Messenger Lite app released for basic Android smartphones

Last Oct. 2, Facebook announced that a new version of its Messenger app would be released, targeted specifically for certain Android smartphones.

A “Lite” version of the Messenger app would be made available to users who only have access to basic Android smartphones. It would also benefit users that have slower than average internet access, as the app would have only the core features of Messenger. The slimmed down Messenger Lite would still allow the aforementioned users to send text, photos, links and stickers albeit faster than the standard app if run on a basic Android device.

Messenger Lite would only be under 10MB and have a reversed color scheme to the standard Messenger color similar to what Facebook did with the Lite version of its core Facebook app. Considering the size of Facebook Lite compared with the standard version, it can be expected that Messenger Lite will also enjoy a dramatically smaller footprint than its standard counterpart. After updates, the standard Facebook and Messenger apps tend to eat up a lot of storage space.

The app will first come to users living in Kenya, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia and Venezuela. More countries will be added to the list in the coming months.  Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Rock station NU107 denies ties with online app

The iconic rock station NU107 is not back nor is it coming back anytime soon.

This was the statement released by NU107’s official Facebook page after a website and application surfaced online claiming to be connected with the brand.

This is the official facebook account of NU107 maintained by all the former jocks. The NU107 website/app that’s been…

Posted by NU107 on Tuesday, 8 March 2016

The website in question, www.nu107rock.com, streams local rock music while also urging it’s viewers to install that application on their Android and IOS devices.

Meanwhile, fans online expressed their delight upon discovering that country’s premiere rock station  has returned digitally, but NU107 management insists that the site is a hoax, and a false attempt to generate sales by illegally using their brand and taking advantage of their loyal fan base.

NU 107 signed off for the last time at exactly midnight of November 8, 2010 in a highly publicized event held at their station in Pasig.  Hundreds of supporters flocked the area, while local rock bands like Urbandub and Itchyworms played during the event.

The station was reformatted and renamed to 107.5 Win Radio which ultimately became Wish 1075.

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Updated Google Maps for Android supports local guides

Google has updated its Maps app for Android devices to support local guides, to give travelers access to reviews of local businesses in the places they visit.

In version 9.4, Google Maps offers integration with "Local Guides," a service that allows reviews of local businesses that debuted in January.

"Find the best spots in town and the information you need to get there," Google said in the app's description on Google Play.

Other features include maps in 220 countries and territories, and voice-guided GPS navigation for driving, biking, and walking.

Transit directions and maps are available for over 15,000 towns and cities, along with live traffic conditions, incident reports, and automatic rerouting.

Maps also offers detailed information on more than 100 million places, along with Street View and indoor imagery for restaurants, and museums.

Enthusiast site 9to5google.com said Local Guides highlights the top reviewers, similar to Yelp and its Elite Reviewers system.

"Once you hit 50 reviews, you’ll receive a Local Guides badge on your account," it said. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com