Stories by Austin Blake

Apple is in early discussions with Google about using its Gemini artificial intelligence to power a new version of Siri, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. People familiar with the matter said Apple has approached Google to explore building a custom Gemini model that could run on Apple’s servers. While no decision has been made, the...

Google has published new data showing how much energy and water its AI systems actually consume, arguing that most industry estimates paint too rosy a picture. In a blog post, the company explained that calculating AI’s environmental footprint isn’t straightforward. Most reports only measure how much power chips like GPUs and TPUs use when actively...

The CRTC has decided that SaskTel no longer has to print and deliver its traditional phone directory every year, but the company says it’s not ready to shelve the book just yet. The ruling, issued August 15, followed a request from SaskTel in March. The Crown corporation argued it should have the same flexibility already...

Update August 22, 3:34pm PT: The 50% off sale is now live. Videotron’s Fizz Mobile has just launched a major discount to allow new customers to try out the wireless service, set to roll out later today (stay tuned for updates). Dubbed the Discovery Discount to kick off back to school season, this offer is...

The owner of a Winnipeg high-rise apartment is seeking $25 million in damages, alleging that Rogers and its contractors were partly responsible for a fire that broke out two years ago. In a statement of claim filed in Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench on Aug. 14, East Village Holdings Inc. said the August 2023 fire...

Rogers is rolling out new devices and features for its Xfinity Self Protection service, including an option called Urgent Response. The feature connects customers to trained agents through the Rogers Xfinity app, who can then contact local police if needed. “Our world-class technology platform seamlessly integrates Self Protection devices into the Rogers Xfinity ecosystem, giving...

Public Mobile customers have started receiving some Telus internet deals today, sent via text message, according to iPhone in Canada readers. The back-to-school promotion is for Telus PureFibre Internet 500. The promo drops the price to $85 per month (regularly $125) on a two-year term. Customers can use the promo code SCHOOLSAVINGS to claim the...

Tesla has introduced a new stretched version of its best-selling SUV in China, the Model Y L, a three-row, six-seat electric vehicle that adds more space, comfort, and luxury features aimed at families. The Model Y L starts at 339,000 yuan (about $47,000 USD or $65,100 CAD) and offers an estimated 327 miles of EPA...

Google has unveiled its 10th generation of smartphones (well, it's not really a surprise given the leaks leading up to today): the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL. The devices come with Google’s new Tensor G5 processor, a refreshed design, and upgraded hardware across the board. If you missed out on...

Google just dropped details on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, their latest foldable, ahead of its Made by Google event set for 10am PT/1pm ET. The Pixel 10 Fold has a new gearless hinge that’s twice as tough as the previous Pixel 9 Fold and comes with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance,...

Spotify is giving Premium subscribers a new way to shape their playlists, with the option to add transitions between songs. The feature, currently in beta, is designed to help listeners create smoother mixes that flow more like a DJ set. Users can activate the tool by opening a playlist and tapping the “Mix” button. From...

The federal government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Toronto-based Cohere, which develops large language models, to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public services. The agreement was signed by Evan Solomon (former CBC journalist), Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, and Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works...