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Andhra Pradesh Hotels Association Announces Boycott of Swiggy Over Unethical Practices and Payment Delays!

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The Andhra Pradesh Hotels Association (APHA) has declared a statewide boycott of Swiggy, effective October 14, 2024. This decision stems from ongoing grievances regarding the food delivery platform’s alleged unethical practices and its failure to make timely payments to restaurants.

Reasons for the Boycott

At a media conference on October 4, APHA President R.V. Swamy outlined several critical issues that prompted this drastic action. One of the primary concerns is the significant financial losses that restaurants are experiencing due to Swiggy’s high commission rates. Initially, both Swiggy and Zomato operated in Andhra Pradesh with zero commission fees. However, these rates have escalated over time, with Swiggy now charging between 20% to 30% on orders. According to Swamy, restaurants are losing between 40% to 60% of their menu prices because of these practices.

Another major issue raised by the APHA is the delay in payouts from Swiggy, which reportedly holds restaurant earnings for up to 12 days. This delay places immense financial strain on smaller establishments that rely heavily on timely revenue to sustain their operations.

Allegations of Unethical Practices

The APHA has accused Swiggy of implementing “uninformed discounts,” where price reductions are applied without consulting restaurant management. This practice not only affects the profits of the establishments but also leads to confusion among customers regarding pricing. Furthermore, members of the association expressed concerns about Swiggy altering restaurant menus without prior consent, often selling items at lower prices or offering promotions like “Buy One Get One Free.” Such actions undermine restaurants’ pricing strategies and can damage their brand integrity.

Additionally, the association criticized Swiggy’s refund policies, stating that neither customers nor restaurants receive refunds for canceled orders. This lack of accountability exacerbates the financial difficulties faced by restaurants already struggling with high operational costs.

Response from Zomato

In contrast to Swiggy, Zomato has reportedly engaged in constructive discussions with the APHA and has shown willingness to address many of their concerns. Zomato’s responsiveness has fostered a more favorable relationship with restaurant owners, highlighting a growing divide in how each platform is perceived within the industry.

Future Implications

The impending boycott against Swiggy signifies a critical moment in the ongoing tensions between food delivery platforms and local businesses. As APHA prepares to halt sales through Swiggy, it remains uncertain how this decision will affect both the delivery service and participating restaurants across Andhra Pradesh.

This boycott could serve as a wake-up call for food delivery companies to reassess their business practices and consider more equitable arrangements with restaurant partners. The outcome may influence similar actions in other regions as restaurant owners increasingly seek fair treatment in an evolving market landscape.

In conclusion, the APHA’s decision to boycott Swiggy reflects deep-rooted frustrations within the restaurant industry regarding commission rates, payment practices, and overall treatment by food delivery platforms. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how both parties respond and whether any resolutions can be reached before October 14.

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WhatsApp Beta Users Face Disruptive Green Screen Bug on Android!

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WhatsApp Beta Users Face Disruptive Green Screen Bug on Android!

Android users participating in WhatsApp’s beta program are encountering a significant bug that renders the app unusable, following the release of the latest beta version 2.24.24.5. This issue, reported by multiple users and highlighted by Android Police, has led to widespread frustration among beta testers who experience a solid green screen when attempting to open any chat, effectively blocking access to the app.

New Features, But a Critical Bug

The latest beta version of WhatsApp introduces several new features aimed at enhancing user experience, including the ability to delete preset chat filters, utilize “Add Yours” stickers for Status updates, and search within channels. While these features offer exciting advancements, they come with the inherent risks associated with beta testing, such as potential bugs that can disrupt usability.

Bug Details and Temporary Solution

The green screen bug appears to be specific to version 2.24.24.5 of WhatsApp Beta. Many affected users have attempted conventional troubleshooting methods such as restarting their devices, clearing the app cache, and force-stopping the app; however, these solutions have proven ineffective. Currently, the only reliable workaround is to uninstall the beta version and revert to the latest stable version of WhatsApp available on the Google Play Store.

Developer Response Expected Soon

Given the volume of complaints surfacing on social media platforms, it is likely that WhatsApp’s developers are aware of this critical issue and may be working on a fix. Until a resolution is provided, users experiencing the green screen bug are advised to avoid using the beta version, as the stable release remains unaffected by this glitch.

User Experiences and Community Feedback

Reports indicate that users are not only facing a green screen but also experiencing force closures of the app upon startup attempts. Some users have shared their experiences on platforms like Twitter and Reddit, detailing their struggles with this bug and seeking advice from the community. The consensus is clear: while beta testing can be an exciting opportunity to preview new features, it also carries risks that can lead to significant disruptions in daily use.

Conclusion

As WhatsApp continues to innovate and roll out new features through its beta program, it must also address critical bugs that impact user experience. The green screen issue in version 2.24.24.5 serves as a reminder of the challenges associated with beta testing software. Users are encouraged to remain patient as developers work towards a solution while considering reverting to stable versions for uninterrupted service. As updates are anticipated soon, affected users should keep an eye on official channels for announcements regarding fixes and improvements.

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Xerox Secures $1 Billion IT Services Deal with TCS and HCLTech!

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Xerox Secures $1 Billion IT Services Deal with TCS and HCLTech!

Xerox has announced a significant commitment of over $1 billion in IT services to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and HCLTech as part of a strategic partnership that will extend over the next 5 to 7 years. This announcement was made in a recent regulatory filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, detailing the financial scope and objectives of the agreements.

Breakdown of the Agreements

The partnership includes a $590 million contract with HCLTech for a five-year term and a $490 million deal with TCS over seven years. This collaboration is part of Xerox’s broader strategy to modernize its IT infrastructure and enhance operational efficiencies as it pivots towards digital services. Both TCS and HCLTech have previously indicated their commitment to expanding their partnerships with Xerox, which is headquartered in Connecticut.

In addition to these contracts, Xerox has also disclosed a $125 million commitment with Microsoft and a $50 million deal with SAP, each spanning seven years. The partnership with Microsoft focuses on leveraging Azure cloud services, while SAP will provide a cloud-based digital ERP platform aimed at streamlining operations.

Strategic Transformation Initiatives

The agreements come at a crucial time for Xerox as it embarks on a comprehensive transformation initiative. TCS is set to support Xerox in overhauling its IT infrastructure, migrating legacy systems to the cloud, and integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations. Tino Lancellotti, Chief Information Officer at Xerox, emphasized that this digital transformation is vital for reinventing their operating model and enhancing client experiences.

HCLTech’s extended partnership also reflects its long standing relationship with Xerox, which has spanned over 15 years. The renewed collaboration aims to drive innovation and efficiency within Xerox’s operations.

Implications for Business Operations

These substantial investments are part of Xerox’s multi-year Reinvention initiative, which seeks to stabilize its core print business while expanding into digital and IT services. The company aims to reduce IT costs, standardize global processes, and simplify its application landscape by adopting advanced technologies.

The integration of SAP’s RISE platform is particularly noteworthy, as it will enable Xerox to streamline operations across various business functions, including finance, supply chain, and sales. This move aligns with Xerox’s goal of becoming a services-led organization that can adapt to evolving market demands.

Market Context

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, companies like Xerox are recognizing the necessity of transforming their business models to remain competitive. The total investment for these technology upgrades amounts to $525 million, with significant allocations directed towards TCS, SAP, and Microsoft. This strategic shift not only positions Xerox to enhance its operational capabilities but also reflects broader trends in the industry where traditional companies are increasingly adopting digital solutions to meet customer needs.

With these partnerships, Xerox is poised to leverage cutting-edge technology to drive sustainable growth while enhancing its service offerings in an increasingly competitive market. The finalization of these deals marks a pivotal moment for Xerox as it seeks to redefine its role within the technology landscape.

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Google Developing Project Jarvis: An Autonomous AI Browser Assistant!

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Google Developing Project Jarvis: An Autonomous AI Browser Assistant

The world of artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving, and companies are pushing boundaries to create tools capable of navigating computers without human intervention. Recently, Anthropic made headlines with its Claude AI assistant, and now Google is joining the competition with “Project Jarvis,” a new AI-powered agent set to change how users interact with the internet.

Overview of Project Jarvis

According to a report by The Information, Project Jarvis is an autonomous “computer-using agent” designed specifically for the Google Chrome web browser. Inspired by the iconic AI assistant J.A.R.V.I.S. from the Iron Man films, Project Jarvis aims to help users streamline web-based tasks—such as research, online shopping, and travel booking—by independently managing these activities on their behalf. While not as advanced as Tony Stark’s famous assistant, Google’s Jarvis will handle multiple tasks autonomously, helping users manage online activities with minimal guidance.

Functionality and Operation

So, how does Project Jarvis work? The AI agent operates by capturing screenshots of the user’s browser screen, interpreting user commands, and carrying out various actions such as clicking buttons and completing text fields. However, early reports suggest it currently processes each action with a slight delay, taking a few seconds for each step.

The backbone of Project Jarvis is Google’s Gemini 2.0 AI model, which brings an intuitive edge to interacting with web content. With this enhanced model, Jarvis offers a more efficient browsing experience, allowing users to spend less time on mundane tasks.

Capabilities of Project Jarvis

Once launched, users could delegate a range of online tasks to Jarvis—researching for academic papers, searching for the best deals on e-commerce sites, or planning travel itineraries—allowing the AI to manage everything from browsing and comparing options to completing forms. With Project Jarvis, users could simply instruct the AI to gather information, navigate pages, and compile data on multiple choices, making web browsing easier and less time-consuming.

Key Features

  • Autonomous Task Management: Jarvis can perform complex tasks autonomously within the browser.
  • Contextual Understanding: By capturing screenshots and interpreting user commands, it can execute actions like clicking buttons or filling out forms.
  • Integration with Gemini 2.0: The advanced capabilities of Gemini 2.0 enhance Jarvis’s ability to understand context and provide relevant responses.

Competitive Landscape

Google’s entrance into this field intensifies the competition in AI-driven automation, an arena also populated by Microsoft’s Copilot Vision and OpenAI’s expanding AI toolset. As companies race to develop more sophisticated AI assistants capable of managing complex tasks, Project Jarvis represents Google’s commitment to leading in this innovative space.

Comparisons with Other AI Assistants

While both Google’s Project Jarvis and Anthropic’s Claude aim to facilitate tasks through interactions with web browsers and software applications, their primary distinction lies in their focus. Project Jarvis is particularly engineered for web browsers, mainly Chrome, while Claude seems to possess a wider scope of applications across various software tools.

Future Prospects and Release Timeline

Reports suggest that a preview of Project Jarvis could be available by December 2024, coinciding with the release of Google’s next flagship Gemini large language model. This timing indicates that Google is strategically aligning its advancements in AI technology with the rollout of this innovative tool.

User Experience Enhancement

One of Project Jarvis’s most exciting prospects is its potential to create a more seamless user experience. Users may find themselves delegating routine tasks such as email management or online research to the AI assistant, allowing them to focus on more critical activities.

Conclusion

Google’s Project Jarvis signifies a major advancement in AI technology, granting users the capability to automate day-to-day tasks within their web browser. By capturing and analyzing screenshots, Jarvis can execute actions like clicking buttons and typing into fields, streamlining activities such as research, shopping, and flight bookings.

As it joins an increasingly competitive AI landscape alongside offerings from Anthropic and Microsoft, all eyes will be on how Google’s new tool stacks up against similar technologies. The implications of Project Jarvis extend beyond mere convenience; it represents a shift toward more intelligent digital assistants capable of transforming how we interact with technology in our daily lives. Whether you are a busy professional or a casual internet user, tools like Project Jarvis are likely to become integral to your online experience soon.

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