Stories by Austin Blake

Google will now contribute $100 million each year to Canadian news publishers, with payments adjusted for inflation. This agreement, made in 2023, allows Google to avoid direct negotiations with individual publishers under the Online News Act. The Online News Act, which became law last year, requires big tech companies to pay publishers for news content...

Late last week, the CRTC announced its interim wholesale rates that smaller internet companies will pay incumbents, for access to their fibre networks, nationwide. The CRTC boldly proclaimed cheaper internet and choice was coming, thanks to its interim rates set for Bell, Telus and SaskTel. These would be areas in Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan (SaskTel)....

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) paid over $6 million in fraudulent tax refunds this year after hackers apparently used stolen credentials from H&R Block Canada. Fraudsters accessed personal CRA accounts, changed direct deposit details, and filed fake returns to steal public funds—without the public ever being told, reports CBC News. The scheme was uncovered by...

Apple has announced its latest iMac, powered by the new M4 chip, delivering a performance boost over its previous M3 models from last year. The M4 makes the iMac up to 1.7 times faster for productivity tasks, such as working in Microsoft Excel, and up to 2.1 times faster for demanding workflows like video editing...

Google is reportedly working on a new AI tool, known internally as “Project Jarvis,” that can take over Chrome to handle tasks like researching topics, making purchases, or booking flights. According to the paywalled report by The Information (via 9to5Google), Jarvis is designed as a consumer-facing feature in Google's Chrome web browser that aims to...

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has announced interim wholesale rates that smaller providers will pay major telecom companies for access to their fibre networks. This decision aims to expand the availability of affordable, high-speed internet services across the country. The move follows a series of steps by the CRTC to increase internet competition,...

Telus-owned Public Mobile is stepping up its promo plans ahead of Black Friday it seems. The company has launched a $36/50GB 5G Canada-US plan today, that includes 250 monthly international calling minutes. Here are Public Mobile’s plans as of today: $19/1GB 4G $23/6GB 4G $30/20GB 4G Canada-US $35/50GB 4G Canada-US + 100 international minutes $36/50GB...

Bell is offering an exclusive $40/month plan with 100GB of data to its existing home services customers, according to emails shared with iPhone in Canada. The Essential Plan includes 100GB of shareable data at Bell's fastest available 5G+ speeds, with unlimited data at reduced speeds (512 Kbps) once the cap is reached. The plan also...

Canada’s auditor general has launched a full audit of government contracts awarded to GC Strategies, the two-person consulting firm involved in the ArriveCan app scandal. The audit will also examine contracts tied to GC Strategies' predecessor, Coredal, and affiliated companies, along with related subcontracting activities, said auditor general Karen Hogan, reports CBC News. The investigation...

Apple is close to production on a new generation of MacBook Airs powered by M4 chips, according to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the updated models, expected to launch between January and March 2025, will maintain the design introduced in 2022 but incorporate the latest M4 chips....

There's a new puzzle game coming from Netflix Games next month--TED Tumblewords. It's designed to sharpen your mind with quick, engaging word challenges. The game will be available on Netflix starting November 19, and pre-registration is now open on Android and iOS. TED Tumblewords offers a fast-paced puzzle experience, perfect for quick and casual play...

Soccer legend Lionel Messi is set to make his debut in the MLS Cup Playoffs on Friday, October 25, with fans able to watch the match for free on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass for all, announced Apple on Wednesday. Inter Miami CF will take on Atlanta United FC at 8:30 p.m. EDT in the...