Facebook now allowing Google to index its mobile app
The need to use Google Search is becoming less and less prominent in today’s society, as mobile apps are now able to do much more than they were in the past. To keep its search engine relevant, Google has been using something called App Indexing that displays a developer’s app content in Google Search results. This helps ensure that users who have a developer’s application installed will be able to open content within the app directly from Search results.
In the past, Google has been able to crawl through and index Facebook user profiles and other pertinent information through the social network on the web. Now, Facebook is allowing Google to index its mobile application, according to The Wall Street Journal. This new agreement between Facebook and Google means that results from Google searches on smartphones will be able to display content from Facebook’s mobile app, including public profile information. A spokeswoman told WSJ that the listings will show up as “deep links,” which means clicking on these results will take users directly to the relevant part of the Facebook app.
Google isn’t allowed to show content from private Facebook profiles and pages, though, which means the Alphabet-owned company still doesn’t have access to the walled garden of Facebook.
See also: Google aims to make your app more discoverable with App Indexing
Smartphone users spend the majority of their time inside applications, so this is a big deal for Google. Facebook allowing Google to index its mobile app is a sign that the social network is receiving some sort of benefit from the deal. Facebook wants users to stay inside Facebook no matter what, and this is a great way to help with that initiative.
AudioFly AF56 in-ear headphones (Review)
I recently got the opportunity to review AudioFly’s complete performance in-ear headphone collection. There are four headphones in this collection that each fit into a consumer’s budget. There is the under $50 pair, the under $75 pair, the around $100 pair, and the around $200 pair. I recently reviewed the AF33 and the AF45 earphones that both keep their prices under $100. This time, I’m taking a look at the AF56 earphones that break into the $100 price range.
Unboxing and Accessories
One notable upgrade from the two less expensive earphones we have looked at is the AF56 earphones come in a pretty cool box that holds closed with a magnet. Inside the box, you will find the headphones plus the normal set of several ear tip sizes and a nice metal tin for the earphones themselves.
While the metal tin a nice addition, I found it to be small. I would have to wrap the earphones tightly to fit into the case, which I am worried might wear on the cables inside resulting in them breaking. Also, there is no room to carry any accessories with you in the case. The fit is so tight that you will not be stuffing the earphones into this case; instead, you will have to carefully wind them in order of them to fit.
The box that all the accessories were packaged in is extremely nice, and has the AudioFly name embossed in silver on the top. I actually took the foam insert out and put my earphones in there when I am not using them because they are easier to fit in there than in the case they came with. Of course, if you are planning on taking these earphones with you everywhere, you will be putting them in the case for portability.
Design and Build Quality
The design of these headphones are quite interesting with the rear of the earphones being large, flat discs. This is to contain the custom 13mm drivers inside. While the design is not typical of normal earphones, I found it to be extremely comfortable. They do not fit too deep into your ears, but the large rear portions hold them there snugly like a pair of earbuds. Combine this with the comfortable ear tips that sit just far enough into your ear, and you have an extremely nice fit that feels strong but is not uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
The rest of the AF56’s design is fairly similar to the AF45. You have the braided cable that not only looks good but feels strong and well made which will keep these earphones from tearing or breaking easily. Unfortunately, there is still a fair bit of cable noise which can be a problem for some. There is a button where the earphones split that can be used for music control as well as making and answering calls if you have the version with an in-line mic. The mic sits about halfway up the left earphone cable which puts it in the perfect position to talk into.
The AF56 improves on the design of the AF45 with a better, more comfortable fix and keeps the strong braided cable and sleek look.
Sound Quality
AudioFly upgraded their AF56 earphones with a 13mm driver that is supposed to deliver great bass without overpowering the mids and highs. I can definitely say that the bass is extremely nice on these headphones. It is definitely powerful, but it does so without sacrificing quality. The low range is still tight and smooth.
The mids are somewhat of a different story. They are not bad by any means, but they seem to be overshadowed by the bass. The highs are paired much better with the enhanced low range, and I wish the mids were the same. At times, vocals can be lost behind the lower range. The highs, on the other hand, are well matched with the powerful bass, stay clear and crisp, and round out what I would say is a good sounding pair of earphones.
One specific thing that I did really like about the AF56 is how good they are at separation and soundstage. Listening to David Bowie’s Space Oddity is awesome one these earphones with each instrument in a definite space in the music. The separation is great with every instrument and beat resonating clearly.
For their $100, the AF56 earphones provide a great listening experience that should please just about anyone. If you listen to music that is heavy on the bass, you will appreciate AudioFly’s focus on the low end on these earphones, but even those who prefer music that is lighter on the bass will find these earphones provide a good, fun listening experience.
After using these earphones for a while, I continue to be impressed with AudioFly’s earphone collection. The AF56 earphones are well made and come with a nice set of accessories. I do wish the metal case was a bit larger, however. Even with this slightly underpowered mid-range, the earphones provide awesome sound quality that is sure to please anyone who listens to it. You can grab the AF56 earphones from AudioFly’s website or Amazon.
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Apple Maps Now Using ‘Business Listings’ Data From Foursquare
As of October, Foursquare has become one of the companies that contribute data to Apple’s Maps app, providing information on “Business listings data.” This likely includes details on restaurants, retail stores, and other venues, given Foursquare’s focus on unearthing the “best places to eat, drink, shop, or visit in any city in the world.
Rumors about a data sharing deal between Foursquare and Apple first surfaced in 2012, but Apple Maps Marketing, a site that keeps an eye on Apple’s Maps partners, notes that Foursquare was not added as a partner until October 22.
For those unfamiliar with Foursquare, it’s essentially a Yelp competitor that helps people find nearby venues. Several years ago, Foursquare was popular as it had a built-in check-in feature that let people share the places they’d visited, but Foursquare has always had trouble securing revenue.
In 2014, Foursquare split its app into Foursquare, for local listings, and Swarm, its check-in app, which ended up being an unpopular decision. Since then, Foursquare has struggled to find its niche among competitors, so this data sharing deal with Apple could be a huge boon for the company.
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Apple’s Top Free Charts Incorrectly Ranking Apple Apps on Some iOS Devices
Apple’s Top Free Charts on some iOS devices appear to be incorrectly ranking Apple apps like iMovie, Pages, Keynote, and Numbers. As discovered by Sensor Tower and shared by TechCrunch, on some iOS devices, the App Store’s Top Free Chart lists Pages, Numbers, and Keynote at higher ranks than on the desktop App Store and on other iOS devices.
For example, on an iPad mini 2 and an iPhone 5s, we found iMovie, Keynote, Pages, and Numbers all listed within the top 10 free apps, all at different positions. On an iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus, iPad Air 2, and iPad Pro, the only Apple app in the top 20 free apps is iTunes U, which also matches up with the desktop version of the App Store. iTunes U, according to Sensor Tower’s data, is the only app along with GarageBand that should be listed in the top 10 of the free chart.
App Store Top Free Charts on iPad mini
While MacRumors did not see the errant chart behavior on more recent devices, both TechCrunch and Sensor Tower have seen problematic ranking numbers on a range of different devices running iOS 9.1. Devices running iOS 8.3 did not seem to be affected by the problem.
App Store Top Free Charts on iPhone 6s Plus
As TechCrunch points out, it’s not clear if the discrepancy between App Store Top Chart listings is a bug or an intentional manipulation by Apple, but given the significantly different results from device to device, even those that are the same generation, it seems more like a bug than something done deliberately.
The discrepancy, of course, could be related to a bug in Apple’s App Store ranking algorithm, but it’s a persistent one if that’s the case.
It doesn’t appear to be impacting the relative rankings of most other Top applications, besides Apple’s. That is, Facebook Messenger is still at the top of the App Store, followed by newcomer Acapella from PicPlayPost, then YouTube, and then Facebook.
Apps like Pages, Keynote, Numbers, and iMovie are listed in the Top Free Charts because they are provided to iOS users at no cost with the purchase of an iOS device, but these apps are not free, an issue that could potentially be causing chart problems. All of the above listed apps sell for $4.99 to $9.99.
Apple has, however, manipulated the App Store results in the past to highlight its own apps, so it could be the result of a direct work to promote its line of iWork apps to specific devices or specific users, but without comment from Apple, it’s difficult to tell.
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[TA Deals] Get the Active Wrap Wireless Headphones for just $24 for a limited time
Music and fitness are like peanut butter and jelly: they just go together. However, when you’re out on a run with headphones in your ears, wires can get extremely frustrating as you continuously yank them out during your jog. That’s where the Active Wrap Wireless Headphones come in. There’s no annoying wires, as it hooks up via Bluetooth so that users can listen to music and take phone calls without a tether. It’s extremely handy!
Here’s a peak at what you’re getting with these wireless headphones:
- Compatible with nearly any Bluetooth-enabled device
- Built-in microphone for taking calls
- Built-in noise-canceling technology
- High-quality sound
- Battery supports 10 hours of talk time and 8 hours of music playback
With excellent stereo sound and noise-cancelling technology, the Active Wrap Wireless Headphones are the perfect choice for listening to music on a job or taking phone calls in a busy city. Not only that, but its battery claims to be able to handle up to 10 hours of talk time and 8 hours of music playback, meaning you don’t ever have to worry about them dying on you while you’re out and about.
Normally the Active Wrap Wireless Headphones retail for $39, but for a limited time, we’re offering it to our readers for a meager $24. That’s a whopping 38% off! But the deal gets even sweeter, as this pair of wireless headphones can be scored for an additional 10% off as part of our early Black Friday sale. Just be sure to enter coupon code EARLY10 during checkout!
Anyone picking one up?
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Google ready to jump back into China’s mobile market against stiff competition
Google stepped out of the Chinese mobile market years ago, and since 2010 China has seen a ton of growth for many other manufacturers which puts Google in a sticky situation and six years behind some of its competition. However, the Chinese market is too big to ignore and we’ll likely see Google push its mobile app store back into the country sooner rather than later.
A mobile analytics firm measured how much of the market some of China’s most popular app stores currently hold, and Google’s own Play Store sits at number 10 with barely 3.5% penetration rate. Compare that to Tencent’s 18% penetration rate for its own app store, and even rates from competitors like Oppo, Huawei, and Xiaomi, and Google would have a long road ahead to get things back in full swing.
A problem that comes with facing many of these other manufacturers is that they’re all heavily invested in their own app stores and wouldn’t be likely to lend a hand to get Google Play on consumer devices. On top of that, Google Search hasn’t been available in China for years, so Google’s brand name won’t be doing it many favors in that particular situation.
Despite all of these road blocks, China is one of the most profitable countries in the world due to its large population. Google Play also offers more than just apps, bringing music, movies, and books along with games and apps. That’s something that very few other manufacturers bring to the table, which could give Google an edge on their competition.
However and whenever Google decides to move forward with getting the Play Store back into consumer hands in China, it’ll be an interested situation to watch.
source: re/code
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MetroPCS expands data, brings “Music Unlimited” to service
MetroPCS, the prepaid service connected to T-Mobile, is starting to see some trickle-down effect from T-Mobile’s Uncarrier efforts with three new changes to the MetroPCS service. To help data hungry consumers, MetroPCS is adding an extra 1 GB of 4G data capacity on “its most popular plans.” They are also expanding the amount of data available through Mobile Hotspot tethering, moving it up to 8 GB of data from 6 GB of data.
Two new features being added will help consumers make better use of this expanded capacity. First, MetroPCS is getting Music Unlimited. Similar to T-Mobile’s offering, customers who have Music Unlimited on their play will be able to listen to a variety of music streaming services – 33 options are available at last count – without the data counting against their usage as long as they are on the T-Mobile network.
On the video side, MetroPCS is introducing Data Maximizer, which the company claims will enable customers to watch up to three times as much video for the same amount of data as is currently consumed. MetroPCS says this is achieved through the use of T-Mobile proprietary technology to optimize streaming video, including maximizing resolutions at a DVD quality level, and minimizing data consumption. Should a customer not be pleased with the results, they can turn off the Data Maximizer.
As part of a new set of data plans that include additional high speed data, MetroPCS will offer the following family plans (2 lines or more):
- $25 per month for 1GB of 4G LTE data and Data Maximizer
- $35 per month for 3GB of 4G LTE data with Music Unlimited and Data Maximizer
- $45 per month for 5GB of 4G LTE data with Music Unlimited and Data Maximizer
- $55 per month for unlimited 4G LTE data, 8GB of tethering, Music Unlimted and Data Maximizer.
Users with single lines of service will see a $5 per month bump. According to MetroPCS, two-thirds of their users consume their entire high speed data by the third week of each month. These changes should help them get closer to making it through a whole month.
source: T-Mobile
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Mobile data in the US is almost 20 times higher compared to in Europe
Many of the latest and greatest technologies come out of the US. Streaming services like Netflix have revolutionized the way the world watches movies and TV shows. However, to watch Netflix you need data, and US consumers are paying nearly 20 times more for data compared to Europeans.
For example, people in France are paying around 20 euros ($21.50) per month for a monthly package featuring 50 gigabytes of data, unlimited domestic and international calls to over 100 countries, and unlimited text messages. However, in the US that exact same plan would cost you around $390 per month.
Last year, International Telecommunications Union also reported that the cost of US data was up to 19.5 times more expensive than in Europe. Why is this?
Steven Hartley, Practice leader for Service Providers and Markets at telecoms and IT consultancy Ovum said:
“The fundamental reason is competition,”
Places like France where you can get unlimited data plans for only £27 ($41) have four national mobile carriers. In the US, national carriers do not totally cover the entire country. In some locations only one or two carriers may exist. Basically, since you have less choice, you have to pay more.
Europe has gone out of it’s way to encourage more competition, while the US has not. As a result, many European carriers are very small and have to do anything they can to survive. US carriers do not have the same worries. They have large amounts of customers and it is not a life or death struggle to meet their basic cost.
Sylvain Chevallier, an associate at telcoms specialist BearingPoint consultancy said that places like France have too many carriers for the number of customers.
“To survive the operators must get as many clients as possible, but to do so cut prices. It’s a hellish circle that results in the market losing its value.”
Currently, Europeans may love their cheaper prices, but it may also stop growth as the carriers may not want to invest large sums of money to upgrade and expand their network.
Source: Business Insider
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PSA: Avoid OnePlus’ USB Type-C cable
Earlier this month, Google employee Benson Leung embarked on journey to test all USB Type-C cables in order to help consumers know which are safe to use. It makes sense for him to do so considering Google’s Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Chromebook Pixel (2015) all use USB Type-C for charging and data transfers.
Over the weekend, Leung told the world — or at least all 7,067 people connected to him on Google+ — that OnePlus’ very own USB Type-C cable is no good.
Practice safe charging!
The cable sold by OnePlus that is meant to work with its own flagship can be harmful for your devices. Leung says that OnePlus’ USB Type-C cable isn’t safe to use because it “uses a 3A indentifier resistor instead of the ‘Default USB Power’ one.”
https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js
OnePlus currently sells its USB Type-C cable in 100cm and 150cm sizes, both at a price of just $5.49. The price seems attractive, but it’s probably not worth the potential damage it can do to your beloved phone.
Source: Benson Leung (Google+)
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AT&T will offer the Samsung Galaxy View with a cheap DirecTV offer
If you’ve been itching to grab a Samsung Galaxy View since it was announced a few weeks ago but didn’t want to shell out the full price that everyone has been asking for it, AT&T and DirecTV may have an offer you’d be interested in.
If you want to spend full price and walk out with the Galaxy View with no obligations, AT&T will sell it to you in store or online. However, if you’re a new DirecTV customer you can score a Galaxy View for just $99 if you sign a two-year agreement with the company, which will also give you a new enormous screen to watch DirecTV on. If you’re already a DirecTV customer, you can start up a new AT&T Next plan for a smartphone to also get the Galaxy View for $99.
If DirecTV isn’t your thing, AT&T will still sell the tablet to you, just without any special promotions. The View runs $499 on a two-year contract, and it’s also eligible for AT&T Next, which should cost around $30 a month for 20 months.
AT&T will begin carrying the Galaxy View on November 20th, just a few days away from today.
source: AT&T
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AIVAnet 