WhatsApp outs desktop app for Windows and Mac

Letting you choose whichever platform you want, WhatsApp creates a new desktop app for those who prefer not to use their browsers and instead use a standalone app. The app is available for Windows 8 and higher users as well as Mac OS 10.9 and above. This, of course, syncs with the WhatsApp mobile apps so you can just pick up the conversation where you left off. For the desktop app, you get things like native desktop notification as well as better keyboard shortcuts. You can download it from this link. Once you’re done installing, all you have to do is open the app and scan the QR code using the WhatsApp mobile app and then look for the WhatsApp Web menu under Settings and you’re all set.

Source: WhatsApp

Xiaomi outs large 6.4-inch Mi Max

Xiaomi is going big with its newest smartphone, the Mi Max. This 6.4-inch phablet is one of the biggest devices released this year. Even with its gigantic screen, the Mi Max promises to have a svelte form with a 7.5mm thickness and weighs 203 grams, which is 26 grams lighter than the 6.8-inch Lenovo Phab Plus. It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 650/652 processor, has 3GB/4GB of RAM, 32GB/64GB/128GB of storage, a 16-megapixel rear camera with 5-megapixel front shooter, fingerprint sensor, and 4,850mAh battery that promises up to 14 hours of streaming video via Wi-Fi.

The Mi Max will be running on Xiaomi’s Android based MIUI 8. One of the features Xiaomi is boasting for the Mi Max is it can clone apps, so it’ll be easier for you to, let’s say, have to Snapchat accounts open at once. MIUI basically “splits” the phone into two different accounts so you can have them running side by side. It comes in silver, gold, or dark gray, and will be going on sale in China by next week. Prices start at 1,499 RMB (around CA$290) for the Snapdragon 650, 3GB RAM, and 32GB internal storage version; to 1,699 RMB (around CA$330) for the Snapdragon 652 with 64GB storage; and then to 1,999 RMB (around CA$390) for 4GB of RAM with 128GB internal storage.

Source: Engadget

Ladies Learning Code launches the cross-country Tour of the Code:Mobile

Ladies Learning Code will be at Parliament Hill to mark Science Odyssey Week and launch their newest and biggest initiative - the code:mobile.  The code:mobile is Canada’s first-ever traveling computer lab on wheels, which will drive across Canada this summer to inspire and empower Canadian youth to not only use technology but to create with technology and become our future innovators.

“Today’s event highlights the growing importance of digital literacy for Canadians. Organizations like Ladies Learning Code are helping to teach Canadians, in particular young women, the necessary skills to succeed and become passionate builders of technology,” said the Hon. Kirsty Duncan, the Minister of Science. “These types of hands-on experiences with technology transform the way youth engage with computer science and lay the foundation for future pathways to discovery and innovation.”

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Apple Pay expands to Canada with support from major banks this June

Apple's SVP for Apple Pay Jennifer Bailey demos the features of Apple Pay which is coming to Canada this JuneBy Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Apple Pay is available to all active Interac debit cards issued by CIBC and RBC. Your debit card does not have to be an Interac Flash enabled card. In stores, Apple Pay works with iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch. You will first need to add your debit card to the Apple Wallet to make mobile transactions.

Interac can be used with Apple Pay to buy goods and services across Canada in the hundreds of thousands of Canadian stores wherever contactless payments 

Apple Pay, which securely uses iPhone and Apple Watch to enable contact less payments, has been in Canada for some time now but limited to customers of American Express credit cards. That is all changing shortly as major banks and other credit card companies have been announced as partners and are looking to offer the functionality to their iPhone and Apple Watch-toting users. 

Apple has confirmed that Apple Pay will be coming to CIBC (credit and debit), ATB (credit, debit coming later), Canadian Tire Financial Services (credit), RBC (credit and debit) and of course American Express has enjoyed the first-mover advantage since late last year. 

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