Snapchat wants to keep you in its app

Snapchat is constantly under siege by Facebook and we won’t be surprised if this new feature will show up on Facebook, Instagram, and even WhatsApp. Snapchat adds a new functionality to its search bar to encourage you to keep watching. Just type a topic of choice (ex. puppies) and get to see all the videos related to that. The videos that show up there have been added by users who selected the add a “Snap to Our Story” option. Snapchat uses a machine learning algorithm it probably got from its acquisition of search and recommendation app Vurb last year.

By adding this functionality, it’ll entice you to stay on the app longer, especially with the addition of Stories “around me” and local “attractions” that you can check out. It’s rolling out to select cities in the U.S. first but Snap plans to release the experience to more areas. It just won’t say when though.

Source: Mashable

Google brings ‘Ms. Pac-Man’ to Maps for April Fools’ Day

We’ve already posted this on Instagram but just in time for April Fools’ Day, Google Maps is bringing Pac-Man back through Ms. Pac-Man. Back in 2015, Google Maps used the original Pac-Man game. To play the game, just open Google Maps and tap on the pink button on the right. We’ve noticed on Android that it doesn’t use our current location but picks a random spot. According to The Verge, some iOS users can select the map they want to play on. If you play on the web, you can pick your level. The web version doesn’t seem to be working for all yet but perhaps they’re waiting for April 1^st to come to most parts of the world.

BlackBerry moves beyond mobile and ventures into ‘Enterprise of Things’

BlackBerry DTEK60

If you can’t wrap your head around the concept of Internet of Things, BlackBerry is throwing around a new term as it moves beyond developing smartphones. After licensing its mobile brand to the likes of TCL, BlackBerry is now planning to license outside of smartphones and into segments like wearables, tablets, point-of-sale terminals, appliances, medical devices, etc. This strategy is part of BlackBerry’s plan to expand the “Enterprise of Things,” which is a playful approach to Internet of Things but emphasizes the need for secure products—a requirement for enterprise-related products and a big concern of consumers these days.

Source: BlackBerry

Microsoft's Surface Studio comes to Canada on April 20 starting at $3999

Microsoft's first desktop, the articulating Surface Studio, is finally going to be available in Canada on April 20 and will cost $3999.00. Featuring a 6th Gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM,a Ultra-thin 28-inch adjustable PixelSense Display and Surface Pen included Windows 10 Pro, the Surface Studio comes just in time for the big Windows 10 Creator's Update.

"We totally believe that Surface changes the way you produce, the way you create, the way you learn," said Panos Panay, who leads Microsoft's devices team. "The product I'm going to show you is all of that — but it's one step further. It's going to seem familiar, but it's going to feel different."

We'll get a chance to check out the Surface Studio during some launch events soon. Stay tuned for more information.