Want to catch up with what happened in the digital world this week? Our weekly cheat sheet will fill you in on everything you missed while you were scrambling to meet deadlines and put out fires.
This week, we check out an app that brings karaoke fun to a whole new level, how Pepsi and Twitter are working together, and the launch of Amazon’s video services on the Xbox 360.
1. Amazon Launches Video Services on the Xbox 360
It looks like after partnering with Paramount, Amazon is taking their services to a whole new level. Amazon launched a video service app on the Xbox 360, making it possible for Xbox Live subscribers to access Amazon Instant Video and Prime Instant Video. This also allows Xbox Live Gold members to have the same access and benefits as Amazon Prime members and vice versa. Although their video service library is significantly less than their competitor Netflix, Amazon is definitely on the right track on getting on board with connected devices.
2. Draw Something’s Successor: Sing Something
After Draw Something’s extreme popularity, it was only a matter of time before an app that resembled it came out. And while many have tried, this one might be one of the few to succeed. Sing Something is an app that karaoke lovers can enjoy for free on iOS (in the works for Androids). Players can belt out tunes and have their opponents guess the song. Instead of a limited number of letters, users are given the entire alphabet which takes the game to another level. Not only does this game take you out of your comfort zone, this app may help uncover hidden talents.
3. Pepsi and Twitter Spark Up Something Musical
PepsiCo has revealed a music partnership with Twitter this week offering Pepsi followers the chance to win free music downloads through the social media platform. This partnership is part of Pepsi’s “Live for Now” campaign. The songs offered will be downloadable from Amazon.com as a first-come, first-served basis to those who include #Pepsi in their tweets. Pepsi also stated that it will stream live concerts during this summer starting in June. The artist line up is unknown at the moment; however Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry are high possibilities.
4. Trying to Decrease Distractions as Apps Takes Over Cars
Cars these days have apps built into them. They have Pandora, Yelp, Google Local Search, and even Facebook, although the latter only allows check in’s at the moment. New auto designs that are coming out not only have to be the best performance automobile, they also have to have state of the art technology to keep demanding buyers happy with social apps. With this high demand, carmakers also have to be wary of the distractions they may cause. A lot of the apps are untouchable while the car is still in motion, and drivers also have the choice of any posts to be read aloud. Many apps are still being screened to see if they are appropriate for a vehicle and the safety of its passengers.
5. Pay All Your Bills on One Device: Your Smartphone
Doxo, an app available for both Android and iOS, is the new mobile payment and management solution. It is a “digital file cabinet” called “doxoPAY” that allows users to pay all their bills in one account. It is a free app that has to be connected with service providers in order to be able to pay the bills, and doxo is currently in the process of expanding their provider list. It is definitely a work in progress, however this may be the future of our pain-in-the-butt bills.
