BlackBerry acquiring networked crisis communications provider AtHoc

BlackBerry has just announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire AtHoc, a leading provider of secure, networked crisis communications. The AtHoc platform will integrate with BlackBerry’s enterprise portfolio and trusted global network, offering customers new capabilities for safety, security and mission-critical business communication.

"BlackBerry is making strategic investments in security, privacy and the Internet of Things, and acquiring AtHoc will enable us to provide a holistic, end-to-end approach to communications," said John Chen, BlackBerry Executive Chairman and CEO. "We have a proud history of securing mission-critical communications for the public sector as well as enterprises operating in the most highly regulated industries. AtHoc's technology and expertise will play a key role as BlackBerry works to connect and secure a broad range of endpoints." 

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Three German carmakers reportedly in talks to buy Nokia’s Here mapping service

Audi, BMW, and Daimler are reportedly in talks with Nokia to buy the company’s mapping service. The deal is estimated to be worth over US$2.71 billion. A source told The Wall Street Journal that Nokia has been talking exclusively with these three car manufacturers. The agreement could be signed within the next few days.

There is a possibility though that the car companies might invite other brands to buy stakes in this. According to the source, the goal is to make the service an open platform for everyone. So they don’t have to rely on third-party platforms like Garmin and Google. Uber was supposedly in talks to buy Here but they gave up on bidding several weeks back. Another possible outcome of the takeover is it’ll help companies develop self-driving cars.

Source: The Wall Street Journal | Via: Apple Insider

Nike+ app integrates Spotify Premium with Pace Stations

Here’s a quick update from Nike. Its Nike+ Running app on iOS now supports Spotify Premium. This means you can stream your favorite tunes right on the sports brand’s app. The two companies have collaborated to introduce Pace Stations. It draws music from Spotify’s library and helps keep you motivated for your run. It does this by having you put in your desired pace in the app and musical preference. The app will calculate beats per minute and create a 100-song playlist to push you to your pace. It’ll let you know if you’re stepping in beat. There’s no word yet though if Android users will also be getting this treatment.

Source: Nike | Via: Digital Trends | Download: Apple App Store (Free)

Square Dashboard app helps you keep track of sales data

If you’re a business owner, you’re constantly on the move and rushing around fighting fires and helping grow your business. Keeping up with sales doesn’t have to be too difficult of a task with the new Square Dashboard app. The app will show you real-time sales data directly on your iPhone and let you know what’s been selling well and if there’s a need to extend your hours.

The app shows your sales summaries and the average sale amounts you make each day. It also shows you sales comparisons so you could check how you did compared to a specific period of time (e.g. last month’s sales). And you can even see your best-selling categories and items.