Google to shut down Google Earth API

Six years after Google introduced Earth API for 3D mapping, the search giant is shutting it down. The reason is the NPAPI plugin framework it works on is being abandoned by Chrome and Firefox due to security concerns. It also doesn’t have cross-platform support on mobile. The API will be shutdown on December 12, 2015. What will take its place? Google hasn’t announced anything yet but they do have plans of “sharing more exciting product news in the future.”

Source: Google Geo Developers Blog | Via: The Next Web

Google experiments with offline step counting for Android Wear

Looks like Google wants to help those who want to turn their Android Wear devices into an activity tracker. The company is reportedly testing out an offline step counting feature for the wearable OS. This means it will log your activities even when it’s not communicating with your smartphone. Android Wear already supports offline music playback, GPS, and Bluetooth headset connectivity so it doesn’t seem far off that this will get fully implemented.

Source: TechCrunch

Google Nexus 6 now available through TELUS for $280 on 2-year plans

If you've been frustrated by the lack of availability of Google's Nexus 6 flagship phablet from the Google Play store, then you might want to consider that TELUS now offers the device in Canada for $280 for two-year plans or outright for $780 contract free. Check it out here.

Variety of new MSN-branded apps from Microsoft coming to iOS

A sign of a more open and magnanimous Microsoft under CEO Satya Nadella, various MSN branded apps are coming to iOS for the first time. These include  MSN News [Direct Link], MSN Sports [Direct Link], MSN Food & Drink [Direct Link], MSN Money [Direct Link] and MSN Health & Fitness [Direct Link]. Following the momentous release of MS Office for the iPad and for the iPhone, it's great to see some quality apps come from Redmond that were previously exclusive to Microsoft devices such as Windows Phone and Surface via Windows 8. These apps have also made their way to Android.

Source: Macrumors