Apple gearing up for Beats 1 Radio debut

It may not be easy to get excited about a new radio station these days. But when it is the Apple-backed Beats 1 Radio component of the upcoming Apple Music service, we can expect a lot of interest.

Former BBC DJ, Zane Lowe, who makes up one third of the initial triumverate of DJs curating the sound of Beats1 (from NY, LA and London, you know, the epicentres of cool music), is hyping up his first on air interview. Lowe will be chatting up iconic rapper and known Dr. Dre cohort, Eminem, as his very first guest. How the world has changed. Eminem famously embarked on a lawsuit against iTunes back in 2009.

That case was eventually settled, and now Eminem is helping kick off Apple's biggest music play since it launched iTunes and the iPod over a decade ago.

In other Apple Music related news, Taylor Swift finally decided to allow her latest album 1989 on Apple's streaming music service after all. The pop star tweeted, "After the events of this week, I've decided to put 1989 on Apple Music...and happily so." Apple Music kicks off in the US on June 30.

The Weather Network launches Apple Watch app

Top apps and services continue to offer Apple Watch specific updates. The Weather Network and MétéoMédia, announced the launch of The Weather Network app for Apple Watch, available for free on the App Store. Designed specifically for Apple Watch, the app provides users with quick and easy access to localized weather forecasts and relevant content.

The Weather Network’s app for Apple Watch is the most recent addition to the company’s iOS app family, which includes the popular iPhone app, used by over 4.5 million Canadians every month.

Click to read more ...

First look at the LG G Stylo, an affordable phablet with a stylus

By Gadjo C. Sevilla

LG Canada had a lot of surprises for us at the Holidays in June (#LGHiJ) event where they showcased their latest products and technologies. Among the things I learned that surprised me the most was that LG produces solar panels and economical lightbulbs. I also learned that they're releasing an affordable yet versatile phablet geared towards pre-paid customers.

It is called the LG G Stylo, and while it has the general look and feel of the LG G4, it does boast a larger 5.7-inch  IPS display as well as, as its name suggests, a stylus. It also features an 13 megapixel camera with laser focus, a 3,000 mAh battery, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.2 GHz Quad-Core processor and 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage and microSD card expansion plus universal remote capability. Stay tuned on more information regarding availability as well as pricing.

Video: How PayPal is enabling mobile payments in Toronto

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Earlier today, I went on a tour in dowtown Toronto with Alexander Peh, PayPal Canada’s head of mobile, to preview mobile apps that make everyday life easier. PayPal has been in the online and micro-payments business for many years now and they've adopted the latest technologies. Their mobile solution, which works on iPhones, Android devices, Windows Phone and BlackBerry phones, is compatible with over 100 businesses in Toronto which can enable secure payments.

Alexander Peh explained how  mobile apps and online food delivery services make use of PayPal payments these  include parking app HonkMobile, ride sharing app Blancride, Beck Taxi, food ordering service Grabb, Kupfert & Kim and grocery and booze delivery service Urbery. PayPal earns a commission on each transaction made with these retailers and service providers.