Spotify’s upcoming event puts focus on mobile app

Spotify is holding an event on April 24^th and a new flyer related to the event confirms that the event will heavily focus on Spotify’s mobile efforts. Those presenting at the event include Chief R&D Officer Gustav Söderström, Vice President of Product Development Babar Zafar, and Global Head of Creator Services Troy Carter. There are a number of things the music streaming service can announce. One is the expansion of its voice control feature beyond testing with select iOS accounts. Another is talks about changes to free subscription tier where the service will be easier to use, especially for those on mobile. And there’s also been rumours that Spotify is entering the hardware space, we might hear more then.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft taking security head on to help businesses manage threats

Microsoft today announced a range of solutions and services designed to protect businesses from cloud based threats. It's the first time a company of Microsoft's scale has launched a series of security services that encompass the needs of businesses and individuals.

These new solutions build on Microsoft’s longstanding approach to delivering innovation that customers and partners can build upon to strengthen the broader ecosystem against cyberattacks from the cloud to the edge.

“As last year’s devastating cyberattacks demonstrated, security threats are evolving and becoming even more serious,” said Brad Smith, president of Microsoft. “The tech sector’s innovations need to accelerate to outpace security threats. Today’s steps bring important security advances not just to the cloud, but to the billions of new devices that are working on the edge of the world’s computer networks.”

Click to read more ...

Fitbit Versa is now available in Canada for $249.95

Leading fitness wearables maker Fitbit has announced that its latest Versa smartwatch is available in Canada.  The Fitbit Versa, which will sell for $249.95 in canada ($199 in the US). Features a friendly and lightweight design. Exercise and activity tracking plus a 4-day battery.
 
“We’re thrilled for consumers around the world to experience Versa, a beautifully designed smartwatch for all with advanced health and fitness features, access to our large global social network and smart features people find most useful at an approachable price,” said James Park, co-founder and CEO of Fitbit.

Click to read more ...

Android P might bring the ability to remember volume levels for different Bluetooth devices

With phones losing headphone jacks, people are relying more and more on Bluetooth headsets and accessories. And it seems Google wants to make life easier for users who are reliant on the technology. An AOSP commit titled “Implement Bluetooth device volume memory” shows the possibility that the next Android version, which we call Android P, will be able to remember the volume of your Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth volume memory, as the commit describes, will be handled on a “per-device basis.” The volume profiles will be stored in shared preference and will be loaded every time the device is connected. The description adds, “Volume is persisted for devices that both do and don’t support absolute volume.”

There is currently only one master volume for Bluetooth devices but with the possible introduction of volume memory being handled individually, it takes out the hassle of having to adjust volume each time you connect your phone to your Bluetooth accessories.

Source: Android Authority