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Microsoft adds the option to buy monthly Office 365 subscriptions for iPad users

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office

Making lives easier for Office users on iPad, Microsoft has made some changes to the payment method for the service on the iPad. Going forward, users will be able to buy monthly prescription of Microsoft Office. Previously, iPad users had to pay $99.99 for an annual subscription to Office 365 Home. However, they will now have the option to buy monthly subscription costing $6.99 and $9.99 for 365 Personal and 365 Home plans respectively.

This comes in the wake of Google releasing Slides on iOS, a worthy alternative to Microsoft Powerpoint that can be used to access Office files. Microsoft allows users to open and view Office files with its apps on iOS for free. However, creating a new one or editing an existing one requires an Office 365 subscription.

Powerpoint for iPad

Excel for iPad

Word for iPad

Facebook app hits one billion plus downloads on the Play Store

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facebook

Facebook seems to be having a blast at the Windows Phone Store. After Facebook Messenger became the third app on the Play Store besides Google apps to cross half a billion downloads, Facebook has now become the first non Google app on the Play Store to have over 1 billion downloads in its kitty. Even among Google apps, only Google Maps, YouTube and Gmail are the only apps to have managed the feat.

The milestone comes for Facebook after Gmail became the first app to have 1 billion downloads back in March this year. But given that Facebook doesn’t comes pre installed on all the phones (yet it does on a good number), it makes it all the more impressive. With Facebook laying so much emphasis on mobile and a majority of users accessing the website from their smartphones, the numbers only seem to make sense.

With Messenger as a mandatory download for users to chat with their Facebook friends on smartphones, we’re betting it’ll be that or WhatsApp to cross the milestone next.

Facebook – Play Store

Opera Mini beta launched on Windows Phone

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opera mini windows phone

Until now, Windows Phone users haven’t had as wide a range of browsers available for selection, as their Android and iOS counterparts. However, in the near future they’ll have atleast one popular browser on their phones. Opera will soon be launching Opera Mini beta on the Windows Phone Store as a solid alternative to the default Internet Explorer. On its website, the company states that it is looking for beta testers before going for a larger launch.

We know we took a long time, but our test version is now available. Download it, try it and give us your feedback. We’ll listen and make improvements to give you the best browsing experience on your Windows Phone.”

You can sign up on Opera’s webpage and will soon receive a link for download. Opera Mini was launched back in 2011 for Windows Phone 7 but was later discontinued. Do our readers see the launch of Opera Mini on Windows Phone as an exciting prospect? Let us know below.

WeChat updated on Windows Phone adding Cortana support

wechat windows phone

WeChat has received an update on Windows Phone, taking it to version 5.3.0. The update adds integration with Cortana. You can now open or enable WeChat functions through the voice assistant in regions where Cortana is available. The update also allows to select multiple photos and send them. You can also recall those embarrassing messages within two minutes of sending them.

Here’s the changelog:

  • Recall the last message you send within two minutes
  • Select multiple photos and send them in chats
  • Open WeChat or enable WeChat functions via Voice Assistant Cortana

You can grab WeChat on the Windows Phone Store here.

Apple shares the most common reasons for rejecting apps

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apple app store rejection

It is always heartbreaking for developers to see their hard work not being appreciated the way they’d hope, but Apple certainly has its own reasons. Until now, Apple never gave the exact reason for rejecting an app on the App Store. However, showing some sympathy to beleaguered developers, the company has revealed the top ten reasons why it rejects developers the chance to have their apps in the App Store.

The prime reason in the Apple’s list is the lack of information or a valid demonstration account. That accounts for 14 percent of the denials. This is followed by buggy coding which gets 8 percent of the apps rejected. Then there’s non compliance with Apple’s terms and conditions and guidelines that together get another tenth or so apps rejected. A lot of apps also get rejected for having misleading names and icons that resemble to other apps on the App Store. Unlike other stores, apps on App Store also do not get approval in case they’re in Beta. Other reasons include bad interface design, placeholder text and a few more reasons mentioned in the infographic below.

It seems like Apple strictly follows the high standards on the App Store and doesn’t just approve apps for bragging rights. Wish we could say the same about some other stores too.

[Source]

Yahoo Mail on Android adds email filtering and enhanced links

yahoo mail

Yahoo Mail has received an update on the Play Store not so long ago, adding some rather useful features to the app. The biggest change is the addition of email filter that helps you manage your inbox better. The app allows Android users to create, update and remove filters, a feature not available on even Gmail for Android. The filters can be applied on your emails based on sender, recipient or its content.

That’s not all though, since the update also adds enhanced links. It’s nothing but card like layout for links attached with an email. Then there are some other minor changes as well. You can grab Yahoo Mail from the Play Store and start using it right away, granted you have an account of course.

Changelog for version 4.6.1:

  • Enhanced links: Links are enhanced to be nice cards when you share a link while composing an email
  • Updated settings: We’ve simplified settings to make it easier to customise your mailbox
  • Filters: Create, update and delete email filters to help organise your mailbox
  • Performance improvements
  • Bug fixes

Here’s the first look of Angry Birds Stella’s gameplay before the slated September launch

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angry birds stella

It’s not exactly a secret that Rovio will be out with the next installment in the Angry Birds series called Angry Birds Stella in September. Featuring all female characters, the game is all about “all about inspiration, empowerment and other real issues, without forgetting entertainment and quirky fun.”

Today’s gameplay video reveals that the game is still about bird slinging and smashing pigs where it hurts the most. However, one big difference from the past games in the series are the stunning visuals. Where the early games had simplistic visuals, the graphics in Angry Birds Stella are stunning and detailed. Although with all female protagonists and rather tree house play setting, it seems like Rovio is targeting the female demographics.

The game will also have physical toys to access in-game characters, something that’s not surprisingly new. Angry Birds Stella is set to be released in September on leading mobile platforms.

Asphalt 8 adds Dubai as a new location along with 5 new cars and more

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asphalt 8

Bored of racing across the same tracks in Asphalt 8? Well the new update should be a breath of fresh air for you then. Gameloft has pushed out an update for Asphalt 8 across all platforms. Here’s the changelog:

  • NEW LOCATION: DUBAI! Discover the treasures of the Middle East with these exotic new tracks.
  • 5 NEW CARS! Get behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz Biome concept car, the Nissan GT-R NISMO, and many more!
  • NEW SEASON! Test your driving skills in the brand-new 9th season with 74 high-octane events!
  • LAP VOTING! Choose the number of laps in Multiplay

So the update adds Dubai as a new location to explore and then there are five new cars to race around in. Gameloft has also thrown in a new season with 74 events.

Lastly, the update adds lap voting in multiplayer more, which allows you to select the number of laps in a multiplayer game.

Asphalt 8:

Microsoft’s OneDrive updated over multiple platforms

onedrive

After Dropbox made some important changes to its service recently, Microsoft has joined the party with its OneDrive app. The company is pushing out updates for OneDrive across multiple platforms, although the changes that the updates bring aren’t uniform. The biggest change has been to the Android version (sorry Windows Phone users), adding multiple new features. Here are the changelogs:

OneDrive Android:

  • Pin code lock
  • OneDrive for Business support
  • Sign in with both your personal OneDrive and your OneDrive for Business accounts
  • Organize and open your OneDrive for Business files
  • Save new files to your OneDrive for Business account
  • Updates to camera backup
  • Open OneDrive files with the storage access framework

 

OneDrive Windows Phone:

  • Recycle bin access
  • Bug fixes and stability improvements

 

OnDrive iOS:

  • Updated Shared view
  • A new Photos view of all the photos in your OneDrive (note: You can still find all your screenshots in your Camera Roll folder)
  • The ability to select multiple files to share together
  • File and folder search
  • New account setup within the app
  • Bug fixes and stability improvements

The update for Android now supports Pin code lock and adds OneDrive for Business support. You can also open OneDrive files through other apps now. The ioS version gets a new shared view and file and folder search. Windows Phone version gains the least adding only recycle bin access in the latest update. Download the app at the links below.

Android

iOS

Windows Phone

 

This week’s Red Stripe Deals on Windows Phone: Real Racing 2, Sleep Bug Pro and more

red stripe deals

This week’s Red Stripe Deals on Windows Phone includes an Xbox Live title along with some lesser known ones. Here’s the list:

Real Racing 2 – $1.99

Test your racing prowess on a 16 car grid against highly skilled AI drivers – or battle it out against other racers over WiFi. Select from 30 officially licensed cars including the 2010 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500, 2010 Nissan GT-R (R35), 2012 McLaren MP4-12C, and more.

 

Firefly Runner – Free

Firefly Runner is an action packed, free-running adventure set on the stunningly beautiful yet treacherous Firefly Island.

 

Total Defence 3D – $0.99

This state of the art strategy will unleash a cascade of new RTS and RPG features as you drown in the intensive battles across the unknown universe!

 

LunaSolCal – $0.99

Calculate times of sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset and more for your location at any given date.

 

 

Sleep Bug Pro – $0.99

Sleep Bug Pro is an ambient sound mixer that produces a variety of scenes and music with random sound effects. The built-in sound generator creates a realistic listening experience to help calm a busy mind and is perfect for adults, children, and babies who are having trouble sleeping.

 

Slydris – $0.99

Slydris is a unique and engaging puzzle game with a simple premise but deceptively deep gameplay.