Google Search update is compatible with other apps
Yesterday, Google announced an update to their Google Search app for Androids that allows searches in the app to open in the native, pre-installed app. For example, if you did a Google search for The Matrix, your search results would have a link asking if you'd like to view the film's IMDb page in the IMDb app. While this may seem inconvenient for some (why not just search for it in the IMDb app in the first place?), Google Search could represent a central hub/landing page for searches while introducing compatibility with other approved apps.
In a way, Google is monopolizing all forms of app searches, giving power to approved apps and taking power away from those that aren't. However, considering the behemoth that Google is, it's no surprise that they would want to make the Google Search app the primary hub for any and all searches on Android phones. As an iPhone user, this doesn't necessarily affect me, but I can understand how some might find the new update convenient, even if it means adding another step to finding results. Plus, it gives Google even more reason to track and spy on any searches you may be conducting in third-party apps. Would you really sacrifice privacy for convenience?
The full list of compatible apps are below:
- AllTrails
- Allthecooks
- Beautylish
- Etsy
- Expedia
- Flixster
- Healthtap
- IMDb
- Moviefone
- Newegg
- OpenTable
- Trulia
- Wikipedia
[via Phandroid]
Amazon will begin mailing packages on Sundays thanks to USPS
Amazon has had a stranglehold on electronics for years, taking revenue away from former brick and mortar powerhouses like Best Buy and Circuit City (RIP). With subscription plans like Amazon Prime that offers free 2-day shipping to subscribers and free shipping for orders over $35 (recently increased from $25), the online commerce company has truly become the de facto website for all online orders.
Now, the company is preparing to increase their success with news that Amazon has partnered with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to begin delivering packages on Sundays. Beginning next Sunday, November 17, Amazon will test Sunday delivery in LA and New York, and will expand to cities like Houston, Phoenix, Dallas, and New Orleans in 2014. The partnership will not only boost Amazon's revenue, but also bring some money into the USPS itself, which has been facing dwindling business over recent years.
[via Wall Street Journal]
Snapchat Snaps can be retrieved for law enforcement
Attention avid Snapchat users: Your 5-second naked selfies may not be as private as you think they are. Considering Snapchats are sent over Snapchat servers, this should already be common knowledge, but some might find technology confusing. Snapchat safety head Micah Schaffer has assured Snapchat users that their Snaps are private and are deleted from servers 30 days after they're delivered and opened, assuring a level of privacy for users' dirty little secrets.
However, Schaffer has also confirmed that unopened Snaps still on the Snapchat servers have been delivered to authorities when they're presented with search warrants in accordance with the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). Some might balk at the news, citing an invasion of privacy over the ordeal. Others, like myself, will laugh at those balking. Technology is a funny mistress, especially when under the watchful eye of the law.
[via Engadget]
Twitter and Comcast are making it easier to be lazy
As if social media didn't already pervade our everyday lives, Twitter and Comcast just signed a deal to make our lives that much more convenient. Twitter will be implementing a "See It" button on users' feeds when Comcast properties are tweeted about. For example, if your friend tweets about Chicago Fire, the "See It" button will be displayed. If you are a Comcast subscriber, clicking the button will automatically launch the show on your computer or internet-ready TVs. Universal films will follow suit, although the "See It" button will link to a Fandango page for the film mentioned.
Do you think this new implementation will be a power move for both Twitter and Comcast, or is the deal invading too much privacy? ...as if posting on a public community forum like Twitter was private in the first place.
[via /Film]
YouTube launches the YouTube Audio Library, free music for personal YouTube videos
Have you ever uploaded an amazing homemade video with your friends to YouTube, just to have it taken down or forever muted because of copyright claims? YouTube's always been a pro-community service and understands how important background music can be in a video which is why the company has recently announced the YouTube Audio Library. The service offers more than 150 instrumental tracks that can be downloaded and used for videos. Despite the seemingly paltry number of songs (with more coming, I'm sure), YouTube has made it easy to search for tracks as they can be filtered by length, genre, and even mood. Are you looking for a sappy, strings-filled song to accentuate a kiss? How about some thrash to complement a fight scene? It's all in the YouTube Audio Library.
After an eight-year absence, I might finally be able to re-upload my AP European History video on Chicago's railway system using the YouTube Audio Library... as long as I can cover up the Eminem song playing in the background.
[via YouTube Creator Blog]
Yahoo Buys Tumblr for $1.1 Billion
In an attempt to appeal to younger generations, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer confirmed the purchase of blogging service Tumblr for a startling $1.1 billion. Tumblr, a site known for its assortment of GIF-heavy blog posts, is popular amongst younger crowds. Mayer wrote a Tumblr post herself, promising "not to screw it up." A good sign of Yahoo's promise is retaining Tumblr founder David Karp in the same role as CEO. Karp also assured no major changes would be made, stating, "Our team isn't changing. Our roadmap isn't changing. Tumblr gets better faster with more resources to draw from."
However, what does the acquisition mean for both Yahoo visitors and Tumblr loyalists? Tumblr might see an increase in advertisements as a way for Yahoo to monetize the site. However, a huge problem potential advertisers face is the large number of Tumblr accounts sharing pornographic material. Yahoo might claim to act as transparent as possible, but I wouldn't be surprised if they begin to come down on the more adult-driven blogs. On the plus side, popular Tumblr blogs could be displayed on Yahoo's front page.
Only time will tell exactly how the acquisition will affect either party, but one thing's for sure: Yahoo's ready to jump back into the fray alongside Google. Who knows? Maybe we'll hear the classic "Yahooooo!" yodel from yesteryear once again.
[via CNN Money]