ASUS ZenFone 2 to get Android Marshmallow

Great news for ASUS ZenFone 2 users, your affordable smartphone will be getting Android’s latest operating system. The Android 6.0 Marshmallow update will be coming to the ZenFone 2 (ZE550ML) but there is no specific timeline for it yet. Even better news is ASUS is bringing it to a number of its newer devices, too. These include the PadFone S (PF500KL), ZenFone 2 Deluxe / Special Edition (ZE551ML), ZenFone 2 Laser (ZE500KG / ZE500KL / ZE550KL / ZE600KL / ZE601KL), and ZenFone Selfie (ZD551KL).

Source: ASUS

Sony’s FES e-paper watch to hit Japanese retail stores this month

Remember that e-paper-toting watch Sony backed? Developed by Sony subsidiary Fashion Entertainments, it first made its appearance on Japanese crowdfunding site Makuake and has made its appearance on Sony’s crowdfunding portal First Flight. Now, it’ll be making its way to a few (and we mean few) stores. MoMA Design Store in Omotesando will carry the FES Watch starting Saturday, while Isetan in Shinjuku (which was also where Apple launched the Apple Watch) will start selling it on December 1^st.

Evident by the retailers it’ll be available in, Fashion Entertainments is targeting the design and fashion market with the FES Watch. If you want to get it online, it’s also sold on the Japanese MoMA online store and through First Flight. Shipping will start on Saturday. Sony won’t say which stores will carry the product but they do plan to bring the FES Watch to other stores. It retails for a tax inclusive price of ¥29,700 or around US$242.

Source: Sony | Via: The Verge

Pandora acquires RDIO music streaming service for US $75M

RDIO, one of the pioneering streaming music services has been purchased by Pandora for US $75 million. Pandora, it appears, plans to cannibalize RDIO and use it for parts to improve its service. Pandora said in an announcement that the acquisition includes “technology and intellectual property from Rdio.”

Pandora, which isn't available in Canada, has been facing stiff competition from streaming music leader Spotify and new entrant Apple Music  which are gaining popularity and being Internationally available. The streaming music industry has surpassed CD sales and even online music sales for the first time this year. 

Source: Variety

Unlocked Lumia 950 and 950 XL smartphones available for preorder from Microsoft Store

Microsoft's new Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL Windows 10 smartphones are now available for preorder from Microsoft's online store. The devices are expected to ship on November 25 and will be featuring the latest build of Windows 10 running on smartphones. The 5.2" Lumia 950 costs $749.00 while the larger 5.7" Lumia 950 XL costs $849.99 and should work with all Canadian carriers.

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