HTC One M7 and M8 Google Play Editions receiving slightly newer Android 5.0.1 OTA update

Ahead of other Nexus and Google Play Edition devices, the HTC One M7 and M8 GPEs are getting the latest Android operating system pretty soon. Android Police reports that owners of both devices are already sending them tips about the update. And it would seem both devices are getting Android 5.0.1 update, which is the slightly newer version of Lollipop. It is said to have addressed a few issues with the first large-scale release of the update. 

Source: Android Police

BMW will reportedly replace employees phones with Lumias

Reports have surfaced that BMW has plans to bring Windows Phone to about 57,000 employees. They will reportedly deploy Lumia branded devices to staff and executives. Regular employees are said to be getting Lumia 630, while executives will be given Lumia 930. The deal hasn’t been finalized yet but we should expect to hear more about it soon. Microsoft will obviously be the one benefiting more from this as they try to gain a foothold in the Android- and iOS-dominated mobile phone space.

Source: Pocket Now | Via: Ubergizmo

Video calls between Microsoft Skype and Lync are now possible

Microsoft announced plans last year to let enterprise-focused Lync and consumer product Skype interoperate. Now, they have rolled out video integration between the two services. In short, you can now call Lync contacts while on Skype and vice versa. Video calls, however, only work with an updated Lync 2013 client  on Android, iOS, or Windows and Skype for Windows desktop. Skype is still working to bring the functionality to iOS, Android, and other platforms. The video support uses “high quality, scalable video using the industry standard H.264 SVC codec” and calls make use of SILK audio codec. There are plans to develop interoperability further as Microsoft plans to rebrand Lync as “Skype for Business” in the coming year.  

Source: TechCrunch

Apple enlisting users help to develop Maps

Apple isn’t giving up Maps just yet. And they’re looking for help to compete with the more established Google Maps. The new job posting is looking for people to help improve the service, including the integration of Siri and Passbook. It says they need someone to build out “community services,” which can mean they are developing the “Report a Problem” feature. The new engineer will also be “working on the frameworks and plugins that enable Maps to integrate deeply and seamlessly with parts of the system such as Siri and Passbook, to extend and enhance the feedback experience.” We can only speculate what Apple plans to do so we have to wait and see what Apple has planned for its Maps app.

Source: Apple | Via: SlashGear