Android Pay comes to Canada starting today

Google's mobile payment platform, Android Pay, is now available in Canada. Currently supported by BMO, CIBC, Banque Nationale, Scotiabank, Desjardins, President’s Choice Financial, ATB Financial, and Canadian Tire Financial Services will work with Android Pay on devices running Android KitKat 4.4 or higher. 

"Today Android Pay will be rolled out into Canada with support with all the major banks in Canada. Not just payments but also loyalty cards, tickets and personal artifacts,"  said Spencer Spinell, Director of emerging platforms for Google. Hit jump for the full story.

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Apple WWDC app gets new features ahead of the event

With Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference coming up next week, the tech company updated its WWDC app to add a slew of new features. This includes a new red icon for the app, iMessage app stickers, curated, thematic video playlists, interactive venue and street maps, and venue information. And you don’t even have to be signed in to use all the app’s features. If you’re heading to WWDC, it might be a good idea to download the app.

Source: 9to5Mac

If you want to use basic Snapchat filters, you need to turn on location services

A new update to Snapchat was spotted by Redditors and it’s bringing a feature a lot of users might not want. In order to use basic filters on the app, it now requires users to turn on location services. That used to only be required for using geofilters and the speedometer but it seems it’s encroaching on the other features, too. Some users are reporting though that the augmented reality facial recognition filters still work now without the need to enable location services. Snapchat hasn’t explained the change yet but spotted at the release notes a feature that lets you “create a Story for friends in a specific location.” Perhaps this is what the update is for.

Source: The Next Web

Essential debuts home assistant, too

While all eyes were on the Essential Phone during its launch, there is another product coming out of the startup lead by Android co-founder Andy Rubin. It’s a smart home assistant that wants to take on Google, Apple, and Amazon. Aptly called Home, this intelligent assistant features a circular design reminiscent of Nest thermostats. Its display can be activated by either voice commands, a tap of a finger, or just looking at it.

Essential claims the AI in Home is a lot smarter than its rivals. It can do things like turn down the volume when it notices you conversing with someone. It’ll take note of your routines and alert you when “something feels off or if a light is left on,” among other features. These features will be part of the new Ambient OS platform. Essential won’t say if it runs on Android but we won’t be surprised if it is. There is no word yet on price and availability

Source: Engadget