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WhatsApp founder says he doesn't want to hurt carriers, much Apr 5th 2012, 02:32 Given how much the world has already noticed that instant messaging can be cheaper than SMS, it's surprising to see the founder of WhatsApp trying to persuade carriers that he's actually doing them a favor. In an interview with Reuters, Brian Acton said that his messaging service is "facilitating a broad movement to data plans," from which carriers "stand to benefit quite substantially." While it's certainly true that smartphones and data plans make nice margins for operators, Acton's thesis also slithers around some slightly inconvenient evidence. According to analysts at Ovum, carriers lost $13.9 billion in SMS revenues last year, and are set to lose another $23 billion this year. All the while, WhatsApp's traffic is growing rapidly, with total messages doubling from one billion in October 2011 to two billion in February. With data costs falling around the world, and with platforms like WhatsApp running on lower-priced handsets (such as those running Nokia S40), it's the consumer, not the carrier, who ought to be charmed. WhatsApp founder says he doesn't want to hurt carriers, much originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 22:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink TheNextWeb  |  Reuters  | Email this | Comments IDrive Connect offers Google Docs access via virtual folder on your Windows machine Apr 5th 2012, 01:29 Need a way to access those Google Docs outside of the native interface? IDrive Online Backup has unveiled its free software that does just that. IDrive Connect allows folks who fancy the document-sharing platform to access files as if they were resting in a folder on their PC -- in a DropBox-esque fashion. The application enables drag-and-drop capabilities for easy upload, conversion for popular document types to the Google Docs format and file sharing directly within the Connect interface. If that wasn't enough, you can also save those Google Docs to an existing IDrive account, which offers up to 5GB of backup / storage (not just documents, either) at no cost. If you're looking for all the details, hit the PR below or take a gander and the source links to download the app and get started. Continue reading IDrive Connect offers Google Docs access via virtual folder on your Windows machine IDrive Connect offers Google Docs access via virtual folder on your Windows machine originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink   |  IDrive  | Email this | Comments Acura partners with Aha by Harman, 2013 RLX calls first dibs on next-gen infotainment Apr 5th 2012, 00:55 Following in the footsteps of Honda and Subaru, Acura has chosen the New York International Auto Show to reveal its newfangled tie-up with Harman. The cleverly-titled Aha infotainment platform -- which aims to "make web content safe for drivers" -- will soon be working its way into Acura motorcars, starting with the 2013 RLX. It'll be part of a revamped audio system, integrated via Bluetooth and able to provide drivers with access to "tens of thousands of audio stations, including web content like Internet radio, on-demand music, live news, podcasts, audio books, Facebook and Twitter newsfeeds, personalized points of interest information and much more." The Aha service is currently live in the US, Canada and Western Europe, and it sounds as if it's working hard to lure in other automakers in the near future. Pricing details are nowhere to be found, but go ahead and bank on needing that Technology package when it comes time to approach the dealership. Continue reading Acura partners with Aha by Harman, 2013 RLX calls first dibs on next-gen infotainment Acura partners with Aha by Harman, 2013 RLX calls first dibs on next-gen infotainment originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink   |  Harman  | Email this | Comments

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