe by EU regulators. The US tech giant has made the offer to prevent a formal investigation, said two people who know about the decision, after a 2020 complaint by rival Slack which said Microsoft’s practice of bundling the two services together was unfair.

These people said that, from now on, when companies buy Office they can choose to have it with or without Teams if they wanted, but the way to do this is still unclear. The people said talks are still going on and a deal is not sure. The move is part of an effort by Microsoft to try to avoid what would be its first antitrust probe in more than 10 years, having tried to avoid legal fights with the European Commission that have been hard in the past.

In 2008, the commission said Microsoft was using its dominant position to push users to download its Internet Explorer browser by bundling it with Windows at the expense of rivals. The company settled with the commission and offered users a choice of browsers, but in 2013 the EU fined the company €561 million for not keeping the promise.

It is still unclear if the tech giant’s offer about Teams will be enough to satisfy the concerns of regulators. Slack, which has been bought by Salesforce, has asked EU officials to make Microsoft sell Teams separately from its Office software. At the time, David Schellhase, general counsel at Slack, said, “We’re asking the EU to be a fair judge, look at the facts and enforce the law.”

Slack’s complaint came as the move to working from home was speeding up. Apps like Teams and Slack grew in use during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, creating a multibillion-dollar chance, as users and companies increasingly use tools that allow for remote working. Microsoft said, “We are aware of our responsibilities in the EU as a big technology company. We keep working cooperatively with the commission in its investigation and are open to practical solutions that address its concerns and serve customers well.”

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Google Maps Integrates Waze Incident Reports for Enhanced Navigation

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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.

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Yango Maps Launches Live Public Bus and Marine Transport Tracking in Dubai

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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.

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PetWatch App Launches in the UAE

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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:

  1. Certified Caregivers: Every PetWatch sitter completes our rigorous training program, ensuring they have the skills to provide exceptional pet care.
  2. Thorough Vetting: Our team personally verifies each sitter, including ID checks and in-person meetings, building trust between owners and sitters.
  3. Continuous Learning: Our sitters learn from professional vets and dog trainers, gaining hands-on experience and preparing them for any pet situation.
  4. 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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