Tech Thursday: 3 new features from your favourite apps

1. Facebook and Instagram introduce fundraising tools

In a newsroom update, Facebook has revealed its new fundraising tool that will allow users to donate money and host fundraisers across its apps, just in time for the festive season. Users will be able to utilise the new Fundraiser Sticker for Facebook Stories and a Donate Button for Instagram Business profiles.

Facebook said: “In just a few taps, you can add a fundraiser sticker to your story to promote a specific nonprofit or personal fundraiser. We know every dollar counts, so 100% of what’s raised through nonprofit donate buttons and fundraisers on Facebook and Instagram goes directly to the organizations”.

Facebook will also expand the feature with a charity live streaming tool to all Facebook Gaming Level Up users. During a live stream, gaming creators can now select causes for viewers to support, set donation goals, add a donation progress bar and share donation alerts within a live stream video. They are currently rolling out the new features on their app platforms.

2. Uber South Africa introduces ‘RideCheck’ feature

Uber has announced the launch of a new security feature called RideCheck in South Africa, which will detect “anomalies” during trips. In a press release, Uber said that the RideCheck feature will automatically detect things like unusually long stops and proactively surface the tools that riders and drivers may need to get help.

“When a RideCheck is initiated, both a rider and driver will receive a notification asking if everything is OK,” said Uber. Once alerted, drivers and riders can then access tools such as the emergency button or trusted contacts for help. This feature is currently being rolled out in SA.

3. Google Maps launches Translation feature

This translation tool will help users navigate Google Maps in foreign countries. Google said that the feature will be activated by simply tapping the new speaker button next to the place name or address, and Google Maps will say it out loud, making your next trip that much simpler.

The feature is designed to give Maps users the ability to learn the names of new places and better communicate with locals. “And when you want to have a deeper conversation, Google Maps will quickly link you to the Google Translate app,” the company said in a press statement on their website.

The in-app translation feature currently supports 50 languages and will be rolled out on Maps for both iOS and Android this month.