Hasta La Gadget!

Love ’em, ignore ’em or pay a buck to get rid of them, mobile ads are more than just a waste of space, they’re almost a necessary evil. To that effect, Google Maps is populating its search results with local — and hopefully relevant — AdWords starting today. Let’s say you’re looking for a taqueria in Bushwick, Brooklyn; if you’re running the latest version of the app, an ad for Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos could appear at the bottom of your screen. Tapping it brings up a card with review ratings, a call shortcut and sharing buttons. From what we’ve seen, it’s unobtrusive and actually kind of helpful, unlike some of Mountain View’s other advertising experiments. Now, about those tacos…

Filed under: Cellphones, GPS, Transportation, Mobile, Google

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Source: Inside AdWords (Google)

Most of us know the stress that comes with parking your wheels pretty much anywhere in the city; if you’re like us, you vow to hide out in the countryside and never return after each white-knuckled experience. But those are empty words more often than not, and we foolishly come back for more. ParkMe has been a lifesaver for these frustrating situations, but Android users have only been able to look for available parking garages — until now. The company just rolled out an update that now offers motorists real-time street parking information, giving you the price and likely availability of metered locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin and a few other cities. The feature has already been available for iOS, but this will serve as a handy tool for the millions bearing Google’s mobile OS in-hand. Just remember to let your passengers do the navigating — we won’t encourage you to ParkMe and drive.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

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Source: Google Play, ParkMe

Heads up, BB10 users: your Facebook app is in need of an update. As in, there’s one waiting for you. Facebook v10.2.1 for BlackBerry 10 adds Facebook Chat, enhanced message details, quicker scrolling while in Newsfeed and an “enhanced photo experience.” Moreover, you’ll find added Page Admin functions as well as a “refreshed look and feel to your Pages.” Naturally, the update is being provided for free, and can be picked up in the Appworld right here. Of course, it’s also sporting a sterling 2 out of 5 rating, so hopefully the new features will go a ways toward improving the aforesaid mark.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Blackberry

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Source: BlackBerry Blog, BlackBerry Appworld

Got an itchy update trigger finger? If so, your Windows Phone is patiently awaiting. Skype for WP8 just been refreshed to version 2.9, which offers up a couple UI enhancements that should be pretty useful. First, you’ll now be able to filter your People list so that you can choose to view only Skype contacts if you prefer; there’s also a new contact layout within the app that lets you see more people on one screen. On top of this, you’ll also benefit from the obligatory bug fixes and speed improvements — after all, who doesn’t love fewer bugs and getting things done faster? If you do, head straight for the Store and get up to date.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft

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Source: Skype

Though StreetPass has proven to be extremely popular, you’re much less likely to directly cross a fellow Nintendo 3DS user stateside than in the console’s home country of Japan. But thanks to a new update, you’ll now be able to pick up Mii avatar buddies via StreetPass Relay. When a 3DS user crosses a Nintendo Zone hotspot, their data is automatically stored and passed on to another 3DS owner who hits the same relay point. You’ll find them in North America at Best Buy, Simon malls, Future Shop and AT&T WiFi hotpots located in Starbucks, McDonald’s and Barnes & Noble. That’ll help you scoop up friends to play new Mii Plaza games Mii Force, Flower Town, Warrior’s Way and Monster Manor. They sold to the tune of $4 million in their first month, meaning you should have more potential players than ever hanging around your gate.

Filed under: Gaming, Nintendo

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Via: Polygon

Source: Nintendo