Toyota, Volkswagen back ride-sharing companies

Gett Chief Executive Shahar Waiser

Toyota and Volkswagen see the potential of ride-sharing companies join the list of investors. Toyota is backing Uber for an undisclosed amount. What they plan to do is explore trials in countries where the ride-sharing industry is growing. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Group is getting behind Gett, a popular ride-hailing app in Europe. The automaker has invested US$300 million into the startup.

They aren’t the first ones to do this, though. General Motors, for example, has invested half a billion dollars into Lyft to help in the development of autonomous vehicles. BMW and Mercedes-Benz have also began pilot ride-sharing services, among others.

Source: The New York Times

Microsoft discounts Lumia 950 XL by $150, price in Canada is now $699

Microsoft's flagship Lumia 950 XL phablet is currently on sale for CAD $699.00 with a $150.00 discount on the octa-core 5.7-inch smartphone that brings many of the advantages of previous Nokia flagships including wireless charging, a 20 megapixel camera with OIS, expandable storage as well as the ability to run a desktop version of Windows using Continuum and a display dock accessory (this only runs Office, some universal apps and the Edge browser right now). 

Microsoft has been discounting and bundling both the Lumia 950 and the Lumia 950 XL (even bundling the smaller smartphone for free if one bought the phablet). This latest move is aimed at clearing inventory and getting more people to buy these Windows Phones perhaps in anticipation of new hardware.

Source: Thurott.com

OlloClip and OtterBox collaborate on new 4-in-1 lens and case system

OlloClip and OtterBox are putting together a new 4-in-1 lens and case system combo.

with the new OtterBox uniVERSE Case System.  The 4-IN-1 lens built for uniVERSE still features the signature four advanced optic quick-change lenses (fisheye, wide-angle, macro 10x & 15x).

This is an exciting partnership for olloclip since many customers ask for a protective case and it sits perfectly within olloclip's brand vision and addresses the needs and wants that exist in the market.

Customers love the olloclip lenses to capture and share spontaneous moments simply and instantly, but many want to use them with a protective case,” said Patrick O’Neill, founder of olloclip.  “This exciting partnership with OtterBox sits perfectly within our brand vision and enables us to collaborate and innovate with the market-leading case manufacturer to address the needs and wants we know exist in the market. 

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Ultimate Ears’ most portable bluetooth speaker gets improved

Ultimate Ears continues to push the boundaries of innovation and design in its portable wireless speakers with the addition of UE ROLL 2 to its vibrant lineup of anywhere-you-go-proof wireless mobile speakers. Starting first with UE BOOM in 2013 and now reaching new heights with the introduction of UE ROLL 2, UE continues to reinvent the Bluetooth® speaker category, for everything from design to sound.

Whether at the beach or backpacking, UE ROLL 2 brings even more to the party, with 15 percent more sound and an increased wireless range of 100-feet, all while keeping the sleek, disc shape design of the original UE ROLL. Weighing in at just over half a pound, UE ROLL 2 packs in more sound without adding extra size or bulk.

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