Google plans to bring Recorder app to older Pixel phones

When Google launched the Pixel 4, one of the new features introduced was its Recorder app. Unlike traditional voice recorders, Google's version can perform real-time voice transcription with the help of AI. It can even find music and specific words, even without a cloud connection. Now we learn through a Google employee's reply in Reddit thread that the feature will be coming to older Pixel phones. What we don't know is what phones will get the app and when. Some users have been able to sideload the app on Pixel 3XL and Pixel 2 devices, but that isn't an official release yet.

Source: Android Police

Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup – 10/27 – 11/2

Apple launches $329 premium AirPods ProAdobe Creative Cloud exposed database left 7.5 million accounts vulnerable

Tile trackers now support Google Assistant

Apple reminds iPhone 5 owners to update devices before Nov. 3rd or lose ability to go online

Google Pixel 4's software white balance 'fix' seems to be causing problems

Canada gets first dibs on Samsung's NFC payment acceptance system

Samsung wants to make a foldable flip phone

DJI unveils the Mavic Mini, its lightest and smallest drone yet

Bell shifts to eBills in 2020

Motorola Razr seen in new leaked images

Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite rumoured specs spotted in Geekbench listing

Motorola Razr spotted out in the wild

Google to acquire Fitbit for US$2.1 billion

Uber and YWCA Canada offer rides to help underserved communities

Uber and YWCA Canada offer rides to help underserved communities

Uber Canada has partnered with the non-profit Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) Canada to help young women and gender diverse people in the country arrive at essential meetings and interviews. The ride-sharing service will provide rides for things like job training, medical appointments, and job interviews. It's part of Uber's Community Impact Initiative, and it's available for residents in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. Those who need a ride can get in touch with YWCA so that they can coordinate with Uber. 

The two parties previously collaborated on a project that raises awareness about gender-based violence. They provide training and resources for support programs and services around the country.

Source: YWCA

Google to acquire Fitbit for US$2.1 billion

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Fitbit is going to be the newest brand to be taken under Google's wings. Google announced that it has "entered into a definitive agreement" to acquire Fitbit for US$2.1 billion (around CA$2.7 billion). The announcement comes days after reports are going around that Google was in talks to purchase the fitness tracker company. Fitbit will be joining Google itself, in the same way that Nest is under Google right now.

According to Rick Osterloh, Google's senior vice president for hardware, the reason they want Fitbit is to help them create wearables within the company. That they "see an opportunity to invest even more in Wear OS as well as introduce Made by Google wearable devices into the market."

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