Stories by Austin Blake

Meta has unveiled its latest AI research project, Meta Movie Gen, which aims to revolutionize how content creators produce videos, images, and audio using simple text inputs. The new tool allows users to generate high-quality videos, edit existing ones, and even create personalized content—just by typing in commands. This is essentially Meta’s version of OpenAI’s...

The Digital Media Association (DiMA), representing music streaming services like Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube, has launched a campaign urging Canadians to oppose the new federal levy on streaming services. The group set up a website called "Scrap the Streaming Tax," arguing that the government's new Online Streaming Act, also known as Bill C-11,...

A Nova Scotia resident is raising concerns over a cell tower being built by Ontario-based start-up Shared Tower, calling the company’s transparency and practices into question. In numerous emails received by iPhone in Canada dating back to August 7, 2024, Kathleen O’Brien addressed Sandra Hallig, Planning Coordinator, at Shared Tower, copying multiple government officials, media,...

Amazon’s Prime Video will be increasing the number of ad slots available for brands in 2025, according to Kelly Day, Vice President of Prime Video International. Speaking to the Financial Times ahead of the company’s first advertising “up front” event in London, Day shared that Prime Video’s ad load will “ramp up a little bit...

Image: Canadian Taxpayers Federation A new poll released by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) shows that 59% of Canadians are against the federal government’s plan to ban the sale of new gas and diesel vehicles by 2035 (the original date was 2040). The Leger survey found that only 29% support the ban, while 12% remain...

TD Bank has been recognized as the "Best Consumer Digital Bank in North America" by Global Finance for the fourth year in a row. The award was based on six category wins by TD in areas like innovation, transformation, lending, open banking APIs, bill payment and presentment, and fraud management. "At TD, we innovate with...

Apple is planning to release an updated version of its iPhone SE early next year, along with new iPad Air models and Magic Keyboards, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Sources familiar with the matter say the upcoming iPhone SE, codenamed V59, will finally ditch the legacy Home button and feature an edge-to-edge...

Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2, already the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, has set new records with its recent Disney+ release on September 25. The film reached 30.5 million views globally in just five days, making it the top film premiere on Disney+ in 2024 and the biggest theatrical film debut on the...

Google is introducing new AI-powered features for Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus laptops, making it easier for users to get things done. Starting this month, all Chromebooks will include Gemini, its AI assistant. For those with Chromebook Plus devices, Google is adding even more AI capabilities, such as live translations, enhanced video calling tools, and a...

A&W Canada has announced a new promotion offering $0 delivery fees every Friday throughout October, available exclusively through the A&W mobile app. The fast food chain says customers can jump on the $0 delivery fees from participating restaurants, but only this month and on Fridays. "Friday nights and cozy meals at home are a beloved...

Twelve South recently introduced the ButterFly SE, a 2-in-1 Qi2 charger that’s a new entry update to last year’s ButterFly. The ButterFly SE allows users to charge both an iPhone and an Apple Watch or AirPods simultaneously from a single, compact unit, making it ideal for travel or business trips. The charger is compatible with...

Rogers could build a sports empire valued at over $16.5 billion after increasing its stake to 75% in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), according to financial analysts. Following a $4.7 billion deal to buy out Bell's 37.5% share, Rogers will own three-quarters of MLSE, giving it control over major Toronto sports franchises including the...