Microsoft launches Windows Phone 8.1 for developers

Windows Phone 8.1 is now available for developers. It features the biggest update in look and functionality to Windows Phone since Windows Phone 7 launched and includes the new Cortana Intelligent Personal Assistant which is said to encompass the entire user experience. Unfortunately, Cortana is a US-only feature for now. Also new is an Action Centre used to navigate notifications better and also an improved start screen tiled interface.

Registered Microsoft developers can get a taste of the future of Windows Phone starting today.

PhatWare's new ultimate writing app for iOS renamed as WritePad Pro

PhatWare Corp. today is proud to announce it has renamed its new WritePro word processing app for iPhone and iPad as WritePad Pro. PhatWare has decided to change the app name to leverages the strong brand awareness and foundational technology of PhatWare's popular WritePad app and handwriting recognition SDK.

WritePad Pro, which builds upon WritePad's powerful handwriting recognition technology, adds rich text editing which can be combined with images, custom drawings, and text. The app also integrates with various system resources such as email, contacts, maps, iCloud, social networks, and others. WritePad Pro creates HTML and PDF documents and can open text, Microsoft Word, RTF and HTML files for editing. 

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PayPal's fingerprint authentication and app available on Samsung Galaxy S5, Gear 2 and Gear Fit

PayPal is announcing the availability of the PayPal app with fingerprint authentication on the new Samsung Galaxy S5 device. When shopping with PayPal on their Samsung Galaxy S5, users can login with their fingerprint to shop at millions of merchants that accept PayPal on mobile web sites, mobile apps and in stores. Additionally, Samsung Galaxy S5 users who use the PayPal app will receive $50 USD or more in offers at several merchants that accept PayPal.

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Google Glass to go on sale to the public for one day only in the US

Google Glass was previously only available through invitation by Google to developers and 'explorers'. Google recently announced that for one day, anyone based in the US will be able to purchase the latest V2 of the $1500.00 wearable including a frame for prescription glasses or a shade for sunglasses. The deal drops April 15th and you will need to be a US resident with a Google Wallet account. 

"This isn't the same Glass you saw last April. In the past year, we've released nine software updates, 42 Glassware apps, iOS support, prescription frames, and more, all largely shaped by feedback from our Explorers. The Explorer bundle costs $1,500 + tax and includes Glass, charger, pouch, mono earbud, and your choice of a shade or a frame for no additional charge. Check out the styles of frames and shades and pick your favorite."

Then timing of this 'deal' is interesting since Google I/O (and presumably a newer version of Glass) is expected to be demoed. Google is expected to release a consumer version of Glass at a cheaper price later this year.

Source: Google