Apple Promising “Huge” Stability Update In iOS 9

Read original article on: 9to5Mac

While the upcoming iOS 8.3 will soon bring wireless CarPlay, improved Google login, and new emojis to millions of iPhone users, Apple is already looking forward to iOS 9. The next iOS is reported to come with “huge improvements” on the stability and optimization of its operation system. After years of adding flashy new features and designs, this signals a maturity of Apple’s mobile system, as well as underscoring the heightened need for better security measures.

Another Messaging App Ventures Into Video Content

Read original story on: TechCrunch

LINE, Japan’s most popular messaging app, continues to expand its core business as it starts testing LINE TV, a YouTube-like video service in Thailand. Available via Android and iOS apps as well as on the web, the platform features a wide range of TV shows and music videos from local Asian markets.

More importantly, LINE TV is deeply integrated with LINE’s messaging app so that users can easily share content with friends. Some videos even contain quick links to follow the official accounts of featured actors within the messaging app. By trying to take control of both the media channel and content, LINE is ambitiously building its business towards a multi-faceted media channel, not unlike what Snapchat is doing.

GrubHub Starts Building Its Own Delivery Network

Read original story on: Street Fight 

GrubHub has officially started to build its own delivery network by acquiring two food delivery companies: Boston-based DiningIn and California-based Restaurants on the Run, for an estimated total of over $80 million. The acquisitions will give the company a combined relationship with over 3,000 restaurants over 15 markets in the States. The move marks the company’s continuing effort in expanding the preexisting food delivery market into a larger network of local restaurants, part of the larger trend of the on-demand economy.

 

Look Out For The Swatch Smartwatches

Read original story on: The Verge

Fashion watch-maker Swatch is planning to sell its own smartwatch within the next 3 months, which would put it in direct competition with the upcoming Apple Watch. The company claims their first wearable will support Windows and Android systems, communicate via Internet connection, and have mobile payment functions, all without “having to be charged”.

While that may sound a little too good to be true, it has definitely got us intrigued to learn more about it. Battery life has been a long-standing problem for wearables, and if Swatch has found a way to fix this issue, it might just have a real shot at taking a piece of the burgeoning wearable market.

Apple’s HealthKit Sees Early Adoptions Among Top Hospitals

Read original story on: Reuters

According to Reuters, 14 out of 23 top US hospitals have rolled out a pilot program of Apple’s HealthKit service. The trails generally aim to help doctors monitor patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. As Apple takes an early lead in penetrating the healthcare industry with its well-developed ehealth ecosystem, its competitors are reportedly only just starting to reach out to hospitals and other medical partners.

How Twitter Appeals To Small Businesses With “Quick Promote”

Read original story on: AdExchanger

Twitter has developed ad products for big budgets, but it’s also trying to appeal to the small and mid-sized advertisers. Earlier this week, Twitter started rolling out “Quick Promote”, making it easy for small business owners to amplify selected tweets without knowing the intricacies of digital ad tech. Overall, this rollout marks another product off Twitter’s Tailored Audiences feature, which enables advertisers to use Twitter’s congregated user data to better target their branded content.

In related news, Twitter has struck a deal with Google to make its 140-character updates more searchable online, which would grant branded content on Twitter even more exposure by showing up in search results.

Here’s How Apple Is Planning To Compete Against Spotify

Read original story on: 9to5Mac

Apple acquired streaming services Beats Music back in May 2014, and now we are finally getting some updates on its fate. Reports suggest that Apple is planning to launch a redesigned Beats Music later this year that will be deeply integrated into iOS, iTunes, and the Apple TV.

To compete with existing services like Spotify or Rdio, Apple is reportedly looking to set the monthly subscription fee at just $7.99. Would the Cupertino company be able to upend the OTT music market with system integration and competitive pricing? Stay tuned to find out.

How Nest Thermostat Will Pay For Itself In Two Years

Read original story on: TechCrunch

Based on three separate studies of longitudinal data, Nest reports that its connected thermostat could pay for itself in less than two years from heating and cooling savings. The Google-owned smart-home manufacturer claims that “a correctly programmed thermostat can save about 20% on your heating and cooling bill”, and is also looking to implement algorithms that will make its thermostat better at responding to changes in temperature and anticipating future usage.

New Security Concerns Arise As Cars Get Connected

 Read original story on: BBC News

Cars, especially the fancy high-end ones, have always been target of thefts, and security measures have been constantly updated with the advance of technology. Lately, however, new types of security concerns has risen for car owners as new models of connected cars begin to infiltrate the market.

BMW has just patched a security flaw that reportedly left 2.2 million cars, including Rolls Royce and Mini models, open to hackers. The flaw affected models fitted with BMW’s ConnectedDrive software, which uses an on-board Sim card to operate door locks, air conditioning and traffic updates through internet and Bluetooth connectivity.

Google Reportedly Developing Its Uber Competitor With Driver-less Cars

Read original story on: Bloomberg Business

Google is preparing to launch its own car-hailing service to work with its self-driving cars, which would put it in direct competition with on-demand car services like Uber or Lyft.  In response, Uber has announced a partnership with Carnegie Mellon University to develop driverless car and mapping technology.

Ironically, Google is also one of its biggest investors for Uber, as the search giant’s venture capital arm Google Ventures invested $258 million in Uber back in August 2013. And Uber currently uses Google Maps data to power its apps for drivers and riders, a fact that could soon change once the competition heats up between the two companies.

Update: New report claims that Google’s own car-hailing app is being developed for internal carpooling only.