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Software

Instappy makes creating an Android or iOS app really easy

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You’ve got the creative vision for an app that will change the world but have no coding expertise to develop one. Few options include hiring a bunch of coders and UX guys to develop an app from scratch or outsourcing the development to an app making company. The issue with these two options is that the initial outlay can be really expensive. However, a service like Instappy claims to solve this issue.

The service allows users to create Android and/or iOS apps with few simple clicks and allows to customise the app as per their need. The apps can be configured to push notifications in the app, a payment gateway, analytics, variety of APIs and lots more. Instappy says a full fledged retail commerce app like Jabong and Myntra can also be developed within minutes.

As for the price, it has a free plan to start with but as move to the paid tier, you get more features according to the selected plan. The basic paid plan starts from Rs. 49,000 for a year.

Instappy

Bonjour! Microsoft launches on screen Skype translator in six languages

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On Thursday, Microsoft unveiled its new translating service, which provides real time translation when you’re calling your long-lost pal from China.

Currently Microsoft has rolled out this software capable of translating conversations in six different languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin.

Going by the accuracy of Google Translate and other online translating devices, you’re probably thinking, do I trust computer translation enough to make try and understand what’s going on in an important business call? Yes you should. According to Microsoft, a PHD student trusted this software to unite donors around the world for a non-profit project, – that’s good enough for us.

As you can imagine the service isn’t going to be perfect as it's currently in a preview stage. It won’t always pick up proper names or place names, so expect to have a bit of a giggle at your contacts expense. A bunch of additional languages and improvements to the service are to arrive in the coming months.

You’ll need to download Skype with Translator for your desktop or tablet, and make sure you have a headset with microphone functionality. Once you’ve downloaded, choose a contact to call, click the globe icon and select the languages that you and your contact speak, and your ready to go.

Need a swanky tablet to utilise Skype Translator? Check out our top tablets of 2015. 

WhatsApp edges a step closer to 1 billion users

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The WhatsApp team certainly have reason to celebrate. The messaging app just hit 900 million monthly active users and, as always with these things, took to Facebook to announce the good news. The milestone was reached seven months after WhatsApp hit the 700 million mark.

WhatsApp has seen a massive surge of late. It’s reportedly racked up tens of millions of users in just a matter of weeks and now has its sights set on 1 billion. The way it’s going, that shouldn’t take long. In June, WhatsApp became only the second Android app to reach 1 billion downloads, and it looks like there’s still more to come.

It’s gone from strength to strength ever since it was acquired by Facebook for a steep $19bn in 2014. Mark Zuckerberg threw down big money, but it’s paying dividends. In comparison, Facebook's own Messenger app hit 700 million users in June following its separation from the core service.

The one to beat, though, is Facebook’s main mobile app which boasts a whopping 1.49 billion monthly active users. Whether or not WhatsApp can catch up with it remains to be seen, but we wouldn’t rule it out. One thing we do know is that a business model isn’t far away.

Zuckerberg previously said: “Once we get to being a service with 1 billion, there are many clear ways that we can monetise.” The question is, how? The Facebook founder has already ruled out ads, so it'll be interesting to see what it does.

Windows 10 is finally released to the world

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Starting today, people who reserved their upgrade to Windows 10 will be notified in waves. If you haven't yet reserved your upgrade, make sure your machine is up-to-date through Windows Update and you'll see a Windows 10 icon on the taskbar next to the notification area.

Notable inclusions in the new OS include a return for the Start menu (with built-in live tiles), new Universal apps that run on the desktop (and work across mobile, PC and even Xbox One) and four-way window snapping. There's also a new Action Centre to house notifications and more. Check our our Windows 10 features guide for more. 

Windows 10 is designed to be cross-platform.and will not only run on PCs but on mobile, too, as well as small tablets that also run the mobile-centric ARM microarchitecture. The name choice was apparently selected as the OS has undergone a huge jump from Windows 8.

From the beginning of August, volume licence holders can grab Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education.

Here's all our great Windows 10 coverage so far: 

Meerkat app: watch live GoPro streams

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Meerkat looks like it might have one up on Twitter-backed Periscope. Both apps aim to deliver live video from someone else straight to your eyes, however Meerkat’s new GoPro integration feature means that seeing your friend’s live stream will be more action packed and crystal clear than ever before.

The process of connecting your GoPro to your iPhone is ridiculously simple. After you’ve connected your iOS device via Wi-Fi, you open the Meerkat app on your phone, give it a good shake and your up and running. You can live stream your adventure from pretty much anywhere whether your bungee jumping out of a plane or surfing the waves, as long as your GoPro camera is within connection of your mobile device.

The only thing that Periscope currently has over Meerkat is that you can archive previous broadcasts, so that hilarious failed stunt your mate just pulled will be able to be replayed over and over. If Meerkat adopts this, and included intergration to Android it will blow the other live streaming competition out of the water. 

Don't forget to check out our guide to the best Android phone.