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Google Maps gets a fresh new Material Design on mobile

Nov05
by on November 5, 2014 at 5:32 pm
Posted In: Apps, Around the Web, Google, Insider, Product Updates

Google has announced today that its Google Maps ‘Material Design’ update will start to roll out to iOS and Android users in “the next few days”. Announced in a blog post, the revamp brings a whole new look to the mapping app, as well as some new functionality, like direct OpenTable bookings in the US. Google explained that the driving principle behind the new design decisions was to make it easier to use (and discover) certain features. “This new look is all about creating surfaces and shadows that echo the real world; with Google Maps’ new material feel, layers and…

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Google launches a Chrome extension to let you open Drive files directly in the relevant desktop apps

Nov05
by on November 5, 2014 at 5:22 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Insider

You can get a whole lot of work done with just web apps nowadays as everything moves to the cloud, but sometimes you need the power of full-fledged desktop applications like Photoshop or After Effects. To make your life easier, Google is releasing a Chrome extension to let you launch desktop apps right from within Google Drive, no separate download process required. To use it, you just need to download latest version of Drive for Mac or PC, open up Drive, and the right click the file you need and select “Open With”. You’ll get a list of applications that support the…

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Samsung’s Gear Circle, a bizarre neck-worn stereo headphone, launches in the US

Nov05
by on November 5, 2014 at 4:13 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Gadgets, Insider, Product Launches

Samsung has announced that its latest device, the Gear Circle, is now available in the US. The Gear Circle is a Bluetooth headphone that wraps around the back of the user’s neck to vibrate and alert them to calls and notifications. The device has a reported battery life of nine hours of play time and 11 hours of talk time (so… somewhere in the middle, if you plan to use it for both activities). The Gear Circle supports S Voice for audio commands. When not being used as headphones, the user can snap the earpieces together to wear as a ‘smart necklace’…

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VisaEase officially launches its service for simplifying the US visa and Green Card process

Nov05
by on November 5, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Insider

VisaEase is marking the official launch of its immigration assistance service after completing a one-year beta. Customers can choose from a self-service option or an attorney-reviewed service. The startup worked directly with immigration attorneys to create its user flow. Currently, VisaEase specializes in green cards, individual visas and citizenship, but it’s considering expanding into business visas as well. During its beta phase, the company boasted a 100 percent approval rate for applications completed on its platform. That perfect number will probably drop in the future, but, at least for now, VisaEase has been successful at helping customers come to and…

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Motorola starts selling the Moto Maxx in Brazil, a Droid Turbo for Latin America

Nov05
by on November 5, 2014 at 3:56 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Insider, Latin America

Moto Maxx
Motorola today revealed its newest smartphone, the Moto Maxx. Well, somewhat new – it’s essentially a Droid Turbo that’s not restricted to Verizon in the US. Indeed, you’ll only be able to get it in Latin American countries so far. The specs are right in line with what the Turbo offers: a 5.2 inch Quad HD display (556 ppi), the same Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and the same 3900 mAh battery with fast charging. You even still get that fancy ballistic nylon back (although there’s no metalized glass fiber option). It’s worth keeping in mind this isn’t the first time Motorola has rehashed one of…

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