HTC allies itself with Robert Downey Jr. for new 'Change' brand platform

You're as good as the company you keep. HTC has joined forces with Robert Downey Jr. for their new marketing campaign called Change.

According to an HTC release, "the Change brand platform is a long-term strategy that celebrates HTC’s disruptive impact on the mobile industry over its 17-year history. Ushering in an innovative new approach that will transform the industry, the campaign represents HTC’s largest-ever investment in marketing and will reach consumers through a broad spectrum of traditional and digital media outlets.

To mark the launch of the global platform, a new above-the-line campaign will be rolled out from August 2013. Featuring acclaimed actor and director, Robert Downey Jr., the first ad creative will screen on YouTube on 15th August, to be immediately followed by a series of cinema and TV executions." Interesting. Hit jump for the full PR and details of this alliance.

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Image leak of the HTC One Max

HTC is set to release a big one and it might be called the HTC One Max—or what evLeaks claims to be the name of the “T6” device they just leaked. It certainly is one big device as it is rumored to carry a 5.9-inch 1080p display with a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB internal storage, UltraPixel camera, dual-front speakers, and a 3300 mAh battery.

Google Play Books adds textbooks for purchase or rent

Google recently announced the availability of digital textbooks on its Google Play Books app that can either be bought or rented. If you opt to rent a book, it will be available to you for six months and you’ll save up to 80% off the regular purchasing price.

Google carries books from some of the well-known publishers including Random House, Pearson, Wiley, McGraw-Hill, and Macmillan Higher Education. The books can be viewed on any Android or iOS device with the Books app or on the Web. 

Canada's Keek social video service passes 58 million user mark

It may not be as popular as Instagram or even Vine, but the Canadian-created social video sharing service seems comitted to compete against those leading apps. The company is reportedly raising $100 million for financing to better compete with more widely popular apps and services. Keek allows users to record and post 36-second long videos called "Keeks" from smartphones as well as computer connected webcams. Followers can then comment and like the videos. You know, sort of like YouTube.

Founded in 2011, Keek's aggressive moves could make it a big story in Canadian app innovation. Keek is available on browsers, Android, iOS, Windows Phone and Blackberry.

Source: Venturebeat