Original shows from Facebook are supposedly in your future with new partnerships

James Martin/CNET

You don’t need to be following Facebook so closely to know that video is a big feature for the social network. And now it seems Facebook wants to grow this segment further with partnerships it reportedly has lined up with some big media companies. A Reuters report claims the likes of Buzzfeed, Vox, Attn, and Group Nine Media (which is known for NowThis, The Dodo, and Thrillist) have signed deals with Facebook to develop scripted and unscripted shows for the platform. The scripted shows will be owned by Facebook and will run around 20 to 30 minutes, while the shorter unscripted clips will run five to 10 minutes and won’t be owned by the social network. There will be ads included in both shows. It’s rumoured that Facebook is willing to pay up to US$250,000 for the scripted, longer shows.

While Facebook won’t comment about the deal yet, this move is seen as a way for Facebook to go up against the likes of YouTube and Snapchat when it comes to generating advertising dollars for its platform. It’s also something that might entice users to stay on Facebook longer they plan to.

Source: CNET

eSports content coming Sportsnet NOW and Sportsnet 360

Sportsnet announced an exclusive Canadian content deal with ESL (world’s largest esports league) to run esports content on Sportsnet NOW & Sportsnet 360.

Rogers also announced new peering agreements with some of the top e-gaming brands in the world: Valve (creators of Steam), Riot, Blizzard, Xbox, and Playstation Network, so that Rogers Ignite internet customers can enjoy fast, smooth gameplay and an optimized gaming experience over the network.

Launching this fall, esportsTV, will be available exclusively in Canada on Sportsnet NOW. In addition, a weekly esports news, highlights and analysis program will air on Sportsnet 360 beginning in July. Additional details will be announced at a later date.

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Huawei P10 and P10 Plus smartphones coming to Canada on June 6

Huawei Canada is making its P10 smartphone line available nationally on June 6, 2017; the first time HUAWEI’s flagship device line has come to the Canadian market. With a combination of its Leica dual-camera system, battery life, speed and sleek design, the HUAWEI P Series of smartphones has been receiving rave reviews around the world. Rogers will exclusively carry the P10 Plus. Bell,Videotronand Fido will be carrying the P10 in black. At launch, Rogers will carry the P10 in gold and black. Rogers will also carry the P10 and P10 Plus exclusively in blue later this summer. Pricing will be determined by each carrier partner.

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EV2017VÉ is the most important annual conference in the EV industry in Canada.

The not-for-profit national EV association Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) will present the 8th annual national tradeshow and conference for electric vehicles in Markham, Ontario from May 29th to June 1st, 2017. EV2017VÉ is the most important annual conference in the EV industry in Canada. More than 250 delegates are expected along with up to 30 exhibitors and 80 speakers including CEOs of 4 major car companies & government officials.

Hosted by Alectra Inc., the theme for the 2017 conference is “Smart e-Mobility”: tomorrow’s electric drive will consider the whole EV ecosystem, including optimal utilization of EV fleets, connected cars, autonomous electric vehicles, smart grids, microgrids, smart charging, battery technology and many more  breakthroughs in mobility.  EMC is always seeking to bring new electric-transport related ideas, technologies and business models to our delegates.

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