New social features add solid functionality to both iOS and Android versions. Photo: Instagram

Photo-sharing service Instagram takes another step closer to becoming its own self-contained social network today with features aimed at the 85 million folks using Instagram Direct, which lets you send direct messages to individual users or groups of up to 15 people.

The new features include threaded messaging and a new way to share Instagram videos or photos within those direct messages.

Instagram adds portrait and landscape support. Screenshots: Instagram

Instagram is no longer a photo sharing service just for squares. The company today announced that it will finally support portrait and landscape photos and videos with its latest updates on Android and iOS.

We’ve all experienced the frustration of searching around for an electrical outlet to charge a dying device, only to realize that your short charging cable can’t reach far enough. It’s annoying, and it sucks. But with this handy 6-foot long, MFi-Certified charging cable, this scenario becomes a thing of the past.

Compatible with both Android, iOS, and other platforms — with both Lightning and micro USB connections — this cable has you covered no matter where you are or what you need to charge. And for a limited time only, you can get 50% off its regular price tag through Cult of Android Deals.

Cortana is here. Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft Cortana today makes its debut on Android following its early release to a small number of testers last month. The beta release is available to anyone who’s interested in testing it, and Cortana can be summoned using Google Now’s home button shortcut.

Sony’s SmartBand just got more intelligent. Photo: Sony

Sony’s second-generation SmartBand 2 is here, and it’s a big improvement over its predecessor. The wearable’s new design packs an intelligent heart rate monitor that constantly measures your excitement and stress levels throughout the day.