Stories by Austin Blake

The federal government has quietly resumed advertising on Meta’s platforms, despite the tech giant’s ongoing ban on Canadian news to adhere to the Online News Act. Ottawa is now spending up to $100,000 to promote the GST rebate on Facebook and Instagram—less than a year after pulling ads over Meta’s refusal to pay news outlets...

Canadians turned to the CBC News app in record numbers following the initial announcement of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and energy on February 1. As the federal government responded and tensions escalated, mobile users flooded the app for live updates, making it one of the busiest days in CBC News' digital history, said the...

Telus is offering voluntary severance packages to about 700 employees across Canada, according to unions representing the workers. The buyout offers come as the company continues to restructure, with many customer service jobs being outsourced to other countries over the past decade, reports the Globe and Mail. Among those affected are 100 members of CUPE’s...

Fizz has officially launched Fizz TV, a fully digital and customizable TV service available to its Internet members in Québec. Back in May of last year, we told you Fizz TV was coming from Videotron. The TV service later launched in beta in Quebec in the summer, and now it has expanded to everyone. “The...

Apple has increased the price of its AppleCare+ subscriptions in the U.S., and the move suggests pricing could also take place in Canada. MacRumors says the monthly AppleCare+ subscription for iPhone has jumped by up 50 cents, now starting at $10.49 USD, up from $9.99 USD. Apple is adjusting the monthly pricing for ‌iPhone‌ ‌AppleCare‌+...

NOMAD has unveiled its latest innovation, the Universal Cable for Apple Watch, a multi-purpose charging solution designed for Apple Watch, AirPods, and USB-C devices. With a built-in Apple Watch fast charger and USB-C connectors, this high-end cable simplifies charging for multiple devices from a single source. The Universal Cable for Apple Watch delivers up to...

Apple is pushing back against European Union regulations after a porn app surfaced on iPhones through third-party app stores. According to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, the app, Hot Tub, was falsely marketed as “Apple-approved.” Apple clarified that while it checks third-party apps for malware and device compatibility, it does not review them for...

Battlefield has announced Battlefield Labs, a new initiative inviting players to help shape the future of the first person shooter franchise. Fans will have the chance to test early gameplay, provide feedback, and influence development before the next Battlefield game is released. The game first launched with Battlefield 1942 in 2002. When Battlefield 3 launched...

Apple Music is going all-in on Kendrick Lamar ahead of his Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. Today, Apple highlighted the rapper’s influence on hip-hop and culture with exclusive content leading up to his performance on Superbowl Sunday, February 9, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Lamar's diss track on Canadian rapper Drake, 'Not Like...

Canadian MP and former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, says she’s ready to fight back again U.S. tariffs from President Donald Trump. Freeland is currently running for the Liberal leadership race, in a bid to become Prime Minister. On Friday, she said if Trump’s tariffs come on February 1, she wants to...

The future of NHL hockey on Rogers Sports & Media is on the clock, with exclusive renewal negotiations now underway between Rogers and the National Hockey League. As of January 1, Rogers has opened talks with the NHL to extend its national Canadian TV rights deal, reports the Globe and Mail. The current 12-year, $5.2-billion...

WhatsApp Channels is a one-way broadcast feature that allows organizations, celebrities, and businesses to share updates with followers directly within WhatsApp. It’s basically like a feed from anyone to broadcast a message. The feature expanded in September 2023 to all users worldwide, including in Canada. Users can follow Channels to receive updates, and content is...