In this AppDate, SEAN BACHER highlights the new Standard Bank app, Jongla messaging, TaxTim, MiBlackBox personal assistant and the opening of the MTN Business SA App of the Year Awards.
Standard Bank smartphone app
The latest release to Standard Bank’s smartphone app enables customers to make international payments to individual recipients in almost 200 countries. It also now offers the ability for customers to adjust their daily and monthly ATM limits, as well as request vehicle finance letters. Another significant update is the built-in architectural changes necessary to roll out the app into various other regions in which the Standard Bank Group operates. Standard bank customers can also stop their cards if they get lost and can open up new saving or investment accounts.
Platform: Android, iOS and Windows Phone
Expect to pay: A free download
Stockists: Visit the store linked to your device.
Jongla messaging
Jongla is similar to WhatsApp and other IM apps in a number of ways – most importantly, users sign up using their existing mobile numbers and the messaging app can be used across most major platforms. Jongla differs from other apps in that it has been specifically developed for people living and working in Africa – and other emerging markets where data costs are high and coverage is unreliable. The app uses only 3.4MB to download on Android phones compared to WhatsApp (23.7MB) or Facebook Messenger (30.2MB). Once downloaded, Jongla uses just 10% of the handset’s memory and its data compression techniques mean it does not consume as much mobile data as other messaging apps.
Platform: iOS, Android, Windows Phone and most modern Internet browsers
Expect to pay: A free download
Stockists: Visit the store linked to your device.
TaxTim
TaxTim is an interactive tax return assistant that is designed to help individual taxpayers with their tax returns. It is well laid out, making it user-friendly. It is fully integrated into SARS eFiling, meaning that, once authorised, the app can import the user’s IRP5 data for easy completion and submit the completed return directly to SARS. TaxTim has three tax return options, Lite, Smart and Ultra, to accommodate most earners, from those with a basic salary, to freelancers, commission earners, independent contractors and sole proprietors.
Platform: Any device with an up-to-date Internet browser.
Expect to pay: A free service.
Stockists: Visit www.taxtim.com
MiBlackBox personal assistant
MiBlackBox is a personal, virtual witness service that allows one to better communicate with loved ones or emergency services in times of need. The app lets users record calls, pictures and videos at the push of a button, subsequently relaying that information and encrypting it to a secured remote server, while also notifying an elected emergency contact or emergency services directly. MiBlackBox can also be used in cases of bullying, domestic violence, date rape, corruption or fraud, traffic officer and police interactions, road block scenarios, and even in accidents for insurance purposes. It also offers alternate methods to access the secured information, all of which is encrypted, time- and date-stamped.
Platform: Android, iOS or an up-to-date Internet browser
Expect to pay: R12 per month
Stockists: Visit www.miblackbox.co.za
MTN Business SA App of the Year Awards 2016
Entries for the MTN Business SA App of the Year Awards 2016 are now open. The App of the Year Awards is a springboard for creative developers and their solutions. Previous winners of the awards have gone on to launch their apps internationally, many of which have been acquired by corporates. Previous winners and category winners include SnapScan, Wumdrop, FNB Banking, Money4Jam, Zapper, Vula Mobile, and PriceCheck.
Visit www.appoftheyear.co.za for more information.
* Sean Bacher is editor of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter on @SeanBacher