Google releases cute animal-filled ad for Android

Google seems to be demonstrating that they are the Windows for mobile devices with its latest unconventional ad. Called “Friends Furever,” it shows different pairs of animals playing together. The ad is part of the company’s “Be Together. Not the Same” campaign, which was unveiled in October 2014 alongside Android 5.0 Lollipop. While it’s not the usual ad for a tech company, the message is pretty clear: you’ll be able to get the Android experience on multiple devices, which means you won’t be left wanting for choice.

Source: VentureBeat

BEEP gaining celebrity status

By Sonya Davidson

Have you heard of Beep? This relatively new comer to the social media circles is causing a bit of a frenzy since it's recent launch in October 2014. The social media voice network has recently announced it's now reaching over 50 million poeple from the United States to the Philippines. 

In comparison to Twitter's growth in its early days, Beep is growing twice as fast and the company expects to quadruple its users in 2015 (available in iTunes and GooglePlay). 

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First Ubuntu-powered smartphone comes to Europe for €169.90

One of the bigger stories of 2014 was the coming of the Ubuntu Edge powered smartphone which was (theoretically) powerful enough to be used as a desktop when plugged into a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Then, news about the the project quickly evaporated, just like that.

Now we have news that the Ubuntu phone isn't just alive, it is coming to market as the Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition by Spanish manufacturer BQ (maker of phones and tablets). Selling in Europe for €169.90. The Aquaris isn't a flagship smartphone but a budget model with dual-sim capability, no LTE and a 4.5-inch display comparable to the Lumia 530 and Moto E range type of device.

Source: The Verge 

Mattel, Google partner for mysterious product debut on February 13

Google, together with toymaker Mattel, will be unveiling a new product next week on February 13. Some are speculating that the View-Master might be getting a modern spin because the invite to the event says the attendees will “view what’s possible” and there seems to be the outline of a View-Master reel. Or maybe we’re going to see the Google Cardboard being reimagined for the younger set. The announcement is happening a day before the Toy Fair 2015 in Manhattan so perhaps we might be getting a Google-Mattel-made toy. We just have to wait a few more days to find out.

Source: 9to5Google