Google is testing a new feature called “Shielded Email” aimed at helping users mask their primary email addresses with temporary aliases to keep spam at bay. This innovative tool could enhance privacy and reduce unwanted messages in users’ inboxes.

What is Shielded Email?

According to a report by Android Authority, the Shielded Email feature was uncovered during an APK teardown of Google Play Services version 24.45.33. The analysis revealed that Shielded Email would allow users to create limited-time or single-use email aliases. These aliases would automatically forward incoming messages to the user’s primary Gmail account.

Discovery and Current Status

The feature was spotted under the ‘Autofill with Google’ menu in the Google section of Android’s Settings app. However, accessing it led to an empty page, indicating that the functionality is still under development. This suggests that while the feature is promising, it may not be available for general use just yet.

How Does It Work?

Temporary email addresses offer users a layer of privacy, especially when signing up for online services that may lead to spam or data leaks. While third-party services like TempMail already provide similar functionality, Google’s integration through its autofill feature could make the process seamless across Android devices and applications.

Functionality Overview

• Users will be able to generate temporary email addresses for specific purposes, such as signing up for newsletters or online services.
• All emails sent to these temporary addresses will be forwarded to the user’s main Gmail inbox.
• Users can easily manage these aliases, including turning off forwarding if they start receiving too much spam.

It remains unclear whether Shielded Email aliases will use the @gmail.com domain or randomly generated ones. If Google opts for @gmail.com aliases, it may make it harder for companies to differentiate between real and temporary emails, offering users a significant privacy advantage.

Potential Benefits

Shielded Email could be a game-changer for privacy-conscious users. The feature might allow them to:

• Prevent spam and unwanted emails from cluttering their inboxes.
• Avoid sharing personal email addresses with untrusted websites or apps.
• Simplify the process of managing temporary emails without relying on third-party tools.

Enhanced Privacy and Security

By using temporary email addresses, users can shield their primary email from potential data breaches and online tracking. If a user suspects that their temporary email has been compromised or is receiving excessive spam, they can easily delete it without affecting their primary email account.

Current Status and Expectations

Though still in the early stages, Shielded Email holds promise for improving email privacy and reducing spam. Users are awaiting more details about its implementation and whether it will extend to all Gmail users or remain exclusive to certain services.

Integration with Google Services

Google’s autofill service, already widely used across Android devices and apps, could make Shielded Email a convenient and widely accessible solution for managing online privacy. As development continues, the feature may become a valuable tool in Google’s arsenal against spam.

Conclusion

The introduction of Shielded Email represents Google’s proactive approach to enhancing user privacy in an era where spam and data breaches are prevalent concerns. By allowing users to generate temporary email addresses seamlessly integrated into their existing Gmail accounts, Google aims to provide a robust solution for managing online interactions while safeguarding personal information.

As more details emerge regarding this feature’s rollout and functionality, it will be interesting to see how users adapt it into their daily digital lives and how it impacts overall email management practices in the long run.

EaseMyTrip, a leading travel booking platform, has announced its entry into the international study tourism segment through the acquisition of a 49% stake in Planet Education Australia Pty Ltd. This acquisition aims to combine EaseMyTrip’s extensive customer base, B2B agent network, and technological capabilities with Planet Education’s robust global education network.

Expanding Horizons in Education and Travel

Headquartered in Sydney, Planet Education operates across 25 global offices and collaborates with over 350 universities worldwide. The partnership positions EaseMyTrip to offer integrated travel and education solutions, catering to students pursuing higher education in countries such as the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Strategic Importance of the Acquisition

Nishant Pitti, CEO and Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, emphasized the growing demand for international education. He stated, “Every year, lakhs of students seek higher education opportunities abroad. Our acquisition of Planet Education marks a strategic move into the thriving study tourism sector. This will allow us to deliver a seamless, end-to-end experience that blends education services with travel solutions.”

Simplifying the Student Journey

The collaboration aims to streamline processes such as visa applications and documentation for students, making international education more accessible and hassle-free. By leveraging Planet Education’s expertise, EaseMyTrip plans to enhance its service offerings, bridging the gap between education and travel for its customers.

Comprehensive Services Offered

Planet Education specializes in providing end-to-end study abroad solutions, including:

• Expert counseling

• University placements

• Visa assistance

• Pre-departure briefings

This comprehensive approach ensures that students receive support at every stage of their educational journey.

Commitment to Innovation and Diversification

This strategic acquisition underscores EaseMyTrip’s commitment to innovation and diversification, opening new avenues in the global education and travel markets. By integrating educational services with its existing travel offerings, EaseMyTrip aims to create a unique value proposition for students looking to study abroad.

Market Trends

The study tourism market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing numbers of students pursuing higher education overseas. With rising competition among educational institutions globally, platforms that provide integrated solutions are becoming increasingly valuable.

Future Growth Potential

With this acquisition, EaseMyTrip is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing trend of study tourism. The company plans to further enhance its offerings by developing partnerships with additional educational institutions and expanding its reach within the study abroad segment.

Enhancing Customer Experience

EaseMyTrip’s focus on customer experience will be critical as it integrates these new services. By providing a streamlined process for students—from application to arrival—EaseMyTrip aims to differentiate itself in a competitive market.

Conclusion

The acquisition of a 49% stake in Planet Education Australia marks a significant milestone for EaseMyTrip as it ventures into the study tourism sector. This strategic move not only enhances the company’s service offerings but also positions it as a key player in the rapidly growing market for international education.

As EaseMyTrip continues to innovate and expand its portfolio, it is set to provide valuable support to students pursuing their academic dreams abroad while reinforcing its leadership in the travel industry. The integration of educational services with travel solutions represents a forward-thinking approach that meets the evolving needs of today’s students.

Electric vehicle (EV) components manufacturer Vecmocon has successfully raised $10 million in a funding round led by the Ecosystem Integrity Fund (EIF). This round also saw participation from existing investor Blume Ventures and British International Investment (BII). The newly raised capital will fuel Vecmocon’s efforts to strengthen its presence across diverse market segments such as electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and buses.

Focus on Advanced EV Solutions

Founded in 2016 by Peeyush Asati, Adarshkumar Balaraman, and Shivam Wankhede, Vecmocon specializes in developing safety-critical components for EVs. These include:

• Battery Management Systems (BMS)

• EV Chargers

• Vehicle Intelligence Modules (VIM)

• Secure Firmware-Over-The-Air (FOTA) Solutions

The startup is committed to addressing the needs of the rapidly growing EV market. Asati noted, “EVs are becoming increasingly viable economically and environmentally, particularly due to declining battery costs, which have significantly reduced vehicle prices. The commercial vehicle segment has especially embraced EVs, thanks to their lower operational costs.”

R&D and Technological Advancements

The funding will be allocated to research and development (R&D), talent acquisition, and collaborations with larger Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to address a variety of use cases. Specifically, Vecmocon aims to enhance its capabilities in high-voltage systems and energy storage solutions while developing zonal ECU-compliant architectures and advancing 5G automotive connectivity solutions.

Expanding Global Footprint

Vecmocon, incubated at IIT Delhi, operates in key Indian cities including Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Lucknow. The company has a notable clientele that includes Exide, BGauss, and Battery Smart. With existing customers in Sri Lanka, Vecmocon plans to explore opportunities in Southeast Asia and African markets to broaden its international reach.

Previous Funding Rounds

This latest funding round follows a previous investment of $5.2 million in 2022 from Tiger Global and Blume Ventures, marking a significant step in the company’s journey toward becoming a global leader in EV intelligence solutions.

Strategic Backing and Industry Validation

Highlighting the investment, Devin Whatley, Managing Partner at EIF, stated, “Vecmocon is well-positioned to leverage the growing adoption of EVs in India. Their solutions provide a competitive edge by ensuring quicker time-to-market and superior performance and safety for their customers.”

Arpit Agarwal, Partner at Blume Ventures, added, “Vecmocon’s agility and ability to adapt to market demands are impressive. Their rapid expansion through major industry partnerships underscores their leadership in vehicle intelligence.”

A Bright Future Ahead

With this funding, Vecmocon is poised to strengthen its role in India’s evolving EV ecosystem by offering cutting-edge solutions for safety, performance, and market adaptability. The company’s commitment to innovation and strategic partnerships positions it well for future growth.

Market Dynamics

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise globally, Vecmocon’s focus on developing advanced components will be crucial for meeting the needs of manufacturers looking to enhance their offerings. The ongoing transition towards sustainable transportation presents significant opportunities for companies like Vecmocon that are dedicated to advancing EV technology.

Conclusion

Vecmocon’s successful funding round not only highlights investor confidence in its business model but also reinforces its commitment to being at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution. With plans for expansion into new markets and continuous innovation in product development, Vecmocon is well-equipped to capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicles both domestically and internationally. As it moves forward with its strategic initiatives, Vecmocon aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of intelligent mobility solutions.