Web Apps Topic Center

Web apps news, in-depth articles and more

Google pursuing broad wireless project for emerging markets, report says

Google has reportedly launched an expansive effort to bring wireless networks and affordable computing to emerging markets such as sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, moves that could bring the Internet to a further billion people.
Read more...

Reports: FTC examining Google's display ads

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has reportedly launched an investigation into Google's display ad business amid complaints from rivals that the company is abusing its power in how it sells online-graphical and video ads.

Google, Facebook launch bidding war for Waze

Google is reportedly bidding for crowd-sourced map app provider Waze, igniting a possible bidding war with Facebook.

Facebook delays Home in Europe, seeks stronger 'First' impression

Users in the U.K. and France will have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on the HTC First. The first smartphone to come preinstalled with Facebook Home has been delayed in those countries while Facebook updates the software to address some negative user feedback.

Yahoo acquires gaming infrastructure startup PlayerScale

Yahoo has acquired PlayerScale, a startup developer of infrastructure software for cross-platform gaming, adding to its string of recent acquisitions.

Lyft gears up for international expansion on anniversary

Lyft, the ridesharing service known for its fleet of pink mustache-festooned cars, is eyeing international expansion supported by its biggest funding round yet.

Adobe continues social push, acquires mobile app agency

Adobe has acquired Thumb Labs, a small mobile app agency, as part of its broader push to give its new cloud-enabled software offerings a more social flavor.

Twitter aims to become safer with two-step sign-in

Twitter, in a much-needed move to keep its users safer from cyberattacks, is introducing a more secure login process.

Teens growing cool on Facebook but warming to Twitter, Pew study finds

Some teens are growing tired of the excessive sharing and "drama" on Facebook and more are turning to sites like Twitter and Instagram to express themselves, according to a new study.

Yahoo returns to list of most valuable brands

Yahoo again ranks as one of the world's 100 most valuable brands.

Saving Google Maps destinations lowers risk of travel errors

Saving a destination in Google Maps makes it easier to navigate to and also lessens the chance for error when entering or trying to remember an address.

Google's next act: Diversify and conquer

Center stage at this year's Google I/O was a company honing its vision for a future beyond search

What to expect at SAP's Sapphire

SAP's Sapphire conference kicks off next week in Orlando, setting the stage for the company to sell customers on its visions for cloud-based applications, in-memory computing and mobility.

Bart Perkins: Beware of self-destructing messaging in the enterprise

They may be a boon for individual privacy, but self-destructing messages will bring headaches to enterprises. Insider (registration required)

Why Google+ is best for 'real-life streaming'

Mike Elgan says Google+ is the most capable system for so-called "real-life streaming." He lists four reasons for his selection of that social network.

Oracle strategies to get real-world verdict at Collaborate user event

Oracle's sprawling annual OpenWorld conference doesn't kick off until September, but next week the Oracle user group-backed Collaborate event will be held in Denver.

More innovation means less control. Is that bad?

Innovation in mobile computing, search and social media increasingly means taking control away from users, says Mike Elgan, but at what cost?

Back up your website: 10 WordPress plugins that keep your data safe

WordPress may be a popular CMS, but its built-in backup isn't ideal. Here are 10 plugins that can help you keep your entire site safe.

Twitter adds line breaks, draws mixed response

Do

Chart and image gallery: 30+ free tools for data visualization and analysis

This sortable chart lets you compare dozens of tools for functionality, skill level and more.