Samsung unveils a blinged-out, Swarovski-clad Gear S

A fan of all things shiny and sparkly? Well, Samsung has unveiled a Swarvoski-clad strap for its new Gear S smartwatch. The two companies have an ongoing partnership to produce blinged-out versions of various Samsung devices. What’s new about the Gear S strap is that it features Swarovski’s new product dubbed “Crystal Fine Mesh.” It lets them embed the crystals directly into the metal mesh to create a more pliable band. It’s the first time this material has been used on a gadget. It will be available at Samsung’s online store starting next month but they haven’t given a price yet.

Source: Samsung Mobile Press | Via: SlashGear

Facebook becomes first non-Google app to cross one billion app download on Android

It wasn’t really a question of if it would happen. We knew Facebook would reach that milestone at some point. However, they are the first non-Google app to do so. Obviously, Google-owned apps would garner widespread adoption on their Android platform but now the most popular social network on the planet joins that illustrious one billion installation list. Only three other apps have been able to do so on Android—Google Maps, YouTube, and Gmail. We’re curious to see who will cross that threshold next.

Source: Ubergizmo | Download: Google Play Store (Free)

Monthly in-app subscription model comes to Office on iPad

The popular Microsoft Office on iPad now comes with more flexibility thanks to a new in-app monthly subscription model that enables users to buy monthly subscriptions to Office 365 — either Office 365 Personal or Office 365 Home — from within Word, Excel and PowerPoint for iPad. 

An Office 365 Personal subscription costs US $6.99 per month. The Office 365 Home subscription goes for US $9.99 per month. The yearly Office 365 Personal subscription costs US $69.99 and annual Office 365 Home subscription costs US $99.99.

Source: Microsoft

BlackBerry Passport expected to drop on September 24

BlackBerry is set to launch their newest enterprise-focused handset, the BlackBerry Passport in simultaneous launches taking place on September 24 in Toronto, London, and Dubai. The invitation we received states, "See the Bigger Picture," hinting at the Passport's lavish 4.5-inch screen. We'll be covering that event live so watch out for news as well as first impressions of the all new BlackBerry handset for 2014.