Uber plans to invest into developing its own worldwide maps

Uber currently makes uses of Google’s mapping technology to power its app. But it looks like that isn’t enough for them. According to The Financial Times, Uber wants to invest half a billion dollars into making their own worldwide maps that will be more detailed and show things like traffic patterns, door locations, and other potential pickup locations. The development of this tailor-made map would also help further the autonomous vehicle project of the company.

Other moves Uber has made in the past in terms of mapping include hiring former Google employees like Brian McClendon and forging partnerships or acquiring mapping companies such as TomTom and DigitalGlobe.

Source: The Verge

Leak shows Samsung’s new Gear VR might work with the S6

A new leak ahead of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 event on August 2^nd shows the upcoming Gear VR headset and its features. According to OnLeaks and French tech site Nowhereelse, one of the key things about it is it’ll supposedly support not just the Note 7 but even the Galaxy S6. It’ll also reportedly offer a wider 110-degree view versus the 96-degree view offered by its predecessor. We’re just a couple of days away from seeing what Samsung plans to do with its new Gear VR. And of course, if all the rumours about the Note 7 hold up.

Source: Engadget

Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup 07/24-07/30

First look at LG's X Power smartphone

Two Canadian teens accidentally crossed the border into the U.S. while playing ‘Pokémon Go’

Verizon buys Yahoo for US$5 billion

First look at LG's 360 Cam accessory

Review: Epson SureColor P600 Wide Format inkjet printer

Transit feature now available for Vancouver and Victoria on Apple Maps

HTC Desire 530 comes to Canada

LCBO offers online liquor sale and delivery service

BlackBerry launches new Android device, the super-secure DTEK50

What's coming to Netflix Canada in August

Apple posts Q3 revenue of $42.4 billion and quarterly net income of $7.8 billion

Twitter introduces a new night mode into Android app

Google introduces family sharing on Google Play

‘Darksiders’ gets ‘warmastered’ for the PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Wii U

Netflix announces Gilmore Girls launch date

Review: Ulysses for macOS and iOS

Slash away monsters with ‘Severed’

Marvel isn’t splitting ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ into two films

More job cuts at Microsoft as it sheds its phone business

Instagram to help hinder online harassment with comment filter control

Instagram to help hinder online harassment with comment filter control

It isn’t news that we have a big problem with online trolls but it’s always good when social networks and sites work towards trying to curb the harassment people experience online. Instagram is working to allow users to ban certain phrases or emojis from appearing on your feed or you could even turn off your comments section altogether. While Instagram already has some filters in place, this will give you a better handle on the experience you get on the site. It’s supposedly rolled out to some high-profile users already but they are said to be working to bring it to more users.

“Our goal is to make Instagram a friendly, fun and, most importantly, safe place for self-expression," Nicky Jackson Colaco, Instagram public policy chief, told The Washington Post in a statement. "We have slowly begun to offer accounts with high volume comment threads the option to moderate their comment experience. As we learn, we look forward to improving the comment experience for our broader community.”

Source: Refinery29