App developers and innovators are encouraged to enter the MTN Business App of the Year Awards. Categories include Best Enterprise Solution, Best Consumer Solution, Best Women In Stem Solution, Best Agricultural Solution and Best Breakthrough Developer, among others.
The MTN App of the Year Awards challenge has played a fundamental role in elevating local developers and unearthing exciting new innovations in the South African app development market.
On-demand home cleaning startup, Domestly was last year’s winner in the Best Consumer App category and overall MTN Business App Of The Year winner for their on-demand cleaning service application that allows users to browse, book and pay a cleaner when and where they need them. The app enables cleaners to manage bookings, manage their money and find maps and directions to each booking.
As the overall winners of the 2013 MTN App of the Year Awards, online payment portal SnapScan has revolutionised mobile payments for South African consumers.
Purchased by Standard Bank after winning this app development competition, SnapScan is now used by over 25 000 merchants across South Africa and boasts a vast user network across the country.
Likewise, LIVE Inspect, who took home the 2014 App of the Year title, is changing the face of vehicle insurance. Used by large insurers such as Telesure, FNB and Old Mutual iWyze to accurately capture and report vehicles inspections.LIVE Inspect equips insurers with key insight into the exact physical condition of a vehicle.
Submissions close on the 14 September 2017. Visit www.appoftheyear.co.za for more information.
WeChat Partners With e-Food Delivery Service UCook
Since WeChat’s move into South Africa in 2013, the messaging app has partnered with companies such as OrderIn, Picup and FitKey, and has now announced the addition of UCook, a Cape Town-based e-food delivery service.
UCook provides fresh, gourmet food kits direct to one’s door, along with step-by-step meal preparation instructions by experienced chefs.
The partnership, according to the companies, aims to revolutionise the mobile commerce industry, and both parties expect to see a shared increase in customer growth. “The ever-appealing world of m-commerce is becoming more and more of a necessity in the lifestyle of modern consumers because, with smartphones, anything can be accomplished – from banking to buying electricity, and – with UCook – even planning dinner.”
WeChat aims to improve products and services that its customers can purchase from within its ecosystem. UCook will, in turn, deliver boxes on a once-off basis, without its original subscription element, enabling its customers’ effortless meal purchasing. This is made possible with the WeChat wallet, which allows its users a variety of safe and secure transactions or purchases using their mobile phones. The system allows an easy flow of money according to the consumer’s preference. (via Bizcommunity)
Generation X Main Decision Makers In Households – Generational Lifestyles Report
Effective Measure has just released its Generational Lifestyles in South Africa Report for 2017 which explores the internet use, mobile habits, household composition and financial trends of major age groups within the region.
Though some results were slightly predictable, for example Generation Z, X and Millennial respondents in South Africa believe making money is more important than spending time with friends and family, there were a lot of surprises – for example that the Silent Generation feel more at ease with new technology than any other age group.
Further findings from the report reveal:
- All generations access the internet from their smartphones the majority of the time
- Baby Boomers have the highest average monthly income
- Generation Z believe saving money is important more than any other age group
- 18% of Millennials reach for their phone as soon as they wake up
