Google Meet on Nest Hub Max now supports 100 participants

Canadian Nest Hub Max users can now host or participate in Google Meet video conferences with up to 100 people. Other Google Assistant-supported smart displays will get the feature, too. But, as usual, Google is bringing its updates first to its hardware. Nest Hub Max won't be able to show you all 100 people at once, but if it's similar to Google Duo, it shows eight people at the same time.

You can start a meeting just by saying, "Hey Google, start a meeting." Or join a video conference by saying, "Hey Google, join a meeting." When you ask to join a call, your Nest Hub Max will ask you to input the meeting code. This Google Meet support page has more answers about using the Nest Hub Max for meetings.

Source: Pocket-Lint

Microsoft halts production of Xbox One X, Xbox One S digital edition

Microsoft Xbox One X

As Microsoft ramps up its production of the Xbox Series X, the company announced that it'll stop production of the Xbox One X and the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition consoles. The only Xbox One console that will continue to be sold will be the Xbox One S. Of course, the remaining stocks for some retailers will still be around. A Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge that people should check with their local retailers if they still have the consoles. Reports of shortages have surfaced as more people buy game consoles while they're stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Xbox Series X will be launched later this year. Microsoft plans to continue its Xbox All Access subscriptions with this next-gen console. And rumours are going around that a cheaper, less powerful Xbox Series console will be unveiled next month. Codenamed "Lockhart," this rumoured Series X console is considered a big part of Microsoft's pricing strategy for the new gaming machines. This second console may be called the Xbox Series S, and it's expected to focus on 1080p/1440p gaming.

LG Velvet 5G is coming to Canada on Aug. 7

LG Canada just announced it'll be bringing the LG Velvet 5G to the country on August 7. It's now available for pre-order until August 6 through LG.ca and participating carriers. 

The handset will be available through the following Canadian retail partners: Bell, Eastlink, Fido, Freedom Mobile, Koodo, Rogers, SaskTel, Telus, Videotron, Virgin, Best Buy, TBooth, Wireless Etc. (Costco), The Mobile Shop, The Source, Visions, Wal-Mart, Wireless Wave, WOW Mobile, and Xplore Mobile. 

Those who pre-order get a $200 Visa gift card and a pair of LG Tone Free (FN6) wireless earbuds (available while supplies last). LG hasn't revealed the official price of the Velvet 5G yet, but it's listed on Bell's site at $750.

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Spotify introduces new podcast charts feature

You can now check out the "Top" and "Trending" Podcasts in the country with this new Spotify feature. The streaming service introduces these new podcast charts to 26 markets, including Canada. It's accessible through the Podcasts section. And that can be seen if you head to the Search tab on mobile. These charts are only available on iOS and Android to show you the latest and greatest podcasts. The Top Podcasts list the top 200 shows in the selected region or category, while Trending Podcasts show the 50 "rapidly rising shows." Some markets—including Brazil, Australia, Germany, Mexico, Sweden, the UK, and the US—can even separate the Top Podcasts by category. You can also check out the participating countries' rankings through the "Podcast charts by country option."

Source: Spotify