Google Canada adds new ‘Explore’ feature to Google Maps apps

More than search, Google is trying to give users options for exploration and finding relevant information based on location, time and context. As Google says, "the new ‘Explore’ feature helps Canadians uncover their surroundings with the tap of a button, whether they’re searching for a new lunch spot, travelling to a new country or wondering what time their train is scheduled to arrive." This is a convenient way to expand one's horizons beyond pure search. Hit jump for more details.

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TechBlocks wants to develop your app for free, worth $30,000

Does your business need a mobile app?

TechBlocks wants to develop your app for free, worth $30,000. TechBlocks, a full-service consulting and development agency with locations in Vaughn, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta is accepting ideas from any North American business or charity with a bright app idea. Businesses can submit their idea here: http://promo.tblocks.com/mobile-contest and receive up to $30,000 towards their app’s development.  The key criterion is how popular your app idea is with your audience. So the sooner you submit the sooner you can start sharing! A panel of TechBlocks judges will then pick the winner. 

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Compress and convert PDFs for easier sending with SmallPDF

If you’re in the business of sending PDFs through email, you’d want to reduce the file size as much as possible. That’s where SmallPDF comes in. The site is capable of combining and shrinking PDFs from the cloud to make sending the files easier. It can also convert PDFs to other file formats and vice versa. The disclaimer of the service is they store your files for an hour so it’s best you don’t use this for confidential files. 

Sony pushes Android KitKat update to Xperia E1 and Xperia E1 Dual

Sony has begun rolling out the Android 4.4 KitKat update to two of its devices—the Xperia E1 and Xperia E1 Dual. The Japanese tech company confirmed it on their blog and said these devices will get what you’d expect from an Android KitKat update as well as some custom software updates to improve the user experience. It will include Sony’s tweaked status bar and quick settings and the option to move apps from internal memory to the external card. The native apps—such as Messaging, Sony Select, Battery Stamina Mode, etc.—have also been refreshed. The update is rolling out in stages and availability will vary from region and carrier. Just wait a bit for it to reach your device.

Source: NDTV