Ironically, at present, Apple’s (AAPL) main competitor, Microsoft (MSFT), owns the fastest rising application on Apple’s App Store. Just one day after Microsoft dropped its subscription requirement for Office 365, the new Microsoft Word application has shot up the charts and is now the front-runner in Apple's “Free” category. Microsoft's Office 365 now ranks ahead of other popular applications, such as: Facebook (FB) Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Read MoreSimplifying Simple
Many developers design applications to make life simpler, but have they finally ventured too far? Yo is a new app that is designed to send the one-word phrase “Yo” to your contacts. Evidently, the app was created to eliminate the tedious task of sending full text messages and calling people. Instead, after opening the app (God forbid), users simply tap the “Yo” button to alert someone.
Read MoreFacebook's Slingshot
In an effort to replicate Snapchat, Facebook (FB) has updated its Messenger application so that users can send their friends 15-second videos (read The Ghost Of Snapchat for more information). This effort is the latest push by Facebook to increase its mobile messaging presence. The company previously purchased its most notable competitor, WhatsApp, for $19 Billion. Facebook’s Messaging application alone has over 200 million active users per month.
Read MoreThe Ghost Of Snapchat
In November of last year, Snapchat, the popular “disappearing” photo-sharing app, turned down a $3 billion all-cash buyout offer from Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook (FB). Evan Spiegel, the CEO of Snapchat who would have personally received about $750 million from Facebook, inexplicably stated, “I think trading for some short-term gain isn’t very interesting.”
Read MoreBeats By Apple
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past week, or studying for finals, you should know Apple (AAPL) is currently pursuing a deal to acquire Beats Headphones. Made iconic by celebrity co-founder Dr. Dre, and countless athletes, Beats headphones have become a popular consumer device among young Americans. If the deal were to go through, Apple would spend $3 billion of its cash reserves.
Read MorePractice Safe Text
Mark Cuban continues to expand his already impressive portfolio by entering the social media market with a new iOS messaging app, Cyber Dust. The billionaire has invested heavily in the development and promotion of Cyber Dust, describing the app as a combination of Snapchat and WhatsApp. However, unlike Snapchat, Cyber Dust focuses on providing users a secure mobile messaging experience.
Read MoreWhat's Up With WhatsApp?
In an unprecedented move that shocked many in the financial world, social media powerhouse Facebook (FB) has purchased WhatsApp, the popular social messaging app, for an astonishing $19 Billion. Yes, that’s billion with a ‘B;’ the acquisition will cost Facebook an estimated 10% of their outstanding shares.
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