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Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
MPF Rebuilds and Reimagines My QuitBuddy as the Nation's Leading Digital Cessation Companion
SYDNEY, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On World No Tobacco Day, Miroma Project Factory (MPF) launched the next evolution of My QuitBuddy, Australia's flagship smoking and vaping cessation app, commissioned by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The My QuitBuddy app aims to help Australians kick the habit for good. Modernised, rebuilt, and ready to support a new generation of quitters, this multi-phase redevelopment is the most significant upgrade in the app's history. MPF has led the product redesign, technical delivery, and strategic roadmap across seven structured phases – replatforming, refreshing, and relaunching a vital public health tool for the digital age. 'The My QuitBuddy app has already helped more than 1 million Australians quit smoking and vaping since it was first released in 2012, and the new developments will make it even easier for people to kick the habit,' said Mark Butler, Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing. The upgraded app is part of a suite of measures the Australian Government has put in place to tackle the health scourge of tobacco and nicotine use, particularly to support priority populations such as young people to quit smoking and vaping.' Originally launched in 2012 to support a broad range of smokers, My QuitBuddy has evolved to address broader and more complex needs, including support for people who vape. The app features stronger motivational goal setting, badges and achievements, challenges for testing situations and a more intuitive user experience; all designed to make quitting feel more achievable – and more personal. MPF was first engaged in late 2023, to reimagine the journey to be smoke/vape free, initially to restore the Android version of My QuitBuddy. This was followed by five additional phases from stabilising the app and migrating to a new environment (Flutter), which laid the foundation for a modern, cross-platform foundation without altering core functionality. Launching today marks the most transformative release that MQB has gone through. A full reimagining of the app with multiple quit pathways, advanced tracking, enhanced gamified features, dynamic onboarding, and personalised messaging for a wide range of users. 'Every click, swipe, and prompt in My QuitBuddy 2.0 is grounded in behavioural science and backed by deep user insight,' said Kat Robinson, Global CEO of MPF. 'We're not just building a better-looking app, we're building a better quit journey for every Australian.' Built for Real Impact and Reach The updated My QuitBuddy app has been shaped by years of behavioural insights, user testing, and direct feedback from the quitting community. From cravings to milestones, every screen is designed to support users when it matters most – without judgment, pressure, or gimmicks. The result is a flexible, evidence-informed platform that encourages long-term behaviour change while generating meaningful insights into user engagement, relapse patterns, and help-seeking behaviours. These insights not only guide future improvements but also provide public health teams with a clearer understanding of how different quit strategies perform across priority populations, including young vapers, dual users, and those using NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) as part of their quitting strategy. Whether users are quitting cold turkey, tapering off, or using NRT, My QuitBuddy now offers them tailored support, contextual encouragement, and real-time tools to track progress, celebrate wins, prove their resilience and recover from slips. Features include: Daily motivational messages and nudges, related to your personal circumstances Richer community features and reactions, with selected featured messages Challenges you can set for yourself Games and distractions to help with cravings or withdrawal symptoms Achievements and badges that recognise how far you have come The app's new pathway selections support complex quit journeys – including simultaneous smoking and vaping cessation or staggered approaches – ensuring each user receives a personal, adaptive experience from day one. MPF now turns their efforts to continual support, enhancement, and performance monitoring. My QuitBuddy is positioned to remain a world-class cessation tool – stable, scalable, and ready to adapt with evolving policy and public health needs. Backed by MPF's long-standing partnership with the Department of Health, Disability and Aging; My QuitBuddy is more than a support app – It is a model for meaningful digital health tools, practical, evidence-based, and deeply human. DOWNLOAD ANDROID HERE DOWNLOAD IOS HERE About My QuitBuddy My QuitBuddy is a free smoking and vaping cessation app funded by the Australian Government and developed by Miroma Project Factory. Since 2012, the app has supported millions of Australians on their quit journey. Now fully rebuilt with advanced personalisation, flexible quit pathways, and updated gamified elements, My QuitBuddy is one of the most comprehensive digital cessation tools available. About Miroma Project Factory (MPF) MPF is a multi-award-winning digital strategy and product studio that delivers innovative digital solutions across web, platforms, and systems. Specialising in purposeful technology, MPF works at the intersection of strategy, design, and engineering to create impactful digital products for organisations ready to lead. With deep expertise in healthcare, MPF helps clients scale responsibly, communicate clearly, and connect meaningfully with their audiences. For more information, read about My QuitBuddy here. Press Contact:Miroma Project Factoryinfo@
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Houston housing market cools after years of seller dominance — how to make the most of it
In a housing market that's been pro-seller for a while, many Houston buyers have been scared off, choosing to rent instead. However, as things shift into buyer territory, Houstonians may soon see the scales tip in their favor, with more opportunities for discounts or other perks. For instance, the Woolcoxes recently found their dream home. Despite expecting land and house prices to go up as they'd been seeing, the retired Houston couple decided to make an offer on a house they eventually got. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Here are 3 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Wondering if they were "absolutely out of [their] minds," their kids advised against the purchase. Even as they were being told they should be downsizing, not upsizing, the Woolcoxes decided to put in on the house anyway. In an interview with KHOU 11, the couple shared, "If it's really what you want and it feels right, just do it." And there is indication their decision will pay off. Kat Robinson, vice chair of the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), told KHOU 11 that fear and — at times — frustration for potential buyers caused by the strong sellers' market led many to give up, tipping the favour towards buyers. "That negotiation fatigue is real," she said, and is something that led to an influx of housing inventory and the potential buyer's market shift. Although technically, Houston is currently in a balanced market, "Right now we're sitting on 4.5 months of inventory, which puts us leaning more towards that buyer's market." HAR confirms this tip when comparing property sales from February 2024 and February 2025, noting sales dropped 4.7%. According to Robinson, this means more opportunity for buyers, "To get a discount or more repairs done by the sellers or credits for those repairs." Even if you're not in Houston yourself, a buyer's market is the perfect time to purchase a home because supply exceeds demand — just as Houston is experiencing. This gives you more power in negotiations, including the ability to be pickier, take your time and strategize on price. Read more: Trump warns his tariffs will spark a 'disturbance' in America — use this 1 dead-simple move to help shockproof your retirement plans ASAP If you feel the time might be right, maximize your opportunity with these tips: Sellers in a buyers' market may struggle to get offers, making them more open to price reductions. Take time to research comparable properties sold recently in your choice areas to determine a fair offer, and don't be afraid to submit a bid below asking. If the home has been on the market for an extended period, you may have even more room to negotiate. In a competitive market, buyers often cover many closing costs, but in a buyers' market, you can ask the seller to help with expenses, which could save you thousands. These may include loan or appraisal fees, title insurance or even a home warranty. Why not put that money towards new furniture, or even in your nest egg, emergency fund or other investments? Even relatively small savings can make a meaningful difference, so ask for them. Sellers eager to close a deal may be willing to make needed repairs, or even extra upgrades. When issues are identified after the home inspection, negotiate to have major concerns fixed before closing, or request a credit to cover the cost of repairs you oversee later. In addition, consider taking advantage of these strategies: With more buyers competing for deals, getting pre-approved for a mortgage shows sellers you're serious and financially prepared, which can make your offer more attractive. A knowledgeable real estate agent can help you identify motivated sellers, hidden deals and properties that have been on the market too long, giving you an edge in negotiations. Agents also provide insight into fair pricing and trends in your area of interest. Lenders may offer better mortgage interest rates and terms when fewer buyers are in the market. You could potentially secure a lower mortgage rate, reducing your monthly payments and overall loan cost. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Cost-of-living in America is still out of control — and prices could keep climbing. Use these 3 'real assets' to protect your wealth today, no matter what Trump does This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Sign in to access your portfolio
