Latest news with #GoogleMaps
Daily Maverick
3 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Fighting back — cellphone providers and business collaborate to combat EC hijacking hotspots
Following several meetings to discuss rampant truck hijackings in the metro and surrounding areas, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and South Africa's (SA's) two major cellphone network providers have joined forces to make the Addo Road — an Eastern Cape crime hotspot — safer. After a spike in truck hijackings on the Addo Road in Motherwell, businesses began looking for solutions. A common factor reported by truck drivers hijacked was the lack of cellphone signal, which prevented them from calling for help. While tracking systems work in the absence of cellphone networks, data is not always sent out timeously in low-network areas. Recently, construction manager Victor Ngcobo was kidnapped on the R335 near Monument Crossing — an area identified as having a particularly poor signal. He was later found unharmed. Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber CEO Denise van Huyssteen said discussions around the hijackings also revealed that poor cellphone reception was contributing to the area's status as a crime hotspot. 'We asked two cellular network provider companies to do an assessment of the cellphone coverage in the area. One of the two reverted back with a report which indicated that there was a lack of coverage in the area, and that infrastructure upgrades would be required to address this situation,' she said. Van Huyssteen said the chamber had also approached Google Maps as the Maps App indicated that the R335 was the 'shortest route' to take visitors and tourists to Addo Elephant National Park. 'It automatically takes users on the shortest route to Addo, which means that incoming visitors to the metro travel there along the R335. We rallied our members to go onto Google Maps and log the road as a high-risk road. This resulted in the route being blocked and travellers being re-routed along other more safer routes,' she added. Zakhele Jiyane, Managing Executive for Vodacom Eastern Cape region, confirmed that the organisation was approached by the business chamber to see if there was something Vodacom could do to fix the cellphone network in the area. 'Vodacom has successfully completed upgrades on 11 base station sites in Addo in Sarah Baartman District Municipality and along R335, connecting Addo to Motherwell. Among these upgrades, four sites have improved cellphone coverage specifically for the Addo CBD, local police station, farming community, and the new Addo Spar center. The remaining six sites extend coverage along R335 road. Coverage '10% improved' 'Following our upgrades, coverage has improved by an impressive 10%, particularly on the R335 road. Furthermore, the upgrades have significantly reduced areas without service, and the network capacity has increased by 15%. This means more users can stay connected for longer periods on the network. 'Critically, as part of our commitment to support both the Addo community and local businesses, we have plans to improve connectivity in the area in this financial year. 'For example, we are planning to deploy high-power signal boosters to cover the remaining section without service on R335, and we will do this within six months. Secondly, we are planning to deploy additional base stations to help achieve full coverage for the Addo CBD, police station and community during the 2025/2026 financial year,' Jiyane said. He said the Vodacom Eastern Cape region had invested more than R500-million over the last financial year on modernising the network, energy projects and accelerating broadband coverage across the province, particularly in townships and deep rural areas of the province. R1bn long-term investment This is an investment totalling over R1-billion over two years and forms part of Vodacom's long-term vision, to have the widest and most reliable network accessible to all South Africans, he said. MTN SA, in written responses, confirmed that they would conduct a drive test to verify signal strength and identify gaps. 'Currently, MTN has 4G deployment at this specific location. MTN did experience operational issues at this location at the end of March and the start of April 2025, however the issue has been resolved. While MTN confirms coverage at this location, a further drive test will be done to test the service performance in the area. This test will be concluded within the next few days,' the statement continued. DM
AFP
5 hours ago
- General
- AFP
Video shows hospital in Lebanon, not hostel struck in Air India crash
"CCTV footage from BJ Medical College Hospital captures the terrifying moment an Air India plane crashed into the hospital premises, bursting into flames in just seconds," reads the caption of the shared June 14, 2025 on Facebook. The compilation shows an explosion near a building that showers an adjacent car park with rubble. Shots from what appears to be the inside of the building show people taking cover as the ceiling collapses. Superimposed text in the top-left corner reads "srhuhospital", and a logo with the initials "SRHUH" appears in the bottom- . The footage circulated two days after a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London ploughed into a residential area of India's Ahmedabad city (archived link). The fiery crash killed all but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board, as well as at least 38 people on the ground. Image Screenshot of the false Facebook post captured June 16, 2025 The same video also spread in similar Facebook and X posts. While Air India flight 171 did crash through a hostel for medical staff from a nearby hospital, leaving its tailpiece jutting out of the building's second floor, the video has circulated online since . A reverse image search on Google using keyframes from the video led to the same footage posted February 5 on Instagram by the Lebanon-based Ragheb Harb University Hospital (archived link). The clips appear in a longer video detailing the hospital's restoration after being damaged. The "SRHUH" logo and "srhuhospital" are visible in the Instagram page's bio. Image Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared video (L) and the Instagram video from February, with elements highlighted by AFP Images of the hospital on Google Maps also correspond to the footage circulating online (archived link). Image Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared video (L) and an image of the hospital on Google Maps, with similarities highlighted by AFP local media reports and a post on the hospital's Facebook page, the hospital was damaged in November 2024 (archived here, here and here). At the time, border clashes between Israeli forces and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah had escalated into all-out war (archived link). A US-mediated ceasefire requiring Hezbollah to withdraw its fighters from the border strip ended the war in November 2024. Israel has repeatedly bombed Lebanon since the ceasefire went into effect, with no response from Hezbollah. previously debunked false claims that the clip shows an Iranian strike on Israel. More reporting on misinformation about the Air India crash is available here.
Phone Arena
12 hours ago
- Phone Arena
Update to Google Maps in selected markets adds interesting AI feature
Google Maps has pushed out an update that is meant for users of the app in Europe. When you type in your destination, Google Maps typically searches for multiple routes for the navigation option you've selected (car, walking, public transportation, etc.). However, with the addition of AI, Google Maps will check the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of other modes to your destination. If you can reach your destination faster using public transportation or by walking, you'll see those directions on the display instead of directions for driving. If a different mode of transportation is faster than driving, Google Maps will show you directions using that mode. | Image credit-PhoneArena For example, let's say that you have Google Maps set up for driving directions and the app determines that you'll reach your destination faster by taking public transportation. Google Maps will then show you those suggested routes. Not only will you arrive earlier, by taking the bus you are reducing pollution, conserving gas, and doing your part to protect and preserve natural resources. This new feature is available in 60 European cities including Stockholm, Warsaw. and Copenhagen. In Europe, cycling is huge and Google Maps is adding cycling navigation to 17 new cities with nine of them located in Europe. The app now shows 125,000 kilometers (equal to 77,671 miles) of bike lanes in cities such as Hamburg, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Zurich, Budapest, Vienna, and Brussels. Google is using data obtained from local governments and public authorities. Since Google Maps is looking to get travelers to be more judicious in their consumption of natural resources, it now offers fuel-efficient routes worldwide. Previously, this feature was available only in certain regions. When you type a destination on the app, the fuel-efficient route is listed as an alternative. Each route also shows its ETA so that you'll know how much later you'll arrive at your destination by taking the more fuel-efficient option. Fuel-efficient directions show you how much gas you'll save when using this route. | Image credit-PhoneArena Google Maps is also adding support for low-emission zones which will impact drivers in Italy, Sweden, Austria, and other locations. Google Maps will send alerts that will "check if your vehicle is allowed in these zones." You can ask the app to create an alternate route that bypasses the low-emission zones. Google Maps will support over 1,000 low-emission zones. Google Maps now supports low-emission zones and will let you know if your car can drive into this zone. | Image credit-PhoneArena Project Green Light uses AI and Google Maps driving trends to help recommend to cities how they can improve their existing traffic light cycles. Project Green Light is available in 20 cities across four continents. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Kanpur police to use Google maps to monitor offenders
Kanpur: The Kanpur Commissionerate Police are initiating a surveillance system using Google Maps to monitor criminal activities. The system requires synchronisation of mobile numbers of repeat offenders. Due to the absence of legal frameworks, the authorities will seek voluntary participation from offenders through a consent form. The tracking will be facilitated through Google Maps once the numbers are registered. Police Commissioner Akhil Kumar introduced the initiative as 'Divya-Drishti', set to commence as a pilot project in Kanpur. "It will be launched within the next ten days. If successful and yielding good results, it will be fully implemented in the Commissionerate," said the CP. The programme primarily targets habitual offenders on parole or those who returned to mainstream society. The authorities will implement a straightforward process of obtaining consent and registration details, as there are no legal provisions for phone monitoring. Offenders will be required to enable location sharing with the police through Google. The authorities anticipate cooperation, particularly from reformed individuals. Police stations and personnel are receiving necessary training for this operation. According to the CP, offender locations will be displayed on police station monitors. "The operation will be staffed with an inspector, a Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) operator, and a constable. The stations will receive computing equipment, and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be linked to Gmail account of the station in-charge. The system includes provisions for video communications with offenders when required," said the CP further. This system eliminates the need for physical verification visits, said the official further, adding, "Each station will initially register approximately 50 offenders, focusing on urban areas exclusively for now." The CP indicated future plans to implement wearable tracking devices, similar to international practices. "The authorities are assessing device costs and considering CSR funding options if expenses are substantial," he said.
TECHx
20 hours ago
- Business
- TECHx
Google Contributed AED 21.8B to UAE Economy in 2024
Home » Top stories » Google Contributed AED 21.8B to UAE Economy in 2024 Google has revealed the findings of its 2024 Economic Impact Report for the UAE. The report, developed in partnership with research agency Public First, highlights how Google's products and services contributed an estimated AED 21.8 billion to the UAE economy last year. According to the report, AI-powered tools such as Google Search, Google Play, Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Ads helped individuals, businesses, and communities across the country. Google reported that its Search and Ads products alone generated AED 20.2 billion in business-related economic activity in the UAE in 2024. Anthony Nakache, Managing Director for Google in the Middle East and North Africa, stated that the findings reflect Google's role in supporting the UAE's transition to an AI-enabled and diversified digital economy. He added that Google's local investments, AI tools, and strategic partnerships are contributing to long-term growth. The report also noted Google's skilling initiative, Maharat Min Google. Since its launch in 2018, the program has trained over 430,000 individuals in essential digital and AI skills across the UAE. In addition, the Android and Google Play app ecosystem supported the creation of 30,000 jobs in 2024. Google reported that AED 455 million in revenue was generated by the Android App Economy for UAE-based developers last year. Public First's findings were based on a mix of consumer and business polling, case studies, economic modeling, and third-party data. The report assesses Google's impact in three areas: people, businesses, and communities. Among consumers: Google services generated an estimated AED 683 per month in average consumer benefit. 63% of adults in the UAE said they used Gemini, Google's AI assistant. 90% agreed Gemini helped them be more productive. 71% said Gemini was easier to use in Arabic than other AI chatbots. Further insights showed that 50% of adults considered Google Search essential to daily life. Around 89% found Google Maps or Waze useful for navigation, while 90% said contactless payment options like GPay or GWallet made life easier. For businesses: 91% of UAE businesses used at least one AI tool in their workflows. 73% of people aged 18–24 used Google Search weekly to browse or shop online. 86% checked Google reviews monthly before visiting venues. 94% used Google Search monthly to compare prices. 97% of public sector workers said Google AI tools improved their work productivity. The report also touched on the broader content ecosystem. Google reported that over 600 YouTube channels in the UAE had more than one million subscribers in 2024, reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth. Additionally, the Google News Initiative trained over 20,000 journalists and journalism students in the MENA region, including in the UAE. The Economic Impact Report underlines how Google's digital tools are playing a role in the UAE economy by supporting job creation, digital skills development, and business productivity.
