27/01/2025

MONDAY | JAN 27, 2025

23

LYFE

I NTEGRATED fintech player TNG Digital Sdn Bhd has launched SOS Balance, a practical solution for uninterrupted toll payments aimed at users with insufficient balance. Available for free via TNG eWallet, this first-of-its-kind feature provides seamless transactions that not only enhance user convenience but also support smoother traffic flow and improve the overall road travel experience. Last Thursday, SOS Balance was introduced to selected loyal TNG eWallet users at no cost. Using this feature, motorists can pass through tolls despite having an insufficient balance. They will have a 24-hour grace period to reload their eWallet and settle outstanding charges. Users must settle these payments within that window to continue accessing the full suite of APPLE lost its status as the bestselling smartphone brand in the crucial Chinese market last year, new data revealed, with a pair of local rivals surpassing it with surging shipments. The California-based tech giant claimed a market share of 15% in the world’s number two economy, behind Huawei’s 16% and top ranking Vivo’s 17%, according to industry data provider Canalys. Also coming in at 15%, with total smartphone sales narrowly behind Apple’s, were Chinese brands Oppo and Honor, the data showed. Apple’s performance in the country is suffering from a slump in iPhone sales, which dropped to 42.9 million in 2024, compared to a market-leading 51.8 million the previous year. “Intense competition has led to a constantly shifting landscape,” said Canalys research manager Amber Liu, adding that Apple

TNG Digital launches SOS Balance for toll payments o Free feature provides users with insufficient balance 24-hour grace period to reload, ensuring uninterrupted toll transactions manual

interventions. These improvements can boost customer satisfaction and possibly encourage greater highway usage while providing operators and regulators with real-time toll data for informed decision-making. SOS Balance is available at RFID and PayDirect-enabled highways, with current coverage spanning 31 out of 33 highways across Peninsular Malaysia.

and by streamlining toll collection workflows and reducing transaction times. SOS Balance has the potential to improve traffic flow, optimise operational efficiency and minimise highway operators

goals. Beyond convenience, it reduces delays at toll plazas, alleviates traffic congestion and enhances the efficiency of highway operations,” said TNG Digital CEO Alan Ni. This feature benefits both users

eWallet features. “By common challenges faced at toll booths, this feature ensures a seamless and cashless experience, aligning with Malaysia’s digital transformation addressing

Apple loses top spot in China smartphone sales to local rivals

China multiple times last year, as the US tech giant sought to shore up slumping sales in the country. Apple’s fourth-quarter smartphone shipments plunged 25%, according to Canalys data. The mainland Chinese smartphone market as a whole expanded 5% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, the report added, with total shipments reaching 77.4 million units. And in a further positive signal for the sector, Beijing last week announced that it would roll out subsidies for individual purchases of certain smartphones, part of a discount scheme it hopes will boost spending as the economy wavers. The latest policy “has laid the foundation for this year’s market growth,” said Canalys research analyst Lucas Zhong, adding that “vendors have already begun preparations for channels and supply.” – AFP

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flagship devices.” Top-ranked showed “strong momentum” last year, Liu said, noting that the firm’s strategy was helping “solidify its position in entry-level to mid-to-high-end segments.” Meanwhile, Huawei, a Shenzhen-based tech giant that was once the target of tough sanctions from Washington due to national security concerns, continued a resurgence in its home market in 2024. The firm achieved a 37% year on-year jump in total smartphone shipments last year, the Canalys data showed. Apple’s iPhone remains popular in China, but many consumers in the vast market have switched to domestic alternatives in recent years as sector competition intensifies. Firm CEO Tim Cook visited Vivo

Apple’s iPhone remains popular in China, but many consumers in the vast market have switched to domestic alternatives in recent years as sector competition intensifies. – AFPPIC