GIF support comes to Twitter

Twitter has one-upped Facebook and joins the likes of Tumblr and Pinterest with its support for GIFs. Both the Web interface and the mobile applications on Android and iOS now support those animated GIFs. Twitter made the announcement through a tweet (of course) to show how the GIFs will appear on the social network. Twitter is also offering GIF support to its APIs, meaning third-party developers will be offered the same support as Twitter clients.

Starting today, you can share and view animated GIFs on http://t.co/wJD8Fp317i, Android and iPhone. http://t.co/XBrAbOm4Ya

— Twitter Support (@Support) June 18, 2014

FIFA bans Beats headphones from World Cup stadiums

While football players have been seen to use Beats headphones during their downtime, don’t expect to see them carry those cans on the field. FIFA has banned the use of Beats headphones at 2014 World Cup because of licensing reasons. Sony is one of the biggest sponsors of the games. Players will not be allowed to take their Beats headphones to the stadiums or when they attend media events for the games.

But this plan might be even more advantageous for Beats. Marketing strategist Ellen Petry Leanse told Reuters that the company’s message might come off as more authentic or credible because they aren’t an official sponsor. 

Amazon finally enters the smartphone fray with Fire phone

Amazon's gone and done it. They've launched a smartphone and its called the Fire Phone. Available only in the IS and to AT&T subscribers, this is a 4.7-inch Android powered device that boast some interesting features such as Dynamic Perspective which is a bit of a 3D effect on images when the device is tilted or moved, Firefly technology which identifies printed text on posters, magazines, and business cards—make calls, save new contacts, send emails, and visit websites without typing long addresses as well as MayDay, a free, live, on-device video support with an Amazon expert, 24x7, 365 days a year. It looks like Amazon is aiming their phone at a very limited market in the US and that's fine.

We've not seen the Fire phone up close but it doesn't seem disruptive enough to be a huge player on a global scale. Remember Amazon runs a curated version of Android's app store which is rather limited. Doesn't look like it will get Google services anytime soon either.

Video: First look at Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 and 10.5 tablets

Here's look at the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S tablets coming to Canada on June 27th. We check out the Super AMOLED screens, covers and keyboard accessories as well.