Apple Store is down for some regions, including Canada

If you want to do middle-of-the-night shopping at the Apple Store, it looks like it's down right now. It's offline here, in the US, and some countries like Australia and the UK. It comes with a notice that says, "We'll be right back." And it promises that "updates are coming to the Apple Store." But it still seems to be live in countries like China, New Zealand, and Japan, so it's unclear what this maintenance is for.

Apple typically takes down the Apple Store when it plans to release a new product, but that's typically a worldwide "shutdown." It's most likely just maintenance. But if you're wondering why you can't shop right now, well, the site isn't down just for you. And maybe by the time you see this, the site might already be up.

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TikTok starts testing in-app mini-games

Source:TikTok

TikTok has quietly added a small collection of mini-games into its app. There are nine games available during this testing period. Of course, you can record gameplay for these titles and share these videos on TikTok. You can just add the game on its own through the "Add link" option and selecting "MiniGame" This will allow your viewers to play a linked game by tapping the link. They can still watch videos while they play. The test is running in the US, but it's also been spotted in the UK version of the app. 

Third-party gaming studios developed the games for the platform, including Vodoo, Nitro Games, FRVR, Aim Lab, and Lotum. But ByteDance also bought a game studio, the Shanghai-based Moonton Technology, last year. This pilot test comes after a Reuters report says TikTok plans to make a "major push" into gaming. It is looking for ways to keep people in its app and increase its advertising revenue, and gaming is one of those methods. None of the current games available don't have ads or in-app purchases for now. But we wouldn't be surprised if it gets that in the future.

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Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup – 7/24 – 7/30

Instagram hits pause on full-screen feed, some in-feed recommendations

Apple Watch Series 8 Pro tipped to get biggest redesign since Series 4

Google brings back app permissions section to the Play Store

'The Last of Us' PS5 remake promises smarter AI, extra gameplay modes

OnePlus 10T will nix the Alert Slider

Tour iconic Apple Stores through the 'Apple Store Time Machine'

Sony shares PlayStation VR2 will get live-streaming support, 'Cinematic Mode'

Steven Spielberg shoots his first music video using an iPhone

Instagram is not going to pivot away from videos

Netflix reveals official teaser trailer for Guillermo del Toro's 'Pinocchio'

Microsoft's Ignite conference will be an in-person event this year

Microsoft's Ignite conference will be an in-person event this year

Netflix's 'Running with the Devil' documentary follows John McAfee on the run

THE GRAY MAN expands with sequel and spin off with Netflix

eBay reveals the most searched Yeezy releases ahead of YEEZY DAY

Twitter Blue gets a price increase to CA$6.49

Spotify discontinues its Car Thing production

Steam adds support for classic Nintendo controllers for Switch Online

Samsung has a 'Repair Mode' to hide your data from technicians

Samsung has added a new feature to its Samsung Galaxy S21 series that can protect your data when you send in your phone for repairs. Unfortunately, this seems to only be available in Korea for now. But Samsung plans to roll out Repair Mode to other models, and we hope to more regions in the future.

The new mode is under the Settings' Battery and Device Care menu. What it does is it can hide your personal information, messages, photos, and linked accounts. Only the pre-installed apps will be visible to technicians. To regain access to your data, you need to disable Repair Mode and use a pattern or fingerprint recognition to authenticate your identity.

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