Vodacom ConnectU platform
314-million mobile users in eight countries used over 3.4 petabytes of free mobile data during 2020 via Upstream’s Zero-D portal. This was through partnerships set up with mobile operators like Vivo in Brazil and Vodacom in South Africa, both of whom deployed Zero-D to offer 41-million hours of browsing. This equates to 6.9-million hours of video streaming.
Upstream deputy CEO Kostas Kastanis says: “Zero-D is critical in emerging markets where a lack of fixed-line infrastructure, combined with high mobile data costs, often leave users digitally stranded. The portal allows users to access basic Internet services such as news, email, messaging apps and government services.”
The 2020 South African version of Zero-D, called ConnectU, is only available on mobile devices connected to the Vodacom network. Various job sites like Careers24, PNet and Career Junction are available. The search engine functionality also provides base information on various topics from Wikipedia and Wiktionary.
News and weather services as well as access to the Vodacom blog are zero-rated.
Platform: Most devices with an Internet browser which are connected to the Vodacom network.
Expect to pay: A free service
Stockists: Visit the ConnectU page here to start browsing.
Go to the next page to read about Nedbank’s QR code cash withdrawal system, an app to keep couriers safe, an app that turns meditation into a game, and a solitaire app that’s gained a lot of traction during lockdown.
Nedbank’s QR code cash withdrawal
Nedbank clients can now withdraw cash by scanning a QR code at ATMs around the country using their Nedbank Money app.
In order to use the function, customers select the Get Cash widget in the app and enter the amount they would like to withdraw. At the ATM, they choose the Money app withdrawal option and scan the QR code displayed on the screen.
To find out which ATMs offer QR code cash withdrawals, visit nedbank.co.za/digitalnew or use the live chat option on the Money app.
Platform: Android, iOS and the Huawei AppGallery
Expect to pay: A free service, but only available to Nedbank clients
Stockists: Click here for downloading instructions
Go to the next page to read about an app to keep couriers safe, an app that turns meditation into a game, and a solitaire app that’s gained a lot of traction during lockdown.
Aura teams up with The Courier Guy
Aura, a company that focuses on personal security through mobile and GPS technology, has partnered with The Courier Guy to ensure the safety of its drivers and packages, via a mobile panic app and a panic button.
The solution lets drivers request mobile emergency response in the event of an accident or the threat of a crime. As soon as the panic button or app is activated Aura automatically dispatches the closest armed response vehicle.
Aura founder and CEO Warren Myers says that, as soon as a The Courier Guy driver activates the panic button, the user’s name, phone number and updated location are sent into Aura’s API.
“Once received, a network of 180 armed response companies across the country with live responder technology are alerted. Responders who are within 10 minutes (which is pre-calculated via Google Maps’ API) are immediately notified. The first responder to accept the panic response is then directed to the user via the fastest route.”
Platform: Android and iOS
Expect to pay: Monthly payments are determined on the number of drivers
Stockists: Visit Aura Services here
Go to the next page to read about an app that turns meditation into a game, and a solitaire app that’s gained a lot of traction during lockdown.
Relaxed
Game Mavericks has released the Relaxed app, which aims to fix stress-related sleeping problems. It uses a combination of meditation, game mechanics and interactive storytelling to help the user alleviate stress and relax before bedtime.
Researchers have found that auditory-only relaxation techniques, like guided meditation, music, and audiobooks, offered by many apps, are not always suitable. Visually orientated people prefer pictures and videos, while kinaesthetic learners need tactile engagement.
“With this in mind the Relaxed app offers interactive stories combining 3D visualisation and narration, games like Sheep Count, meditation courses, music and audiobooks in various genres,” says Andrey Kudrin, CEO of Game Mavericks.
Platform: Android and iOS
Expect to pay: A free download but with in-app purchases
Stockists: Visit Game Mavericks here for downloading instructions.
Go to the next page to read about a solitaire app that’s gained a lot of traction during lockdown.
Solitaired
Online card game platform Solitaired has introduced a range of trivia decks allowing players to discover general knowledge facts about historical figures. The browser-based site offers more than 500 classic solitaire games, such as Solitaire, FreeCell, and Spider, all with an educational spin, offering a great edutainment opportunity for when work gets too much.
Players can use the “Change Design” option to choose from a range of decks, including Inspiring Inventors or Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement designs. Players can also learn about the lives of history’s heroes, like civil rights activists Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. All decks are created in collaboration with Encyclopaedia Britannica and MIT’s Lemelson.
Now get back to work…
Platform: Solitaired can be played online in an Internet browser of downloaded onto and Android smartphone.
Expect to pay: Free to play
Stockists: Visit Solitaired here for to play in an Internet browser or download the game here.