Google’s new compression will make for faster web browsing. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Users of Google Chrome on both the desktop and mobile should see a speed improvement soon when it comes to loading web pages. A Google engineer confirms that a new type of data compression is ready to ship, with the next release of Chrome set to be the first browser with the new technology baked in.

The improved compression engine, dubbed Brotli, is said to be up to 26 times faster than the current solution, Zopfli.

More downloads doesn’t translate to more revenue, unfortunately. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Google Play may have trounced iOS in terms of sheer downloads, garnering twice as many as the Apple Store did last year, but it’s Apple’s digital storefront that rakes in the cash, according to a new study from App Annie.

In 2014, Android already had a 60 percent lead over iOS; it’s now at 100 percent, marking what could be some major changes in how marketing dollars are spent across the big two mobile platforms.

Both Android and iOS grew, revenue-wise, but iOS still holds the clear lead in the race for consumer spending.

Because it’s worth seeing how much your community loves you from a computer too. Photo: Yik Yak

The app that has become famous around college campuses is now ready to show itself in a different form: as a desktop website. The creators have been testing a web version of Yik Yak in private beta for a while now, but as of today the site is open for public use.

Marshmallow comes to the OnePlus 2 in beta. Photo: OnePlus

OnePlus is now seeking beta testers who can sample and provide feedback on its upcoming Android 6.0 Marshmallow upgrade for the OnePlus 2. Interested parties will need to fill out a questionnaire to register their interest, and meet the strict eligibility criteria.

Messenger gets a redesign — but will you notice? Photo: Facebook

Facebook has begun testing a redesigned Messenger app for Android that now boasts touches of Material Design, including a useful floating action button and a transparent status bar.