Facebook buys face-swapping app Masquerade

Snapchat isn't the only one with face-swapping capabilities. Facebook wants to offer the experience to its users so they've bought face-swapping and live filter app Masquerade. You probably know them more as MSQRD on both Android and iOS worlds. The standalone apps won't go away but what Facebook is looking to do is bring the feature into its app (we're guessing to Messenger).

According to Masquerade CEO Eugene Nevgen, the purchase will help them reach a wider audience. "Within Facebook, we're going to be able to reach people at a scale like never before." As of December 2015, there are over a billion daily active users on Facebook, so they do have the potential to reach a much larger audience.

Source: SlashGear

Android Beta Program is now live

With the Android N developer preview out, Google has also launched a new Android Beta page for developers or even curious users to try out Android Beta Program and get OTA updates for Android N. Currently, the beta is open to users with a Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, and Pixel C. It's being reported that even Android One phones might be added into the mix in the future.

If you sign up for the program, it's said you'll get the update up to 24 hours after they're released. Of course, we have to warn you that these are unstable Android builds being installed into your device so might want to hold off using your main phone for this one.

Source: Android Beta Program | Via: Android Police

Google outs developer preview of Android N earlier than usual

Google usually outs the developer preview of its new Android operating system after the announcement at Google I/O has been made. They are changing things up though with Android N. They've just released the developer preview for Android N and it's so early PCWorld is joking that it's practically alpha. Even David Burke, vice president of Android Engineering at Google said, "Parts of the engine are still on the floor." So, you have to remember to proceed with caution. They released it early this time because they want two things to happen: get feedback earlier from developers and for device makers to help get new devices with the new OS out earlier than usual.

What are some of the new features you can look forward to with Android N? Multi-window support is now available for Android N. There also should be better notification support with notices from the same app grouped in one notification and the addtion of the direct reply functionality right from the Notfication shade to avoid having to switch between apps. Doze might also be making its way to your pocket. Instead of the feature just kicking in when you leave your phone on your desk for an extended amount of time. We should be learning more in the coming months what new features to expect from Android N.

Source: Greenbot

Review: 2015 Mazda CX-9

Text and photos by Donny Halliwell

On a trip that threw almost any situation an SUV might encounter in its lifetime, over the course of 5000 km in 10 days, the CX-9 handled them all without breaking a sweat. 

Spring break is almost upon us, and with that comes melting snow and a flock of families preparing to hit the streets on weeklong road trips. Some will seek out the last bit of snow on the slopes and others will be seeking that warm southern sunshine. In this review, I get adventurous and seek out both. Read on to get my take on the outgoing 2015 Mazda CX-9.

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