Instagram reaches 150 million users, expects to sell ads in 2014

Instagram announced over the weekend that the photo- and video-sharing site reached the 150 million mark after 50 million more users joined in the past six months. And these aren’t just U.S.-based users, Instagram has said that over 60 percent of its users are from outside the United States.

With this growing number of users, the Facebook-owned online service now wants to cash in. Instagram’s new Director of Business Operations Emily White says in an interview with Wall Street Journal that they should be prepared to sell ads next year. The challenge for White and the Instagram team is to integrate this marketing tool without putting off its members, particularly its large teen and young adult base.

Facebook for Windows Phone now available on 256MB phones

The Facebook Beta app for Windows Phone 7 and Windows Phone 8 gets an update that makes it available on 256MB devices as well as added performance enhancements and bug fixes, according to a tweet from Windows Phone’s Corporate Vice President and Manager Joe Belfiore.

New #FB Beta for #WP7 and #WP8. not just bug fixes and perf... Also now available on 256MB phones! http://t.co/SYTRC5n4Rd

— joebelfiore (@joebelfiore) September 7, 2013

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear coming to TELUS on Oct. 4

Looks like we aren’t going to have to wait too long for Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear to land on Canadian soil. TELUS has said they will be carrying both devices on October 4 but have not said anything about pricing. We know the other carriers will be offering the Galaxy Note 3 but there is no word yet on availability. Stay tuned for more updates.

Source: Engadget

Control home electronics with Belkin WeMo

Turn your home into a smart home with Belkin’s latest WeMo innovation: the WeMo Insight Switch ($59.99).  This Wi-Fi enabled compact plug lets you control your home electronics' energy use right from your Android or iOS device. Using the free WeMo app, you can receive notifications on your mobile gadget every time a connected electronic device is turned on and off or you can switch the plugged device on or off yourself.

It lets you put your electronics on a schedule and receive notifications of the device’s usage, energy consumption, and costs specific to the device. The WeMo Insight Switch even works with online service IFTTT to trigger other 'net-based services such as email and social media.