In several instances, Facebook's in-app notifications were delayed and only appeared when I opened the Facebook app.

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The service can be employed across Android and iOS, implementing cloud data storage, leaderboards, achievements, multiplayer functionality, push notifications, and in-app purchases -- essentially exactly what OpenFeint once aimed to provide.

ENGADGET

Coupon app Yowza already lets users opt-in to receiving push notifications when their favorite merchants add new deals.

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Additionally, you'll start receiving some call and message notifications - even when the app is closed and in the background.

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The app also rewards good behavior in the form of iOS notifications and colorful on-screen badges, though competing products admittedly take a very similar approach when it comes to keeping users motivated.

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For more traditional viewers, the update also brings a standard TV guide users can pull up by selecting "TV" on the home screen, the ability to schedule and manage DVR recordings from antenna on the box itself (previously only possible via webpage for the still-in-beta feature), notifications for upcoming recordings and even 3D support in the Vudu app.

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