Hasta La Gadget!

Like many developers, Instagram defends itself against clone apps and other clear abuses of its image. However, the photo-focused social network is now cracking down on subtler variations of its branding. The company has updated its brand guidelines to forbid Instagram-compatible services from including “insta” or “gram” in their names; they also can’t use modifications of Instagram’s signature logo. These similar-looking offerings could be mistaken for officially endorsed products, according to Instagram. The firm isn’t taking any offenses lightly, either. In a notice to Luxogram that was obtained by TechCrunch, Instagram asked for a response to its concerns within 48 hours, and required both logo and name changes within a “reasonable period.” Given the abundance of third-party developers that lean on the Instagram name to lure customers, the tougher policy could spark some confusion as companies rebrand their services en masse.

Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Facebook

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Via: TechCrunch

Source: Instagram

We all know by now that directly interacting with a phone while driving is a very bad idea. There are many more potential distractions at play in a car, however, and the US Department of Transportation has just published the first phase of guidelines to help infotainment device and vehicle makers keep drivers’ eyes on the road. Many of them are logical recommendations for avoiding text, video and the web while on the move, although the federal agency suggests curbs that would surprise those with cutting-edge rides. While the DOT agrees that hands-free calls are safer, it still sees an added degree of risk from using them; it’s not a big fan of GPS systems that introduce 3D or photorealism, either, as they potentially distract from the navigation at hand. The current guidelines aren’t hard and fast rules, but it’s clear the DOT will be watching companies closely — and when the advice is just one part of a three-part series, we’d expect close scrutiny of phones and other mobile devices before too long.

Filed under: Cellphones, GPS, Transportation

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Via: Wired

Source: NHTSA