Samsung plans to refurbish or recycle Galaxy Note7 devices

Environmental organization Greenpeace has been leaning heavily on Samsung when it comes to its plans for the recalled Galaxy Note7 devices. Now the company has announced what it plans to do with the device, which they’ve emphasized in “three principles.” One is they might refurbish the phones or turn them into rental phones where it can be applicable. Second is they will salvage components that can be reused. And third, processes like metals extraction will supposedly be “performed using environmentally-friendly methods.”

When it comes to the refurbished or rental option, Samsung says this is “dependent upon consultations with regulatory authorities and carriers as well as due consideration of local demand.” They will announce markets and release dates at a later time. They will work with companies who specialize in removing semiconductors and camera modules and use these for sample production. And when it comes to the component recycling, Samsung says it’ll extract the precious metals (i.e. copper, nickel, gold, and silver) with the help of eco-friendly companies who also specialize in these processes.

UPDATE:

Samsung Canada has released a statement regarding the possibility of the Note7 coming back to the country:

Samsung Electronics Canada will not be offering refurbished Galaxy Note7 devices for rent or sale in Canada.

WatchOS 3.2 brings Siri with apps, Theatre Mode and other features

Apple Watch users can now queue their wearables for the watchOS 3.2 which will bring refinements and bug fixes as well as the ability to use Siri to access and control apps, a new Theatre Mode that keeps the watch dark until it is invoked.

Siri now works with apps from the App Store to start workouts, send messages, make payments, book rides, and more. This extensibility makes voice a more useful interface on Apple Watch. You can also scribble in French, Spanish, and Italian. Plus, the music playlist sync progress is now displayed in the Apple Watch app on iPhone.

iOS 10.3 update is now out with file system update, find AirPods and CarPlay improvements

Apple is rolling out iOS 10.3 to iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users right now. There's a lot of new features and functionalities including two-factor authentication, the ability to find AirPods in the Find My iPhone app, improvements for CarPlay interactions and a new file system. Hit jump for the list of new features.

Click to read more ...

Mastercard Canada testing latest technology to simplify consumer purchases through Chatbot conversations

By Sonya Davidson

You may have heard about Mastercard's Identity Check payment system that is being used to prove consumer identity online beyond passwords and fingerprints. It uses smart devices and biometrics through facial recognition to enable payments in authenticating purchases. Recently at DX3 in Toronto, the company showed trade show attendees a hands-on look at the latest technology for retailers. We had a tour with Jason Davies, VP of Digital Payments at Mastercard, who walked us through the new technology in efforts to simplify and engage consumers. 

Along side seeing how Mastercard's Identity Check worked, we were also introduced to Chatbots experience that is now being tested with banks and retaiilers to help personalize customer service and purchases. The Artificial Intelligence bots will allow consumers to message, manage finances and make transactions through a messaging platform.

Click to read more ...