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Slack Awaits Its Biggest Makeover For Improving User Interface

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Slack Technologies released its messaging application in 2013. The user interface had some flaws that the company is trying to fix. Every application comes up with the latest and modified version after a fixed period. But, Slack has declared that this redesigning of the application is going to be the biggest in its history.

Prior problems faced by the users

Apart from the basic structural design, every user wants to customize and make sure they are comfortable using any application. An application might have the power to do multiple tasks at a time. But, the problem arises when your users don’t know how to do it at all.

Slack is a very powerful platform that provides a tool for instant messaging. It is available in eight different languages. Currently, it has 12 million active daily users. But, every time the customers provide feedback, the common question “how to use the features” has come up. Jaime DeLanghe, Director of Product Management, Slack said that they were too busy delivering customer value. But, it is high time to take a pause and provide some space to the user interface.

We have often run by the common proverb, “Too many cooks spoil the broth”. Here is the thing; Slack is having the innumerable number of features. But, what is the use of it when the customers cannot use it properly? Everything needs to be in the proper place, customizable, a lot simpler, and well fitted on the screen.

The trendy sidebar

The news of the redesigning has created a “face-palm” situation for the users. Many of them are in tension if it gets more complex. But, Ethan Eismann, Vice President of Design, Slack stated that the redesigning will adapt some old school ideas as well. They are working on making it as simpler as possible.

Slack users have previously faced the problem regarding customizing which led to the introduction of a sidebar. Out of all changes that are going to take place, the sidebar is the real hype. One person must be busy working on a project and discussing it at the same time. So, the new sidebar will allow the user to segregate all you need to be in one section. And, the users can then simply drag and drop it in the sidebar. So, it just stopped getting messy and confusing in the first place.

Moreover, this sidebar also has a new compose button which will allow the users to start a conversation into any Slack Channel. The users can either DM or any other way as it will work more like a universal texting button. Another section called People and Mentions & Reactions has been added to the sidebar. This allows the user to find relatable channels and pings, and also suitable people the user wants to DM. So, the redesigning will make Slack more time-efficient along with making it comfortable to use.

But, this whole thing of organizing the channels and conversations under one roof is available for the paid-users only.

What are the other modifications?

It is to be noted that a lot of changes are going to take place in the application, especially the frontend development. Apart from the sidebar, Slack is introducing a top navigation bar. This has been introduced so that the users can search and switch between pages. This feature also helps the users to view their browsing history. The activities that the user might carry out in the navigation bar will support mouse and keyboard shortcuts.

The shortcut button is modified which can be used now access conversation tools. Previously, this was to be done by text commands. The application will also have a new compose button and other small changes.

Redesigning is important than adding new features

When a modified version of an application is released it comes with new features. But, this time Slack has decided to arrange its existing features in a better and clearer way. Instead of adding some new features and making it messier, it is important to think about the user interface. So, Slack has decided to make changes in the mobile application and undoubtedly in UI.

Slack is also thinking about the new users coming from a habit of using a different application or only drafting emails. The company has already started implementing the changes to make Slack spacious and well-arranged.

Verbling

Verbling: More Than A Language Learning Platform, Helping To Break Different Culture’s Stereotypes

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There are many online learning platforms are available, some of them are paid while some of the platforms do not cost a penny. But Verbling stands different from each of them because of its unique platform. On the Verbling platform, one can trade the linguistic skills of the language they know with others who know the language you want to learn through video chat. In fact, this all is free! This amazing idea behind setting up the platform makes it unique. It is set up by Fred Wulff, Jake Jolis, and Mikael Bernstein. After several struggles and lots of hard work they finally designed the platform as per their ideas.

As a matter of fact, the Verbling founders spent two days to decide the perfect name for their platform. In end, they come up with the name Verbling, the combination of two words Verbal and Linguistic. Presently, Verbling enables the best online learning platform that pairs learners with language tutors via video chat, for free.

About Verbling

It is an online language learning platform, known for allowing individuals to connect with language teachers through video chat. The company aims to address the problem of the language barrier, which is one of the biggest problems in international business. Yes, emails, video conference, and chat obviously made it easier to communicate over long distances. But still, not all international colleagues understand each other’s language. Here, Verbling plays an important role. Initially, only six English-Spanish exchanges were available on the platform. However, the founder’s keen dedication enabled other languages on the Verbling platform.

The Backstory of Foundation

In 2011, Jake Jolis, Fred Wulff, and M. Bernstein set up the online language learning platform known as Verbling. Initially, it started as a Verbling Friends, a simple video chat platform for people who are eager to learn new languages. For that, they design a video chat platform where users can learn each other’s language through chat. However, in a short duration, Verbling raised 1-million-dollar funding and shifted the headquarter to San Francisco. Thereafter, the company added nine more languages and finally launched online Verbling classes in 2013.

Exploration of Verbling

The firm raised series A funding of 2.7 Million dollars in 2015 so that expanding technology to more platforms. Other than that, Verbling offered free lessons in Swedish during the Syrian Civil War to help Syrian refugees. In 2016, Verbling took a new step and launched a platform for the corporate world to help their employees in learning new languages. For that, the company tied up with Inditex and Volkswagen Group. Thereafter, it launched iOS and Android apps in 2017, on this platform more than 2000 teachers are there to help in learning new languages. Moreover, 60 languages are available on the Verbling virtual language learning platform.

How does it work?

First of all, the person who wants to learn a language on Verbling platform, he/she needs to sign up. After that, a video chat will be aligned with the person who knows the language of the learner. Basically, the whole set up is work on allowing a person to learn your language for five to ten minutes and thereafter, the same service is provided to the other person on the chat. The best part about Verbling, one can share cultures to help to break stereotypes associated with it.

Founders in Limelight

Fred Wulff

A former software engineer at Google, Fred Wulff shared great contributions in the formation of Verbling. Before that, he worked for many other companies like Hillary for America, Causes, and Dropbox, where he served in the Engineering field. Fred has experienced in App Engine, focusing on MapReduce support, distributed systems work, API design, and operational work, etc. He also established Rodeo in 2012.

Wulff attended Stanford University for studying bachelor’s and masters in computer science. During his study, he also did an internship at Google, Mobile Evolution, and Texas State University.

Verbling CEO and Co-founder-Jake Jolis

He is present CEO at Verbling. Jake is known for helping early-stage founders reach their next milestone. He has an optimistic view of determining whether a start-up achieves greatness or taps out pre-maturely. Previously, he was one of the partners at Matrix Partners. Also, he served as a Dray Alliance and Smartcat’s board member. Coming to his education, he studied at Stanford University.

Bottom Line

No one can have thought that the languages can be traded until Verbling made it possible. The dedication and new idea of founders set a brand-new example for entrepreneurs. In fact, the founders also showed the world that you need not have an office to run your business. Because they are working on their platform from the place they are living in. No such offices are there for the company. Today, many learners find a Verbling easy and fun platform to learn the new language.

coronavirus

Does India is planning to backstop its growing electronics sector by arranging to airlift components from China?

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Highlights:

1. Manufacturing of Electronics products, especially smartphones assembly is a golden chance to improve India’s otherwise fading economy.

2. Two of the officials reported to Reuters that the Technology ministry has asked electronics and smartphone industry lobby groups to draw up a list of components made in China which then can be airlifted.

Coronavirus has been declared a global emergency, which took the lives of many people all over the world, especially in China. Recently, many smartphone companies denied participation at Mobile World Congress 2020 arranged in Feb due to Coronavirus Outbreak. However, India is planning to backstop its growing electronics sector by arranging to airlift components from China, three government officials said, as it tries to contain the fallout from the coronavirus crisis in China.

Emergency Airlift plan

India’s federal technology ministry has asked electronics and smartphone industry lobby groups to draw up a list of components made in China which then can be airlifted, two of the officials said.

After an extended shutdown due to the Coronavirus outbreak, China is slowly getting back to work. But the country is still facing a range of products and logistics delays. Electronics manufacturing such as smartphone assembly is the bright hope for India’s otherwise flagging economy. However, India is still relying on China for basic components required for the assembly of smartphones. Includes, display screens, camera modules, etc. 

The emergency airlift plans highlight the global supply chains’ interconnected nature as well, continued dependence on China for key goods even as some manufacturers prompted in some cases by the US-China trade war move to build up capacity outside of China. On the basis of this, other industries are exploring airfreight options too.

India’s role in Emergency Airlift plan

The auto industry in India is highly depending upon China for assembly parts like electronic components, fuel injectors, and pressure sensors.

As per the reports, the Indian Automotive Component Manufacturers Association has reached out to its members so that parts are in short supply will assess and can potentially be air-lifted. Also, the government adviser with direct knowledge of the matter reported that India’s embassy in China is coordinating an airlift of drug ingredients from China.

As per one of the government sources, “For the electronics and smartphone components, the technology ministry is in touch with aviation carriers and air freighters and they’ve been connected with the industry”.

“The airlifting of components from the Chinese cities of Guangzhou and Shanghai is one option being discussed”, the official said. However, the sources did not clear anything about when the airlifting might begin. The aviation ministry also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Import of Chinese goods has been lower down

Reuters has reported, Lack of truck drivers, a proliferation of road checkpoints and a shortage of workers at Chinese ports have slowed shipments even for parts that are still being produced. Also, Air cargo firms have reduced services in response to crew health concerns and uncertain demand.

All aware that China is the biggest trading partner of India, but imports of Chinese goods in India contracted in February to their lowest levels in nearly four years, trade ministry data reviewed by Reuters showed.

Scrambling in India

Indian Smartphone makers thus far have largely weathered the virus crisis, partly because they had made up inventories of Chinese-made parts to cover the Lunar New Year holiday period when factories in China shut down. But those stocks could dry up soon.

The co-founder of homegrown smartphone maker Lava Mr. S.N. Rai said, “the supply of some components had resumed, but the pace of production at his factory on the outskirts of New Delhi could soon slow down”.

Rai reported to Reuters, “The period between March 10 and March 20 is going to be very tough, in the absence of supplies, we might have to cut one or two of the three eight-hour shifts we have daily”.

Others are also scrambling for components

As per to two industry sources, the India units of contract manufacturers Wistron Corp, which makes some of Apple Inc’s lower-priced iPhones, and Flex Ltd have, through an industry body, asked for government help in securing components including camera modules and displays from China. However, Wistron and Flex did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

Oppo, a Chinese smartphone maker as well as Korean Samsung Electronics did not respond to requests seeking comment on their supply chains.

Coronavirus outbreak brought the uncertainty in Global Economy, especially the economy of China and developing countries like India. The global emergency affected the automotive sector of India. Also, now it is affecting the Electronics Manufacturing Industry of the country, which is the bright hope for the flagging economy of India. Let’s Hope, Coronavirus outbreak recedes soon so that all sectors reinstate its potential.

Bluetooth

How Jaap Haartsen Changed the World Sends and Receives Files With Bluetooth

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The world around us has changed so much due to advancements in science and technology. Almost every sphere of our lives has been touched by technology in some way or the other. It has made it possible for us to do things that were impossible or unimaginable in the past. One of the major fields in which technology has had a massive impact is in communication and data transfer. We have all used Bluetooth at some point of time to share and transfer files. It has been our savior whenever we had to share a song or an image and didn’t have cellular data to help us. But how many know about how Bluetooth came to be. Since being invented, Bluetooth has come a long way, from being something primarily used by businesspeople to share things on their mobile phones to a universally loved and adopted platform to share and transfer data. So, here’s a look at the story behind Bluetooth and how the technology became what it is.

About the Inventor

Jaap Haartsen led the development team that designed and created the Bluetooth in 1994. At the time, he was working at Ericsson, while now he serves as an expert at wireless communication at Plantronics. Jacobus Cornelis Haartsen, generally called Jaap by his colleagues was born in 1963 in Hague, Netherlands. The Dutchman got his electrical engineering degree from Delft University in 1986.

After graduation, he worked for short stints in both Siemens and Philips before eventually going back to pursue his higher studies. He got his Ph.D. from Delft with honors in 1990, after publishing a thesis on acoustic wave detection. He joined Ericsson a year later, and worked in the US for two years, before shifting to their base in Sweden in 1993. It was while he was at the Mobile division in Lund that he developed the idea for the Bluetooth. After 1997, he worked for Ericsson in their Emmen plant, eventually quitting and taking up a part-time teaching job at the University of Twente.

He later became the Chief Technology Officer at Tonalite BV, which was a small company specializing in wireless wearables. In 2012, Plantronics acquired Tonalite, prompting Haartsen to become a part of their team. In 2015, he became a part of the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his contribution to the field of radio and wireless communication.

Jaap and Wireless Communication

Jaap always had an interest in the field of wireless communication, and now has been active in this field for over three decades. In 1994, he began developing a system that would later grow and evolve to become the Bluetooth technology we now enjoy. He began by taking up a project related to indoor wireless systems and tried to find ways to enable short-range radio connections.

After developing Bluetooth, he was also instrumental in setting up the Bluetooth Special Interest group, better known as the BSIG in 1998. He then, went on to serve as their Chairman till 2000, helping with standardizing the Bluetooth interface. He also played an important part in helping to obtain all the required approvals regarding the world-wide usage of Bluetooth technology.

Concept of Bluetooth

The idea for a short-range radio tech began in 1989, as per the suggestion of Ericsson’s CTO Nils Rydbeck. Haartsen’s goal was to create a device that could support both digital and visual data while being digital and wireless.

The team went with a chip that could integrate all these types of technologies and not pull to much space or battery power. Also, “Bluetooth comes from an anglicized version of the name of the Danish King Harald Blåtand, who played an important role in uniting Denmark and Norway. The logo too consists of a Viking inscription, called the bind rune, that brings together the king’s initials.

After developing the Bluetooth technology, IBM’s Adalio Sanchez approached Rybeck to talk about integrating the new technology with their existing technology in 1997. This resulted in the Bluetooth becoming a part of the ThinkPad notebook and Ericsson phone. However, since neither of these players was market leaders in their respective segments, they decided that it would do the technology well to make it open-source, so as to maximize the access to the market. Hence, with that aim in mind, in 1998, SIG came out with IBM, Ericsson, Nokia, Intel and Toshiba on board.

A year later, the first consumer device with Bluetooth integrated into came out, and even won an award at COMDEX. Ericsson then launched the first Bluetooth phone through the T36 and the T39 came out in 2001. Similarly, IBM launched the ThinkPad A30 in 2001, making it the world’s first notebook that came with Bluetooth.

Since then, Bluetooth has grown to become a gold standard in wireless data transfer, finding its way into almost every phone manufactured nowadays. With Apple recently stating that it was going to do away with the traditional headphone jack, the future of Bluetooth looks more interesting than ever before!

Stairlift Founder Henry VIII

David Starkey Recalls Henry Viii As The Inventor Of Stairlift

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The stairlift is a blessed invention in today’s world. Medical patients throughout the world use it extensively. The main reason for inventing it was to help out the sick people. In the 1920s, C. C. Crispen invented the first stairlift in the world. But, recently, Dr. David Starkey, a famous historian has discovered that the famous king of England, Henry VIII is the inventor of the stairlift. Going down the historic lane, David discovered the fact that Henry VIII had a “stairthrone” in his possession. The discovery happened because of Henry VIII’s obesity and sheer laziness. But, due to his one invention, today it has a great positive impact on our world.

Early Life of Henry VIII

Henry VIII is famous mainly for having six wives and building the Church of England. Born on 28th June 1941 at the Palace of Placentia in Greenwich, he served as the King for thirty-eight years. He was the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. From the tender age of two, Henry VIII started gaining fame and received honorary positions like Earl Marshal of England, Warden of the Scottish Marches, Constable of Dover Castle, and many more.

Taking responsibility

After the death of Henry VII, Henry VIII became the king of England at the age of seventeen. Apart from how he reined the empire, he was very much inclined towards public execution. Anyone who crossed his path had their fate decided. But, he also pardoned some of the prisoners who were imprisoned by his father.

In 1510, Henry VIII decided to renew his relationship with Louis XII of France. But, after that, he invaded France twice as he was promised the title of Most Christian King of France. In his entire life, he married six women, namely, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr.

Once he entered into his marital life, Henry VIII started gaining weight with age. Both his territory and waist started increasing simultaneously. After a point of time, Henry started suffering from gross obesity and might have suffered from gout as well. He survived under medical supervision for most of his life and moved from one place to another with the help of medical equipment.

The Invention of Stairlift

And, now you can understand why the invention of a stairlift was so vital in his life. It is a known fact that he roamed around sitting on his stairthrone. He mostly used it to get up a twenty feet staircase at the Whitehall Palace in London. It is also known that Henry VIII’s waist finally stopped growing after fifty-inches. His armor kept getting bigger every year.

David found out the fact about stairlift when he was going through the list of possession of Henry VIII. He also believes that the stairlift used by him was based on a block and tackle system where ropes were used to lift the king. After he falls prey to obesity, he avoided walking and started using his stairlift. But then they preferred calling it stairthrone. To some point, Henry VIII himself was also responsible for his bad health.

Henry VIII did horse riding and underwent a lot of exercises. But, everything stopped after he faced an accident at the age of forty-five. He stayed mostly in London after the accident. Though he was cured he didn’t prefer many physical activities. This led to his enormous weight gaining and on top of that he preferred having a thirty-course meal every day.

Starkey said that no one found any picture of Henry VIII sitting on a stairthrone. But, a person with his lifestyle is likely to have one of those in his possession. He died at the age of fifty-five due to obesity.

Stairlift in Today’s World

Commonly three types of stairlift are available these days, namely, straight, curved, and outdoor stairlift. When Henry VIII made this excellent invention there weren’t many high-tech features installed in it. But, today, many new features are available that are of immense help for the physically challenged people or those who have undergone any medical operations.

Remote control stairlift has also been invented to make this equipment more user-friendly. Many companies also provide stairlifts through a rental service for those who cannot afford to buy one or need it primarily.

digit Insurance Logo

Digit Insurance Becomes Asia’s General Insurance Company Of The Year In 2019

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Digit Insurance is a general insurance company where one gets any type of insurance done under the same roof. Kamesh Goyal founded the company in 2016 and it received a license in 2017.

Insurance becomes a very vital part of our life when future planning comes into play. Medical insurance, car insurance, home insurance and whatnot. Insurance plays a key role in our present and future lives which cannot be ignored. Our well-being partly depends on proper insurance.

We often tend to make different insurance from different sources. And, most of the time we just listen to some of our relatives and go to the same company. But, a decision which is as vital as insurance should be a properly thought decision. And, moreover wouldn’t it be so much better if one single company providing you with all kinds of insurance?

Digit Insurance is a general insurance company where one gets any type of insurance done under the same roof. Kamesh Goyal founded the company in 2016 and it received a license in 2017.

Kamesh graduated with a B.Sc degree from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. He also studied law from Delhi University and then pursued his MBA under the same. His first job was at The New India Assurance Co. Ltd. where he worked for nine years.

About the Founder

Kamesh also worked at the Allianz India Liaison office and served as both the CEO and COO of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. He also served in many positions at Allianz Asset Management. And, in 2016 he finally executed his plan of Digit Insurance.

The Beginning

Kamesh had good experience in the sector of insurance. He worked for different companies and in different prestigious positions for more than twenty years. One important thing that Kamesh noticed during this time is the communication gap is very vivid between the company and the customer.

The insurance sector has made significant development in the past seventeen years. But, only 29% of the total customers are satisfied with the services provided and the terms of the insurance. So, until and unless the company understands the needs and demands of their customers, they cannot come up with something fruitful. This sense of miscommunication drives Kamesh to establish a company providing what is necessary and basic.

Strategies

No matter what field one chooses today, high tech is always a pre-requisite. So, Digit Insurance from the very beginning decided to invest in technology.

When Kamesh established Digit, Fairfax Group saw a huge opportunity and potential in this company. So, they bought 45% stake in the company for 350 crores. This became the highest amount received by a start-up in the insurance sector.

Kamesh decided to offer every kind of insurance to his customers. For motor insurance, Digit collaborated with 250 strategic partners with increased over the years. One way to be on track without competitors is tying up with them. So, Digit also came in partnership with Paytm and Amazon.

A good start

Insurance is a sector which is in demand for every class of people. So, once the company starts making money, good policies and good terms can keep you on track. Within four months of launching, Digit Insurance landed 1.5 lakh customers and 100 crores in pocket.

Funding

In July 2018, the company raised $44 million in the second round of funding. This summed up the total funding raised by Digit Insurance to $94 million.

In 2020, the company raised $84 million from A91, Faering, and TVS Capital. The company which is just two years old is doing absolutely brilliant. The last funding has led Digit’s total fundraising to $224 million. Digit currently serves more than five million customers with extremely diversified categories of insurance.

Success

In 2019, Digit bagged the award of Asia’s General Insurance Company of the year 2019. The customer rating is highly lucrative and impressive. Digit Insurance has also been listed in India’s top two start-ups for consecutive two years. And, it is the only Indian insurance company to be listed in the Global Fintech List. It is absolutely remarkable to witness a young company growing so fast.

Since Digit focuses on the implementation of technology from the first, they are using AI and ML-based tools to prevent fraud. Because, for an insurance company, fraud is the biggest threat. They are experimenting with new tools now but this is going to be very effective in the long run.