Google rumoured to take on WhatsApp with new messaging app

Google is looking to enter the heavily populated messaging app arena with a new product, if reports are to be believed. However, don’t confuse it for Hangouts, though. Google is reportedly creating it to be a standalone product that won’t require a Google login. It’ll be free and will launch in India first before it makes its way to “other emerging markets” next year. If it picks up over there, we won’t be surprised that it’ll make its way to this side of the world.

Source: The Economic Times | Via: BGR

Hotels.com adds Android wear support to mobile app

Hotels.com has added Android Wear support for their app in hopes that you get more out of the experience. The app will send you notifications on the day of your arrival at 2 p.m. You will get information such as address and your reservation details.

“Our new wearable notifications make travelling even more seamless,” said Daniel Craig, senior director of mobile at Hotels.com. “We know our customers are increasingly looking for ways to take the stress and hassle out of travel and we’re in the business of listening and responding to them as fast as possible.”

Source: Hotels.com | Download: Google Play Store (Free)

Fashion brands working on accommodating larger smartphones

With smartphones getting larger and more unruly to put into pockets, it would seem the fashion industry has taken notice. Based on a report from Quartz, Uniqlo is working on accommodating these innovations of tech. “We are having conversations currently with the product development team regarding technology overall, and how our clothes can provide compatibility from a user perspective. Jean pockets is one of those conversations.”

And it would seem they aren’t alone. Business Insider reports that American Eagle, L.L. Bean, J. Crew, Levi’s, and Lee Jeans are working to make their jean pockets a bit bigger as well.

Source: Quartz + Business Insider | Via: Ubergizmo

Google+ gets Material Design look

Google is bringing its flat and colorful Material Design look to more and more of its apps. The latest one to get this treatment is their social network, Google+. The app flattens the interface more and you get splashes of solid color. Google also revamped the Photos section of the app to make it simpler to use and better looking. They wanted to make it easier to share your photos to your circles.

Source: Engadget | Download: Google Play Store (Free)