THE NEWS WRAP: Google snaps up scheduling startup Timeful

Google has acquired scheduling app Timeful in a bid to integrate the startup’s technology into Gmail, Calendar and Google Docs.

Google’s product management director, Alex Gawley, said in a statement the company decided to snap up Timeful because it was impressed by its ability to help people organise their life and understand their “schedule, habits and needs”.

“You can tell Timeful you want to exercise three times a week or that you need to call the bank by next Tuesday, and their system will make sure you get it done based on an understanding of both your schedule and your priorities,” he said.

“We’re excited about all the ways Timeful’s technology can be applied across products like Inbox, Calendar and beyond, so we can do more of the work for you and let you focus on being creative, having fun and spending time with the people you care about.”

Facebook jumps on the live streaming bandwagon

Meerkat has rolled out an update that will allow users to share a link to their live broadcasts directly to their Facebook page.

It is the first time a live-streaming app has linked up with Facebook, with most broadcasts publicised on Twitter.

The update follows news last month that Twitter, which owns rival live-streaming app Periscope, was urging celebrities to stop using Meerkat.

Victoria’s Premier embraces Periscope for budget announcement

In other live-streaming news, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews will be the first political leader in Australia to try his hand at live-streaming app Periscope, according to Fairfax.

Andrews will host a Q&A session on Periscope after his Treasurer, Tim Pallas, hands down the government’s first budget tonight.

Victorians are being encouraged to tweet their questions to the Premier for the 6.30pm Q&A.

Overnight

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 46.34 points, rising 0.26% to 18,070.40. The Aussie dollar is currently trading at around 78 US cents.

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