| This week's sponsor is BlackBerry. |  | BlackBerry® Jam Americas is the conference for developers who want to start profiting from the BlackBerry® 10 platform. Join us May 14-16 in Orlando for training, deep-dive sessions, Q&A's and networking. Register by March 22 for the Early Bird Rate!
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Today's Top Stories
1. Facebook bypasses Google Play to update Android app
2. Samsung pushes Samsung-branded content, services with Galaxy S4 launch
3. Google shakeup continues as Maps chief Huber shifts to new role
4. Report: Facebook could emulate Twitter by adding hashtag support
5. Samsung's Shin: First Tizen smartphone coming in Q3 Also Noted: Spotlight On... Spotify urges labels to allow richer mobile music experience
Rovio launches 'The Croods' on iOS, Android; New Relic rolls out app monitoring service and much more...  Samsung Galaxy S4: Complete coverage
Samsung announced its new Galaxy S4 smartphone. The gadget features a wide range of top-flight features and functions including a Full HD Super AMOLED display, a 5-inch screen, a 13-megapixel camera, and support for a wide range of wireless networks including multiple LTE networks. The phone also represents Samsung's attempts to put itself further ahead of the rest of the world's smartphone makers, including Apple and HTC, by pushing its own Samsung-branded content and services. Check our special report page for full Fierce coverage of the unveiling of the Galaxy S4: The flagship smartphone from the world's largest manufacturer of smartphones. Special Report
| This week's sponsor is Kaltura. |  | Webinar: CorporateTube - The Next Step for Enterprise Success
Thursday, April 18th, 2pm ET/ 11am PT
Learn from an elaborate case study and see how leading companies implemented this cutting edge solution to reap the benefits of video in the enterprise. Experts from Oracle, Akamai, and Kaltura will explain the many possibilities of deploying a CorporateTube for your organization. Register Today! |
| Sponsor: Ooyala, Verimatrix, Irdeto and IneoQuest FierceLive! Webinars > Wi-Fi Evolution and its role in the future of wireless - Wednesday, April 3rd, 1pm ET / 10am PT
> CorporateTube - The Next Step for Enterprise Success- Thursday, April 18th, 2pm ET/ 11am PT
> Personal Data and Privacy - Is the consumer the boss? - March 14, 2pm ET / 11am PT
Events > Don't Miss an Exclusive Executive Breakfast at the 2013 NAB Show! - April 9, 2013 - Las Vegas, NV
> Mobile Payments Conference - April 10-11, 2013 - New York, NY
> Competitive Carriers Global Expo - April 17-19 - New Orleans
> BlackBerry Jam Americas for Developers - May 14-16 - Orlando, Florida
> Andrew Seybold Wireless University at CTIA 2013 - May 20, 2013 - Las Vegas, Nevada
> AnDevCon - May 28-31 - Boston, MA
> Fierce Innovation Awards 2012 Live Announcement of this Year's Winners - Now Available On-Demand
Marketplace > Research: M-commerce in the UK 2012 | Verdict Channel Reports
> Research: Software: Global Industry Guide
> Research: Enterprise Applications Market Forecast in the US to 2014
> eBook: Knowledge Management: 5 Steps to Getting it Right the First Time
> Whitepaper: Forrester: Defining the Next-Generation Workspace
> eBook: The Roadmap to LTE Advanced
> eBook: Cable's Next TV Everywhere Obstacle: 'Download to Go'
> Whitepaper: Monetizing Networks in the Cloud Era
> eBook: Smarter Service: The Contract Center of the Future
Jobs > Need a job? Need to hire? Visit FierceWirelessJobs
* Post a classified ad: Click here.
* General ad info: Click here | Today's Top News 1. Facebook bypasses Google Play to update Android app
Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) is urging users to install an updated version of its social networking application for Android, sidestepping the Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Play storefront in the process. Liliputing first reported that Android device owners with the Facebook app installed on their phone are receiving an update prompt transmitted directly from Facebook, not Google Play. The persistent notification lets users know an upgraded version of the app is available, and clicking the notification takes them directly to the app to download it. The update includes a permission granting Facebook the authority to install subsequent updates without notifying the user, as well as new options to change profile photos, hide stories and report spam. Some Android users turned to Facebook's Help Page to verify the authenticity of the alert, with one writing "This is highly concerning to me as it seems to look like malware of some sort. I would not normally expect an update to the Facebook application be pushed out in any method other than the official Play store." A Facebook product manager soon confirmed the update's origins, and the company later posted "We're working quickly to improve Facebook for Android and want to make sure everyone is using the best version of our app. You'll experience these updates when you are on Wi-Fi, and they won't rely on your data plan." As The Verge points out, it is still unclear why Facebook opted to forgo the Google Play channel to push the update--moreover, the decision raises questions about security, given that a hacker presumably could circumvent Google Play in a similar manner. Also unknown: Whether Google granted Facebook authorization to forgo Google Play update protocols. The store's terms of service reject Android apps "that cause users to unknowingly download or install applications from sources outside of Google Play." Neither Facebook nor Google has responded to requests for comment. For more:
- read this Verge article
- read this Liliputing article Related articles:
Facebook adds voice messaging to Messenger for iOS, Android
Facebook opens Messenger for Android to non-Facebook users
Facebook updates iOS, Android apps with local recommendations
Facebook overhauls SDK for Android, unveils new developer center
Facebook: Referrals to App Store, Google Play top 170M per month Read more about: Mobile Social Networking, Facebook
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2. Samsung pushes Samsung-branded content, services with Galaxy S4 launch
Samsung Electronics took the veil off its new Galaxy S4 smartphone, the new, top-of-the-line flagship smartphone from the world's largest vendor of handsets and smartphones. Importantly, the company is also promoting a range of Samsung-branded services and applications with the phone, including Samsung Hub, Samsung WatchON, Samsung Apps, Samsung ChatON and Group Play.  | | Click here for full coverage of Samsung's Galaxy S4. | During a press event in New York City, Samsung outlined the wide array of features and functions the S4 can support--including offerings that are unique to Samsung's phone and not available through Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) standard Android operating system. The move is an attempt by Samsung to help set itself apart from the large and growing number of Android handset vendors like LG Electronics, HTC, ZTE and others.
While many of Samsung's content and service offerings have been discussed before, the company used its press event to provide details and updates for each. Perhaps more importantly, the S4 essentially serves as a repository for all of the content and services offerings that Samsung has been rolling out during the past several months. Specifically, Samsung said the S4 will support its Hub service, which allows users to purchase movies, books, TV shows and other content through a "Samsung Account"--notably not a Google account. The company also said the S4 will support its WatchON service, introduced at the Mobile World Congress trade show in February. The video discovery service allows users to control their TV with their phone and also allows users to download movies and TV shows from Samsung's Media Hub, Blockbuster or Netflix. The service also provides "multi-screen capabilities, recommendations, one-stop search functionality, and social sharing functionality," the company said. Further, Samsung said the S4 supports its Apps service, "a newly updated service that provides search functionality for applications in Samsung Apps, which are specialized for Samsung devices." Not surprisingly, Samsung said the S4 also supports Google Play apps. In addition, the S4 will support Samsung's ChatON messaging service, which offers video, voice and text chat and is essentially Samsung's alternative to Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iMessage and BlackBerry's (NASDAQ:BBRY) Messenger. And, in targeting the enterprise market, Samsung said the S4 will be able to run its Knox service, which the company said can protect against malicious software and also can create separate digital spaces for users' work and personal content, simialr to BlackBerry Balance. The S4 will include technology from mobeam that will allow it to beam traditional 1-D barcodes to other gadgets. Samsung and mobeam said the technology will allow S4 owners to conduct mobile commerce services. Finally, Samsung said the S4 will be its first phone to support its Group Play service, which the company said enables users to "experience sharing photos, music, documents and games with their friends wherever they are, without the need for a network environment." Interestingly, Samsung said it will provide a public SKD for its Group Play service, a move the company hopes will encourage third-party developers to "develop various types of games in the future." Though Samsung sought to shock and awe with the range of services available on the S4, some were not impressed. Samsung "needs to build a stronger set of content offerings that cross its various platforms, so that it can extend its leadership in smartphones into the tablet space, and give consumers a reason to buy into an 'all-Samsung' experience with their consumer electronics," said Jan Dawson, chief telecom analyst at Ovum. "Overall, there are lots of features, but based on past experience most people will never even find them on the device." For more:
- see this Samsung release
- see this mobeam release
- see this Samsung post Related Articles:
Samsung unveils Galaxy S4, draws support from AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile
Samsung heads into Galaxy S IV launch with marketing advantage, supply chain concerns
Samsung sets stage for Galaxy S IV release, with raised expectations
Report: Samsung's Galaxy S IV will track eye movements to scroll
Samsung exec disputes notion of tension with Google over Android
Analysts: Apple grabs top U.S. handset spot in Q4 Read more about: Galaxy S4, Samsung Hub
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3. Google shakeup continues as Maps chief Huber shifts to new role
Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) continues to shuffle its executive ranks, announcing Senior Vice President of Geo and Commerce Jeff Huber will step down to pursue new projects within the company. The move follows just one day after longtime head of Android Andy Rubin also resigned his post.  | | Jeff Huber | The Wall Street Journal reports Huber will join Google X, led by co-founder Sergey Brin and dedicated to initiatives like Google Glass wearable computing devices and self-driving automobiles. "Jeff is an extraordinary executive," Google said in an emailed statement Thursday. "He just finished his first decade at Google--having worked on some of our most complicated issues like ads, apps, payments and geo--and now he is eager to work in more of a startup-like environment." With Huber's exit, Google will split Maps and Commerce into two separate divisions. Sources say Google CEO Larry Page is weeding out perceived inefficiencies in an effort to accelerate the pace of "execution" and to forge "one consistent, beautiful and simple Google experience" that unites all of the company's services for the benefit of users. Bloomberg reports Alan Eustace, senior vice president overseeing businesses including search, will now lead mapping efforts, while Susan Wojcicki, senior vice president of advertising, will spearhead the commerce unit. Google Maps is the second most popular mobile application among U.S. consumers, trailing only Facebook (NASDAQ:FB), according to a recent comScore Mobile Metrix report. After Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) dumped preloaded Google Maps access on iOS devices in favor of its much-criticized Apple Maps platform, Huber led development of a native Google Maps app for iPhone, released late last year. More than 10 million iOS device owners downloaded the app within its first two days of App Store availability, a milestone Huber announced via his Google+ social network account. Google Maps also is a core feature across the Android mobile operating system, which now powers more than 750 million devices worldwide. With Rubin's resignation, Google is appointing Sundar Pichai, senior vice president of Chrome and Apps, to take over Android duties in addition to his existing work, fueling speculation Google plans to merge the two operating systems. Rubin will remain with the company in an unspecified role. For more:
- read this Wall Street Journal article
- read this Bloomberg article Related articles:
Google's Rubin steps down as Android chief
Google Maps for iOS eclipses 10 million downloads in first two days
Chitika: Google Maps app launch has little impact on iOS 6 adoption
Google Maps returns to Apple's iPhone, adds turn-by-turn navigation
Facebook usurps Google Maps as top app in U.S. Read more about: Chutes & Ladders, Susan Wojckicki
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4. Report: Facebook could emulate Twitter by adding hashtag support
Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) is considering incorporating hashtags--a marker synonymous with rival social network Twitter--in an effort to more efficiently group conversations and drive advertising revenues, The Wall Street Journal reports. Twitter leverages hashtags--i.e., a word or phrase preceded by the "#" symbol--to compile all tweets about a single subject or news event from multiple users. Sources familiar with the matter said Facebook is exploring hashtag integration to index all posts about trending topics, making it easier for users to identify comments about a subject or event that interests them and giving them greater reason to remain logged in and view more ads. Instagram, the photo-sharing application Facebook acquired last year, already employs hashtags to allow users to sort images. Sources added it is unclear how much progress Facebook has made and that it is unlikely the company will roll out hashtag-related features in the imminent future. Facebook has declined to comment on the report. Facebook's interest in hashtag integration would further blur the line separating its platform from Twitter: In recent years, Facebook also has mirrored the Twitter experience by creating "subscriber" lists for users and allowing them to tag celebrities and brands with the "@" sign. Earlier this month, when Facebook rolled out a revamped News Feed design that unifies how content appears to users across the mobile and desktop platforms, co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company is building the foundation to become a "personalized newspaper" for users, an ambition Twitter has expressed as well. While incorporating hashtags could benefit Facebook users, it also could attract advertisers: Twitter has urged brand partners to invent hashtags as a secondary brand for their marketing messages on its platform and across other multimedia channels. eMarketer forecasts Twitter will generate around $500 million in ad revenues this year--Facebook earned $4.3 billion from its ad efforts last year, although the gap is narrower in mobile, where Twitter is on pace to rake in $249 million this year compared to $851 million for Facebook. Relations between Facebook and Twitter have grown increasingly tense in recent months. Last year, Twitter disabled Instagram's access to its own Find Your Friends feature; Instagram responded by fully terminating Twitter support, meaning users can no longer view Instagram photos via the microblogging platform. (Twitter filled the void days later by rolling out Instagram-like mobile photo editing and filtering features.) Earlier this year, Facebook also blocked Twitter's fledgling video sharing app Vine, and has said it will continue to crack down on all apps that "use its data to bootstrap growth but don't contribute anything." For more:
- read this Wall Street Journal article Related articles:
Facebook blocks Twitter's new Vine video sharing app
Facebook won't give 'Find Friends' data to competing apps
Twitter fills Instagram void with in-house photo filters
Instagram disables all Twitter photo integration, users lash out
Instagram cuts off Twitter cards integration
Twitter revokes Instagram's access to Find Your Friends API Read more about: Facebook
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5. Samsung's Shin: First Tizen smartphone coming in Q3
Samsung Electronics co-CEO JK Shin said the manufacturer will release its first Tizen device during the third quarter of 2013, denying the move to embrace the Linux-based mobile operating system is related to any changes in its relationship with Google (NASDAQ:GOOG).  | | Samsung's JK Shin shows off the company's new Galaxy S4. | Last month, Samsung announced it would sunset its own Bada mobile OS, merging it into Tizen--at that time, the firm said it planned to release "new, competitive Tizen devices within this year," but offered no additional specifics on timing. In an interview Thursday with The Wall Street Journal, Shin confirmed a third-quarter launch date but did reveal pricing. Targeting multiple device categories including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, netbooks and in-vehicle infotainment systems, Tizen combines open-source technologies with a standards-based HTML5 development environment, enabling the creation of device-independent, cross-platform mobile applications. The Linux Foundation hosts the Tizen platform, and Samsung and Intel head the technical steering committee developing the OS. Samsung nevertheless remains synonymous with its Android smartphones: The company controls more than 42.5 percent of the worldwide Android market and unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S4, at a media event Thursday. Shin maintained that Google's decision to acquire rival handset maker Motorola Mobility has not dampened Samsung's interest in Android: "We have a good relationship with Google," he said, explaining that Samsung wants to offer a number of different mobile operating system choices to consumers and enterprise clients. Last month, Samsung refuted reports that its Android sales dominance is fueling tensions with Google. Citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the WSJ reported Google executives are concerned that Samsung could leverage its size and scale to pressure Google to alter the nature of their Android relationship, but Nick DiCarlo--vice president of portfolio planning and product marketing at Samsung's U.S. mobile arm--disputed the notion, telling FierceWireless "My interpretation is that we're a good partner and we build strong products that promote the ecosystem." Shin may have increased tensions with Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), however. "Smartphones and tablets based on Microsoft's Windows operating system aren't selling very well," he told the Journal. "There is a preference in the market for Android. In Europe, we're also seeing lackluster demand for Windows-based products." For more:
- read this Wall Street Journal article (sub. req.) Related articles:
Samsung scraps Bada OS, folds it into Tizen
Samsung readying first Tizen devices for 2013 release
Samsung joins Linux Foundation, pledges $500K to support open source
Samsung vows major bada investment to build Android alternative
Samsung backpedals on bada/Tizen merger plans Read more about: Android
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Also Noted SPOTLIGHT ON... Spotify urges labels to allow richer mobile music experience Spotify is pressing recording industry partners to consider offering consumers new ways to sample its streaming music service, contending that improving the mobile experience will increase interest in paid subscriptions. Last month, The Verge reported that Spotify is petitioning its licensing partners to extend its ad-supported free streaming music option to mobile listeners. At present, only premium Spotify subscribers may access the service's 16 million songs via mobile device; Spotify's apps for operating systems including Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS, Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android and Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows Phone are free to download and include 30 days of free service, but once the trial ends, consumers are charged $9.99 per month to access the full slate of services. Citing multiple music industry sources, a follow-up Verge report states Spotify has floated a number of related ideas, including allowing users of its free service to select a limited number of tracks for listening on mobile devices. Spotify would like consumers to access the... continued Read the rest of today's spotlight on the Web Quick news from around the Web @FierceMobiCo: Editor's Corner: Why there's (rarely) such a thing as overnight app success http://bit.ly/13TnKd5 via sister site @FierceDeveloper Article | Follow @FierceMobiCo > Rovio launches The Croods on iOS, Android. Blog > New Relic rolls out app monitoring service. Article Wireless News > AT&T leaves door open to selling non-core assets amid tower sale speculation. Article > BlackBerry wins order for 1 million phones, touts new security features for Android, iOS. Article And finally… Science proves babies can be jerks. Article > Wi-Fi Evolution and its role in the future of wireless - Wednesday, April 3rd, 1pm ET / 10am PT Tune-in to this webinar to learn more about Wi-Fi evolution, its critical role in addressing the looming 1000x data challenge, enabling smart connected homes, and exciting new frontiers it is poised to explore. Register Today! > CorporateTube - The Next Step for Enterprise Success- Thursday, April 18th, 2pm ET/ 11am PT Learn from an elaborate case study and see how leading companies implemented this cutting edge solution to reap the benefits of video in the enterprise. Experts from Oracle, Akamai, and Kaltura will explain the many possibilities of deploying a CorporateTube for your organization. Register Today! > Personal Data and Privacy - Is the consumer the boss? - March 14, 2pm ET / 11am PT This webinar will explore Forrester Analyst Fatemeh Khatibloo's characterization of a new Personal Identity Management market as well as solutions for participating in the Identity Economy. Register Today.
| > Don't Miss an Exclusive Executive Breakfast at the 2013 NAB Show! - April 9, 2013 - Las Vegas, NV Executives from NBCUniversal, ONE World Sports, MobiTV, Inc., Comcast Media Center, and more explore the impact that the battle for multiscreen viewers is having on content owners, broadcasters, cable operators, and over-the-top video players. Join FierceCable Editor Steve Donohue for this exclusive breakfast event at the NAB Show, April 9th, in Las Vegas. Sponsored by Comcast Media Center, Elemental Technologies, and Irdeto. REGISTER TODAY. > Mobile Payments Conference - April 10-11, 2013 - New York, NY Sponsored by Mobile Marketing & Technology, a leading news outlet on mobile payment and marketing developments, the Spring Mobile Payments Conference will bring together high level executives to learn about the latest in the mobile marketing, mobile wallet and mobile payments ecosystem. Click here. > Competitive Carriers Global Expo - April 17-19 - New Orleans CCA is the premier trade show and conference for the competitive mobile ecosystem and brings together decision-makers for networking, learning and sharing best practices. CCA is the nation's leading association for competitive wireless providers. To register www.ccaevents.org. > BlackBerry Jam Americas for Developers - May 14-16 - Orlando, Florida BlackBerry® Jam Americas is your chance to take your apps to the next level. Get your toughest technical questions answered. Gain marketing insights to boost your profits. Meet up with fellow developers to create the next great app. Register by March 22 and save with the Early Bird Rate! > Andrew Seybold Wireless University at CTIA 2013 - May 20, 2013 - Las Vegas, Nevada LTE worldwide broadband standard is changing wireless forever. Delve into the technologies, spectrum, deployments, ecosystems, and devices. Understand the implications. More information at www.andrewseybold.com > AnDevCon - May 28-31 - Boston, MA AnDevCon is the technical conference for software developers building Android apps. Featuring tutorials, technical classes and 40+ exhibitors. Receive a $100 discount off either the 4-day or 3-day pass by inserting the code MEDIASPONSOR when prompted. Register Now! > Fierce Innovation Awards 2012 Live Announcement of this Year's Winners - Now Available On-Demand Please join Jason Nelson, Publisher of FierceWireless, FierceTelecom, and FierceCable as we announce the winners of the Fierce Innovation Awards 2012. Click here to RSVP today.
| > Research: M-commerce in the UK 2012 | Verdict Channel Reports M-commerce has expanded rapidly in 2011 and 2012, as both retailers and consumers continue to adapt to the potential of mobile devices. Not only are more people making purchases, but also more apps and mobile optimised websites have furthered the possible uses of mobile devices for shoppers. Download Now. > Research: Software: Global Industry Guide Software: Global Industry Guide is an essential resource for top-level data and analysis covering the Software industry. It includes detailed data on market size and segmentation, textual analysis of the key trends and competitive landscape, and profiles of the leading companies. This incisive report provides expert analysis on a global, regional and country basis. Download Now. > Research: Enterprise Applications Market Forecast in the US to 2014 Enterprise Applications Market Forecast in the US to 2014 is a comprehensive resource for the market split by technology (ERP, product lifecycle management, customer relationship management [CRM], human resources [HR] and payroll, financial, supply chain management [SCM], and commerce applications). This Databook also provides data split by nine industry verticals. Download Now. > eBook: Knowledge Management: 5 Steps to Getting it Right the First Time This eBook sets out 5 simple steps for optimizing customer service and support with an effective, best-practice-led knowledge management initiative. Download today! > Whitepaper: Forrester: Defining the Next-Generation Workspace How will you meet the needs of a mobile workforce? In this Forrester study, discover approaches to BYOD and desktop virtualization. Learn why Cisco Unified Workspace may be the solution for your mobility, virtualization, and security challenges. Read the study. > eBook: The Roadmap to LTE Advanced This eBook from FierceWireless will look at the various aspects of the LTE-Advanced standard as well as how operators are likely to deploy the technology. Download for free today. > eBook: Cable's Next TV Everywhere Obstacle: 'Download to Go' FierceCable discusses the latest technologies TV networks and content owners use to drive increased ratings and revenue from various video devices. Download for free today. > Whitepaper: Monetizing Networks in the Cloud Era Enterprises are increasingly adopting cloud services for an enhanced IT experience while maintaining or reducing costs. This paper explains how providers can address these challenges and opportunities to more efficiently monetize their network and human assets. Download Today. > eBook: Smarter Service: The Contract Center of the Future This eBook explores the challenges facing traditional contact centers and the benefits of deploying the contact center of the future. You'll find links to further resources on the final page. Download today.
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