Everybody’s favorite start up bank is no longer a startup. Simple has been acquired by BBVA, a massive multinational banking group with $820 billion in assets, for $117 million in cash. So say goodbye to your dream of future-forward, independent banking folks. Say goodbye.
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While nearly everything is moving over to a mobile experience, banking remains one of the last vestiges of the old world. But even that is slowly changing with the likes of Simple
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The iOS crowd has been able to use Simple’s online banking app since May of last year, but starting today, those on the Android side of things also have access to the service. For those unfamiliar with Simple, it essentially hopes to match or replace the other guys by introducing “everything you need to organize your spending so you can save more.” This means that in addition to checking account balances, you can also view recent transactions and send or schedule payments. In order to do any of that, however, you’ll first need an account — Simple’s taking invite requests now, and those wanting to give it a try should check out the source link to get started.
Filed under: Software
Source: Simple
And I thought that John’s Phone was as dumb as dumbphones get. But now, a UK-based company has created OwnFone, a phone that doesn’t even have a number pad, just speed dials people that you set when you order the phone. If this isn’t idiot proof then I don’t know what is.
Users can choose to have 2, 4, 8 or 12 contacts on their OwnFone. Aside from the numbers, users can further customize their OwnFone by adding colors and style. You can leave the phone as it is, add a pattern or upload an image to be used as its background. Right now customers can only use alphanumeric characters to label the contact buttons, but in the future it will be possible to use Braille or even images as labels to make the phone even more accessible.
The phone is only about 0.28″ thick and weighs just 40g (about 0.09 lbs). It’s also rechargeable and can last up to a year in “Shutdown” mode. I’m not sure if the last feature is merely a sleep mode or a literal shutdown state.
Want your own OwnFone phone? Better move to the UK as it’s currently exclusive to the state. If you’ve got that taken care off, head to the OwnFone website and be ready to fork over £55 (~$87 USD) for the device itself. You’ll also have to sign up for a monthly plan that costs between £7.50-£15 (~$12-$24 USD).
[via The Verge]
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