Airbnb launches new products to inspire people to live like locals in places they are visiting

Beginning today, Airbnb is rolling out an updated app, with a range of new features, and launching a global brand campaign that will encourage people to change the way they experience the world around them.

“Our hosts offer more than just generic hospitality - they welcome travelers from around the world into their communities. Today is the start of an exciting journey to help people not just go somewhere, but truly live there.”

With over two million homes, Airbnb is already one of the world’s largest accommodation providers; more than 80 million people worldwide have already had a unique experience by staying in someone’s home when they travel. Having opened the doors to homes around the world, these new developments will go further in helping travelers live like a local in the neighborhoods around them.

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Intel's major restructuring effort will result in 12,000 layoffs

Intel has announced a major restructuring effort that will cost 12,000 jobs, or 11 per cent of its workforce to mid-2017. The news comes as the company's plans to "accelerate its evolution from a PC company to one that powers the cloud and billions of smart, connected computing devices." The chipmaker is focusing on data centres and Internet of Things (IoT) as primary growth areas expected to offset the slowing PC market.

"Intel Corporation today announced a restructuring initiative to accelerate its evolution from a PC company to one that powers the cloud and billions of smart, connected computing devices. Intel will intensify its focus in high-growth areas where it is positioned for long-term leadership, customer value and growth, while making the company more efficient and profitable," the company said in a statement.

Source: TechSpot.com

Messaging service Viber now has end-to-end encryption and PIN protected chats

Followinfg in the stead of WhatsApp which introduced tighter encryption in its messages weeks ago, monster messaging service Viber is now inluding end-to-end encryption for its messages as well as PIN protected chats. In what is considered a direct result of Apple's recent debacle with the FBI regarding iPhone hacking and security, various messaging providers are enabling higher levels of encryption for their customers.

Viber has more than 700 million users globally across iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and desktop. “We take our users’ security and privacy very seriously, and it’s critical to us that they feel confident and protected when using Viber,” explained Michael Shmilov, COO of Viber. “Because of this, we have spent a long time working on this latest update to ensure that our users have the most sophisticated security available and maximum control over their communications. We will continue to make this an ongoing priority as digital communication evolves.”

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Turo's peer-to-peer car rental service launches in Canada

Pioneering car rental marketplace Turo announces today its launch into Canada, marking its first expansion outside of the US. Empowering Canadians to turn their idle cars into earning engines and inject more personality and value into the car rental experience, Turo is the first peer-to-peer car rental company in Canada. 

Putting Canada’s 23 million vehicles to better use, Turo allows car owners to offset the cost of car ownership by renting their idle vehicles to pre-approved travellers, while helping travellers find the perfect vehicle for their next adventure. Cars rented on Turo typically cost 30 per cent less than traditional car rentals. Members of the Turo community pay no membership fees, and each trip is backed by Turo’s leading trust and safety protections, including $2 million in auto liability insurance and 24-hour roadside assistance.  

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