Google talks Hodor, helps you woo your partner

Google's infusing a bit of humour into its Search app with its latest update. If you've been missing Game of Thrones and are bummed that Hodor isn't in the next season of the show, just say "Hodor" into the Google Search app and it'll say it right back with one hearty "Hodor!"

If you have absolutely no clue what we're talking about, the other new features infused into the Google app include asking it to feed you a love quote, flip a coin, and roll a six-sided die. The update is in the middle of being rolled out.

Source: CNET

Youtube launches Music Key, music subscription service

It has long been rumoured but YouTube's finally launched its music subscription service, Music Key. The service will reportedly allow for ad-free and offline streaming for US$9.99 a month. Initial promotional price is $7.99. There will be music videos and video-free songs on the service. Like most Google services, it launches in invite-only beat form on November 17 and will come bundled with Google Play, Google's streaming service.

Non-subscribers will see that under the Music tab on YouTube page, you will be able to organize songs and videos better to make it easier to listen to songs continuously. YouTube has signed licensing deals with three major labels and some independent labels. So expect the unofficial streams to disappear and have those replaced by official uploads from the labels. There is no word on Canadian availability just yet.

Source: YouTube | Via: Pitchfork

Taylor Swift and American Express turn ‘Blank Space’ video into mobile game

In case you couldn’t get enough of Taylor Swift, she now comes as a mobile game (sort of). Just in time for the release of her new single “Blank Space,” Swift partnered with American Express and Radical Media to create a 360-degree immersive music video app/game. It is part of American Express’ Unstaged concert series that lets you follow along with the video and explore six different rooms in the video by moving your phone or tablet. You can tap on over 40 elements in the video, including a coffee table book with personal photos of Swift. If you don’t mind second-hand embarrassment of watching your friends fight with their significant others or are just a big Swiftie, you’re going to want to check this out.

Source: Fast Company

‘Candy Crush Soda Saga’ debuts today

For all the Candy Crush addicts out there, here’s a game for you. King Digital Entertainment launched the new Candy Crush Soda Saga. What’s different with this game? You get new environments, candies, and characters to play with in the Candy Kingdom. There are five new modes including Soda, Soda Bears, and Chocolate. Soda requires you to fill the board with purple soda; Soda Bears have free bears floating in soda; and Chocolate is similar to the original Candy Crush where you need to get rid of all the chocolate on the board.

Source: 148Apps | Download: Apple iTunes App Store (Free) + Google Play Store (Free)