BlackBerry CEO says BB10 platform can run 98% of Android apps

BlackBerry continues to struggle for relevance in the mobile space dominated by Android and iOS. But according to the company’s CEO John Chen, it has one ace up its sleeve that might tip consumers to consider their products. In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, Chen said its latest BlackBerry 10 platform is capable of running 98% of all Android apps.

“Android’s strength isn’t really the quality of the phone, which BlackBerry has. BlackBerry phones are well put together. We have a great BlackBerry Messenger experience, a great operating system. And it’s the most secure phone. Secure not only in data, but in personal identity. Younger consumers love all kinds of apps, and BlackBerry runs 98% of all the Android apps. All BlackBerry die-hards know they can run Android apps,” Chen said.

Source: Ubergizmo

Leak shows round widgets for LG G3 lockscreen

Leaks have surfaced that the LG G3 will have a cover with a circular gap instead of the usual rectangular gap we’ve seen on other devices. But what would the widgets look like from this perspective? @Evleaks shows circular app widgets for the upcoming LG flagship, including pedometer information, clocks, and incoming text messages and calls. It would seem the look is inspired by Android Wear interface. What do you guys think of this new look?

Google joins Instagram, invades more of your digital space

Feel like you need a bit more Google on your social media feeds? Well, the tech behemoth has just joined Instagram. It shows off a video of its recent Rubik’s Cube doodle as its first post. We know Google’s just using the social network as a way to advertise their products but if it keeps things fun and quirky, we’re all for that.

Today's Rubik's Cube doodle got us thinking—maybe we could do more with squares? Introducing Google on Instagram: http://t.co/VdqVtpFjWb

— A Googler (@google) May 19, 2014

New Google Maps feature shows elevation profile for bike routes

Want to map your bike routes beforehand? Google is now letting you with a new feature they added to Google Maps on the desktop. You now not only get biking directions from Google but elevation data as well. You just need to specify the route to take, choose biking directions, and look for the elevation profile. It will show you the hills you have to climb, the number of feet you will need to climb as well.

The elevation profiles are available for all the countries that offer biking directions including, Canada, Germany, Austria, Belgium, the US, Australia, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, New Zealand, Finland, Norway, Great Britain, and the Netherlands. However, it currently doesn't work on the mobile version of Google Maps.

Source: Tech Crunch