Apps news & analysis

Microsoft launches Xbox One to fulfill 'all in one' home entertainment role

Microsoft is refreshing its Xbox console brand for the first time in eight years with the launch of Xbox One, which the company claims will use cloud technology to provide an "all in one" home entertainment system.

AKQA, Topshop and Bodyform triumph at Rev Awards 2013

AKQA was awarded Digital Agency of the Year, Topshop won Digital Brand of the Year, and SCA's 'Bodyform: The Truth' viral scooped the Grand Prix at this year's Rev Awards.

Specsavers integrates Skype to capture pictures

The video capabilities of Skype are being used by Specsavers to launch its annual 'Spectacle Wearer of the Year' competition.

Tech City growth damaged by lack of talent, says report

Tech City, the UK's technological hub, is having its growth held back by a lack of skilled workers, according to research firm GfK.

As Apple hits 50bn downloads, six ways brands can beat the end of the app honeymoon

Only brands that are serious about creating valuable experiences will succeed in a crowded app market, writes Matt Dyke (below), founder & strategy partner at digital agency AnalogFolk.

BlackBerry targets brands with launch of BBM on iOS and Android

BlackBerry plans to launch its BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) instant messenger service for free on the iOS and Android platforms this summer.

Government forces BlackBerry action on children 'sexting' on its network

The Department for Education has forced BlackBerry to take action over the problem of children "sexting" each other using the brand's instant messenger service.

Net-a-Porter partners The Dorchester for first 'micro app'

Online retailer Net-a-Porter has partnered luxury hotel firm Dorchester Collection to create its first "micro app" for a commercial partner.

Tesco aims to create London-based 'digital campus'

Tesco hopes to create a "digital campus" with the opening of a number of offices in North London, as it seeks to benefit from the growing number of tech start-ups in the capital.

Pizza Hut enables Xbox users to order pizza mid-game

Pizza Hut is launching an app for Microsoft's Xbox games console that will allow players to order food using their controller.

The future's bright, the future's useful

Problem-solving, rather than novelty, innovations were the order of the day at Mobile World Congress 2013. By James Connelly.

Brands on alert: six things you need to know about draconian new EU data rules

Marketers must prepare for stricter regulations covering data privacy following the publication of draft reforms.

Mozilla launches Firefox operating system to take on Google and Apple

Mozilla is taking aim at Google, Apple, BlackBerry and Microsoft with the launch of a mobile operating system (OS) that will see the firm branch out from its core web browser business.

Audi rolls out first augmented-reality ads to promote R8 supercar

Audi is launching its first augmented-reality (AR) ad campaign in the UK, to promote its R8 V10 plus "supercar" model.

YSL creates Facebook app to promote Radiance range

Yves St Laurent is attempting to drive sales of its Radiance cosmetics range with a Facebook app that allows users to upload and beautify photos of themselves.

AR News app

Publishers should welcome an app that turns stories for adults into stories for children, Jeremy Lee writes.

Paramount rapped for airing horror ad in Angry Birds and Draw Something apps

Paramount has been reprimanded by the ad watchdog after a trailer for horror movie 'Paranormal Activity 4' aired in the Angry Birds and Draw Something mobile games.

Nokia targets Spotify with premium music service

Nokia is taking aim at Spotify with the introduction of a premium paid-subscription service as part of its free-streaming mobile music offering.

Seat showcases Leon in augmented reality app

Seat, the Volkswagen-owned car marque, is launching an augmented reality app for visitors to its showrooms, to discover more about the new Leon.

Zeebox adds Shazam-style audio-recognition feature

Zeebox, the TV companion app part-owned by BSkyB, is to integrate a Shazam-style audio-recognition feature, so that the second-screen experience on the app can synchronise with what is showing on TV.