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Here Come the April Fools’ Jokes

1 April 2015 3:54 AM
April Fool 2015

April Fool 2015

Well, get ready for it – April Fools’ 2015 has already started. Google is in on the act as usual, with a Pac-Man version of Google Maps that went live moments ago. Samsung is playing as well today, with the introduction of the Galaxy BLADE edge.

We’ll try to keep track of some of the best as we see them.

You can play Pac-Man on Google Maps by visiting Google Maps on the web and then clicking the Pac-Man icon in the bottom left corner.

Pac-Man is also on Google Maps for Android and iOS. You should be able to play in the newest version of Google Maps, but you have to search for locations that you might think Pac-Man would be. Google offers up a whole guide to Pac-Man in Google Maps here. They also provide clues on where you can find him (just go search for “Arc de Triomphe” and you’ll be able to play). Also, more info at the Google Maps blog.

Samsung Galaxy BLADE edge

Samsung Galaxy BLADE edge

As for the Samsung Galaxy BLADE edge, you are looking at a clear, glass-like phone with a foldable handle, is ergonomic and ceramic, has a diamond edge, is waterproof (unlike the S6 and S6 Edge), and even has a thermometer stylus!

Amazon Dash Button (real or?)

Amazon Dash Button (real or?)


Amazon has introduced the “Dash Button” which are 1-click buttons to help you instantly and directly order the things you need the most…from Amazon Prime. Major news outlets think this is actual real. I still think it’s a joke. Amazon remains saying it’s a real thing!

Google unveiled the Google Panda at a fake press event in Japan.

Introducing Smartbox, by the Inbox team! A smart mailbox

Reddit’s Android subreddit just went Apple. (April Fools)

Reddit’s Android subreddit just went Apple. (April Fools)


Reddit’s Android subreddit just went Apple.

Motorola just gave us custom selfie sticks

Motorola just gave us custom selfie sticks


Motorola just gave us custom selfie sticks.

Seeing any other April Fools’ jokes yet? Let us know in the comments and we will add them!

Source: Droid-life, Seeing any other April Fools’ jokes yet?

Google Glass Explorer Programme now open in the UK – £1000

23 June 2014 5:48 PM
Google Glass launches in the UK

Google Glass launches in the UK

More than two years after Google launched its Glass Explorer scheme in the U.S, it has finally made it available in the UK – but will set you back £1,000.

From today, any British resident aged over 18 can buy a Glass prototype from the official website for £1,000 – as long as they have a valid credit card. Google Glass was developed by Google X – the facility within Google devoted to technological advancements, such as driverless cars.

The wearable headset has also launched with partner apps including Zombies Run and Goal.com. It was initially designed in 2011 to resemble standard eyeglasses, but with the lens replaced by a heads-up display (HUD). Google later engineered a prototype that weighed 8lb (3.6kg), and the current version is now lighter than the average pair of sunglasses at 1.6oz (50g).

In April 2013, the Explorer Edition was made available to Google I/O developers in the U.S for $1,500.

The email from Google:

Hi there

The UK is known as a centre of innovation, where people like you are excited to explore new products and ideas. After many months of development, we’re expanding the Glass Explorer Programme to the UK, to bring together bold, creative individuals who want to help shape the future of Glass.

We wanted you to be among the first to know, as places on the Explorer Programme are limited, so join us soon.

Purchase Glass

Want to learn more about Glass, or try it with different frames and accessories? Schedule an appointment at our new London Basecamp. You’ll meet with a Glass Guide and learn how to make Glass your own.

Schedule an appointment

Until next time,
The Glass Team

We’ve had Google Glass for over a year now (shipped from the U.S) what do you think about this eyewear technology? Let us know down in the comments.

Dropbox releases Mailbox App for Android

10 April 2014 9:25 PM
Mailbox on Android

Mailbox on Android © Dropbox, Inc

Dropbox has released its Mailbox email client for Android devices.

The cloud storage company has also announced that a desktop beta version of the service is also in development for Mac OS users.

Already available for iOS devices [link], Mailbox arrives on Android with new features, such as an “auto-swipe” function that lets users automatically archive messages.

The application has also introduced Word, Excel and PowerPoint integration as part of a collaboration with Microsoft dubbed Project Harmony.

Dropbox says that “The desktop version of Mailbox will feature a minimal design and track-pad gesture controls. Users can apply to take part in the beta via the service’s website“.

Cloud storage company Dropbox bought Mailbox last year, shortly after the iOS app launched. The app lets users organize emails with simple swipe motions, chasing the notion of having no unread messages, or “inbox zero.” When Mailbox launched initially, it was only compatible with Gmail on iOS, but CEO Gentry Underwood said he planned to expand to other platforms and email services.

Mailbox previously reported 1 million users within a month of launching and said Wednesday that the number has grown to 275 million.

The company also announced that it’s testing a desktop version of the app, Mailbox for Mac. People who want to try the OS X Mailbox can ask for a beta invite here.

While Mailbox is finally on Android, many of the service’s limitations remain in place. It only works with Gmail and iCloud, so don’t go looking to this app if you rely on Yahoo, Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail) or a corporate email account. It also gives yet another company, in this case Mailbox’s parent Dropbox, access to your Gmail account. The app is still not available on Windows Phone.

Another change is that Mailbox will require a Dropbox login to use the app, on both iOS and Android. So, if you’re a Mailbox user, you will be required to be a Dropbox user as well.

The Android edition is now available from the Google Play store for download [link].

[Updated] Facebook Buys WhatsApp for $18 Billion

19 February 2014 10:37 PM
Mark Zuckerberg - https://facebook.com/zuck

Mark Zuckerberg – https://facebook.com/zuck

A huge acquisition but one which is important for Facebook to both continue its growth but also continue to gather the valuable data it needs to deliver monetizable services to its customers. The deal is pending regulatory approval and should it not get across the line Facebook will pay WhatsApp $1B in cash and $1B in shares.

Facebook has entered into an agreement to acquire WhatsApp, the popular messaging app, for $16 billion in cash and stock, according to a filing Wednesday.

The deal is by far Facebook’s largest acquisition to date (On one level this is insane – it’s a significant amount of Facebook’s total valuation) and comes after rumors in late 2012 and early 2013 that Facebook and Google were vying to buy the messaging service.

“WhatsApp is on a path to connect 1 billion people. The services that reach that milestone are all incredibly valuable,” Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s cofounder and CEO, said in a statement. “I’ve known Jan [Koum, WhatsApp co-founder] for a long time and I’m excited to partner with him and his team to make the world more open and connected.”

According to the filing, Facebook has agreed to pay $12 billion in stock and $4 billion in cash for the company. Facebook has also agreed to pay an additional $3 billion in restricted stock units to WhatsApp’s founders and employees as part of the deal, which would bring the total deal price to about $19 billion.

If the deal doesn’t go through, Facebook will pay a breakup fee of $1 billion to WhatsApp, which is still more than the total amount Facebook ended up paying to acquire Instagram.

Facebook stock declined by more than 4.5% in after hours trading following the announcement.

Apple launches ’12 Days Of Gifts’ app for the 2013 Holiday season

11 December 2013 1:16 AM
Hello!

Apple has launched its annual 12 Days of Gifts app, offering a new free song, app, book or movie every day from Dec. 26 to Jan. 6.

European fans have grown accustomed to Apple’s holiday promotion called 12 Days Of Gifts (previously 12 Days of Christmas) because they can count on a free download every day in a period following Christmas and until early-January. It’s not just apps, Apple usually gives away songs, books and music videos as well.

A dedicated app is crucial to the promotion and today the company has updated the iOS App for the iPhone, iPod and iPad with gifts for the 2013 Christmas holiday season. Download it now to get your free gift starting with December 26, the day after Christmas. Only available in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia and other territories (requires iOS7)

Also new this year, the US has finally been invited to Apple’s Christmas party. Rather oddly, Apple had previously excluded its own home country in favour of the UK, Europe, Japan and Canada.

App’s Description pulled from the Apple App Store:
“From December 26 to January 6, you can download a gift each day—songs, apps, books, movies, and more—with the 12 Days of Gifts app. Each day’s gift will only be available for 24 hours, so download the free app to make sure you don’t miss out. Note: Not all content is available in all countries.”

12 Days of Gifts can be downloaded now for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPad, though it won’t offer its first gift for another 15 days. If you’re worried that you’ll forget all about the app’s existence in this period, don’t worry – you can set it to notify you when new deals become available.

Apple notes that not all content will be available in all countries, but you can bet there’ll be a fine selection wherever the app is available.

You can download the app from the UK App Store right here for free Direct Link]. (CA / US)

The app requests permission to send push notifications so it’d be wise to hit the OK button because otherwise you won’t be alerted of daily freebies.