Google Stadia's free tier is now available, comes with two-month Pro subscription

The free tier of Google Stadia has been part of the company's plan since it launched the game streaming service. Now, it's available to all countries that have the service, including Canada, with two months of free Stadia Pro subscription. If you have a Google account, then you can sign up for free over at stadia.google.com. 

You will still need to buy games a la carte from the digital Stadia Store, but now you no longer have to spend $169 for the Premiere Edition. That tier comes with a Stadia controller, 4K-capable Chromecast Ultra, and three months of Stadia Pro. Plus, you needed to pay $11.99 a month to continue to use the service, but this gives you access to 4K streaming and free games. With this new tier, though, Pro subscribers won't be charged for two months.

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Airbnb, short-term rentals temporarily banned by Ontario govt. due to COVID-19

The Government of Ontario temporarily bans the operation of Airbnb and other short-term rentals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those allowed to operate include rentals that have "provided to individuals who are in need of housing during the emergency period." Hosts who do not comply with the order issued under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act could face fines of up to $100,000. The ruling doesn't cover hotels, motels, or student residences in the province.

Airbnb encourages its hosts and guests to follow the restrictions. The company recently launched a global initiative to offer free or subsidized housing to healthcare professionals amid the pandemic. And it noted that the new ruling wouldn't affect this program. Airbnb has committed US$250 million (around CA$352 million) to reimburse hosts for cancelled bookings. But it isn't clear if the temporary ruling means hosts in the province will receive assistance.

Source: MobileSyrup

LG V60 ThinQ 5G will be available in Canada starting April 9

The LG V60 ThinQ 5G launched a couple of months ago and will now be making its way here. Just like the G8X ThinQ and V50 ThinQ, the V60 comes with a detachable secondary screen to make it easier to multitask on the device. It is the first dual-screen handset from the company to offer 5G connectivity.

To celebrate its launch, LG Electronics Canada will give a free pair of LG Tone Bluetooth wireless earbuds at participating retailers and while supplies last. The LG V60 will be available for purchase online and through retail partners Bell, The Source, Telus, and Koodo.

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Apple Maps now highlights food deliveries, hospitals, pharmacies during COVID-19 pandemic

Apple Maps made a few changes to promote essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic better. The categories on the app now prominently feature grocery stores, nearby restaurants that are open and offer delivery options, pharmacies, and hospitals. The less practical categories have been relegated to the bottom of the list. Previously, Apple Maps prioritized Restaurants, Fast Food, Gas Stations, and Cafes.

Google Maps made a similar change earlier but with a few more tweaks. Google Maps adds a COVID-19 warning message when looking for medical facilities. The warning tells people to call their doctor first before visiting medical locations if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Google also makes it clear if businesses are temporarily closed because of the pandemic. These features aren't available on Apple's navigation app.

Source: 9to5Mac