Canadian carriers can’t lock phones to their networks now

A review of the existing Wireless Code is helping bolster the protection of consumers when it comes to dealing with the big telecom providers. The code, which defines the rules and regulations for service providers, was enforced back in June 2015. Two years after the enactment, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) reviewed and revised the code. One of the big changes is that starting December 1, 2017, any wireless consumer can get their mobile phones unlocked from their carrier free of charge. Carriers can’t lock devices for sale from that point forward, too.

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Essential Phone coming exclusively to TELUS in Canada

Anyone interested in the Essential Phone, which is Android creator Andy Rubin's first news flagship smartphone, will be happy to know that the device is coming to Canada exclusively through TELUS. Pricing and availability are still being determined but Canadians can pre-register at telus.com/essential to be the first to know when pre-orders will be open late July. The Essential Phone will be available in store and online later this summer.

Rather plain looking and blocky, the Essential Phone is crafted from titanium, offers expansion with a 360' camera and has a unique edge-to-edge display as well as premium smartphone features.

Microsoft redesigns Skype logo

With the big changes that have been rolling out for Skype, it comes as no surprise that Microsoft is changing up the look of its logo, too. The new look ditches the cloud-like format of the app and makes it more consistent with the corporate typeface of the brand. It now looks more consistent with the other Microsoft software and services and shows the company’s desire to position Skype as a business communications app. Android users of Skype will see the changes immediately, while those using the Windows and iOS apps will have to wait a bit.

Google introduces new replacement for Google Drive’s desktop app

Google is making it easier for Drive users on the desktop to backup files on its platform. The company is set to introduce a replacement tool called Backup and Sync. It combines the Google Drive and Google Photos Backup app into a unified client interface. It can monitor and backup the files and photos inside any folder that you specify, including your desktop, Documents/Pictures folder, etc. We don’t know yet what you can do with the app but Mac Rumors reports that the new tool will respect any current folder settings you have on your device to make the change seamless.

Backup and Sync is recommended for consumer users and is set to come out on June 28^th. Meanwhile, Google tells its business customers to continue using Google Drive for now and wait for the release of Drive File Stream, an enterprise-focused solution, later this year.