Twitter’s first promoted stickers come from Pepsi
You knew it was just a matter of time before Twitter’s stickers became advertising vehicles. The social network has just introduced promoted stickers, which help brands get their message out through the same searchable ‘visual hashtags’ that you might already be slapping on your photos. Pepsi is the first to embrace the concept, and it’ll offer 50 of the emoji you’ve seen on bottles and cans (see above) as stickers across 10 regions.
It’s hard to say how well this will work. Are you really going to use Pepsi’s take on a smiley if a less corporate version already exists? Stranger things have happened, however — it’s easy to find people who cheerlead for brands on Twitter without prompting. And when Twitter is still losing money, anything that attracts big ad deals is bound to be worth the company’s attention.
Via: Ad Age
Source: Twitter Blog
Instagram’s new tools help you reach out to stores
Plenty of businesses operate on Instagram, but wouldn’t it be nice if you could reach out to them on Instagram beyond posting a comment and hoping they’ll notice? You’ll get to do that soon. Instagram has reportedly started rolling out promised business tools that will help you get in touch. Shops that set up a business profile will have a “contact” button that helps you call, email or text a business without having to find the details on the company’s website (or hope that the company includes some in its bio). If you see a tantalizing dessert photo and want to know whether or not the restaurant’s still open, it’ll be trivially easy to get an answer.
The feature appears to be deploying in Europe at first, with Australia, New Zealand and the US due in the “coming months.” Everyone else will see them by the end of the year. We’ve asked Instagram for details and will let you know if it can say more.
Whenever the toolset is available in your corner of the world, it’ll also carry some features you might not appreciate. Analytics (to help companies see which posts are working) are good, but the features also let companies promote posts as ads. Like it or not, you may see more local stores hawking their wares in between friends’ food photos and the usual celebrity endorsements.
Source: Wired
Pokemon Go: Best Pokemon with highest CP
With Pokemon mania having spread across the world, you’re probably in the position where you’re wondering which Pokemon you should really be investing your time in. With a choice of 151 Pokemon (although not all are available to catch right now in the game), we’ve rounded up the best Pokemon in Pokemon Go.
Of course, CP, or Combat Power isn’t the only measure of how effective a Pokemon will be in a battle, but in many cases, when you’re facing an opponent in a Gym, the higher CP (and higher HP) that your Pokemon has, the better chance you have of surviving. That’s reflected in the “rating” below, as a measure overall of how good that Pokemon is.
GamePress
If you want to know where to focus your efforts, however, then take a look through this list of best Pokemon sorted by CP. Pulled together by GamePress, we can’t verify that all the information is correct, but there is another place to look for yourself.
If you open up the details about a Pokemon you have, you’ll see the CP rating at the top of the card, with a semi-circle heading over the top of the character’s picture. This is the CP line and once it reaches the far right, you’re at the maximum CP for that character.
It’s a little more complicated than that, however, because the maximum CP you can reach is based on your Trainer’s XP. As you power up, your ability to increase the CP of your Pokemon increases too, so you might find you’ve powered up your Pokemon as far as you can, and then you lose the option, until you’ve gained more XP.
If a high CP is your aim, then invest your time in Dragonite, Snorlax, Arcanine, Lapras, Exeggutor, Vaporeon, Gyarados, Flareon, Muk and Charizard.
- Pokemon Go: How to find and catch rare Pokemon like Charizard, Blastoise and Alakazam
- Pokemon Go: How to raise your XP level, power up and evolve your Pokemon
- Pokemon Go top tips: Master the Pokemon mayhem
- Pokemon Go Gym tips: How to battle, train and win
Apple Music vs Spotify: What’s the difference?
It’s been a year since Apple Music launched with a massive marketing campaign and several celebrities lined up, including Taylor Swift, touting how amazing it is to use, especially when compared to Spotify, another music-streaming service that was getting flak for not paying artists enough.
Now that time has passed, and the hype has died down, it’s worth asking yourself: should you really subscribe to Apple Music over Spotify, which currently leads the space in terms of paid subscribers? In order to help you answer that question, Pocket-lint has taken a deep dive and compared the two services by price, availability, features, and more. Here’s everything you kneed to know about Apple Music vs Spotify.
Apple Music vs Spotify: What’s the price difference?
There’s no difference here. They both cost $9.99 a month per account. And they both offer a $14.99 family plan for up to six users.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Where are they available?
As of writing, Apple Music is available in 113 countries on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch running iOS 8.4 or later, as well as Apple Watch 1.0.1 or later, Macs and PCs running iTunes, Android, and on the Apple TV. Spotify is available in 60 countries on iOS and Android devices, the web, Amazon Echo and Fire TV devices, and several connect speaker systems from brands like Bose, Bang & Olufsen, and Harman, and more.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Which offers better sound?
Apple Music and Spotify offer different encoding qualities. Apple Music has regular (128kbps) and high quality (256kbps), while Spotify has normal (96kbps), high (160kbps), and extreme (320kbps). Only audiophiles will be able to tell the difference. Still, Spotify does offer the highest quality.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Are there any adverts?
Apple Music requires a monthly fee ($9.99 an account or $14.99 for a family) after its three-month trial concludes, and it does not make users listen to any adverts. Spotify has a free tier option that is ad-supported, meaning users will get adverts. However, they can try the premium, non-ad-supported tier ($9.99 an account or $14.99 for a family) for three months for just 99 cents, so it’s worth checking out.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Which has more music?
This all depends on where you live. Both services claim to offer more than 30 million songs, but the songs you’ll have access to sometimes differ depending on your region. For instance, what you get in the US and the UK could be different from what you get in Sweden. Still, they’re pretty equal in terms of which service offers the biggest music collection and where.
Apple Music vs Spotify: What do they feature?
Radio
Apple music offers a selection of radio stations that play music based on artists, genres, etc, and it offers a dedicated 24/7 live radio station called Beats 1, which is hosted by DJ personalities such as Ebro Darden and Julie Adenuga. They even share playlists from their radio shows. As for Spotify, it has mood-based playlists and a comprehensive list of auto-generated radio stations (powered by The Echo Nest’s algorithms).
Playlists
Both services offer the ability to create and share playlists of any kind.
Discovery
Spotify has a playlist-discover feature called Discover Weekly. These are curated playlists with 32 base genres to choose from, and they are updated every Monday morning. It even comes with a two-hour playlist of personal music recommendations based on your listening habits. Apple Music offers something similar under its For You tab. It’s a compelling area you’ll live in simply because it appeals to to your music preferences. Playlists here are curated by experts and might be based on style, a particular artist, or even an activity like driving.
Connectivity
Apple Music supports AirPlay, which allows you to send music from an iPhone or iPad to a stereo or connected television, while Spotify has Spotify Connect, a similar way to push audio to connected speakers, though it’s not as ubiquitous.
Social
Apple Music initially offered Connect, an interface that let musicians directly interact with their fans by posting music videos and statuses, but it’s largely being dismantled with the upcoming iOS 10 update. Spotify has a different social strategy: it connects you with your friends on social media like Facebook in order to show you what they’re also listening to, in real time.
Podcasts and videos
Apple Music has embraced podcasts since the very beginning and offers a growing collection of music videos and concerts. Apple’s also reportedly working on original content, including TV shows, which might be broadcasted from Apple Music. Spotify supports podcasts, too, and it offers video content from broadcasters like The Comedy Network and BBC, among others. It even alerts you to nearby concerts within its app.
Voice search
Apple Music has a digital assistant. Sort of. It uses Siri for playback and music control. Spotify, on other hand, has no such capability.
Offline
Both Apple Music and Spotify support offline playback.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Which should you try?
Both apps are relatively easy to use, priced similarly, and widely available – and they come with basic controls and plenty of options for finding songs and creating playlists. They even both offer the ability to play music when there’s no service or Wi-Fi around. But Apple is unique because it can be played using Siri. Spotify, though, at least comes with a free, ad-supported tier.
If you’re going to choose one service to use though, Spotify is available on almost every platform and supposedly has more video content and more successful discover/playlist/social features. It also offers excellent sound quality. However, if you’re an Apple diehard and just want to stay within its ecosystem, then there’s really no convincing you to try Spotify over Apple Music.
Microsoft Office iPhone users can doodle with their fingers
If you want to sketch or perhaps add your signature to a Word, Excel or PowerPoint document on iOS, the only option has been to use the iPad Pro’s Pencil. Now, with the latest version of Office for the iPhone, you can draw directly on a document with no need for the stylus. Once you launch the app, you can “use your finger to write, draw and highlight with the tools in the new Draw tab,” Microsoft says.
Tools include a pen with adjustable line thicknesses and color, a highlighter and an eraser, and you can draw directly on cells, documents or slides. The new tools should come in particularly handy in conjunction with Office’s new collaboration tools, letting users easily mark up and share changes. The updated apps are now available on the App Store.
Via: The Verge
Source: Microsoft (iTunes)
Microsoft rolls out new Surface Pro Type Covers for NFL fans
Now that the NFL preseason is underway, Microsoft is taking advantage of the moment with a product designed specifically for football fans. If you own a Surface Pro 3 or Surface Pro 4, the company’s rolling out new Type Covers featuring logos from all 32 NFL teams, in case you’re interested in showing everyone your true colors. The themed peripherals, dubbed Surface Special Edition NFL Type Covers (say that ten times fast), are made from “premium quality” materials according to Microsoft. That said, they don’t feature the same high-end, suede-like Alcantara fabric as the Signature Type Covers introduced a few months ago. Doesn’t matter? Then you can get one today from Microsoft’s site or one its retail stores for $160.
Spotify revamps its kids category to help with early learning
Spotify already had a variety of content for young listeners, but with the help of educational initiatives Too Small to Fail and Vroom, the streaming service has revised that lineup. The newly revamped “Kids and Family” category features playlists that focus on daytime routines, activities and more. There are options for playtime, bedtime and traveling, just to name a few. Between songs, a collection of celebrities provide tips for other activities to further help build vocabulary. Voice prompts will feature Fantasia, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Wiz Khalifa, Tyler Perry, Juanes, Diego Torres, Busy Philipps and more.
Those tips may suggest parents make up their own silly lyrics to a song or create a unique dance to the rhythm. What’s more, the new playlists and these ideas that pop up between songs are available in both English and Spanish. Spotify plans to continue building its content library for parents, caregivers and younger listeners by working with the likes of Univision, the GRAMMY Museum, Save the Music, Fatherly, The Bump, Carnegie Hall, Gerber and other organizations on themed playlists and more. To give you an idea of what you can expect from the revised lineup, check out the embedded playlist down below.
Source: Spotify
Jabra’s latest sport headphones track more of your fitness regime
Jabra’s Sport Pulse and Sport Coach wireless headphones have been available for some time now, but the company has new versions of both models with some added features. Let’s start with the Sport Pulse Special Edition, shall we? The heart-rate tracking in-ear headphones debuted in 2014, but now they gain automatic and continuous VO2 Max level monitoring thanks to a hand from the Jabra Sport Life app. If that term is unfamiliar, VO2 Max levels are a measure of aerobic fitness, or to put it another way, how hard you’re working out. The new version of the Sport Pulse also offers coaching based on your heart rate and fitness level during exercise sessions.
Speaking of coaching, the Sports Coach Special Edition wireless headphones (below) also offer a key addition from the original model. This time around, the earbuds not only provide guidance, but thanks to a new TrackFit motion sensor, the headphones can count your reps during a workout. Right now the feature only keeps tabs of 10 common exercises, but Jabra says that number will increase with future updates. For the time being, expect the headphone and app duo to tally movements like push-ups, lunges and burpees.
There a a number of features that both Special Editions offer. They’re both IP55-rated for dust and water resistance alongside a 3-year extended warranty that protects against damage from sweat. Jabra says that you’ll be able to use both models for up to 5 hours before needing to recharge and they both last for up to 10 days in standby mode. The company also notes improvements to sound quality with enhanced bass and overall call quality. Finally, for more fit options, Comply foam tips are included in the box. Both the Sport Pulse and the Sport Coach Special Editions are set to ship in Q3, with the former priced at $160 while the latter costs $120.
Low-Cost Devices Fuel China’s Smartphone Market as iPhone Sales Dip
In China, low-cost smartphones have brought an overall uptick in sales in the second quarter of 2016, while high-end devices — from companies like Apple and Samsung — continue to face declining sales numbers in the country (via DigiTimes). Local vendors in China are said to be “focused on promoting entry-level and mid-range 4G models,” instead of trying to convince the Chinese public that Apple or Samsung’s smartphones are worth the higher price points.
Specifically, smartphone shipments totaled 149 million units in Q2 2016, increasing 2.7 percent from Q1 2016 and 14.3 percent from the year-ago quarter. This surge comes from China’s top-selling smartphone companies (in order of smartphone market share in China): Huawei (14 percent), Oppo (12.7 percent), Vivo (11.2 percent), and Xiaomi (10.4 percent). Apple comes in fifth place, “with its market share falling into a single-digit range,” although the specific number wasn’t disclosed.
Sales of high-end models from Apple and Samsung Electronics continued to suffer declines in the second quarter as local smartphone vendors focused on promoting entry-level and mid-range 4G models capitalizing on subsidies offered by the top-three telecom operators, Digitimes Research noted.
The double-digit shipment growth rates enjoyed by China-based smartphone vendors in the first two quarters of 2016 were higher than the growth rates of smartphones shipped to consumers from retail channel operators, resulting in an increasing pile-up of inventories at channels.
As it was reported earlier in the summer, low-cost devices that are available to a wide range of users who have yet to purchase a smartphone are helping to contribute to an overall growth in the worldwide market. Apple still faces some issues in the Greater China market, reporting an 11 percent revenue drop in mainland China in April, in the same earnings call that confirmed the company’s first year-over-year revenue decline since 2003.
In the same call, CEO Tim Cook remained “optimistic” about Apple’s presence in China, saying that “China is not as weak as has been talked about. We may not have the wind at our backs that we once did, but it’s more stable than the common view of it.” Despite some hindrances placed on Apple services like iTunes and iBooks in the country, not to mention Apple’s occasional scuffle with Chinese regulators, China remains Apple’s third-most profitable market behind the United States and Europe.
Related Roundup: iPhone 6s
Tag: China
Buyer’s Guide: iPhone (Caution)
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Best cases for BlackBerry DTEK50
What are the best cases for the BlackBerry DTEK50?
BlackBerry devotees are a mighty happy bunch right now, nabbing a DTEK50 for themselves and diving into all the Android goodness. The phone features a textured backing that offers more grip and much less slip, and a different overall look for a BlackBerry device. It still needs a case for extra protection and for keeping up appearances, though, and we’ve got your case hunt covered with some top-notch selections.
- DTEK50 Smart Pocket
- DTEK50 Smart Flip Case
- DTEK50 Hard Shell
- DTEK50 Swivel Holster
- AFLY BlackBerry DTEK50 wallet case
- BELK crocodile leather flip wallet
- IWIO holster flip case
DTEK50 Smart Pocket
The Smart Pocket is a unique cover that looks more like a custom-made accessory than a BlackBerry purchase. If you prefer a case that functions more like a sleeve, the Smart Pocket is for you.
The top opening of the pocket allows you to easily slide the DTEK50 into place but keeps it securely inside when you’re on the go. It’s excellent protection for the times when you’re not using your phone, and allows you to show off the new hardware featured on the DTEK50 when you’re using it, like the textured back. If you’re in a hurry to take a call, you can do so without removing the pocket — a very convenient feature right there. And it’s also convenient: you can access the USB port without removing the pocket.
The Smart Pocket is available in two color combinations: gray and tan (pictured here) or gray and black, each for about $25.
See at BlackBerry
DTEK50 Smart Flip Case
Designed just for the DTEK50, the Smart Flip Case attaches securely to the back of the phone. The back surface is smooth and hard, protecting against bumps or accidental drops.
The textured front cover features a cut-out that shows all of your necessary notifications; you won’t miss important messages and you’ll always be able to see at a glance what your text, email, and call priorities are. The exterior is textured and the interior surface that rests on the screen is soft and aids in scratch prevention — perfect for the times you need to tuck the DTEK50 into a full backpack, briefcase, or purse.
You can take a call with the Smart Flip Case closed, or flip the cover all the way back and have full access to the whole screen. It’s available in classic black for around $35.
See at BlackBerry
DTEK50 Hard Shell
If all you want is simple, straightforward protection, the DTEK50 Hard Shell is right up your alley. It’s slim, sleek, and comes in basic black; no tough choices to make, no bells and whistles to take away from the look of the DTEK50.
It provides some extra corner protection (and you know it’s usually the corners that suffer the most if you drop a phone) without looking bulky. You’ll also gain some grip to help prevent those drops in the first place. More shell-style cases are bound to appear for the DTEK50 in the near future, but it’ll be hard to beat the minimalist style already aced by BlackBerry.
For $25, the DTEK50 Hard Shell is a no-brainer purchase.
See at BlackBerry
DTEK50 Swivel Holster
BlackBerry has always made great holster cases, and their version for the DTEK50 is no different. This is the definitive BlackBerry case at its best.
The swivel clip allows you to adjust the holster to the position that’s most convenient and comfortable for you. The magnetic clasp keeps your DTEK50 snuggly in place, whether you’re rushing around from meeting to meeting or coaching the kids’ soccer game. Available in black, the Swivel Holster has a classic look that never clashes with any color.
Keep your notifications private and your DTEK50 protected even while it charges, since you don’t have to remove it from the holster to plug it in. It’s a lot of convenience for only $35.
See at BlackBerry Online Store
AFLY BlackBerry DTEK50 wallet case
An inexpensive and very handy wallet case may be exactly what your new DTEK50 needs. You don’t generally leave the house with either your phone or your wallet, so why not get a case that can do double duty?
AFLY’s wallet case will hold your new DTEK50 in place and protect it against your daily grind. The front cover includes three spaces for cards, one of which is clear and perfect for your ID, as well as a separate pocket for a few bills. The genuine leather has a nice pebbled finish, and the case features cut-outs for the camera, speaker, and USB port. No need to remove the phone at all.
The AFLY wallet case folds nicely into a kickstand for hands-free talk or viewing, and comes in red, white, black, or blue for about $13.
See at Amazon
BELK crocodile leather flip wallet
For a slightly flashier look to accompany your DTEK50, try crocodile leather. The BELK crocodile leather flip wallet has that little extra bit of flair for an extremely reasonable price.
You can stick to basic black or white, but why not shake your style up a little more with purple, or the vibrant blue that’s pictured here? Your DTEK50 will snap snuggly into place and the front cover features two credit card slots and a dedicated cash pocket. The magnetic closure adds an extra touch of safety and helps to turn the wallet into a kickstand when your hands aren’t free.
For just over $10, this is a look you can’t afford to pass up.
See at Amazon
IWIO holster flip case
It’s tough to beat the convenience of a holster for your DTEK50; it’s always right at your side so you never have to dig through bags or fuss with a pocket to take a call or check messages.
The IWIO holster flip case isn’t just convenient, it’s the most inexpensive case we’ve found so far that doesn’t compromise on quality and color selection. Choose from black, blue, red, brown, carbon fibre black, gray, white, or the green that’s pictured here. The top flap secures with a magnetic closure and the back of the holster features a vertical clip that will hold fabric of just about any thickness. Clip it to your bag if you don’t feel like wearing it, or toss it in your bag and your DTEK50 will stay free of bumps, dirt, and other nasties.
For about $7 per case, grab a few colors and play the matching game with your bags and accessories.
See at Amazon
More to come?
The BlackBerry DTEK50 is still a new phone on the market, so more cases are bound to pop up in the coming weeks and months, and we’ll be sure to keep you updated as we check them out. What’s your case of choice for the DTEK50? Tell us about it in the comments below.
