Technology & Business
Bell Mobility will switch to 2 year plans June 17
The CRTC limited the early cancellation fee to 24 months so as expected, we are starting to see the big Canadian carriers respond. We have now learned that Bell will be updating its pricing (June 17) to align with the new CRTC mandate changing plans to 30 day and 2 year terms. What does this mean? Monthly plan costs should remain stable but device pricing will likely go up since the subsidy periods are going from 36 months down to 24 months.
Microsoft surface RT tablet now $349 (Save $150)
Microsoft's Surface RT tablet hasn't taken the world by storm but it is a well built tablet that will meet the demands of most casual users. In order to drum up demand, Microsoft has slashed the price by $150, making the 32GB a very affordable $349. Bestbuy Canada has it for $349 too: I would buy this from a store like BestBuy that has a good return policy and I would get a 64GB model but the 32GB is definitely worth considering.
Moto X to have fast camera
Motorola pupblished an interesting tweet Either this kid is really fast, or today’s phones are really slow. #AlmostGotIt pic.twitter.com/mdMEOGqfhr — Motorola Mobility (@Motorola) July 13, 2013 We'll have to wait and see how "fast" the new Moto X camera really. If Google Motorola really want to make this a winner, it has to be a truly revolutionary device and not the same old same old with useless add on functions (like many features from the Sansung Galaxy S4).
The Kii is the always with you iPhone charger
There a hundreds of tools you can hang on your keychain (USB drive, multi-tool) and now I would like to recommend that you add the Kii to your keychain. The Kii is a creative way to make sure you always have a charger with you all the time. It looks like a small USB drive with a USB connector on one end and dock connector or lightning connector on the other end. The product is made of a durable soft plastic Source
New Google Maps coming to IOS soon
Google is the sultan of search and the master of maps. To ensure it keeps its number one position in maps, it released a completely refreshed maps interface for Android devices a couple of days ago. If you are on an IOS device, you'll have to wait just a little bit longer. What's new? A clean new location browsing interface which makes it easier and more visually appealing to find restaurants, retail stores and more. The new version will also bring a WAZE-like traffic condition identification and rerouting system.
Dropbox competing with iCloud
Dropbox held its first developer conference and surprised attendees by announcing that they have 175,000,000 users. The real big news is something called the Dropbox Datastore API for developers. The introduction paragraph in the announcement blog post says: "Today, we're excited for you try out the beta release of the Datastore API — simple databases for your apps with Dropbox sync built-in! Use datastores to save your app's data — settings, contacts, or any other content that users create — and Dropbox will take care of all the syncing for you.
Apple App store giving away lots of premium apps for free
To mark its 5th aniversary, the Apple iTunes AppStore is giving away a bunch of (normally) premium IOS apps. Get these while the getting is good. Traktor DJ Ipad Traktor DJ for iPhone Infinity Blade II Tiny Wings for iPhone Tiny Wings for iPad Badlands Where's my water Day One Journal Barefoot World Atlas Over
Nokia to stream its 41 million reasons event July 11
Nokia has announced that it will livestream its big new york 41 million reasons event. I expect this event to be the worldwide lauch of the much rumored EOS Windows Phone with its massive 41 megapixel PureView sensor. I love smartphone photography so this is very exciting news. I just wish (unrealistic I know) that Nokia would release this with Android. Nokia's blog post is here.
CIBC may lose Aerosplan program to TD
Aeroplan started as Air Canada's frequent flyer program and has matured into a full featured loyalty programs with hundreds of partners. CIBC has been the banking partner for many years which means it can offer its customers Aeroplan points for using a credit card, getting a mortgage, etc. The CBC is reporting that CIBC may be looking to create its own loyalty program and that TD may have bid $100M to become the new Aeroplan banking partner. Source
Dell Promoting Windows 7 PCs (instead of Win 8)
It's funny how Dell is promoting Windows 7 PCs instead of Windows 8. I guess they know what is likely to sell more