Stories by Austin Blake

Bell is once again offering 8Gbps Pure Fibre internet, confirming the move to iPhone in Canada as of March 2025. This marks a reversal from its earlier decision to cap fibre internet speeds at 3Gbps, a move the company previously blamed on regulatory hurdles. Bell first introduced Fibe Gigabit 8.0 in September 2022, launching the...

The Canada Post Identity+ app is facing harsh criticism for failing to verify IDs required for the Liberal leadership vote. The app’s popularity has seen it soar into the top 10 free apps list in Apple’s App Store charts. Many users report being locked out of the verification process, leaving them unable to cast their...

SpaceX is pushing back against Bell and Northwestel’s proposal to exclude providers with national pricing from a new CRTC retail internet subsidy aimed at improving internet access in Canada’s Far North. In a letter to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) on February 28, 2025, Shea Boyd, Senior Counsel at SpaceX, argued that Bell and...

Bell Media has laid off 98 employees, mostly in service and corporate departments, as part of its shift toward a "digital media and content leader", the company confirmed to the Toronto Star. Of those affected, 44 are unionized workers, with most being offered voluntary separation packages. A Bell Media spokesperson stated that no CTV News...

Meta is getting serious about its artificial intelligence chatbot and plans to launch a standalone AI app in the next few months, according to unnamed sources, reports CNBC. This move is part of Meta’s bigger goal—to become the top player in AI by the end of the year, competing with OpenAI and Google’s parent company,...

Quebecor’s Freedom Mobile has launched a ‘flash sale’, offering lower wireless prices for a limited time, only until March 3, 2025. Here’s what’s showing on the Freedom Mobile website right now for bring your own device—all plans include Canada-US-Mexico roaming: $34/10GB + 1GB Roam Beyond $35/60GB + 5GB Roam Beyond (was $39) $45/80GB + 15GB...

The CRTC has announced a new rule that requires big tech companies, including Google (well, only Google so far), to pay fees to cover the cost of overseeing the Online News Act. The decision, made on February 26, 2025, ensures that companies distributing news in Canada contribute financially to the regulatory process. In other words,...

The first media reviews of the iPhone 16e have been published today, offering an early look at Apple's latest entry-level smartphone, an upgrade to the iPhone SE 3. The reviews are out on the eve of the launch of the iPhone 16e on Friday. While the iPhone 16e brings some notable upgrades, including impressive battery...

YouTube has officially become the most frequently used service for listening to podcasts in the U.S. The company says there are now over 1 billion monthly active viewers tuning into podcast content (as of January 2025), making YouTube the go-to platform for both audio and video podcasts. YouTube says this success is thanks to its...

Amazon has announced the new shows and movies coming to Prime Video in Canada for March 2025. From March 3 to May 30, Prime Video Canada will donate 100% of proceeds from select movie rentals and purchases to the Canadian Women’s Foundation through the Watch To Give Back program. The 19 included titles feature iconic...

Alexa+ is Amazon’s next-generation AI assistant designed to make life easier by handling tasks, keeping you entertained, and helping you stay organized. Amazon unveiled Alexa+ today at a live event in New York City. According to the company, Alexa+ can handle all your voice queries through natural conversation. It's powered by Amazon Bedrock, which uses...

Bell Media’s Crave has announced its new shows and movies coming to the streaming service in March 2025. Highlights include HBO’s documentary Celtics City, a 9-part series that details the NBA's legendary Boston Celtics. Starz’s Power Book III: Raising Kanan will see its fourth season premiere as well. Motion picture Venom: The Last Dance will...