THE NEWS WRAP: Apple working on Google Now competitor – StartupSmart

Apple is developing a new iOS imitative code named “proactive” that will leverage Siri, Contacts, Calendar, Passbook and third-party apps to compete with Google Now.

 

Proactive will automatically provide timely information based on user data and device usage patterns, but respect its users privacy preferences, a source told 9to5Mac.

 

The feature will likely replace Apple’s Spotlight menu. Speculation suggests some form of Proactive will be introduced with iOS9 at the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 8.

Comcast restarts Vox Media acquisition talks

Before Vox Media acquired Re/code, it had been engaged in acquisition talks with Comcast.

 

Comcast has invested in both Vox Media and Re/code, and now following Vox Media’s purchase of Re/code, Comcast is ready to reopen acquisition talks with Vox Media, Quartz reports.

 

Vox Media has raised about $US110 million over the last six years and has been seeking a Valuation close to $1 billion.

Desktop internet is not in decline

The amount of time spent online on desktop has remained steady for the past two years, according to data from comScore.

 

Online mobile usage has grown steadily over that period and is adding to, not subtracting from the amount of time people spent online on desktop computers.

Overnight

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 121.45 to 18,162.99. The Australian dollar is currently trading at US77 cents.

 

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