| This week's sponsor is Intel. |  | Intel® Software Adrenaline Magazine
Get the latest in touch and sensory technologies. This edition explores the frontiers of touch computing, mobile lifestyles and more. Download today |
Also Noted: Moovweb
Spotlight On... BlackBerry issuing Messenger beta invites to Android, iOS users
Vibes acquires Lumata's U.S. brands business; 'Temple Run 2' adds sprinter Usain Bolt and much more... 
Best new Android, iOS apps of July 2013
Mobile apps will remain a universal obsession only as long as they continue to captivate, surprise and entertain consumers. Fortunately, the app ecosystem shows no signs of slowing up: Innovative and immersive mobile experiences are entering app stores every day. Each month, FierceMobileContent will look at the best and brightest, spotlighting the new apps that you need to download to your smartphone ASAP. Click here to check out the lists from previous months. Here are July's finest--the best mobile apps of the month. Click here to get started.
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News From the Fierce Network:
1. Spalter: Spectrum history 101 - When good intentions go wrong
2. Google lured Starbucks with 100x Wi-Fi speed, unique content
3. With churn low, Sprint and T-Mobile fight to steal switchers from Verizon, AT&T
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Marketplace > Whitepaper: Knowledge Management: 5 Steps to Getting it Right the First Time
> Whitepaper: eBook: Smarter Service: The Contact Center of the Future
> Whitepaper: Cisco ONE: Framework for the Internet of Everything
> Whitepaper: The Financial Benefit of Cisco's Elastic Core
> Whitepaper: Touch Technology Extends Mobile Gaming
> Whitepaper: New Wi-Fi Business Models Create Real Value for SPs
> Whitepaper: Gain Business Advantages with Service Provider Wi-Fi
> Whitepaper: SP Wi-Fi: Authorization Options for Mobile Network Operators
> eBook: Making Money from Multiscreen
Jobs > Wireless Store Manager – Florham Park, NJ – Cricket Communications
> Sr. Account Executive – San Diego, CA – Cox Communications
> Inventory Specialist /Revenue Analyst – Oklahoma City, OK – Cox Communications
> Field Auditor I – Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – Cox Communications
> SAS Administrator – Atlanta, CA – Cox Communications
> Senior Director, Technology Delivery Assurance – Atlanta, CA – Cox Communications
> SMB Account Exec (Cox Business) – San Diego, CA – Cox Communications
> Commercial Development Executive – Anywhere – WhistleOut
> Director of Operations Engineering – Tyler, Texas – Suddenlink Communications
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* General ad info: Click here | Today's Top News 1. App Annie: Google Play app downloads eclipse Apple's App Store in Q2
Application downloads from the Google Play (NASDAQ:GOOG) digital storefront have surpassed downloads from Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) rival App Store, but Apple's iOS continues to outpace Google's Android on app revenues, according to new data from mobile analytics firm App Annie. Total Google Play app downloads exceeded App Store installs by 10 percent during the second quarter of 2013, App Annie reports, crediting the surge to strong performances in India and Brazil. "Android's open platform has given Google Play a very strong position in these markets because cell phone manufacturers like Samsung, HTC and LG are offering cheaper handsets and already have established distribution channels to market and sell their products," App Annie said. The App Store nevertheless generated revenues 2.3x higher than Google Play, boosted by substantial growth in the music and social networking apps categories. Games continue to dominate both storefronts, accounting for 80 percent of combined revenues in Google Play and 75 percent in the App Store. The United States leads all nations on both iOS and Android downloads. China is second on App Store installs but did not rank among the top five in Google Play rankings. "China is a unique market because it isn't dominated primarily by the iOS App Store and Google Play," App Annie said. "Baidu, China's leading search engine, announced on July 15, 2013 that they signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase 91 Wireless, one of the leading third-party app stores that deliver both iOS and Android apps. Third-party app stores play a significant role in the Chinese app economy, both for Android devices that can't connect to Google Play and jailbroken iPhones." The U.S. market also beats out all other markets on App Store revenues, but slides to third on Google Play revenues, behind Japan and South Korea. The three markets combined generate roughly 70 percent of total worldwide Google Play revenues, App Annie noted. For more:
- read this App Annie blog post Related articles:
Flurry: 90 percent of iOS apps in use are free downloads
Report: Tablet owners spend 3x more on in-game purchases than smartphone users
Forecast: Mobile app downloads will double to 160 billion in 2017
Distimo: Top-ranking free iOS apps generate at least 72,000 downloads per day
Distimo: In-app purchases pay off for iOS developers
App Annie: Candy Crush Saga dominates iOS game revenues, downloads Read more about: Metrics
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| This week's sponsor is Kony. |  | White Paper: Mobilizing the Entire Enterprise
"Mobility" as a catch-phrase is popping up on every CTO's radar. But what does it mean to "mobilize" your business? Learn how to optimize IT investments for better business performance and make the most of all that mobility promises. Download Now.
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2. Instagram restores third-party Windows Phone app photo uploads
Facebook (NASDAQ:FB)-owned Instagram has restored support for photos snapped via third-party applications optimized for devices running Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows Phone OS. Earlier this week, Instance--a Windows Phone app supporting Instagram viewing and uploading functionality--said Instagram was deleting images uploaded by Instance users. Instagram appeared to be "detecting when photos are not uploading via the official app," Instance developer Daniel Gary told The Verge. "It's their servers, their service. What I was doing was not approved by them and was using their private API." Instagram identified a recent update to its spam prevention and security protocols as the culprit behind Instance's hiccups. "As part of this [update], applications accessing Instagram against the terms of our API may be affected," Instagram said. "This update does not specifically target any particular app or platform." Instagram tweaked its spam filter again on Wednesday, this time bringing back full imaging support for Windows Phone apps. The Verge notes that Facebook regularly overhauls its anti-spam mechanisms--but the publication pointed out that any subsequent changes could once again block access to services like Instance. Facebook has resisted pleas from Windows Phone users and manufacturing partners to build an official version of Instagram optimized for the Microsoft platform. In March, Nokia (NYSE:NOK) rolled out #2InstaWithLove, a photo-sharing app built for its Windows Phone-based Lumia smartphone line. "Many of you have asked when Instagram will be coming to Windows Phone, and the #2InstaWithLove app was created as a way for you to have your voice heard," Nokia said at the time. First introduced for Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS in October 2010, Instagram enables users to snap, filter and manipulate photos and then upload their work to social media sites. The app expanded to Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android operating system in April 2012. Facebook acquired Instagram for $715 million last year and recently announced that the app boasts 130 million monthly users who have shared 16 billion photos. For more:
- read this Verge article Related articles:
Report: Instagram blocking photos uploaded from third-party Windows Phone app Instance
Instagram introduces Web embeds for photos, videos
Facebook unveils Video on Instagram, challenges Twitter's Vine
Instagram eclipses 100 million active users, adding 10 million new users per month
Instagram reports 10 percent user growth after privacy flap
Facebook acquires Instagram photo sharing app Read more about: Mobile Social Networking, Facebook
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3. BlackBerry probes vanishing text messages after latest BB 10.1 update
BlackBerry (NASDAQ:BBRY) is investigating user reports that text messages vanished following the installation of the manufacturer's new BlackBerry OS 10.1 maintenance release, issued earlier this week. The Next Web reports that dozens of BlackBerry Z10 and Q10 owners turned to Twitter to complain that the over-the-air 10.1 update deleted their text history, account passwords and other features. Some users lost all messaging functionality, while others can see their own texts but cannot view the remainder of the message thread. "A small number of customers have reported an issue with their SMS message history after updating to BlackBerry 10.1 MR," a BlackBerry spokesperson said. "We are currently investigating the issue." The relatively minor BlackBerry 10.1 MR update includes performance enhancements for BlackBerry Hub, which offers a single point of access for all personal and professional conversations including BlackBerry Messenger chats, email and social media alerts. The release also brings new discovery and wish list options for the BlackBerry World storefront, Chinese and Korean language support, and BlackBerry Remember productivity improvements. BlackBerry (formerly Research In Motion) unveiled the overhauled BlackBerry 10 in late January. The embattled device maker is looking to the retooled OS to resuscitate user interest in its platform, but early returns are not encouraging: BlackBerry devices represented just 1.1 percent of U.S. smartphone sales during the second quarter of 2013, down from 4 percent a year ago, according to a Kantar Worldpanel ComTech report issued earlier this week. Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android powered 51.5 percent of U.S. smartphone sales in the second quarter, ahead of Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS at 42.5 percent. For more:
- read this Next Web article
- read this Inside BlackBerry blog post Related articles:
BlackBerry 10.2 bringing support for Android Jelly Bean apps
BlackBerry Messenger apps coming to iOS, Android this summer
BlackBerry 10 update boosts third-party app performance, video playback
BlackBerry trials mobile money transfer service over Messenger
BlackBerry adds in-app purchase support to BB10 WebWorks SDK Read more about: BlackBerry, Mobile Messaging
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4. Google extends Windows Phone sync protocols support to Dec. 31
Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) will continue to support Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Exchange ActiveSync protocol through the end of 2013, enabling all Windows Phone users to access the full range of Gmail messaging and scheduling services on their smartphones. "We've reached an agreement with Google to extend support for new Windows Phone connections to the Google Sync service through December 31, 2013," Microsoft said in a statement to The Verge. Late last year, Google announced plans to terminate Exchange ActiveSync access at the end of January, giving Microsoft roughly 45 days to implement support for its CardDAV and CalDAV calendar and contact syncing protocols. Google later extended the cutoff deadline to July 31: Had the company not relented, Windows Phone device owners would have been left with only IMAP email support for Gmail, rendering calendar and contact sync options non-functional. Microsoft incorporated CardDAV and CalDAV support into its Windows Phone 8 General Distribution Release 2, which began rolling out last month, but the update has not yet reached all handsets. Google's latest extension gives Microsoft five additional months to ensure that most if not all Windows Phone devices are capable of full Google services support. Windows Phone 8 GDR2 is otherwise a relatively minor update, highlighted by the restoration of FM radio support--a longtime Windows Phone OS feature dropped with the late 2012 launch of WP8--as well as Xbox Music improvements to provide more accurate metadata. GDR2 also touts a Data Sense app tracking service and stability improvements to services like Internet Explorer and Skype. For more:
- read this Verge article Related articles:
Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 update brings support for Gmail sync protocols
Report: Windows Phone 8 adding notification center, improved multitasking in early 2014
Microsoft's sweeping reorganization shifts focus to services, devices
Microsoft: Windows Phone is 'growing faster than anyone else'
Microsoft finally expands Office productivity suite to Apple's iPhone
Microsoft targets mid-2014 to terminate Windows Phone 8, 7.8 support Read more about: Microsoft, Google
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5. Fiksu: App marketing costs climb as brands embrace Facebook install ads
Mobile application marketing costs increased 5 percent in June 2013, a surge attributed to the growing number of brands leveraging Facebook's (NASDAQ:FB) mobile app install ads platform, mobile user acquisition platform Fiksu reports. Fiksu's Cost per Loyal User Index, which measures the cost of acquiring a loyal user for brands who proactively market their apps, increased to $1.50 in June, up 17 cents from May's $1.33. Fiksu credited the Index fluctuations to Facebook install ads, citing growing marketer interest as well as improving performance. The ads, introduced last fall, target consumers based on the apps and games they already access on their smartphones: Developers select their intended audience demographic, budget and method of payment, and Facebook inserts ads for their apps directly into targeted users' mobile news feeds. "It's no wonder that brands are starting to ramp up their spending on Facebook mobile app install ads as they are driving large volumes of qualified users at extremely cost-effective rates," said Fiksu CEO Micah Adler. "Now really is the best time to invest in Facebook campaigns while costs remain comparatively low--and before competition starts to heat up." The Fiksu App Store Competitive Index, which measures the average aggregate daily download volume of the top 200 free U.S. iPhone applications, reveals that Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) App Store downloads averaged 5.6 million per day in June, down 5 percent from 5.9 million in May. Fiksu blamed the decline on annual summer doldrums, but notes that June 2013 App Store downloads still recorded a 22 percent year-over-year increase, underlining the ongoing growth of the iOS ecosystem. The Fiksu platform is designed to help brands more cost-effectively market their iOS and Android applications, leveraging predictive algorithms to optimize advertising campaigns in real time. The firm has accumulated more than 131 billion app actions like launches, registrations, in-app purchases and real-time bidding requests. For more:
- read this release Related articles:
Facebook install ads galvanizing iOS app download growth, Fiksu says
Fiksu: iOS app downloads, marketing costs hold steady in March
Fiksu: iOS app downloads plummet after holiday season surge
Report: Average revenue per paid app plummets 27 percent in 2012
Forecast: Average app selling price will plummet to 8 cents by 2017 Read more about: Metrics, Facebook
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Also Noted | This week's sponsor is Moovweb. |  | Whitepaper: Creating the Right Mobile Strategy: What you need to know before you get started
This whitepaper will cover the pros and cons of custom mobile development, why screen-scraping isn't a good idea, how to think about mobile apps vs. mobile sites, and much more. Download Today! |
SPOTLIGHT ON... BlackBerry issuing Messenger beta invites to Android, iOS users BlackBerry (NASDAQ:BBRY) has begun inviting selected Android and iOS device owners to trial the beta version of its forthcoming cross-platform BlackBerry Messenger chat application. BlackBerry confirmed plans to port the BBM service to Android and Apple's iOS in May, promising to launch sometime this summer. While the device maker has not yet announced an official rollout date or specifications, BlackBerry Beta Zone email invitations obtained by BlackBerryOS.com indicate the BBM beta is optimized for devices running at least Android 4.0 and iOS 6. Article Quick news from across the Web. @FierceMobiCo: In case you missed it: Best new Android, iOS apps of July 2013 - FierceMobileContent - Special Report | Follow@FierceMobiCo > Vibes acquires Lumata's U.S. brands business. Release > Temple Run 2 adds sprinter Usain Bolt as playable character. Article > MasterCard cites mobile progress in Q2. Transcript Wireless News > Starbucks ditches AT&T for Google's free Wi-Fi. Article > AT&T was only bidder for Leap, upped price by 58 percent in negotiations. Article Broadband Wireless News > Los Angeles councilman pushes for free citywide Wi-Fi. Article > Spirent adds TD-LTE mobile device testing. Article European Wireless News > Orange, Vodafone sign Romanian network-sharing pact. Article > Ofcom releases 800 MHz spectrum for LTE. Article And finally… Zoo halts mass chimpanzee escape with ice cream, fizzy drinks. Article > Getting started with carrier WiFi - what's it take for a great user experience? - August 27th, 11am ET/ 8am PT Meeting customer expectations has never been more challenging than it is today. Learn how Alcatel-Lucent OmniAccess™ Wireless LAN switch family and Access Point product line can help you deliver the Wi-Fi solution your customers want and create new revenue streams. Register Today!
| > Whitepaper: 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: eBook: Smarter Service: The Contact 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. > Whitepaper: Cisco ONE: Framework for the Internet of Everything Prepare service provider networks to harness network value, increase business agility, and achieve greater operational efficiency. Learn More > Whitepaper: The Financial Benefit of Cisco's Elastic Core This whitepaper describes the financial benefits of an intelligent, converged, and programmable network. Read Now > Whitepaper: Touch Technology Extends Mobile Gaming Get the latest in touch and sensory technologies. This edition explores the frontiers of touch computing, mobile lifestyles and more. Learn more today. > Whitepaper: New Wi-Fi Business Models Create Real Value for SPs The rapid growth of mobile data and the popularity of Wi-Fi have created new and innovative money-makingopportunities for service providers. This whitepaper shares how service providers can make money by implementing new and innovativeWi-Fi business models and how correctly deploying the right model can lead to significant business benefits. Download Whitepaper Now. > Whitepaper: Gain Business Advantages with Service Provider Wi-Fi Wi-Fi has become a strategic asset for Service Providers to keep up with the growing mobile data demands on their network. As a result, Wi-Fi is seen as a place for business innovations and monetization opportunities. Explore the different ways operators can monetize their network with Wi-Fi through lowered costs and increased revenues. Download Whitepaper Now. > Whitepaper: SP Wi-Fi: Authorization Options for Mobile Network Operators The availability of Hotspot 2.0 and Passpoint devices will remove the historical friction users have faced in getting their Wi-Fi devices to seamlessly and securely connect to a new Wi-Fi network. Learn more about the standard for authenticating the user within a Wi-Fi environment and, how to authorize a particular user for access to the Wi-Fi network. Download Whitepaper Now. > eBook: Making Money from Multiscreen Cable operators and networks are slowly building a platform that could make multiscreen programming and advertising a much bigger business. Learn more today.
| > Wireless Store Manager – Florham Park, NJ – Cricket Communications Cricket Communications offers nationwide wireless voice and mobile data services over high-quality, all-digital wireless networks. Every day, our Store Managers at Cricket run all aspects of the Cricket retail business including, but not limited to, financial management, business operations... Learn More > Sr. Account Executive – San Diego, CA – Cox Communications The Sr. Account Executive - Enterprise is responsible for meeting or exceeding sales goals for large accounts. The position is responsible for initial contact with customers, follow-up, proposal preparation, making customer presentations and seeing the sale through to the signing of a contract...Learn More > Inventory Specialist /Revenue Analyst – Oklahoma City, OK – Cox Communications The Inventory Specialist is responsible for providing accurate and detailed reports regarding inventory sell-out levels with recommendations and guidance to assist sales leadership in yield management through the development of optimized rates...Learn More > Field Auditor I – Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – Cox Communications The Field Auditor will maintain the security of the cable system by designing and implementing an effective and efficient audit program, asset and loss prevention programs; investigate internal and external security problems; implement internal and field security programs with other departments... Learn More > SAS Administrator – Atlanta, CA – Cox Communications SAS Administrator is responsible for providing senior level expertise on overall technology, infrastructure and administration as it relates to the SAS Grid enabled architecture, installed on RHEL/JBOSS server platform. Manages, configures and supports SAS...Learn More > Senior Director, Technology Delivery Assurance – Atlanta, CA – Cox Communications This position is accountable for driving Standard Processes, Governance, and Continuous Process Improvements across the Technology organization to improve the consistency and repeatability of our delivery processes. This role supports all technology organizations and closely partners with our enterprise portfolio management team...Learn More > SMB Account Exec (Cox Business) – San Diego, CA – Cox Communications The SMB Account Executive promotes, sells, and retains commercial business solutions for voice, data and video to SMB level customers. Sell bundled telephony, data and video products to existing/new commercial business customers based on assigned revenue targets...Learn More > Commercial Development Executive – Anywhere – WhistleOut This is an easy, 'open and shut' opportunity for an experienced and well-connected telco executive who is looking for a fresh opportunity in digital marketing with a unique, innovative and fast growing online comparison engine. This position is tasked with enhancing the depth of relationships with carriers and resellers in the US and Canada... Learn More > Director of Operations Engineering – Tyler, Texas – Suddenlink Communications Suddenlink Communications is the 7th largest provider of broadband cable, internet, phone and security services in a multi-state environment. We are currently seeking a Director of Operations Engineering to support our Texas and Oklahoma markets. This position requires cable gurus with the following experience...Learn More > Need a job? Need to hire? Visit FierceWirelessJobs | |
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