Samsung unveils refurbished Galaxy Note7, names it Galaxy Note Fan Edition

Samsung takes all the useable and non-“explode-y” parts of the Galaxy Note7 and puts it in a new refurbished device the company is calling the Galaxy Note Fan Edition. The phablet was just launched in South Korea and will be coming to its stores on July 7^th. The Note Fan Edition basically carries the same specs of the Note7 except for some key differences including a smaller 3,200mAh battery, which they claim passed through the new rigorous battery testing system they have in place. It also gets support for Samsung’s Bixby assistant. There will only be 400,000 units released and the device is coming to Korea first with other markets being “decided after.” Samsung Canada has previously announced that they have no plans to carry the refurbished device. Although with the Galaxy Note8 rumoured to be coming in August, we’re not sure why Samsung even decided to release this version. If given an opportunity to buy one though, would you?

Source: The Verge

Elon Musk: Tesla to start production of Model 3 this week

After passing all regulatory requirements for its production, the Tesla Model 3 will enter production by July 7^th, Friday, according to CEO Elon Musk. The first 30 customers will be getting their new Teslas during a handover party on July 28^th. Afterwards production of the most affordable Tesla to date will ramp up from 100 cars in August, to over 1,500 in September, and then to 20,000 per month by the end of the year. Tesla is also expected to dramatically increase production next year as it aims to produce 500,000 units annually. The Model 3 has over 400,000 pre-orders already so there are a lot of vehicles that need to be done. The clamor for it is understandable with the Model 3’s starting price at US$35,000 (around CA$45,000), which puts it a good $70,000 or so off the other Tesla models.

Source: The Verge

Sony unveils new version of its hybrid smartwatch in Japan

If you remember Sony’s Wena Wrist, an analog-style smartwatch made by Sony’s internal incubator, then you might be interested to know that Sony created a new version of this. Called the Three Hands Square, this hybrid smartwatch comes with a square body and a round face. Made specifically for women, it features an 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm case options. There’s also a new leather strap option. However, that would mean you’ll lose the notification function from the steel band. You still do get NFC, though.

But the steel bands are also being sold separately so you can mix and match. The steel band and the watch face will go on sale in Japan later this month. The watch itself has a starting price of 10,380 yen (around CA$120), while the steel band will cost at least 33,880 yen (around CA$390). If you want to wait for the leather band that’s coming out in late December, it costs 8,380 yen (around CA$95). No word if these watches will make its way out of Japan.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft will reportedly lay off thousands of staff worldwide as part of major sales reorganization

Rumour has it Microsoft is getting ready to lay off thousands of its global workforce this week as the company is set to reorganize its sales division. According to a report from TechCrunch, Microsoft intends to merge its enterprise customer division with its small-and-medium-enterprise unit. The reorganization is said to be part of Microsoft’s plan to focus more on its growing Azure business, which is its cloud computing business. It isn’t clear though if these reported layoffs will be new job openings that focus on the cloud business.

Microsoft’s fiscal year ends on June 30^th so layoffs could be tied to this. Reorganization is also seen to be a result of last year’s change of leadership. Judson Althoff and Jean-Philippe Courtois now lead the company’s sales and marketing divisions after COO Kevin Turner left. And Althoff is known to be critical of previous approaches to sales and is looking to make Azure a key focus for the company. Microsoft hasn’t commented on the report yet.

Source: GeekWire