Saturday
Apr182020

Ontario government partners with Apple, Rogers to give 21,000 iPads to students from low-income families

The government of Ontario has announced a new partnership with Apple and Rogers to offer over 21,000 iPads to students in the province who come from low-income families. The tablets will come with free Rogers wireless data until June 2020 and pre-loaded access to the Ontario government's learn-at-home portal. According to Rogers, the tablets will start arriving in the coming week. But it isn't specified what iPad model the students will get, and if the program will extend to more provinces. The partnership is meant to support the government's Learn At Home program.

Saturday
Apr182020

SkipTheDishes commits $10 million more to help Canadians during COVID-19 pandemic

Food delivery service SkipTheDishes vows to help more Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis. The company is giving an additional estimated $10 million to communities and restaurant partners through different commitments. The company initially directed over $5 million for a 30-day support package. Now, SkipTheDishes is extending the support package, which includes a rebate of 25% to assist local and independent restaurant partners whose dining rooms remain closed. The additional money will be given through direct rebates and marketing support.

The service also previously launched an option for customers to support local restaurants by directly leaving tips, with 100% of the contributions going to the restaurant of their choice. The customers managed to raise over $200,000 for neighbourhood eateries. It is with this generosity that the company launched a $1 million partnership with Food Banks Canada. SkipTheDishes immediately matched the $200,000 that the customers gave, with additional contributions to be made throughout the year to help relieve hunger during these trying times.

Friday
Apr172020

Apple Music's web player exits beta

You no longer need to use iTunes to access Apple Music. Apple Music's web player is now out of beta. The move makes the streaming music service platform-agnostic, which means you can use it on any computer you have as long as you have a browser. It's part of Apple's strategy to develop separate Music, Podcast, and TV apps to encourage potential subscribers to try out the service they want no matter what platform you're on. 

The web version is similar to the Mac version with the For You, Browse, and Radio sections, and access to playlists and recommendations. Apple Music Replays, which curates your favourite songs from every year you've used Apple Music, is also available. Apple Music costs $9.99 a month for individual subscriptions.

Source: Engadget

Friday
Apr172020

Wear OS will now remind you to wash your hands

Now more than ever, it's necessary to wash your hands frequently. And if you need a reminder, Google is here to help. The Clock application on Wear OS will now send periodic alerts reminding you to wash your hands. When you open the alarm, a timer for 40 seconds will be started along with a reminder to use soap for handwashing. When you're done, the app will let you know that another alert will come in another three hours. If you can do without the reminder, then head to its notification channel. Hold down the notification to disable it. The feature comes with v5.4.0 update of Wear OS, so check your Wear OS's Play Store to see if you have it. 

Source: Android Police