Microsoft launches £15 mobile phone without web connection
Microsoft has launched a £15 mobile phone, with no access to web services as the firm aims to kill off its low cost smartphone range to focus on its high end Windows Phone range.
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Facebook bans apps offering free content for likes
Facebook has cracked down on apps that incentivise app downloads in exchange for likes, as the social network looks to increase the value and meaning of its social metrics.
US smartphone penetration to reach 75% this year
The US will reach over 75% by the year end, with Apple and Android still leading the way in terms of phones and operating systems respectively, according to new data.
Google buys chat app ‘assistant’ Emu to boost ad targetting
Google has bought a texting app that matches a virtual assistant with instant messages, mining text conversations to send reminders to the user about important dates- potentially serving relevant ads too.
Chat (up) apps: Flirting driving rise in WhatsApp and Snapchat use
The huge rise in chat apps in the UK is mainly down to teenagers and young adults sending winks or heart emoticons to each other in a new era of digital flirting, according to new research.
Top tips: Maintaining a cohesive brand story in the digital world
Jordan Kretchmer, founder and CEO, Livefyre – a social engagement platform used by media companies and brands to integrate real-time social content and conversations into their websites, mobile apps, and advertisements.
Facebook trails ‘free’ internet access in Zambia… but only for select sites
Facebook is testing is free internet access scheme in Zambia, giving mobile and web users access to a select number of sites.
Facebook’s Mobile App Ads to filter by device
Facebook is rolling out device targeting to its Mobile App Ads platform, allowing advertisers to segment users by handset model, OS version and how users are connected to the internet. The update is being rolled out to advertisers over the next few days.
Yahoo buys app analytics firm Flurry
Yahoo has bought app analytics firm Flurry, as the embattled web giant looks to boost its mobile ad revenue.
Twitter takes on WhatsApp with direct message chat upgrade
Twitter is simplifying its direct messaging service, as the social network looks to compete with the rising popularity of chat apps such as Facebook’s WhatsApp, Line and WeChat.