In this edition of the Worldwide Wrap: Twitter sends out prompts to a batch of its high-profile users, nudging them not to tweet links to Instagram photos.
Twitter refuses Instagram links
Twitter has sent out prompts to a batch of its high-profile users, nudging them not to tweet links to Instagram photos, and instead post photos directly through Twitter, according to a copy of the prompt obtained by Mashable.
The prompt was sent out to a group of notable users in media, entertainment, sports and other categories, according to a source close to Twitter. That same source characterised the prompt as an educational effort to show the service's celebrities and influential users how to use the native photo function to boost engagement.
Via: Mashable
YouTubers interview Obama
The White House did something a little different: rather than inviting traditional journalists to grill US president Barack Obama, they brought in three so-called YouTube creators - people who have built up a fan base of millions with their social media channels - to put questions to the leader of the free world.
The three YouTubers - Bethany Mota, GloZell Green and Hank Green - are each famous in their own corners of the Internet.
Via: Telegraph
Google plans cellphone service
Google aims to sell a wireless phone service directly to consumers using the networks of Sprint and T-Mobile, according to reports published this week.
If everything falls into place, Google could offer discounted wireless data plans that would pressure other major carriers to offer better deals and services or risk losing customers to a powerful rival.
Via: Huffington Post
Desk encourages fitness
A new kind of office desk was designed to make the user's work hours healthier by offering fitness feedback.
The Kinetic Desk M1, introduced by US-based start-up Stir, does this by tapping into Fitbit fitness trackers to tell when a user needs to get up off their seat.
Via: Register
MegaChat takes on Skype
Kim Dotcom, the infamous entrepreneur behind Megaupload, has released his latest product. Currently in beta, MegaChat is a browser-based encrypted video calling and file-sharing platform that is being positioned as a Skype competitor.
MegaChat is targeted at people who are wary of Skype's security. Its browser-based model is also a swipe at Microsoft's plans to integrate Skype into Internet Explorer so people don't have to download its desktop app.
Via: Techcrunch
Apps for BlackBerry
App makers should be required to make software for BlackBerry handsets, says the boss of the phone company.
In an open letter to members of the US Congress, CEO John Chen said rivals should be obliged to make their widely used apps available on BlackBerry handsets. He said other firms and developers were "discriminating" against BlackBerry by not making the apps.
Via: BBC
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