Starbucks App finally comes to Android devices in Canada and the UK

For many months now, Android users had to watch longingly at their iPhone-toting counterparts as they whipped out their devices to quickly scan and pay for Starbucks drinks and food. Android users in Canada now have the same priviledge and can set up the official Android app for mobile payments.

Available now at the Google Play Store, the Starbucks app brings all the key features to Android such as location information, the ability to pay using bar codes on the screen as well as integration with PayPal for re-upping the coffee fund.

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Android OS 4.1 Jelly Bean update available to Nexus devices

The word on the street is that devices like the HSPA+ variants of the Galaxy Nexus as well as the Nexus 7 tablets out in the wild. 

Google explained that  the over-the-air update process will be completed in the next few days, before it comes to the non-HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus handsets and to then its predecessor the Samsung Nexus S.

"If you've got a Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ device, you will receive a prompt alerting you to the update over the next several days," the company posted on the Google+ Nexus blog. I've been neurotically checking my Galaxy Nexus for the update but nothing happens. Has anyone in Canada received the much anticipated Jelly Bean update on their HSPA+ device?

Update on Friday, July 13, 2012 at 11:20PM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

After turning my Galaxy Nexus and turning it on again, I checked the system update and voila! Updating to Jelly Bean now!

First Canadian Samsung Store opens in BC

Will having its own stores bring Samsung the lines of customers?Not to be outdone by Microsoft, Sony and Apple, Samsung's gone ahead and opened its first Samsung Retail Store in Burnaby’s Metropolis at Metrotown. A report from the Vancouver Sun states that:

"The store launch comes as the company celebrates its latest patent victory over Apple’s attempt to block sales of Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus smartphones; its phone sales have driven the company to a record $9.5 billion US quarterly profit and its newest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S III is flying off the shelves.

A showcase for all that is mobile in Samsung’s growing lineup of consumer products — from smartphones, to tablets, notebook computers and digital cameras — the Metro Vancouver store could be seen as a legacy of the 2010 Olympic Games"

The Samsung Store is said to have been put up in partnership with one of Canada's wireless carriers, although who this silent partner is has not been revealed.

Photo from Mobile Mag

First Canadian Microsoft Store to open in Yorkdale Mall

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

(Updated) Canadians will be able to buy their Surface Tablets  this Fall in the first Microsoft Retail Store outside of the US.

Microsoft COO Kevin Turner confirmed today from the Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto that the Microsoft Store will be coming soon to the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, Ontario. This is exciting news indeed since there are only 20 Microsoft Retail Stores and all of them are in the US.

Concept for the Microsoft Store by Lipincott brand strategy and design consultants

This is the first international store for Microsoft and  it will be a 6,845-square-foot store that will employ at least 50 new employees. It will be the perfect venue for consumers to get direct info on Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, XBox as well as purchase "hero' PCs that offer the pure Microsoft experience (i.e. no bloatware).  

Update on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 12:53PM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Just got off the phone with Tedd Ladd from Microsoft who was able to give some more information about the Microsoft Store coming this fall.

-While there are currently 20 Microsoft Stores right now, the Yorkdale Store will be the 31st when it opens 'in the Fall.' (I think in time for Windows 8's launch). The first Microsoft Store opened in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2009.

-Ladd said the stores are incredibly visual with a large video wall. Families will be able to play Kinect on one side of the store and there will be a dedicated Windows Phone section as well where you can pit your smartphone against a Windows Phone in the "Smoked by Windows Phone challenge."

- Canada will see its first Microsoft Siganture PCs, which are highly tuned and specialized PC's that don't have any bloatware and are designed to take full advantage of Windows.

- Ladd says there will be a huge selection of products for every price point. Everything from high-end gaming desktops to budget notebooks as well as the requisite Microsoft Mice, Keyboards and other devices.

- They picked Toronto and Yorkdale in particular because of the high concentration of techies as well a families. Families and the community are a big thing for Microsoft as they see the stores becoming a community hub.  Microsoft will run some charity and donations to the community via the store.

- What I gathered is that this store will be one of many,  although it is special because it is the first International Microsoft Store so it will be a model for all International stores that follow