Uber launches 'rider mask verification' in Canada

Source: Vera Davidova/Unsplash

Uber has started rolling out its "rider mask verification" across Canada to help implement its "No Mask, No Ride" policy it implemented back in May. If a driver reports that a rider isn't wearing a mask, the rider will be required to take a selfie with their mask or face cover before they can take their next Uber trip. Uber has said it removed access of over 1,250 riders in Canada and the US for failing to abide by the policy.

For their part, Uber drivers and delivery people are also required to verify that they're wearing a mask before they start to drive passengers or deliver food. They need to take a selfie that shows their mouth and nose are covered.

Source: Uber

Netflix will release 'Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness' CG anime in 2021

Netflix continues to expand on its game-based shows with a new Resident Evil title coming to the streaming service. Unlike the upcoming live-action show, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness will be a CG anime. It'll premiere on the service sometime in 2021.

We don't know who the foes will be (aside from the zombies, that is), but iconic characters like Claire Redfield and Leon Kennedy will be part of the show. 

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Amazon goes spherical with new Echo speakers

The new Amazon Echo (Source: Amazon)

The new Amazon Echo speakers don't look anything like they've looked before. Amazon revamps the Echo speaker line and introduces a look that makes it feel like they've been taken out of a sci-fi film. The new spherical Echo speaker gets all of the Echo Plus' smart hub features at $129.99. The Echo Dot receives a new spherical look, too, and comes in at $69.99 for the standard version or $79.99 for the Clock model. 

It's not showing up on Amazon Canada's site, but the company also introduced a new Echo Dot Kids model that looks like the Echo Dot, but with cute animals faces on them. These will come with a year's worth of Amazon Kids+, which gives users access to child-friendly audiobooks, games, and more.

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Fitbit OS on the Sense and Versa 3 won't be available on earlier wearables

Fitbit Sense (Source: Fitbit)

Even if the Fitbit Versa 2 is just a year old, unfortunately, it won't be getting the latest version of Fitbit's smartwatch software. The Fitbit OS 5.0 platform was developed "exclusively" for the newer wearables and "optimized" for the Sense and Versa 3's latest displays and speaker technology. OS 5.0 introduces a new interface navigation method and interface that takes advantage of the higher resolution screens. And while it can run older apps, these need to run in a compatibility mode.

Developers can't distribute a single version of an app optimized for both old and new smartwatches. What they can do is release different versions that will reach the right users. Those who own older Fitbit Versa smartwatches can still use theirs just fine (our first-generation Versa still works well); it's just they won't get the steady stream of new features.

Source: Engadget