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Google is killing its ‘SMS for Hangouts’ feature for developing markets

Jul01
by on July 1, 2014 at 1:38 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Google, Insider

Back in October last year, you may remember that Google announced a slew of updates for its Hangouts Android app, including SMS integration. This basically meant that you send both SMS messages AND Hangout messages from the app. This feature shall remain. However, Google also had a separate SMS for Hangouts feature (only available in some countries), letting you add your phone number to receive messages from Google+ Hangouts as an SMS. This was essentially aimed at feature-phone users in developing markets across parts of Asia and Africa, where internet penetration may not be what it was elsewhere in the world,…

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This iPhone app uses anchors and a compass as virtual breadcrumbs so you’ll never get lost again

Jul01
by on July 1, 2014 at 12:46 pm
Posted In: Apps, Around the Web, Insider

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Navigation apps for iPhone may not be in short supply, but that isn’t stopping iOS and Mac developers Pleeq from throwing its hat into the ring with Anchor Pointer. Anchor Pointer isn’t your typical navigation app. It bypasses turn-by-turn directions and maps to return you to specific points where you’ve dropped virtual anchors. You can meet friends by using the compass in any public place, remember where that hidden alleyway coffee shop is, or use it to re-find your car wherever it was that you parked it. How it works To meet up with friends, you will have to hit…

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Uber cuts NYC bicycle courier service price by up to 30%, and now delivers to Brooklyn and Queens

Jul01
by on July 1, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Insider

Way back in April, we reported on Uber’s plans to move beyond cars and drivers-for-hire services with the launch of UberRUSH, which was essentially an experimental bicycle-based delivery service that launched in Manhattan, New York City. As VentureBeat reports, an update has now been posted by Uber detailing some changes to the service, including the prices and availability. “As of June 24, 2014, UberRUSH prices are up to 30% cheaper. If a delivery begins and ends within the same zone, it’s a flat $10. Each zone crossed during delivery is an additional $5. Additional stops may result in a higher…

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Why Plants vs Zombies 2 is proving a hit with Chinese mobile gamers

Jul01
by on July 1, 2014 at 12:01 pm
Posted In: Apps, Around the Web, Asia

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Chinese mobile gaming is a hot space for developers to be in. After all, the Chinese government estimated the mobile gaming economy generated almost $2 billion last year (and even this figure may be underestimating the value by as much as $300 million). It’s no wonder why foreign mobile gaming firms also want a slice of the pie. But which foreign mobile games are appealing to Chinese players? A latest report released by Chinese Android app store Wandoujia – which monitors trends in China’s mobile market based on its downloads — revealed that Plants vs Zombies 2 is the top-ranked game with over four million…

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After 14m downloads in Japan, Disney partners with Line to launch ‘Tsum Tsum’ puzzle game globally

Jul01
by on July 1, 2014 at 12:00 pm
Posted In: Apps, Around the Web, Disney, Insider, Product Updates

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Disney announced today the global launch of a mobile puzzle game published by Japanese messaging app Line, called Disney Tsum Tsum (pronounced Soom-Soom). The app has been downloaded more than 14 million times just in Japan alone, and Disney is hoping to popularize the franchise all across the world. Disney Tsum Tsum, which translates to ‘Disney Stack Stack,’ lets players connect and pop as many of the Disney Tsum characters as they can in one minute. The more Tsums you get rid of, the higher the game score. Players also get to collect Disney and Pixar Tsums as they progress…

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