Google Play Services will be used to deploy COVID-19 contact tracing system to Android devices

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One of the critical questions Google needed to answer about the COVID-19 contact tracing system it was co-developing with Apple is how it would deploy the technology to its devices. The company has since confirmed that it will use Google Play Services infrastructure to make this happen. 

It guarantees that more Android phones will receive the capability promptly since full operating system updates are unfortunately fraught with delays from both carriers and manufacturers. Releasing the system on Google Play Services also means it will be available on handsets running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or above.

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Samsung Canada offers door-to-door service support during COVID-19

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Samsung Canada has announced its "Door to Door" service to support their customers and their service needs as COVID-19 self-isolation recommendations continue.

Customers that require service support for their Samsung phone, tablet or wearable, can arrange convenient pick up through FedEx to collect the device and bring it back once any needed repairs have been made—with all shipping costs covered by Samsung Canada.

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Google thanks all COVID-19 essential workers with Doodle series

You might have noticed this heartwarming thing when you opened Google lately. The company is sending its thanks to all essential frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Google said in a statement, "This week, we're beginning a series of Doodles to recognize the many people responding to COVID-19 — from doctors and nurses caring for people on the front lines, to teachers and food service workers ensuring essential goods and services are still available." You can check out the different Google Doodles under the cut.

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Facebook introduces 'Quiet Mode' to its app

While it's merely a glorified "Do not disturb" option in the app, it might help remind you to step away from Facebook. The social network introduced a new Quiet Mode feature that lets you set limits on how much time you spend on the app. It mutes your push notifications, too. If you try to open Facebook while it's in Quiet Mode, you'll be reminded that you wanted to set this time aside from using the app. Social media might be our only way of staying connected to the world, but Facebook acknowledges we need to set boundaries so we can establish new routines at home.

Facebook also mentioned in its press release that they have "added shortcuts to Notification Settings and News Feed Preferences, so you can make the most of your time on Facebook by controlling the type of posts you see in your News Feed as well as the updates you receive."