Google Maps goes for gamification with the help of Mario in driving mode

Google has collaborated with the team at Nintendo to let Mario accompany users on all of your driving adventures on Google Maps this week.

To get started, you’ll need to first update your app from Google Play or the App Store. Next,  simply click on the yellow “?” icon found on the bottom right of your Google Maps app on Android or iOS. You’ll then see a prompt to enable Mario Time! Find out more here.

Snapchat borrows from Instagram this time, tests mention tagging to Stories

This time around, Snapchat is taking cues from Instagram and is letting users tag their friends in their Stories. When someone is tagged on the social network, it works similar to how Instagram implements this. Viewers can tap on the link and a new menu shows up that links to that user’s information and you can be given the option to add said user. The difference though is there is no autofill, so you’ll need to remember your friend’s Snapchat username and they won’t be alerted if they get tagged. Snapchat confirms they are trying out this feature and there is no official word yet about when it’s going to be available for all users.

Source: The Verge

‘Fortnite Battle Royale’ makes its way to mobile

Epic Games has just announced it’s bringing its free-to-play multiplayer game to both iOS and Android devices, with the former having its beta test starting soon. The port will be available for both phones and tablets and you’re promised the “same 100-player game you know from the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac” with all the same gameplay content, weekly updates, and maps the PC and console versions get. Those who are interested to try out can sign up for the iOS beta starting March 12^th and invites will roll out soon afterwards with players getting invitations with several invites that can be sent out to friends.

There will be cross-play and cross-progression between the PS4, PC, Mac, iOS, and later on when the Android version comes out (which is said to be in a few months). This means if you have friends playing on other platforms, you would be able to team up with them. There won’t be any cross-play with Xbox One it seems but as the game’s developer says, they did this in partnership with Sony so that explains the lack of support for Microsoft’s console. Sony has previously turned down cross-platform gameplay with Microsoft’s Xbox One.

Source: The Verge

Former US President Barack Obama is in talks with Netflix to produce content for the service

Joe Pugliese / Netflix

Netflix has had success with getting tons of big names to work for its streaming service. In recent memory we have the likes of Shonda Rhimes, David Letterman, Ryan Murphy, and Mark Millar, to name a few. This time, it looks like they want to add an even bigger personality. According to The New York Times, former US President Barack Obama is in “advanced negotiations” with the streaming service for a “series of high-profile shows.” The details are supposedly being worked out but some of the proposed shows include one where Obama will highlight inspirational people and stories and another has him moderating conversations on various important issues such as health care, immigration, foreign policy, etc. Aside from Obama, the deal supposedly also includes the former first lady Michelle Obama producing content for the service as well. It’s been reported that Apple and Amazon have approached the Obamas about creating content for their services as well.