YouTube tries out messaging feature within app

Courtesy of Google via AP

To share YouTube clips, what you’d usually do is copy the URL and send it using some other app. YouTube wants to keep you within its app by introducing a new messaging feature. They are currently testing it out with a small number of users on iOS and Android to see if it’s a viable addition to the app. Having their own messaging feature will encourage users to stay within the app and ease the sharing process for its users. It will also give YouTube more opportunity to show more ads to over one billion users of the service.

Source: AP via Yahoo! Tech

Sony reportedly plans to retire its Xperia C, M, and E brands for Xperia X

Sony has been in the process of rebranding its smartphone efforts; thus, the release of the Xperia X line during MWC 2016. With the new line out, it was seen as the end of the Xperia Z line. However, it looks like that isn’t the only line of products getting cut by Sony. According to reports from Chinese media, even the Xperia C, M, and E brands will be getting cut, while the Xperia X will be developed all the way up to 2018.

The Xperia Z brand was considered the line of premium devices from the Japanese brand, while the C, M, and E brands were more budget-friendly and highlighted specific features like waterproof ratings or battery life. The Xperia X line is seen to expand beyond just smartphones and incorporate all the different consumer electronics Sony develops. Not only is this seen as a way to consolidate its efforts but to also give them room to diversify outside of smartphones and into the growing Internet of Things market as well. Speculation about upcoming Xperia C, M, and E devices will be that they’ll be renamed to fit into the Xperia X brand.

Source: Xperia Blog | Via: SlashGear

Netflix raising prices in Canada for long time users

Netflix Canada is telling long time users that they are raising the subscription price for the service to $9.99 a month. Originally pegged at $7.99, the rationale for the raise in pricing is that Netflix is making more original content available like Daredevil and Jessica Jones. This is a clear example of how a market leader without viable competition can dictate pricing and customers just have to take it or go cancel their membership if they are not happy.

Netflx hasn't really raised prices in Canada before so given exchange rates but given that Netflix has already annoyed various Canadian users by blocking border hopping or the use of VPN services to see shows unavailable to Canadian subscribers, the timing of the price increase is quite audacious. 

Windows 10 Mobile gets in on the new Instagram logo and UI

Windows 10 Mobile users can now join Android and iOS users in enjoying about the all-new Instagram app with a redesigned logo and new minimal User Interface. Just days after the new logo and updated app came to Android and iOS it is now available to Windows 10 Mobile users via the marketplace.

Instagram was one of the apps that Windows Phone users really wanted on their platform. I remember there was even a petition for a port of the popular photo sharing app some years ago. There have been similar apps like 6 Tag but a native Instagram app has always been on Windows 10 user's wishlist. Facebook, who owns Instagram has made updated versions of its Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram apps available on the platform.

Source: Windows Central