GMC and Buick cars to get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto to follow

Two more car brands will be getting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support in the near future. General Motors announced the GMC and Buick models that will be Apple and Google’s car software. The 2016 GMC Canyon, Yukon, and Sierra models will be getting an 8-inch IntelliLink infotainment system that has Apple CarPlay. The base model Sierra is unique in the sense that it gets a smaller 7-inch version of IntelliLink. The first three models will get Android Auto at a later date, while the entry-level Sierra will launch in 2016 with both CarPlay and Android Auto support. For Buick, the 2016 Buick Regal and LaCrosse models will be betting an 8-inch IntelliLink system as well. CarPlay will also be arriving first before Android Auto.

CarPlay on both brands will have a similar implementation. The software will give full-screen access to navigation, audio controls, etc. It’ll also let you toggle between Apple’s software, onboard OnStar 4G LTE-connected IntelliLink software, and, eventually, Google’s Android Auto.

Source: CNET

Dropbox for Android gets Material Design update

Finally, the Dropbox app on Android is starting to look and feel like an app for Google’s mobile operating system. The version 3.0 update of the app gets the full Material Design overhaul to make the interface look similar to how Android apps should look. It features the flat, slide-out menu for accessing your files, photos, favorites, and notifications. Your name and initials take up the top portion of this slide-out menu as well. You’ll notice that the interface also adds color to the status bar on some screens. There's also floating action bar that lets you either create a new folder or text file, upload files, add content from your computer, or take a photo. Rollout of the update should be coming to your device soon.

Source: PCWorld | Download: Google Play Store

Beltone releases HearPlus app for Apple Watch

Beltone will now have an easier, more discrete way to adjust the settings on their hearing aids. The company just updated its iOS HearPlus app to add Apple Watch support. You can adjust settings like programs, volume levels, and noise reduction right from the wearable. Beltone Legend users can adjust settings like background and wind noise as well as speech focus.

Source: Beltone | Download: Apple App Store (Free)

Amazon plans to pay self-publishing writers per page read

Amazon is introducing a new payment method for self-publishing writers on Kindle’s Direct Publishing platform. The independent authors will be paid based on the number of pages read instead of the number of times the books have been borrowed. Amazon has a complex method to determine payment for the indie authors. The company has a fund they use that’s set every month. This new plan will give authors a share of that fund based on the pages read.

The Kindle Direct Publishing platform lets authors make key decisions about their books, including setting list prices, managing rights, and editing the book at any time.

Source: Reuters