The Weekly: 05 August 2013
Highlights
Apple buys map app, Ballmer leaves Microsoft, Google dictionary, Instagram buys Luma, Apple files for trademark in Malaysia, BBM becomes standalone, Yahoo email offer not a good idea, Pressy brings button back to touch screen.
Apple Strengthens Map App
Apple just acquired another transit mapping app company Embark. Hopstop, their previous transit mapping app, is better at biking, walking and taxi directions. Embark is better with mass transit, especially in selected cities around the world. Proves Apple is still dead serious on making their map app work.
Steve Ballmer Leaves Microsoft
After 33 years of service in Microsoft, Steve announced he will retire in 12 months. Shareholders, employees and the rest of the world is looking at the turn Microsoft will take after this. Rumor has it he was forced into a pre-mature retirement. Honestly though I think Bill Gates has always had an invisible foot over Steve's head and will apply the same to the new CEO. But now that they're looking for a new CEO, I'd look outside the company for a refreshing approach. Someone younger too.
Google Refines Dictionary
If you use Google to help you spell and define words, you'll be surprised to find that they just included extra material in the 'define' box. They are antonyms, synonyms, sample sentences, origin of word, translations available on the spot and a graph showing the word's usage frequency over time. Some sources said they're only available in the USA, but I'm seeing it right here.
Instagram Buys Luma
Luma is a video sharing app with stabilizing features and the ability to shoot with filters and color gradients on then changed or removed after. We hope it will be completely integrated into Instagram very soon. This purchase strengthens their move towards being a more competent video editing app, as compared to Vine's approach to challenge users with its limitations. Exactly like how Facebook and Twitter differ.
Apple Moves To Trademark 'Startup' In Malaysia
They're on it again, trademarking the vaguest terms that people have been using forever, in hopes to coin reference to their branding. Like Applications instead of Software. The application of trademark will extend to Classes 35 ( Retail Stores), 37 (Maintenance), 41 (Educational services) and 42 (design and development of computer hardware and software).
A renowned Malaysian IP lawyer, and a good friend, stated that if this application goes through, does not mean the word can no longer be used for any goods and services. It will only be limited to the registered Classes. More on the news here. I still think it makes a good joke.
Blackberry Removes Leash to BBM
There has been talk of BBM being moved out of Blackberry and then taken across all platforms as a standalone product. If this was done 3 years ago when most of us were still in love with Blackberry and the BBM, and before the likes of WeChat, LINE and WhatsApp, I'd jump on it. But now it's a little too late, the market is already too congested.
Remember a while ago when Yahoo informed everyone that they are closing down inactive email accounts and re-offering those email names to public (you would if you've been reading my posts)? Some people have been taking up on the offers and realizing why previous owners abandoned their emails in the first place; massive amounts of spam. So before you get all excited with andrew@yahoo.com, think about spam and think about why the original owners dumped their emails.
This is an amazing Kickstarter project that attaches to your Android device's 3.5mm jack and comes with tonnes of customizable clicks that trigger different apps and commands. You can now launch flashlight, camera, message, toggle Wifi and many other actions without having to wake phone, unlock screen, look for the command and launch that app. Amazing indeed. Support their project here. But before that, check out their video below.
