Google developing new messaging app: WSJ

Google, part of Alphabet Inc., is building a new mobile messaging application to better compete with rival services such as those offered by Facebook Inc., The Wall Street Journal reported.

The new service would tap into Google's artificial intelligence know-how, integrating chatbots, or software programs that answer questions, inside a messaging app, the Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The new app will enable users to text friends or a chatbot, which will search the web and other sources for information to answer a question.

It is unclear when the service will be launched, or what it will be named, the report said.

Google declined to comment.

Popular messaging apps include Facebook's WhatsApp and Messenger services, and Tencent Holdings Ltd's WeChat, while Google has a service called Hangouts.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Want your artwork to become a Viber sticker?

MANILA – Would you like your artwork to become a sticker in the popular messaging app Viber? If yes, then this contest is for you.

Viber, a mobile messaging app known for its stickers such as LegCat and Violet, is launching a global sticker design initiative called "Sticky Fingers" to find the artist who will create the next Viber sticker character.

“Filipinos are known for many things – creativity, talent, and wit among them, and that’s why we believe that our artists will be strong contenders in this competition,” said Crystal Lee, Viber Country Manager for the Philippines.

Stickers are a core part of Viber’s service, with millions of people using them every day. In 2014, Viber’s 516 million users sent 22 billion stickers.

The winning artist will be selected by a panel that includes Viber Creative Director Erez Shocher and Chief Marketing Officer Mark Hardy.

They will work with the Viber Design Studio to turn their Sticky Fingers character into a fully developed commercial Sticker Pack that will be sold in Viber’s Sticker Market.

The artist will receive a share of revenue every time the Sticker Pack is bought.

Their work will also be featured around the world via Viber and Talenthouse’s social media channels.

Entries will be accepted only until April 16 at 1 a.m. (Philippine Time) through www.viber.com/StickyFingers/Info.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How much did Facebook pay to buy WhatsApp?

SAN FRANCISCO - Facebook Inc. closed its acquisition of mobile messaging service WhatsApp on Monday, with the final price tag rising an additional $3 billion to roughly $22 billion because of the increased value of Facebook's stock in recent months.

WhatsApp founder Jan Koum will receive nearly $2 billion in stock, vesting over a four-year period, as an inducement for him to stay with the company, according to a regulatory filing on Monday.

The acquisition, which Facebook announced in February and recently received regulatory approval in Europe, underscores the sky-rocketing values of fast-growing Internet startups, and the willingness of established players such as Facebook and Google Inc. to pay out for them.

WhatsApp, which has more than 600 million monthly users, is among a new crop of mobile messaging and social media apps that have become increasingly popular among younger users. Snapchat, a privately owned mobile app that allows users to swap photos that can disappear after a few seconds, is raising money at a $10 billion valuation, according to media reports.

Facebook paid $4.59 billion in cash and 178 million shares of its stock for WhatsApp, as well 46 million of grants in restricted stock units for WhatsApp employees that will vest over a four year period. At Monday's opening Facebook share price of $77.17, the deal translates to roughly $21.8 billion.

Koum, who will serve as WhatsApp Chief Executive and become a Facebook director, will earn a $1 annual salary, similar to Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg. Koum will receive 24.9 million Facebook restricted stock units, worth roughly $1.9 billion at Monday's share price.

WhatsApp, which has more than 70 employees, will continue to be based at its Mountain View, California, location.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com