Digital Service Saviours, Apps Come To The Rescue
From browsing apps before going to bed to checking your notifications immediately after waking up in the morning, it is hard to imagine our life without the internet. With technology enhancing our life experiences, the smartphone has become the most convenient tool for us. Today, a simple click on our smartphones can fulfil all our needs, be it official, educational, business or household. From getting food delivered at our doorstep to buying fashionable clothes sitting at home to learning in an online classroom, mobile apps have revolutionised the way we live our life.
My City Links lists out some of the apps that are making lives easy for Bhubaneswarites and have become a hit among people of all age groups during the lockdown.
Zomato
The food delivery app has been successfully catering to the needs of people by bridging the gap between restaurants and customers. “I have been using this app for a year now as my busy routine doesn’t allow me to invest time in cooking. Besides, I look for places providing healthy meals. Zomato, with its countless options of restaurants that serve meals at affordable prices, comes as a saviour,” says 23-year-old Riya, a working professional.
During the current lockdown, the company has introduced contactless delivery, which has increased the consumer confidence in ordering food from their favourite restaurants.
Byju’s
In an era of growing academic competition, parents get their kids enrolled in various tuition classes and coaching centres so that they have an edge over their peers. Byju’s was developed to serve this purpose of parents. The app makes learning fun and easy for children. Umakant Jena, a resident of Shaheed Nagar, said, “My son is in Class VII and doesn’t go to any of the nearby coaching centres. My wife has installed the Byju’s app in her phone to guide him in subjects like Mathematics, Environmental Science, Social Studies and English. The convenient video modules explain each lesson in detail with illustrated examples.”
Also during the current lockdown when reopening date of schools is in doubt, these online platforms come to the rescue as education cannot stop. They are a much-needed saviour.
Telegram
This messaging app has become the go-to app for official information owing to it’s better safety features. Many of the government’s official handles prefer using this app for disseminating important information. As WhatsApp has lost its credibility over security reasons, Telegram has emerged as the new default messaging app. It is especially important in a crisis situation like this where access to correct information plays a vital role in maintaining law and order in society.
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Amazon
The e-commerce giant has been fulfilling the day-to-day needs of people since its birth. It is a one-stop platform for various brands, products buyers and sellers. Ananya Das of Ravi Talkies area said, “I am a shopaholic and love to experiment with my clothing. But due to time restraint, I rarely visit markets. Amazon has been catering to all my clothing needs.” Amazon has redefined the meaning of window shopping. People browse through the platform at any time of the day or night from wherever they are.
During the lockdown, the platform has used it’s access to market and resources to focus on the delivery of only essential items.
Flipkart
Another online shopping destination is Flipkart where one could get the best of all home needs. “It is the favourite app for city residents who love shopping. I stay in a hostel away from family. In a limited budget, I am able to manage my expenditures, thanks to Flipkart. For me, this is the best place to buy household goods along with other things,” said 19-year-old Upasana Jena, a student.
Ola
During the lockdown, the government has allowed a specific number of Ola cabs to ferry patients to and from hospitals when public transport has come to a standstill. It is easier for people to book a cab without venturing out of their houses to avoid the risk of exposing themselves to the coronavirus.
These apart, there are other apps which have become a hit among residents of the Capital City. One such app is ‘Meesho’ which focuses on women empowerment. The app helps women become financially independent. Abha Rath, a tutor, said, “During my spare time, I browse Meesho for jobs that are home-based. I am able to earn a handsome amount of money per month by spending only 2-3 hours in Meesho daily.”