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The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer today (August 17) launched two brand new mobile applications (apps) - "GovHK Notifications" and "GovHK Apps" - to enhance e-government services and communication with the public through the mobile platform.
"In view of the prevalent use of smartphones in Hong Kong, the Government leverages on mobile technology to provide on-the-go services for the public," the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Daniel Lai, said.
Through "GovHK Notifications", users can receive important or urgent government alerts in a timely manner. At initial launch, there are nine categories of alerts or notifications, namely air pollution alerts, food alerts, weather warnings, special traffic news, and information about immigration, leisure facilities, tax, rates and rent, as well as student financial assistance. Each category is further divided into sub-categories. Users can choose the types of information and the exact levels of alerts they need. For example, under "Weather Warning", users can choose the kinds and levels of weather warning they would like to receive. The Government will continue to incorporate other alerts and notifications to meet public needs.
"GovHK Notifications" also features a sharing function so that users can send the messages to others using the short messaging service (SMS) or post their received messages on social networking sites.
Another mobile app launched today is "GovHK Apps". It is a one-stop platform for searching and downloading an array of government apps.
"As at July 2012, different government departments have made available 41 mobile apps for the delivery of e-government services and information, ranging from interaction with the public, handy information, health, education, leisure and government publications. With 'GovHK Apps', the public can conveniently search these apps to cater for their needs," Mr Lai said.
"GovHK Notifications" and "GovHK Apps" are available on iOS and Android platforms for free download. To download, just search for "GovHK" in the iPhone App Store or Google Play.
Ends/Friday, August 17, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:06
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