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

Shuffler.fm brings Pause music magazine app to Android

Shuffler.fm is expanding the reach of its music magazine app to Android. The app gets a new look and a new media player. They are also accepting collaborations with third parties to allow them to create their own magazines that can be shared on the app. The company is exploring the idea of including other topics and interests outside of music on the app as well.

Source: The Next Web | Download: Google Play Store (Free)

Study reveals more people are willing to trade mobile privacy for free apps

More and more Canadians are reportedly foregoing privacy concerns when it comes to their mobile apps in place of free apps, according to a new survey from Norton. Symantec researchers found that there are a large number of apps that collect and send personal information to app developers, and you might not know this is happening.

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