Read More: Uber’s Newly Redesigned App is Out

Last month, Uber released a new safety feature, dubbed the “cross streets” feature. This allows Uber passengers to share a location at an intersection or street-side curb, instead of sending them to their actual home address. Recent studies done about Uber riders’ comfort reveals that many of them would feel safer if they shared less personal information with the initial app and the driver, and Uber has expanded the location capabilities for pickup in response.

Uber has come under fire recently for questions surrounding their privacy policies and business practices. The efforts they are making to diversify pick-up options mimic what is already in place, but with thorough instruction. The “cross roads” feature works by typing in two intersecting roads and selecting a pin location from there. Riders can also drag and drop the pin from their home address, which initially needs to be typed in, but will not appear on the driver’s pick-up information. This service is also available for drop-off as well.

This is not the only safety feature Uber has tested as of late. In the United Arab Emirates, both driver and rider are able to verify each other with a “driver verification” service. This requires a photo to be posted periodically so that both parties can see each other in real time. The “selfie snap” has been a successful pilot, and generates more trust in the experience for both rider and driver.

Soon, the company will even allow for this information to be shared without exchanging actual phone numbers, further removing user information from drivers and providing an experience with more peace of mind. However, this feature has yet to expand beyond the UAE, Egypt, and surrounding countries, but its positive feedback and test results are a hopeful sign for further expansion.

Although a password protected Wi-Fi network on an airplane is much safer to use, it still doesn’t protect your device against hacking opportunities. Even though the websites you visit might be encrypted, that doesn’t mean that your data is safe against hacking on public Wi-Fi. A hacker on your flight could still spy on your activities and access your personal information.

Read More: How to Encrypt the Data on Your Android Phone

Keep in mind that it’s never a good idea to access your online banking app or use your credit card to purchase items on public Wi-Fi. It’s even more risky to access your email, since your email is home to a lot of sensitive and personal information. After all, you pay a lot of money for limited Wi-Fi access on airplanes, so you want your data to be safe, right? While the safest option of all is to avoid using public Wi-Fi, sometimes it’s unavoidable. So, how can you protect your device from hacking threats?

How to Protect Your Device with a VPN
One way to protect your device is through a Virtual Private Network, or a VPN. A VPN offers a way to encrypt your device while accessing the public network. It prevents hackers from being able to read or access your data. A VPN is especially important to use if you want to do any business-related work on public Wi-Fi, such as sending e-mails or accessing work-related programs. Some safe, popular options include TunnelBear and ExpressVPN. A VPN generally costs anywhere from a few dollars per month to $10 per month. All you need to do is select the service plan that you want and download the software from their website.

If for some reason you want to use public Wi-Fi without a VPN, don’t access any of your accounts or type in any passwords. Act as if someone else can see your every move, and keep your web browsing to a minimum. Choose safe activities such as reading articles or checking out new content on your favorite food blog. Finally, make sure that you download PSafe Total and PSafe Total Windows before your flight. The apps will immediately detect any malware or security breaches on your devices.

How it Works
Google Earth allows you to swipe around the globe. The instructions are simple — open up the app, and on the top right corner of the screen tap the search icon. Then type in your destination. If your location is in the US, search by entering the city and then the state. If you’re more of a jetsetter, type in the city and then the country. After you’re done choosing a location, click the “x” on the left of the search box and you should instantly be in your desired spot.

Read More: Great Apps to Keep You Safe While Studying Abroad

Cool Features
Ever wonder what it would like to be able to roam the streets with the locals? The App has a feature for that. As a user you can use street view, so it really feels like you’re experiencing the destination. Want a guide to lead you through your desired city? The Tour Guide feature will let you discover new and interesting places in your location, pointing out great places to eat or historical landmarks worth taking note of. If one of these landmarks strikes you or you find something interesting while scrolling the streets, you can look through the location’s Wikipedia page or other Google images to learn more.

The best part? The Maps Gallery feature. Maps Gallery displays interesting maps that show what’s happening in the country in real-time. Be alerted of every plane in flight, current weather, or the hiking trail next door. If any of this is confusing, never fear. The app contains its own tutorial to go all over all of the special features to maximize your travel experience.

Make sure your traveling experience is as smooth as possible with Kiper. Kiper, a feature of PSafe Total, will make sure your smartphone is functioning as quickly as possible. In addition, make sure your travels aren’t interrupted by a dead battery by using PowerPro. Safe Travels!

1. Hipmunk

The Hipmunk app takes flight comparison to a whole new level. Instead of just showing you the cheapest flight, which usually is at an airport three hours away with two layovers, it sorts by its own category, “agony,” which takes accounts for flight duration, layovers and price giving you not only the cheapest option, but the most convenient option too. In addition, Hipmunk will do the same with hotels and show the lodgings with the cheapest rate and best location in terms of food, landmarks, nightlife and more.

2. Sky Scanner

Undecided on which beautiful destination you should visit first? Sky Scanner is the perfect app for that. By clicking the ‘Everywhere’ option, Sky Scanner will list all of the best deals in flights to countries around the world. Got a location in mind, but unsure when to go? Sky Scanner has a calendar option that highlights the best days and months to travel so you know you are getting the best deal around.

3. HERE Maps

Traveling around any busy city can be tricky and expensive. HERE Maps makes the transition seamless. For those who prefer driving, HERE map offers turn-by-turn voice guidance, which will also inform you of any specific speed limit restrictions. Lots of traffic? HERE Maps includes public transit routes for over 900 cities, including timetables and full directions from start to end. Scared of your Data bill? Not an issue, as app has maps available to download, so offline use is possible and easy.

4. Expensify

Scared you’ll overspend on vacation? Expensify makes keeping track of all expenses doable to keep your attention on what matters most, the sites. Expensify is quick and easy, just take a picture of each receipt, and the app will record the expense. Lost the receipt? Expensify can import your credit card transactions. In addition, the app will also send alerts if your trip is becoming too pricy, to make sure you stay on budget and sane.

5. Gas Buddy

If road tripping is more your style, Gas Buddy is a must have. Even with today’s lower gas prices, gas can still be one of the biggest expenses in your trip, and saving 20 cents a gallon can mean more money in your pocket to enjoy your destination. With one tap you can find the cheapest gas station near you. But it gets better. Gas Buddy rewards you for inputting the price of any gas station you see on your trip. By reporting gas prices you can earn rewards and even win $100 dollars in gas credit!

Hasta La Vista!

Now there is no excuse not to book that hotel. Now you’ll have the snapstory that everyone is jealous of.

Translation Between 103 Languages

By opening the Google Translate app with WiFi, you gain the ability to translate between 103 languages. Don’t have a connection? Fear not! You can still translate up to 52 languages without any Internet access. You can also save translations, in any language, to your “phrasebook,” and refer back to it whenever you need. You can even translate a language you don’t recognize by using the “detect language” option. No matter where you are, or who you need to converse with, Google Translate has got you covered!

Camera Translation

Typing to translate is great, but what if you need to translate something that you see on a sign, or in a magazine? Instead of typing the phrase, Google Translate’s “Instant Camera Translation” feature lets you translate the text by simply pointing your camera at it. Like magic before your eyes, Google Translate will convert the text into your desired language within seconds. If you aren’t in a time crunch, and are looking to translate more complex text, use the camera mode to snap a picture of the text, and let Google Translate do the rest!

Conversation Mode

Imagine you’re in a foreign country, and need to ask someone for directions. With Google Translate’s conversation mode, you can do so without typing a thing. Simply select the desired languages, and begin speaking. After each person speaks, you’ll hear the translation in the other language. Check out this video to see it in action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHTAwk49EYU&noredirect=1

Tap to translate

If you need a translation to reply to a message in WhatsApp, it’s a bit burdensome to copy the text, close WhatsApp, open Google Translate, paste the text, translate it, and then reverse the whole process to reply. Fortunately, the new “Tap to Translate” feature dramatically shortens this process. Now, when you copy text in any app, a Google Translate icon will pop up inside the app you’re using, and provide an instant translation of the copied text. The pop up also enables you to type, and translate, so you can interpret, and reply to the message without ever switching apps!

Is jy gereed om te vertaal?

Want to know what that says? You’ll just have to download Google Translate to find out! Also be sure to download PSafe TOTAL, so you can keep your Android fast, safe, and full of storage space, as you translate the world.