Apple has launched a new app named ‘Surveyor’, aimed at collecting real-world mapping data to improve the precision and richness of Apple Maps. The app is reported to gather crucial information such as street signs, traffic signals, and other roadside elements to ensure that Apple Maps stays current and accurate.

Unlike Apple’s typical consumer applications, Surveyor is not available to the public. It seems to be developed specifically for partner companies involved in mapping projects. When users download the app, they are prompted to “Open Partner App,” which takes them to a separate application called Premise.

Premise is a third-party platform that rewards users for participating in various activities, including surveys and reporting local information like construction updates, or taking photographs of specific locations.

App strings discovered in Surveyor indicate that when users receive a mapping task through Premise, they will be instructed to mount their iPhone, switch it to landscape mode, and take photos along a designated driving route. This functionality suggests a systematic approach to gathering data on road infrastructure, which is subsequently sent to Apple to aid in accurately positioning elements on the map.

This strategy illustrates Apple’s intent to utilize crowdsourced data collection as a means to refine its mapping services and keep vital map details updated. Although Premise is not officially recognized as an Apple Maps partner, the connection between the two apps signifies a collaborative effort to maintain ongoing updates to Apple Maps.

Through this initiative, Apple appears to be adopting community-driven data collection methods that could enhance its mapping ecosystem, competing with similar approaches employed by Google Maps and Waze. As Apple works to improve Apple Maps, the Surveyor app could embody a wider movement towards AI-enhanced, real-time mapping upgrades, ensuring that users benefit from more precise and detailed navigation capabilities. This effort aligns with Apple’s broader ambitions in the mapping domain and highlights an innovative direction for future enhancements.

On March 13, Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone giant, announced an essential partnership with PhonePe’s Indus Appstore, marking a significant shift in its app ecosystem in India. This multi-year collaboration intends to replace Xiaomi’s existing GetApps store with the Indus Appstore on all upcoming Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, thus providing a more localized experience for Indian users.

One of the standout features of the new Indus Appstore is its extensive language support, allowing users to explore apps in 12 Indian languages. This initiative aims to cater to the linguistic diversity of the nation and ensures that more users can comfortably navigate the app store. Additionally, the platform employs an innovative video-led app discovery system, enabling users to preview applications visually before deciding to download them. This visual approach enhances user engagement and facilitates informed choices.

Voice command functionality is another significant upgrade, as the Indus Appstore allows searches in 10 Indian languages. This feature aims to make app discovery even more intuitive and accessible for users who prefer voice interaction. The app store claims to host an impressive collection of over 500,000 mobile applications and games spanning 45 categories, enhancing the variety available to users.

Priya M Narasimhan, Chief Business Officer of Indus Appstore, expressed that this partnership is a vital step toward creating a dedicated app marketplace that serves the unique needs of Indian mobile users and developers. “By integrating Xiaomi’s expansive reach with our localized app discovery platform, we are paving the way for a culturally relevant and seamless user experience,” Narasimhan noted.

Xiaomi India’s Chief Operating Officer, Sudhin Mathur, emphasized the growing demand for a locally-driven app platform as India’s digital landscape evolves. He affirmed Xiaomi’s commitment to “Make for India” initiatives and highlighted that the integration of the Indus Appstore will enhance both user experiences and provide Indian developers a broader audience. This collaboration signifies both companies’ strong dedication to nurturing a dynamic and inclusive digital ecosystem in India.

Oppo is gearing up to introduce the F29 5G series in India, featuring the Oppo F29 5G and Oppo F29 Pro 5G. The launch is scheduled for March 20 at 12 PM (IST), as confirmed by Oppo through an official post on X. The F29 Pro 5G will be available in Granite Black and Marble White, while the standard Oppo F29 5G will come in Glacier Blue and Solid Purple.

Key features and durability

Oppo has positioned the F29 5G series as a “durable champion”, with military-grade MIL-STD-810H-2022 certification. The devices boast a 360-degree armor body and have reportedly undergone testing by SGS India, achieving IP66, IP68, and IP69 dust and water resistance ratings.

The smartphones incorporate an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy internal frame, a lens protection ring, a raised corner design cover, and sponge bionic cushioning, ensuring enhanced durability.

What to expect from the Oppo F29 5G series?

Oppo’s F-series has been known for its sleek design and competent cameras, and the F29 models promise a continuation of this legacy. While detailed specifications are yet to be revealed officially, leaks suggest an emphasis on rugged durability and advanced design.

Oppo F29 5G series price in India

Though Oppo has not disclosed the official pricing, the F29 5G series is expected to be positioned in the mid-range segment, similar to its predecessor, the Oppo F27 5G, which launched in India in August 2024.

With its durability-focused build and attractive color options, the Oppo F29 5G series is likely to attract consumers looking for a reliable and stylish smartphone.