Facebook to require you to download Messenger for mobile chats

In the coming days, you will no longer be able to chat using the main Facebook app. Facebook is asking you to spare more space on your smartphones and tablets for its Messenger app.  The company claims using Messenger would be a faster experience for mobile users. They said that people reply about 20 percent faster when using a separate app. The Messenger app also lets you make free calls over Wi-Fi, whether domestic or international calls. If you’re still not too keen to download another app for Facebook use, you can still access your messages on the Web browser. But if that’s fine with you and you still don’t have Messenger, it is available on Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.

Source: iDownloadBlog

LG develops ‘Puppy Pop’ game for QuickCircle case

Can’t be bothered to open your phone for a quick game? LG has developed a game called Puppy Pop that you can play through its QuickCircle case for the G3. It is basically a matching game that needs you to match as many puppy heads as you can before you run out of time. Yes, it won’t go against the more complicated mobile games you play but it could be a good diversion for those too lazy to open their phones.

Hilton to replace hotel room keys with smartphone-enabled locks

International mega hotel chain Hilton is looking to automate its check-in process by phasing out hotel room keys. Hilton plans to make its 4,200 properties smartphone-ready by 2016 with a US$550 million plan. They want to replace keys with smartphone-enabled locks that will be opened by codes sent to a guest’s smartphone. This method will also bypass the need for guests to head to the front desk to check-in. Just imagine how convenient this would be once it is up and running.

Source: Gizmodo

Samsung Galaxy S4 reportedly caught fire and melted while owner slept

Another alarming incident involving a smartphone battery igniting and catching fire has surfaced. A Samsung Galaxy S4 reportedly caught fire and melted completely while its owner, Texas teen Ariel Tolfree, slept. Source of the fire is likely being attributed to the a faulty battery. Samsung has responded by requesting to examine the charred remains of the Tolfree's phone, which they will replace together with the ruined beddings that the incendiary phone damaged. This is the latest in a series of fire-related incidents involving the Galaxy S4. A UK user found her smartphone sizzling as it was plugged in for the night and a Hong Kong resident claims ina CNet report that his Galaxy S4 exploded and caught fire in his hands. Hopefully whatever is causing these freak accidents can be sorted out and quickly.

Source: Mashable

Update on Monday, July 28, 2014 at 10:31PM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

According to the Mashable report, "A Samsung spokesperson told Fox that Ariel's phone had a replacement battery instead of the original Samsung component, and said its products are safe. What's more, the S4's user manual warns that covering a phone with bedding can restrict airflow, and cause a fire or explosion, though some consumers are unaware of this risk."