Federal Privacy Commissioner investigates Tim Hortons app's detailed location data gathering

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The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada recently announced plans to investigate the Tim Hortons mobile app. A comprehensive media report released mid-June prompted this investigation. It brought up concerns about how the company collects data from its users and the amount of information it receives—even without the customers being on the app. 

The federal Privacy Commissioner will be working with three of its provincial counterparts in Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta to determine whether the app complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). PIPEDA is Canada's federal private sector privacy law.

They want to determine if Tim Hortons received "meaningful consent" from app users, meaning companies can only collect information if they receive consent from the individuals affected. 

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Peloton's Roku app is now live

Photo courtesy of Peloton

Roku is the next platform to offer the Peloton channel, allowing you to access the streaming fitness service. Anyone who wants to sign up for the service can do so from their Roku devices by registering using Roku Pay. You can do the Peloton bike and treadmill sessions through the app. But even if you don't have a Peloton bike or treadmill, you can use the floor-based workouts on the app. These include strength training, HIIT, yoga, meditation, and dance. Of course, you have to be a member, which starts at $12.99 a month for those who don't own Peloton bikes. New subscribers get the first 30 days for free.

Source: The Verge

Facebook kills off its TikTok-like Lasso

If you were using the TikTok-clone Lasso, unfortunately, Facebook is killing off the app. Similar to what it has done with Snapchat, Facebook tried taking on TikTok by copying what it offers and hopefully push it out of the market. Lasso also lets you record short clips with music and effects. And while it's available in several countries with several languages it supports, it didn't catch on. That's why July 10 is the last day the app will be around. If you're a Lasso user, it's time to back up those videos you've made.

Source: Engadget

OnePlus Nord is the brand's return to its 'True North'

OnePlus is going back to its affordable flagship roots with its upcoming launch of the OnePlus Nord. The company's co-founder, Carl Pei, revealed that Nord refers to the concept of "true north." He said in a tweet, "Some people have been asking what the Nord name means. It comes from the concept of true north. We each have this inner compass that guides us. This product line reminds us to always search for our true north, and we hope it will keep reminding you of yours."

With a promise of releasing this new phone for under US$500, it brings us back to the earlier days of the company when it produced "flagship killers" or handsets that packed in some more premium specs but at a fraction of the price. In recent years, though, the company's devices kept creeping up the price brackets, with its latest OnePlus 8 series being its most expensive devices to date.

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