Facebook adds a retail section in trial for big e-commerce push

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Facebook is adding a shopping section to its social network as part of test for a big e-commerce push. Unlike the product ads you probably ignore on your News Feed, this is a dedicated tab on Facebook – like ‘Groups’ or ‘Photos,’ meant just for shopping. In other words, Facebook wants you to purposely use its platform for shopping, rather than simply maybe clicking on the occasional ad. As you might expect from a company that feeds off your data, the products are catered to your interests. That said, only a small group of retailers – and they must have signed…

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Channel 4 launches new Android streaming app in beta, but you probably can’t use it

All4
Channel 4 in the UK is testing a new beta version of its Android app with select users who are registered as part of the ‘Core 4’ feedback community. The app follows the rebranding of Channel 4’s online streaming service from 4oD to All4, which happened for desktop and iOS users back in March. Based on feedback from the Core 4 testing group, the app will undergo further development before getting a full public release on Google Play later this year. If you’re a registered Core 4 member, you’ll be emailed a special download link to test out the app,…

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Scrivener is the writing app of choice for best-selling authors, now with 56% off

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Many best-selling authors have abandoned Word in favor of Scrivener, an app that provides a clean writing interface and useful reference tools. Right now, you can pick up a copy (Mac/PC) at 56 percent off the MRSP. Unlike a regular word processor, Scrivener is set up for long-form writing. It has a distraction-free fullscreen mode for composing prose, and a ‘Snapshots’ feature allows you to restore and rewrite previous versions of your work. You can also load documents into floating windows above the text for quick reference, and there is a searchable database for storing notes. Scriptwriting mode provides custom…

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Autoplay will take you down a labyrinth of interesting Web videos

Autoplay
There are plenty of ways to find cool videos to watch on the Web, but I’m always on the lookout for new curation sites because I want to see clips that aren’t already doing the rounds online. That’s why I was glad I stumbled upon Autoplay. It presents videos in an interesting collection of channels and features a slick, minimal interface that’s perfect for enjoying on your TV. Autoplay features a bunch of unique channels and a slick interface Fire up Autoplay and you’ll be able to choose from eight channels that cover indie music videos, clever stuff to tickle your funny bone,…

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FoxType wants to help you write more polite emails

FoxType
The trouble with communicating via text, whether it’s an SMS, IM or email, is that the tone of your message may not always come through as you expect. It’s especially difficult when you’re conversing with a business associate or someone you’ve never met before. FoxType tries to help you write more polite messages by analyzing your textual input, assessing your tone and offering suggestions for improvement. FoxType suggests alternative words and ways to rewrite your email to make it sound more polite The next time you’re concerned about whether an email you’re about to send is polite enough, just paste…

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Report: Apple News deactivated in China

Apple News
Apple has made its way into China, but it still has to play by the country’s rules. According to a report from the New York Times, multiple sources say that Apple’s News app has been deactivated throughout the country. Multiple sources say that the app refuses to refresh, with the notification, “Can’t refresh right now. News isn’t supported in your current region.” Companies are responsible for creating their own censorship system within China that is compliant with the country’s laws — which are strictly controlled within the nation’s borders.  It’s unclear whether the app is temporarily disabled while Apple figures out…

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Google Drive is down, so everyone act accordingly

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I hope you don’t have a deadline to commit to, because Google Drive and Docs are down. Looks like something's up with Docs – but fear not, we’re on it & you’ll be editing again in no time. Stay tuned here! — Google Docs (@googledocs) October 9, 2015 If you try visiting either site, you’ll be met with a really slow interface and a server error. Trying to access files on the cloud will net you a ‘File not found’ message Unlike when Facebook or Twitter goes down, many people use Docs for actually getting work done. Needless to say, said people are…

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Assembly for iOS is a graphic design app for beginners and pros alike

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Assembly is an iOS app that makes graphic design accessible, regardless of your experience or lack there of. Ok, so it’s not going to be winning you any prizes since the designs are pretty basic (or minimalist, if you prefer) but it is sufficient for quick and impressive design on-the-go. While I’ve no formal graphic design training, I dabble every now and then and always admire good logos, icons and typography whenever I see some. It’s actually the more simplistic styles that I seem to be drawn to the most, so when I spotted Assembly, I knew I had to give…

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Swytch lets you use up to five ‘burner’ UK phone numbers from a single device

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If the idea of merging your work and personal contacts fills you with horror, but a dual-SIM phone doesn’t fulfil your needs, then Swytch’s app for iOS and Android devices could be right up your street. In essence, all you need to do is download the app and register a new number, which qualifies you for 50 pence of calling credit. Making calls on your new virtual number costs 6 pence per minute to a UK number (or per SMS), but calls between two Swytch users are always free – a bit like Skype. “Swytch does for mobile numbers what Dropbox…

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