Software | GlobalPost

Google Maps getting a radical redesign, users can sign up for it today

The Canadian PressMay 16, 2013 05:31

TORONTO - Google Maps is getting a radical new revamp, which users can sign up for today. "It's a whole new concept," said Bernhard Seefeld, product management director for Google Maps. "We believe this is really the biggest change to Google Maps since Google Maps originally launched" in 2005.

BlackBerry says giving away BBM for free will still make it money

The Canadian PressMay 16, 2013 01:48

ORLANDO, Fla. - BlackBerry (TSX:BB) says it will be able to make money off its BlackBerry Messenger service by opening it up to its rivals' smartphones. One of the Waterloo, Ont.-based company's top developers said Wednesday that while BBM will be available to users on Apple's iPhone and Android operating systems for free, there are other ways to generate revenue. "By opening it up to other platforms we're really listening to what our users have asked for," said Andrew Bocking, executive vice-president of software product management at BlackBerry.

Tencent eyes revenue growth, triples chat app users in first-quarter

Thomson ReutersMay 15, 2013 20:30

(Reuters) - Tencent Holdings more than tripled the number of active users for its mobile chat application in the first quarter, a boon to China's largest online gaming and social networking firm as it tries to diversify its revenue stream. Tencent, which is hoping to monetize its Weixin, or WeChat, app, said on Wednesday active user numbers soared 228 percent to 194 million in the quarter that ended March 31. Weixin is similar to WhatsApp, Line or KakaoTalk, apps that allow users to swap messages, stickers, voice messages over a data connection.

Sony to release 'Angry Birds' film in 2016

Agence France-PresseMay 15, 2013 19:16

Sony has won the global distribution rights to an animated film based on the hit game "Angry Birds," to be released in 2016, the entertainment giant announced Wednesday. The film is being produced and financed by Finnish mobile gaming company Rovio, which has said the movie could result in it establishing an animation studio rivalling global giant Walt Disney. Sony Pictures Entertainment beat several major studios to win exclusive worldwide distribution rights to the 3D movie, it said announcing a deal with Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio Entertainment.

Google debuts music service for mobile gadgets

Agence France-PresseMay 15, 2013 19:16

Google on Wednesday rolled out a music service for smartphones and tablets powered by its free Android software, in a challenge to streaming radio firms such as Pandora and Spotify. The launch of Google Play All Access came at the kickoff of a packed developers conference, which features a range of improvements to the Internet giant's products, and saw a surprise appearance by chief executive Larry Page.

Google adds $10-a-month music plan as Apple preps radio, Spotify eyes mobile 'freemium'

The Canadian PressMay 15, 2013 17:36

SAN FRANCISCO - Google Inc. unveiled a streaming music service called All Access that blends songs users have already uploaded to their online libraries with millions of other tracks for a $10 monthly fee. The service puts the Internet goliath in competition with popular paid subscription plans like Spotify and Rhapsody and free music services like Pandora.

Google debuts music service for Android gadgets

Agence France-PresseMay 15, 2013 14:59

Google on Wednesday rolled out a music service for smartphones and tablets powered by its free Android software, in a ramped-up challenge to streaming radio firms such as Pandora and Spotify. Google Play All Access combines the Internet giant's music catalog with users' personal collections in a radio station-style subscription service, according to Android engineering director Chris Yerga.