Tech

What are super apps, digitalized world

Published

2 years ago

September 28, 2022

Have you ever thought that instead of installing separate apps for each task in your mobile phone, there is a single portal that fulfills all your needs?

Whether you want to call a friend, send money to a loved one online, order a pizza, pay an electricity bill, book a ride, pay a child’s school fees or buy a movie ticket. You will need five to seven types of apps.

But what if all these facilities are available in a single app? This is called super app which is getting quite popular nowadays.

About 4,000 apps are registered on the Google Play Store every day, the total number of which has reached 3,480,000 by July 2022. About 2.2 million apps are registered on the Apple Store as well.

But only a few are super apps. A super app is a collection of multiple services that may not be similar to each other but are working together in a single app.

In the context of Pakistan, if Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Maps, Daraz and Easy Paisa are combined in one app, it will become a super app.

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Some of the super apps:

China’s WeChat and Alipay, Singapore’s Grab, Indonesia’s GoTo, Vietnam’s Zalo and South Korea’s Kakao are super apps.
Most of them started as ride services or messaging apps and later expanded into financial services, food delivery, digital payments, gaming, travel booking, utility bill payments, airline ticketing, mobile phone top-ups, music streaming and social networking.

In today’s digital world, it is only natural for millions of users to connect with these apps. Especially in Asia, which has half of the world’s population, the reason for the success of these apps is the vast network of users.
Singapore’s Grab provides delivery, financial services and ride booking services to around 190 million customers in 428 cities across eight countries, including Thailand and Vietnam.

GoTo (GoTo) has become Indonesia’s largest tech company and a share of two percent of the GDP of one trillion dollars.

Super apps impact on economy:

87% of the South Korean population is using Kakao. However, most super apps have been successful in Asia. Europe and the US, despite being ahead of the curve in technology, will see fewer super apps. There are several reasons for this.

The first reason is how quickly people in a region accept new technology. Smart technology is quickly gaining acceptance in countries where the majority of the population consists of young people. Asia’s majority population is also young and this is the first reason why most super apps are successful in Asia.

According to a report, in terms of the number of smartphone users, China and India are leading the world, while Japan and Indonesia are also among the first ten countries.
Another reason is easy access to internet and technology. Over the past two decades, Chinese companies have made high-quality, low-cost smartphones affordable for the common man. In addition, 73 percent of Chinese have access to the Internet.

These are the two driving forces behind Alipay and WeChat becoming super apps. You can also pay via Alipay or WeChat in a Chinese village. Any app usually starts with a half-service. For example, messaging, ride sharing or delivery service. After initial success, more services are added.

A successful super app in one country is not necessarily successful in another country. Success depends on how well app developers take into account local needs and issues.

For example, Indonesia’s Gojek started as a bike ride and call center. At that time most people did not have mobile phones so the company provided easy loans to its bikers to buy mobile phones.

If you start a startup related to travel facilities, it is important that you have a thorough knowledge of the traffic situation and transport culture of your target area. In Lahore or Karachi, you cannot bring a model from China, Singapore or South Korea.

Super apps are gaining popularity not only in Asia but also in Latin American and African countries. Although there is a kind of digital gap due to economic backwardness, it is also being filled rapidly as the use of internet and smart phones is also increasing among the young generation of these countries. Chinese companies are also introducing cheap smartphones in these markets.

Why there are no super apps in europe:

There are many reasons why there are no super apps in Europe and America. Since China has created its own platforms to replace Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and Google, the competition has not been there. Chinese companies have a large population of their own country as consumers and no competition.

But the competition between companies in America and Europe is fierce. For example, Apple’s iMessage competes with Facebook’s WhatsApp and Messenger. This competition does not allow any one company to monopolize the market in such a way that it creates a super app.

Euorope’s privacy laws are very strict:

Another reason is that data privacy laws in China are not as strict as in Europe and America. Big Chinese companies have millions of users’ data that they use for their various services, but that doesn’t mean that Chinese users don’t care about their privacy.

In contrast, Europe is very sensitive about data privacy and its laws are quite strict.

Most of the super apps depend on the data of users. They may also use user data stored for one service for another service. Which is easy in a country like China, but very difficult in Europe and America.

Super apps in Pakistan:

Officially, there is no super app in Pakistan because for a while telecom companies did not go beyond call and message service and with the presence of apps like WhatsApp and Messenger, the role of telecom companies was reduced to that of an internet provider. .

Jazz once tried to launch a super app called Veon, modeled after China’s WeChat, but it failed. Because Pakistan is not China where Google’s alternative to Baidu, Amazon’s alternative to Alibaba and Facebook and WhatsApp’s alternative to WeChat exist.

Despite this, telecom companies are offering facilities like digital payments, banking, shopping and mobile top-up through their apps. Jazz Cash, Easy Paisa and U Bank are examples of this.

Easypaisa and Jazz cash, may be a super app:

Now the specific network issue is also eliminated. Irrespective of your network, you can open an Easy Paisa account. EasyPaisa and JazzCash are providing almost all facilities except message and call. Maybe one of them will become a super app in the near future.

Related Topics:Apps easypaisa jazzcash super apps

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Tech

Start Voice Chats Effortlessly with WhatsApp Beta’s New Features

Published

2 weeks ago

December 5, 2024

Info Team

WhatsApp, which is trending these days, has brought another new feature to the field. This feature will be for those who are fond of voice messages.
The latest beta version brings interesting improvements to voice group chats, making them more user-friendly and interactive.

According to the details of WaBetaInfo, WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.24.25.22 is based on the features of the previous version 2.23.24.20, with a focus on better accessibility and user interface.

One notable change in the latest beta update is that a floating action button has been added next to the Send message button. You can now start a voice chat within a group.

The new design will make this process more visible to all group members.

WhatsApp’s latest beta update introduces a handy new feature that makes starting voice chats more intuitive. Now, in a group conversation, you can start a voice chat by simply swiping up. Once the gesture is complete, the voice chat begins, making it easier to connect and engage with others.

The update also expands the availability of voice chats, allowing even small groups or just two people to use the feature. To keep things clean, WhatsApp will automatically close any group that remains inactive or disconnected for 60 minutes. But don’t worry—if a voice chat is already underway, participants can still notify others to join the conversation at any time.

It’s important to note that these features are not yet officially available for public use, and they may take several weeks to roll out.

Tech

Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Trump: A Bold Alliance for the Future of Space Travel

Published

1 month ago

November 20, 2024

Info Team

On Tuesday, the world’s attention was divided between Earth and space. SpaceX’s monumental Starship test launch — heralded as a step toward humanity’s Martian dreams — became an unexpected stage for political theatrics, as President-elect Donald Trump joined SpaceX CEO Elon Musk at the Texas launch site.

While the Starship test showcased unprecedented engineering feats, it was the burgeoning camaraderie between Trump and Musk that stole the spotlight. This improbable duo, united by ambition and outsized personas, reflects a convergence of politics, innovation, and power that could redefine American space exploration and governance.

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A Billionaire and a President on the Launchpad

Trump, known for his flair for grand spectacles, arrived in Texas to witness the historic launch of SpaceX’s Starship — the largest rocket ever built. Musk, ever the visionary, explained the rocket’s intricate details, from its massive Super Heavy booster to its ambitious goals of moon landings and Mars colonization. For Trump, this wasn’t just another event. It was a calculated move to align himself with Musk’s genius and SpaceX’s success, both of which resonate with young, tech-savvy voters.

The Starship’s liftoff was awe-inspiring, yet its most anticipated moment — the booster’s dramatic return to the launchpad — ended in an anticlimactic splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX engineers, prioritizing safety, aborted the attempt at the last second. Despite this, the mission achieved critical milestones, including relighting its Raptor engine in orbit and a successful spacecraft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

Trump’s “Rocket Man” Persona Takes Off

Trump’s association with Musk taps into a new demographic — young, male voters drawn to Musk’s iconoclastic persona. Appearances with Musk add credibility to Trump’s rhetoric of innovation and disruption. The dynamic was on full display at the launch, where Trump’s trademark hyperbole blended seamlessly with Musk’s scientific optimism.

With SpaceX dominating the space industry and Tesla revolutionizing electric vehicles, Musk embodies the success Trump often claims for himself. Their relationship serves mutual interests: Trump gains access to Musk’s tech-driven fanbase, while Musk secures influence in Washington.

The Intersection of Innovation and Politics

This newfound friendship, however, raises questions about conflicts of interest. Musk’s SpaceX holds lucrative contracts with NASA and the Defense Department, while Tesla remains under federal scrutiny for safety and regulatory concerns. Trump’s plans to dismantle government inefficiencies, possibly spearheaded by Musk, could tilt regulatory landscapes to favor Musk’s ventures.

Critics argue that this alliance might prioritize private gain over public interest. Trump’s history of overlooking ethical boundaries only fuels these concerns, as Musk’s growing influence risks consolidating immense power in one individual.

A Rocketship to the Moon—or a Collision Course?

While their partnership is flourishing, the egos of Trump and Musk could eventually clash. Both are used to being the center of attention, and their relationship might not withstand competing ambitions. Yet for now, their collaboration symbolizes a merging of technological ambition and political power.

As SpaceX pushes the boundaries of what’s possible and Trump prepares for his second term, this alliance could herald a new era of American dominance in space. Whether this partnership thrives or falters, one thing is clear: Musk and Trump are reshaping the conversation around innovation, leadership, and the future of space exploration.

What are your thoughts on the political and technological implications of this partnership? Let us know in the comments below!

Tech

WhatsApp’s New Audio Call Bar Feature Simplifies Calling Experience

Published

8 months ago

May 9, 2024

Info Team

Whatsapp new audio call bar feature released.

Digital platforms like WhatsApp work hard to improve user experience. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has introduced a new feature to enhance calling. Let’s explore this addition and how it helps users.

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New Whatsapp Feature:

WhatsApp’s latest feature is the Audio Call Bar feature. It aims to make calls easier for users. It’s first available to select users and will come to iOS soon.

How It Works:

When users make a call, they’ll see a new call bar. This design lets users do other things while on a call. Users can mute or end calls from the interface. When you start a call, you’ll see a new call bar at the top of the app. It stays there even if you switch to another app, making it easier to do other things while you’re on a call. You can also mute or end the call right from this bar, which saves you time and makes things simpler.

Meta’s Improvement:

Meta is committed to making WhatsApp better. They want to make it a top communication platform. It shows their aim to connect people through easy communication.

Seamless Communication:

WhatsApp’s aim is to make communicating easy. The new call bar is part of this. It keeps up their promise to help users communicate easily.

Other WhatsApp Latest Features:

Along with the call bar, there are other new whatsapp features. Apple users have passkeys for secure logins. WhatsApp’s AI assistant also does more now, like generating info and images. All these updates make using WhatsApp better.