Amazon.ca showcases the latest products for Canadians for summer

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Amazon.ca continues to expand its product offerings as well as services tied to its Prime memberships in Canada.

On the heels of making Amazon Prime Video to existing Amazon Prime subscribers in Canada, the company also has made Twitch Prime available.

Amazon also continues to bring its own white label products under the Amazon Essentials label. These are items like rechargeable batteries, smartphone plugs and cables, as well as other affordable yet quality products. On display at their showcase were yoga mats, notebook PC cases as well as blankets.

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Nintendo makes US$53 million from 'Super Mario Run'

Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon

For a game that asks users to pay US$10 to get most of its levels, Super Mario Run has done quite well for its first two months out on the market. It hasn't even launched on the Android platform yet. Out of the 78 million total downloads, more than five percent paid to unlock all the levels. Games consultant Serkan Toto told the Wall Street Journal that this was an "amazing" feat for a game with a high in-app purchase rate. Most of Nintendo's rivals couldn't hit that even with just $1 or $2 in-app purchase rate.

But Nintendo is disappointed with the result. The gaming company was hoping to hit a double-digit conversion rate with this game, considering it is such a recognizable brand. But with just a couple of titles out of the gate, Nintendo shouldn't write off the mobile gaming market jut yet. Super Mario Run will be coming to Android in March and there are big name franchises like Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem coming to the mobile space soon. Better fortune might be heading their way.

Source: Engadget

Google Pixel and Pixel XL get new Android beta builds

If you're part of Android's beta program and have a Google Pixel or Pixel XL, well an update should be making its way to you. The beta version of Android Nougat 7.1.2 brings some minor bug fixes to the phones. This build is expected to get released publicly in the coming months. Other eligible Google-branded phones to get the update include the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, and Nexus Player. No sign of the 2014 Nexus 6 phone and Nexus 9 tablet, though.

Source: The Verge

Prince's music tipped to be returning to Spotify and other music streaming services

People have been reading between the lines, or at least between the subway posts in New York, saying that Prince's catalog will be making a comeback on popular music streaming services in time for the Grammys on February 12. Currently, Tidal has exclusive streaming rights to the Purple One's back catalog. Speculation started when Spotify started posting very coy billboards in high-foot traffic areas like the Union Square in New York. And by coy, they're just posts painted in purple with Spotify's logo on them. If there is any truth to the rumor, Prince's catalog is expected to hit Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Unlimited, Deezer, and Pandora.

Source: CNET + Billboard