Facebook introduces auto-play for videos on mobile

Facebook has rolled out an auto-play feature for native Facebook and Instagram videos on iOS and Android versions of its app. Tech Crunch writer Josh Constine likens it to the moving photos in Harry Potter films. If you’re worried about automatic video playing eating up your data, you can activate the setting on your Facebook app that allows you to auto-play videos only on Wi-Fi. You don’t have to worry about sound blaring out as you scroll through your feed, the videos will initially play without sound unless you tap on it to view the videos with sound and on full screen.

Facebook also plans to monetize this feature and will eventually allow the presence of video ads on your News Feed. Let’s just hope it won’t be as obtrusive and annoying as it can get. 

Apple devotes homepage to memory of Nelson Mandela

Apple has dedicated its homepage to the late Nelson Mandela. It has replaced all the usual product and company information with a large black and white photo of the former South African President, fighter against apartheid and philanthropist, who is widely regarded as the Father of the Nation. Apple executives also shared their thoughts on the great leader's passing last week at age 95.

CEO Tim Cook's personal Twitter account read, "Amazing human being. Champion of freedom and human dignity. He set an example for all of the world. RIP Nelson Mandela. We miss you already." Senior VP for worldwide marketing, Phil Schiller chimed in on his Twitter account with ,""Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement." His Excellency Nelson Mandela, 1918 - 2013 #NelsonMandela." 

Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup 11/30-12/06

Review: Martian Passport series smartwatch

Sickweather app lets you know about nearby illnesses

Contest! eBay Canada Deal Frenzy and $100 giftcard giveaway!

BlackBerry unveils daily free app holiday campaign

Google hosts first telethon online via Hangouts

Amazon CEO demos delivery drones, promises delivery within half an hour

Twerking Miley, Mayor Rob Ford and BlackBerry are most searched topics on Yahoo Canada

Star Wars opens official Instagram account

ICYMI: Corey Herscu talks tech gifts for the Season on Global TV this morning

Review: Sonos PLAY:1 wireless streaming speaker

Review: Withings Pulse fitness tracker

Google planning to fix Nexus 5 camera with an OTA Android 4.4.1 update

The Apple Beat: Mac Pro getting pre-order status in Germany as launch anticipation builds

Next USB plug will be reversible

Microsoft unveils Bing Maps Preview

Instagram to hold mysterious media event on December 12

Tech Crunch has reported that Instagram will be holding a media event in New York City on December 12. Aside from having the words “share a moment with Kevin Systrom and the Instagram team,” the company has been mum about what the event is for.

Speculation is that it involves printing as the invites were sent through physical mail on paper or on some with blocks of wood, which are both allusions to printing business. Perhaps Instagram wants a bite into the market of print services that use Instagram photos on everything from physical prints, canvas, glass and even wood.