Microsoft halts production of Xbox One X, Xbox One S digital edition

Microsoft Xbox One X

As Microsoft ramps up its production of the Xbox Series X, the company announced that it'll stop production of the Xbox One X and the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition consoles. The only Xbox One console that will continue to be sold will be the Xbox One S. Of course, the remaining stocks for some retailers will still be around. A Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge that people should check with their local retailers if they still have the consoles. Reports of shortages have surfaced as more people buy game consoles while they're stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Xbox Series X will be launched later this year. Microsoft plans to continue its Xbox All Access subscriptions with this next-gen console. And rumours are going around that a cheaper, less powerful Xbox Series console will be unveiled next month. Codenamed "Lockhart," this rumoured Series X console is considered a big part of Microsoft's pricing strategy for the new gaming machines. This second console may be called the Xbox Series S, and it's expected to focus on 1080p/1440p gaming.

LG Velvet 5G is coming to Canada on Aug. 7

LG Canada just announced it'll be bringing the LG Velvet 5G to the country on August 7. It's now available for pre-order until August 6 through LG.ca and participating carriers. 

The handset will be available through the following Canadian retail partners: Bell, Eastlink, Fido, Freedom Mobile, Koodo, Rogers, SaskTel, Telus, Videotron, Virgin, Best Buy, TBooth, Wireless Etc. (Costco), The Mobile Shop, The Source, Visions, Wal-Mart, Wireless Wave, WOW Mobile, and Xplore Mobile. 

Those who pre-order get a $200 Visa gift card and a pair of LG Tone Free (FN6) wireless earbuds (available while supplies last). LG hasn't revealed the official price of the Velvet 5G yet, but it's listed on Bell's site at $750.

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Spotify introduces new podcast charts feature

You can now check out the "Top" and "Trending" Podcasts in the country with this new Spotify feature. The streaming service introduces these new podcast charts to 26 markets, including Canada. It's accessible through the Podcasts section. And that can be seen if you head to the Search tab on mobile. These charts are only available on iOS and Android to show you the latest and greatest podcasts. The Top Podcasts list the top 200 shows in the selected region or category, while Trending Podcasts show the 50 "rapidly rising shows." Some markets—including Brazil, Australia, Germany, Mexico, Sweden, the UK, and the US—can even separate the Top Podcasts by category. You can also check out the participating countries' rankings through the "Podcast charts by country option."

Source: Spotify

Google Play Pass starts rollout in Canada

Google Play Pass is coming to Canada and eight other countries this week. The company's take on Apple Arcade has only been available in the US before this week's announcement. Now, it's coming to Android users here and in Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, and the UK. The subscription service gives you access to over 500 Android games and apps without needing to pay for in-app purchases or see ads. You can check out some of the new titles coming to the service in the video above.

Google is also introducing a new, cheaper annual subscription option for Play Pass in the US. It usually costs US$4.99 per month (around CA$6.75), but the annual fee will go for $29.99 ($41), which undercuts Apple Arcade's yearly fee of $49.99 ($68). According to The Verge, this new subscription option will also be coming to all the markets where Play Pass will be available.