Evernote to focus on main app with decision to drop some apps

Much like Dropbox’s decision to drop some of its apps, Evernote is ending support for some of its apps. Skitch for iOS, Android, Windows, and Windows Touch will be shut down. The only version of this app that will remain will be for the Mac. Evernote for the Pebble smartwatch will also be shut down. Evernote Clearly will also be shuttered. The company will stop updating these services and will be removed from circulation on January 22.

The company plans to keep its focus on their main service. According to Evernote, some of the best features of Skitch and Clearly will be integrated into their main service. Skitch’s identical annotation functionality will be available in both Windows and iOS apps. Article simplification from Clearly will be available in the company’s Web Clipper. And Pebble watch users can find Evernote features with the Powernoter app.

Source: Evernote | Via: The Next Web

Microsoft readying to lay off 7,800 workers from mobile phone unit

The reign of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has been punctuated by massive change in management and massive layoffs - Photo from Microsoft

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

More change is afoot at Microsoft which has seen various departures in management due to recent restructuring, the ripple effect of these changes and compressions is the loss of jobs. Microsoft announced today that it will lay off 7,800 workers, majority of these coming from the declining smartphone unit, which it acquired from an already weakend Nokia just last year for US $7.2 billion. Microsoft is the third largest player in mobile behind Apple and Google, but it holds a tiny 2.5 per cent market share, with no indication of moving up.

These layoffs are separate and in addition to the expected 18,000 employees that Microsoft announced would be laid off a year ago as part of the larger restructuring plan. It must be remembered that Microsoft inherited 25,000 employees as a result of the Nokia acquistion last year. This latest development questions what the future of Windows on Mobile Phone will be. Microsoft also relayed it is writing off $7.6 billion related to its acquisition of Nokia and resulting restructuring costs which comes off as a loss for the company.

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FileMaker 14 speeds business solution development on iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac and the web

FileMaker today announced FileMaker 14 a new version of its development platform that speeds creation of custom solutions that run on iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac and the web.

FileMaker 14 brings point-and-click simplicity to automating business processes, delivering desktop-style application functionality to mobile web browsers and providing productive, engaging experiences on desktops, iOS devices and mobile web browsers. It is the first major update to the suite of applications since 2013.

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Leak shows first Microsoft branded Lumia smartphone

A leak shows the front and back of the first non-Nokia branded Microsoft smartphone. Microsoft's RM-1090 looks to be an entry-level smartphone and successor to the short-lived Nokia X line of devices slated for emerging markets. With no Nokia branding anywhere, the device is a dual-SIM affair with what we expect are basic features. No word on when this is shipping or even if it will make its way to Canada but it does give us a clearer idea of what Microsoft has in store for its Windows Phone business.

Source: Engadget