Apps
Google’s Vids: Aiming to Be the Next Big Productivity App
For years, the office grind has been dominated by the trinity: documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. But Google is throwing a wrench in the mix with Vids, a new app designed to make creating collaborative, shareable videos easier than ever. Forget fancy editing software – Vids is all about practicality. It’s built for the everyday tasks we juggle at work: pitching ideas, updating teams, or explaining complex concepts. Think of it as Google Slides transformed for video.
“Anyone who can make a slide deck can make a video with Vids,” says Kristina Behr, Google’s VP of product management. “No video production experience needed.” The process is refreshingly simple. Drag and drop assets from Drive or other sources, arrange them in a timeline, and add your voiceover or on-camera segments. The result? Think recorded presentations, video calls, or those ubiquitous training videos with a talking head and supporting graphics. Vids might not win Oscars, but they can churn out a variety of useful content.
But Vids is more than just a creation tool. Share your creations with colleagues, and they can comment, leave notes, or even jump in and edit themselves. It’s all about seamless collaboration, much like Google’s other productivity apps. “Imagine a spreadsheet, but in video form,” says Behr. Sharing a Vid isn’t just handing over a file – it’s opening a conversation.
Vids isn’t the first player in this space. Tools like Loom and Descript offer similar video-focused functionality. Even project management platforms and Vimeo are getting in on the act. Google might be late to the party, but their bet is clear: the future of work is video-centric. With remote work on the rise and video communication booming, Google believes employees will spend less time hunched over emails and more time crafting impactful videos. Their secret weapon? Tight integration with the existing suite of Google tools, with even more to come, including mobile support.
One surprising omission? YouTube, Google’s video giant. While there’s some shared technology under the hood, Behr emphasizes the distinct purposes: “The audience and use cases are completely different. Vids is for work, by workers. We’re laser-focused on that specific need.” Vids is slated for a public beta launch this summer. Early testers within Workspace are already seeing trends emerge – short, focused videos under three minutes, perfect for pitches, training, team updates, or celebrating achievements. Behr herself has ditched her email recaps in favour of Vids, finding that viewers appreciate the added layer of personality.
Vids could have easily been bolted onto Slides or Docs. But by giving it its own space, Google sends a clear message: this isn’t just another presentation tool, it’s a paradigm shift in information sharing. While Google’s app graveyard is vast, the Docs-Sheets-Slides trio remains a tech titan. Vids aspires to join those ranks, permanently altering how we communicate in the digital age.
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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