As Amazon Prime Video prepares to come to Canada, Netflix now allows video downloads

Hey Canada, the streaming video wars are about to go to the next level. There are rumours that Amazon Prime Video is officially coming to Canada on December 1 which will give Amazon Prime subscribers access to a range of shows, movies and exclusive. You can already stream some of the stuff from Amazon if you're a Prime subscriber but you can only use a web browser.

Seeing that it's days as a streaming giant monopoly in Canada are nearly over, Netflix has announced that it will now enable subscribers to download movies or TV shows for offline viewing. This is ideal for travel or if you have kids who want Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol on heavy rotation and is, coincidentally, one of the features that Amazon Prime Video subscribers in the USA have enjoyed for some time now.

Canadians are currently paying $79 a year for Amazon Prime which costs $99 in the US, will this price be increased to support the video service once it is officially offered.

Source: CP24

Apple turns (RED) in support of the Fight Against AIDS

Over the past 10 years, 70 million lives have been impacted by (RED)-supported Global Fund grants. At the start of Apple’s partnership with (RED), 1,200 babies were born with HIV every day, and today, UNAIDS predicts that number could be near zero by the year 2020, with the end of AIDS by 2030.

Apple has always been a partner of the (RED) initiative to raise awareness and funds for the fight against aids. For 2016, the 10th anniversary to support (RED) in its mission to create an AIDS-free generation. Apple, the world’s largest corporate contributor to the Global Fund, and this year marks its 10th anniversary supporting (RED) in the fight to end AIDS.

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Amazon rumoured to be developing Echo version with touchscreen display

In an attempt to supposedly keep at bay Google Home and Apple’s rumoured entry into the smart home speaker market, Amazon is reportedly working on a new “premium” version of the Echo speaker that has a 7-inch touchscreen display. Veering away from the cylindrical look of the Echo speakers, this rumoured device will be larger and “tilt upwards” so the screen can be read when sitting on a desk or kitchen counter. The exact design hasn’t been specified yet. But it’ll supposedly respond mostly to Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant and run on an optimized version of Amazon’s Fire OS. Adding a display is said to make it easier to access content. Audio quality will also supposedly be improved with this version. There is no confirmation yet about this plan but we’re keeping our eyes open for it.

Source: MacRumors

Survey says the iPhone is the most desired gift of 2016

Desireability continues to be one of the iPhone's key strengths and this hasn't weakened in 2016. A survey by Piper Jaffray sampling 1,000 people has the iPhone as a clear leader with 7.2 percent of people surveyed wanting up from 5.2 percent in 2015. Looking at the records, the iPhone is as popular in 2016 as it was in 2013.

The second most desired gift of 2016 from the survey is also from Apple, the MacBook (not sure which specific 'book they refer to, the Air, Pro or all of them). 2016 has been a year of landmark smartphone releases and the bar has been raised pretty high, the iPhone continues to resonate with consumers. Check out the rest of the survey here.

Source: CNBC.com via 9to5Mac