Facebook and WhatsApp pull support for BlackBerry OS devices

Social network Facebook and its WhatsApp messaging subsidiary have pulled their support for BlackBerry OS and BB10 devices and have even gone so far as to suggest users 'move to a newer device from Apple, Android or Windows phone by the end of 2016.' WhatsApp's statement is as follows.

As we look ahead to our next seven years, we want to focus our efforts on the mobile platforms the vast majority of people use. So, by the end of 2016, we will be ending support for WhatsApp Messenger on the following mobile platforms:

• BlackBerry, including BlackBerry 10
• Nokia S40
• Nokia Symbian S60
• Android 2.1 and Android 2.2
• Windows Phone 7.1

This isn't really surprising since developer support for BB10 has been dwindling due to lack of interest in a platform that is no longer profitable on a scale that competing platforms currently offer. BlackBerry, whose biggest launch last year was an Android-powered flagship smartphone. BlackBerry has reiterated their support for BB10 and for the devlopers that are continuing the good fight. 

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Overcast gets nifty new voice boost settings on iOS app

Podcast manager Overcast brings a bunch of new handy features to its iOS app. These include a new voice boost setting that will custom tune audio and improve volume and quality for when you use the built-in speaker on an iPhone. It has a new smaller visualizer meant to save you a bit of battery. The app now also lets you add or delete a new batch for all episodes of a podcast. The app is free but it has a patron service where you can optionally donate to get access to certain features like a new dark theme and the ability to upload audio files to the Overcast site for streaming. 

Source: Lifehacker | Download: Apple App Store (Free)

Facebook now lets you play basketball on Messenger

Here's another potential time waster on Facebook Messenger. The app will now let you play a simple pop-a-shot game. All you need to do to start playing is send a basketball emoji to a friend and then tap it. To shoot you just need to swipe. When you make 10 consecutive shots, the basket starts moving.

Facebook released a mini-game before. In case you didn't know, the app lets you play chess with friends. Just type @fbchess play to begin a match.

Source: BuzzFeed News

Domino's unveils pizza delivery 'bot

This latest news just might be the end of the pizza delivery boy. Domino's Pizza, together with Australian startup Marathon Robotics, has unveiled the DRU (Domino's Robotic Unit), the world's first autonomous pizza delivery vehicle. The four-wheeled robot sourced from the military and its own technology includes GPS tracking data. It has a sensory system that uses lasers to move around obstacles in its path. It travels with speeds of up to 20km/h and can cruise on footpaths, trails, and bike paths. When it reaches the customer, all he or she has to do is enter a security code in his or her phone to tell the robot to unlock the storage compartment and deliver the pizza.

Source: The Guardian