Archive for December 15, 2014

BBM 2.0 For Windows Phone Hits The Streets

Posted in Commentary with tags on December 15, 2014 by itnerd

BlackBerry has released a new version of BBM for Windows Phone users. The new version has these key features:

  • BBM Shop with Stickers: Windows Phone users can now chat with larger, bolder and more expressive images than emoticons. It makes the BBM experience more engaging and fun, as well as the ability to personalize your chats with colleagues, family, friends, peers and partners. The sticker packs will either be offered for free, or cost US $0.99 or $1.99, or an approximate equivalent amount in the local currency, and will be available in the BBM Shop found inside BBM. Download today and you can take advantage of a limited time sticker promotion in the BBM Shop. All stickers are $0.99 for a limited time. Learn more about BBM Stickers and new features in the BBM  Shop here.
  • Timed Messages: By setting a timer you can control how long messages and pictures you share with contacts can be viewed within BBM. The message is hidden until the recipient touches and holds on the chat. Then, once the timer has expired (or if the recipient takes their finger off the screen), the message is no longer visible. The user also receives a notification if BBM detects that the recipient has taken a screenshot of the image or message.
  • Message Retraction: Users can now retract their message to remove it from their BBM chat before it has been read by the recipient or after it has been read so that it is no longer visible within the BBM chat.
  • HD Picture Transfer: It’s easier than ever to get a high quality version of the pictures you receive in BBM.

To illustrate these new features, here’s a few videos for you. Let’s start with stickers:

Now let’s look at timed messages:

Finally, let’s look at Message retraction:

The update for Windows Phone users is available now via this link.

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Uber Charges 4x More For Fares During Sydney Hostage Episode…. Then Backtracks When Media Finds Out

Posted in Commentary with tags on December 15, 2014 by itnerd

More and more, I really am disliking Uber and how it does business. Take for example, Surge Pricing which is defined as follows:

Uber rates increase to get more cars on the road and ensure reliability during the busiest times. When enough cars are on the road, prices go back down to normal levels.

So, with that in mind, let’s see what’s wrong with this picture. During the Sydney Australia Hostage Episode where most of the planet was worried about the well being of the hostages. Uber decided to increase their rates to 4x the amount that they normally are. If the optics of that aren’t bad enough, now it seems that Uber will make rides free for those who are trying to get out of Sydney’s central business district where this hostage episode was taking place. Plus they will be refunding those who paid this outrageous fare. The decision to do both of those things likely has something to do with social media exploding over this and the mainstream media picking this story up.

Uber really needs to get a clue here as  they are running their business in a way that encourages every city, state, province, and country to try and exterminate them. Something that I would not lose any sleep over, and I am sure that others are starting to feel the same way.

 

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