Spotify to venture into videos

Not wanting Apple Music to creep up on them, Spotify announced they’ll be debuting original video series on its platform. There will be 12 new shows with actors like Tim Robbins and Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons. These music-related series can range from a few minutes long to 15 minutes and won’t be kept behind a paywall, meaning free and paying users will have access to them. One of the new shows is called Landmark and will be focusing on a “significant moment in music history.” Spotify has already shot two episodes for this show, one focuses on the Beach Boys album Pet Sounds and the other is on Metallica.

While they are releasing music-related video content now, the streaming service plans a “phase two” where they’ll focus on comedy and animation series that will be geared towards the young audience of Spotify. According to Spotify’s Content Partnerships Head Tom Calderone, music will always be a priority for them but they know their users want more from them. “We have to figure out a second act, and I think it will come out of video,” Calderone said. “The idea is to make sure users know they can come here for something other than playlists.”

Source: 9to5Mac

New Moto X models to come in metal, offer fingerprint reader and possible modular expansion

Leaks pertaining to the 2016 revision of Lenovo's Moto X flagship have yielded some intriguing details. While it isn't yet known if these renders are anywhere close to the production versions, we can see the addition of what looks to be a fingerprint scanner at the bottom bezel of the device plus a new rear camera array, some interesting looking dots at the lower back and possibly interchangeable backplates, including what looks to be a metal or aluminium option.

The sixteen dots are said to be connectors for a series of add-on accessories that will clamp on to the Moto X. This should open up a range of accessories that might be revealed come June when Lenovo is expected to reveal what's coming to their Moto line.

Soource:HelloMotoHK

Huawei's work-study program will host 19 engineering students from 9 Canadian universities to China

Huawei announced the 19 third year engineering students selected to participate in its  ‘Seeds for the Future’ program. Students will be gathering in Ottawa for two days of preparation at Huawei’s Canada Research Centre before departing for China on Thursday, May 12, for a two-week professional and cultural trip to China. 

Now in its second year, ‘Seeds for the Future’ provides an opportunity for students in over 40 countries around the world to learn firsthand about China and its technology industry. For Canadian engineering students, the program aims to build links between Canada and China, promote a greater understanding of career opportunities in the telecommunications sector, and to encourage participation in the international ICT community. Before they embark on their trip, these students will also have the opportunity to tour Huawei’s Canada Research Centre and meet with Huawei’s global 5G research team. 

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Dedicated smart home app reportedly coming to iOS 10

The list of devices that support Apple’s HomeKit platform continue to grow. And with that means varied apps needed to manage different kinds of appliances or devices. Thankfully, there might be a central hub for all of that in the future, if the rumours are to be believed. MacRumors reported they saw a review on Amazon from an Apple employee that claims a “standalone” HomeKit app will be coming in the fall just in time for the release of iOS 10. The staffer can’t say how it’d work but the implication is it’ll be a hub for all HomeKit-compatible gadgets. Of course, there’s no certainty that Apple plans to show up soon. But if this does get released, that’ll give Apple an edge in the smart home market.

Source: Engadget