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

Google Play Pass starts rollout in Canada

Google Play Pass is coming to Canada and eight other countries this week. The company's take on Apple Arcade has only been available in the US before this week's announcement. Now, it's coming to Android users here and in Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, and the UK. The subscription service gives you access to over 500 Android games and apps without needing to pay for in-app purchases or see ads. You can check out some of the new titles coming to the service in the video above.

Google is also introducing a new, cheaper annual subscription option for Play Pass in the US. It usually costs US$4.99 per month (around CA$6.75), but the annual fee will go for $29.99 ($41), which undercuts Apple Arcade's yearly fee of $49.99 ($68). According to The Verge, this new subscription option will also be coming to all the markets where Play Pass will be available. 

AppleCare+ monthly payment option comes to Canada

Canada, Australia, and Japan are the newest countries to access Apple's AppleCare+ monthly plans. The company first brought this option to the US in 2018. While it doesn't show up as available in the three countries yet, we assume that's going to change soon. Apple confirmed the expansion by adding them to an official support article.

AppleCare+ or AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss coverage used to be available for purchase in 24-month increments for the iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch (or 36 months for the Apple Watch Edition and Hermes models). Once this option goes live, you can choose to pay for an AppleCare+ plan upfront or switch to the monthly plan and receive coverage beyond the two years. Pricing and device support varies from country to country. And it currently doesn't support the Mac, HomePod, and other Apple devices.

Source: Apple Insider + 9to5Mac

Sony rumoured to increase PS5 production to meet COVID-19 demand

If the reports are accurate, it looks like Sony wants to capitalize on people looking for entertainment while staying at home. The company will reportedly double the production of its next-generation PlayStation 5 console. Instead of just producing five or six million consoles, the manufacturer will reportedly make up to nine to 10 million units. With the PS5 slated to come out during "holiday 2020," this might be a big ask. 

And if they do meet the quota, the next issue would be shipping the additional devices. Most of these gadgets are manufactured in China and shipped via ocean freighters. And combined with the demand, it's tough to get things out on time. Sony is supposedly considering air cargo, even though many carriers are also operating at reduced capacity because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: Engadget