Online Insider: Race is On Between Apple and Google

On Tuesday’s Online Insider, KSTP.com’s Cory Kampschroer reports the following stories:

Apple Favoring Facebook

Apple is making it more difficult for you to use Google and its Android Network. They unveiled new software yesterday as part of its upcoming iPhone 5 release.

The company is kicking Google Maps off its phone and is favoring Facebook over Google+. Apple is also positioning Siri to become more of a search engine in order to compete with Google.

Google announced upgrades to their mapping software as well.

New Verizon Plan

Your cell phone bill may be looking a little different at the end of this month.

Verizon is saying it will drop nearly all of its phone plans in favor of a price scheme that shares data usage. This means you will combine device like tablets and laptops together with your phone and texting plan. 

It is said to start at $90 a month for a smartphone and a gigabyte of data.

Other carriers are likely to follow suit. AT&T has already said they’re looking at introducing shared plans.

Travel Infographic 

Can’t break away from Facebook while you’re on vacation? A study by Rasmussen College shows that you’re not alone.

Many social media users still log into their Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter accounts while away on vacation.

Click to see the full study.

Cooking Substitutions

With backyard barbecues in full swing, this week we're featuring an online tool for cooking.

The Substitutions App saves you a last minute trip to the grocery store. If you’re missing basil, you can simply substitute it for oregano or thyme.

The app is also useful if you’re cooking for someone with allergies or a gluten free diet.

For more information on the app, click here.