Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it will match rivals’ prices on “Black Friday,” upping the ante in the battle to win sales on what is considered to be the kick-off to the U.S. holiday shopping season and a gauge of how overall holiday retail sales will shape up. Get the full story »
Inside these posts: Apps
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Nov. 17, 2010 at 6:16 a.m.
Filed under: Cell phones, Internet, Software, Technology, Telecommunications, Wireless Google Voice app finally approved for iPhone
Google Inc.’s Voice calling application has won approval to be on the iPhone after more than a year of haggling with Apple Inc.
The breakthrough announced Tuesday resolves a stand-off that triggered a Federal Communications Commission inquiry into whether Apple and AT&T Inc., the iPhone’s exclusive U.S. service provider, were trying to stifle competition by keeping the app off the popular device. Get the full story »
Orbitz launches free mobile apps for booking travel
Orbitz Worldwide Inc. has launched free mobile applications for the iPhone and Android platforms that allow users to book hotels, flights and rental cars.
In addition, the Chicago-based online travel company has updated its mobile Web site, which has been live since July but whose debut went unannounced. Get the full story »
Smart phone market up 96% in third quarter
Global smart phone sales nearly doubled in the third quarter, and Apple is now one of the top five bestselling manufacturers.
Research firm Gartner says cell phone manufacturers sold 80.5 million smart phones in the third quarter. It says nearly 1 in 5 of all phones sold is a smart phone. Get the full story »
Facebook apps like FarmVille share private info
A scene from the Facebook app FarmVille which was found to share private info with marketers. (Facebook)
Many of the most popular applications, or “apps,” on the social-networking site Facebook Inc. have been transmitting identifying information — in effect, providing access to people’s names and, in some cases, their friends’ names — to dozens of advertising and Internet tracking companies, a Wall Street Journal investigation has found.
The issue affects tens of millions of Facebook app users, including people who set their profiles to be completely private. The practice breaks Facebook’s rules, and renews questions about its ability to keep identifiable information about its users’ activities secure. Get the full story »
Oct. 13, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
Filed under: Advertising/Marketing, Cell phones, Telecommunications, Tourism SCVNGR adds mobile games, perks in Chicago
A mobile application that combines games and perks at local businesses is launching Wednesday in Chicago with the Chicago Office of Tourism and other area institutions.
SCVNGR is the latest location-based service to enter the Chicago market. These apps, which allow consumers to “check in” at local businesses, have become increasingly popular, thanks to the rise of companies such as Foursquare and Gowalla. Yelp and Facebook have also added location-based features to their offerings. The SCVNGR app is available for both the iPhone and Android-based phones. Get the full story »
Sep. 9, 2010 at 1:42 p.m.
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Filed under: Cell phones, Computers, Software, Technology, Telecommunications, Updated, Wireless Apple eases app restrictions; Adobe shares jump
Apple Inc. is easing restrictions for building iPhone and iPad applications, a move that should allow for the use of third-party tools such as Adobe Systems’ Flash software and could ease the tension between the two companies.
Shares of Adobe surged over 12 percent at mid-afternoon on Nasdaq Thursday, after Apple announced the changes.
Apple’s about-face follows a high-profile spat with Adobe last spring that saw Steve Jobs sharply criticize Flash technology. Get the full story »
Netflix releases long-awaited iPhone app
Netflix iPhone app. (Netflix photo)
Netflix unveiled its long-awaited app for the iPhone on Thursday, sending the company’s shares almost 2 percent higher.
The free app lets Netflix members stream TV episodes and movies to their Apple iPhone or iPod Touch for no additional cost. Get the full story »
Aug. 13, 2010 at 2:05 p.m.
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Filed under: Cell phones, Retail, Technology, Telecommunications PayPal reportedly seeking Android deal with Google
PayPal reportedly is in talks with Google to add is payment service to Android phones. Users of phones such as Motorola’s Droid X and HTC’s Droid Incredible may be able to buy apps with PayPal by the end of this year.
American joins mobile flight info club
American Airlines launched a free mobile application Monday to let iPhone and iPod Touch users track flight details, monitor standby lists, track frequent-flier accounts and check in for flights.
American is among a growing number of airlines and travel companies taking advantage of Apple’s developer-friendly architecture to create new bells and whistles to help travelers wile away hours in airports, hunt for bargains or get the biggest bang from their frequent-flier miles. Get the full story »
Google introduces business apps for government
Competition with Microsoft Corp. in the lucrative market of selling e-mail and other software kicked up another notch Monday when Google Inc. announced it was introducing a new version of its applications for government.
Google said it had been certified by the federal government to offer software known as Google Apps for sensitive but not classified information.
GM OnStar app will allow remote starting, locking
General Motors will distribute OnStar smartphone applications later this year that will allow Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac owners to do things like lock their car doors or start the engine from miles away. Get the full story »
