Google brings stickers and location-sharing to Messenger

We’re not quite sure why Google’s Messenger app exists alongside Hangouts. But the former is getting some new features. Version 1.4 of the app adds sticker packs to make texting a bit more interesting (or annoying, depending on who you ask). You can download up to three packs, some of them are even animated. You also get location-sharing capability. Like with Hangouts, you get a small screenshot of a map with coordinates. It also has a quick launch link that redirects to Google Maps. Google also improved scrolling to make it easier for you to look through archives of texts. The update seems to be making its way to Messenger users already but it isn’t showing up on the Play Store just yet.

Source: GreenBot

Acer debuts refreshed Aspire Z3-710 all-in-one PC

Canada is finally getting the refreshed Aspire Z3-710 all-in-one PC. This AIO is built with a 23.8-inch Full HD display with 10-point multi-touch capability. Shipping with Windows 8.1, it supports the free Windows 10 upgrade when the new operating system iteration comes out. It’s powered by an Intel Core Ci7-4785T processor, 16GB of memory, and 2TB hard drive. Other features include DVD Super Multi optical drive, 1080p Full HD webcam, and stereo speakers with Acer TrueHarmony and Dolby Digital Plus Home Theater. When it comes to ports and connectivity options, you get three USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, two HDMI ports, SD card reader, and 802.11ac wireless support.

The Aspire Z3-710-EB53 is available with limited one-year parts and labor warranty at leading online retailers in Canada with a suggested retail price of $1,299.

First Apple-designed packaging for third-party peripherals shows up at stores

There's a huge ecosystem of Apple and Mac peripherals ranging from MacBook cases to external hard drives and docking solutions to an endless assortment of iPhone and iPad cases, battery solutions and add-ons. Few of these products are lucky to be selected by Apple to be featured in the Apple Retail Store displays. 

Apple has apparently redesigned the packaging for many of these products so that they look more pleasing and also represent the products more accurately. There's a certain familiar Apple-ness to the way the above products are represented. 

Source: 9to5Mac

iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan Public Beta is available now

Anyone interested in previewing Apple's still unfinished and in-development iOS or Mac OS software can sigh up for the Apple Beta Software Program. This allows early builds of the upcoming OS's which are slated for a Fall release. While access to new features and interface changes are always fun, do consider that there may be some bugs or issues with beta software, the whole point is to use the applications, find the bugs and report back to Apple so they can speed up and improve their development. 

As with most beta software, users are advised to back-up their devices and urged to install the beta software on devices they don't depend on for critical work or personal use.