Apps
Yango Maps Launches in Dubai
Yango has launched Yango Maps in Dubai. With this navigation app, users can plan fast and convenient routes for driving, walking, or public transport while enjoying a highly detailed map with impressive 3D models of landmarks. The app also provides a smart view of driving routes and suggests convenient parking spots. Yango Maps is available for free on Google Play and the App Store, with both English and Arabic for the interface and voice directions.
Yango Maps presents a true-to-life depiction of Dubai, with roads, buildings, underground crossings, and even some natural elements like trees visible on the map. In fact, the roads are displayed exactly how you see them in reality: over 3,000 km of roads in Dubai have been mapped out in high detail, reflecting lane markings, multi-level interchanges, tunnels, traffic lights, parking spots, and more. The app also introduces an adaptive view of the route, which highlights important details of the road up ahead and zooms in on complicated turns for safer, well-informed driving.
Yango Maps also provides real-time traffic updates in addition to speed limit alerts that are voiced in advance. When the destination is a department store, a business centre, or a place in a popular district, Yango Maps displays nearby parking options before the user starts driving so they can plan a route straight to a parking spot.
Yango Maps also has useful features for those not in the driver’s seat. Users can book rides via the built-in Yango ride-hailing service, check relevant bus schedules, and travel along streamlined walking routes. That makes it convenient to navigate the city on any mode of transport. As well, finding new, interesting places to explore is as easy as typing the location name in the search box.
In another step toward an enhanced navigation experience, Yango Maps displays iconic Dubai landmarks in full-color 3D, including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, the Museum of The Future, and the Jumeirah Mosque. Switching to dark mode triggers lifelike lighting effects on the 3D models, realistically replicating the city’s evening ambience.
“We’re excited to launch Yango Maps in Dubai and invite everyone to enjoy a new seamless navigation experience in the city. We make sure to keep Yango Maps up to date to provide an accurate, hassle-free navigation experience. To put it into perspective, we add roughly three million updates to the map every month,” says Alexander Baksheev, CEO of Yango Maps. “New businesses, roads, speed cameras, and interchanges go live in Yango Maps shortly after they appear in the real world, which is especially important for constantly changing, innovative cities like Dubai.”
“Since the launch of Yango’s services in Dubai over a year ago, we’ve been aiming to provide high-quality services to meet the day-to-day needs of the city’s residents,” adds Islam Abdul Karim, General Manager of Yango GCC. “Today this includes the Yango ride-hailing service, Yango Delivery, a last-mile delivery solution provider, Yango Tech, which offers e-commerce solutions, and the recently launched Yasmina AI-based Arabic-speaking smart assistant. Yango Maps now joins this ecosystem to provide seamless navigation for Dubai, along with a detailed map of the city, real-time updates about road events, and many more convenient features to come.”
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.
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