Weekly Digital Roundup (4.21.14)

Remember the Paper app? Facebook has made some updates to keep up with user feedback, and while they were at it, have released word of a new money transfer business. Without further ado, here’s what we found to be the biggest news, so you may comfortably remain snuggled under a rock.

Updates to Facebook's Paper

Facebook listened to user feedback on its Paper app, released in January, and added some key features this past week in its first significant app update since. Now, birthdays and events are showcased within Paper when you click the notifications tab, and users can add a photo to a comment by using the phone’s camera or camera roll. Facebook hasn't quite seen the download numbers and adoption rate they'd hoped for with Paper, but maybe—just maybe—this will help! Catch up on the other updates to the app here.

Give Glass a Whirl

After a one-day public sale last Tuesday for anyone to purchase Glass, Google is now offering a home trial kit for those who are skeptical of dropping $1500 or looking like a "Glass-hole." Here's the catch: the trial is simply a for fashion—giving their new titanium frames a spin—because the Glass devices that would be shipped are not actually usable. Interested? It's not totally apparent how to obtain the home trial kit, but maybe just give Google a call?

Flickr Adds HD Video to iOS and Android Apps

Flickr completely redesigned iOS and Android apps on Thursday. The apps include faster navigation, a more streamlined design, focus on sharing, support for HD videos, and ta-dah: in-app video capture. Sure, Flickr may not be all that anymore, but it's still a bag of chips for those photo-lovers who have stuck by.

Twitter to Feature Ads on its Mobile App for Other Apps

In an effort to monetize its current user base, Twitter has been testing ads that promote the downloading of other mobile aps within its own mobile experience. Placements for Spotify, Kabam, Deezer, and HotelTonight have been spotted by users. The company announced a mobile app install suite last week that leverages Twitter’s acquisition last year of MoPub, letting marketers advertise both on and off Twitter.

Facebook Banking

Facebook gave word of a money transfer business in Europe in the works, increasing the scope of its current social service options beyond the U.S. Platforms like PayPal, Western Union, and Moneygram own the market for now, but with Facebook, Google, and Amazon all trying to get skin in the game, this status could change. So many people already spend night and day on the latter few, that such an extension "furthers the business concept of a 'one-stop shop' for online money and communication needs." But who knows, Facebook also tried to make email obsolete.Happy Earth Day Eve! Go plant a tree. But make sure it's organic.