Google I/O is completely canceled

Google isn't pushing through with its annual Google I/O conference, not even the digital event. With shelter in place requirements imposed on California, the company decided to cancel the event. Google said in a tweet, "Out of concern for the health and safety of our developers, employees, and local communities—and in line with "shelter in place" requirements by the local Bay Area government—we sadly will not be holding an I/O event in any capacity this year."

The wording used in the series of tweets seems to confirm that there won't be a 2020 Google I/O event, so any announcements to be made will either be done later or through developer blogs and community forums. Those who won in the drawing of tickets this year will be automatically be invited for I/O 2021.

Source: Android Police

F1 will hold a Virtual Grand Prix series to replace canceled races

While COVID-19 pandemic canceled the upcoming Formula One races, F1 will be airing a Virtual Grand Prix series in the meantime. The first virtual race will be held in place of Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix from 8:00 pm (GMT) on March 22 and will stream on F1's Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch. The races will have current drivers and "stars" race against each other using the official 2019 Formula One game from Codemasters. F1 hasn't announced yet which drivers will be part of the series. The participants will use PC's and play remotely. The game will run at 50% distance to level the playing field between actual racers and sim drivers. 

F1 wanted to emphasize that the series will not have any effect on the World Championship. It's just meant to entertain fans during this trying time. The Virtual Grand Prix is going to replace race weekends until May, but we might expect it to extend if things don't improve by then.

CBC expands content for kids and families

With schools and daycares closed across the country, CBC is making more content available for children and their caregivers across many of the public broadcaster’s platforms including CBC Kids, CBC Gem and educational platform Curio. Here is what's available...

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'The Way Back' will be coming to digital platforms earlier

More and more films are being made available online as early as possible, especially since public gatherings (like going to movie theatres) are being banned because of COVID-19. One of the latest films to be hitting video-on-demand platforms early is Warner Bros.' The Way Back. The Ben Affleck-led film will be available digitally on March 24. The critically-acclaimed sports drama hit theatres in the US on March 6.

"With audiences largely unable to view films in theatrical release under current circumstances, we have decided to provide the alternative of early digital ownership of our currently released titles to people looking for great entertainment options," Toby Emmerich, chairman of Warner's film group, said in a statement. "So, while we remain big fans of the theatrical experience and hope audiences are able to return to cinemas in the near future, we understand that these are challenging times and offering this option simply makes sense."

Source: ComingSoon.net