Thursday
May212020

Google's G Suite customers can hide Gmail's Meet integration in the sidebar

As Google rolled out its Meet video calling service to users, the company added it to Gmail's sidebar. For users who don't like that it takes up space there, you have the option to take it out. Unfortunately, this option is only available to G Suite customers. If you use G Suite and want to take it out, you can head to Gmail's web preferences (the gear icon in the top right corner) and locate the Chat and Meet menu. There will now be a Meet section there that you can toggle. If you want to hide Hangouts as well, you can do so here, too, under the Chat option.

If you're a G Suite admin who'd like to do this for an entire domain, there is a different setting for you to do. But for individual users, it's as simple as heading into your settings to enact the change.

Source: 9to5Google

Wednesday
May202020

Rogers donates phones with voice, data plans to women's shelters in B.C.

 

Rogers is working with a handful of women's shelters in British Columbia to offer complimentary devices with six months' worth of free voice and data plans. The project hopes to provide connectivity to vulnerable citizens, like women and children who suddenly find themselves at home with an abusive family member. It's also meant to help women find safe housing with the help of the city staff as well as access other shelter services offered in their areas.

"Whether calling emergency services, accessing support, or staying in touch with loved ones, the donations are aimed at helping vulnerable women with their immediate and crisis needs," said Rick Sellers, president of the B.C. region of Rogers Communications, in a press release.

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Wednesday
May202020

Ruby Rose leaves The CW's 'Batwoman' ahead of season 2 production

Ruby Rose plays Bruce Wayne's cousin Kate Kane on Batwoman (Photo courtesy of The CW, Warner Bros. TV, Berlanti Productions)

The CW deals with a tough challenge as its lead star Ruby Rose leaves Batwoman ahead of the production of its second season. According to The Hollywood Reporterproduction company Warner Bros. is looking to recast the role before the show's scheduled return in early 2021. The announcement of Rose's departure came two days after the show's season finale. Batwoman was geared to be The CW's anchor for its Sunday night programming. 

The comic-based show made TV history as the first scripted live-action series to have a lesbian superhero lead. It was essential to the producer Greg Berlanti, showrunner Caroline Dries, and the production team that the part went to a member of the LGBTQ community. Rose, Warner Bros. TV, and Berlanti Productions didn't disclose her reason for leaving the show, but all parties had kind words to say about each other in released statements.

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Wednesday
May202020

Apple releases iOS 13.5 for iPhones, iPadOS 13.5, and corresponding tvOS updates

Today's the day for Apple device updates as iOS 13.5 has arrived for iPhones, iPadOS, and tvOS. The notable features include faster access to the passcode field with Face ID when people are wearing face masks. There is also an Exposure Notification API in support of COVID-19 contact tracing apps from public health authorities and apps. Installing the iPadOS update took us around 10 minutes on a 2020 iPad Pro 11. Our iPhone 8 update, however, took much longer, taking around an hour to download and install. The updates can be initiated via Software Update.