B.C. students win big in BlackBerry smartphone App Dev Awards

[l to r: Becky Reid from BlackBerry presents awards to winners Whitney Anderson, Kieren O’Neil, Noah Bergmann]

Science and technology collided at Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) national championships over the last weekend, where students from across Canada competed in creating a mobile app for the BlackBerry Smartphone App Development Award.

Three technology whiz kids from B.C. triumphed to emerge as top winners in all three categories: Junior (grades 7 and 8), Intermediate (grades 9 and 10) and Senior (grades 11 and 12). Wowing the judges with their smartphone apps, the winners were rewarded with cash prizes, BlackBerry smartphones and mentorship with a BlackBerry mobile application developer expert.

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Samsung patent shows smartwatch with circular display

Patents aren't usually turned into actual products. But if this defies that convention, then we might get a new smartwatch with a circular display. A Samsung patent filed last August shows a circular display with gesture-based navigation and an optical sensor. It isn't a standalone device though, meaning it needs a tablet or smartphone to view notifications. We're guessing the device will run on Samsung's custom Tizen operating system. Again, there is no word if this device will be brought to market. But it would become an alternative to the Moto 360 for those looking for a smartwatch with a circular display.

Source: Android Central

Sony PlayStation 4 to get pre-loading feature for pre-ordered games

Games are taking longer and longer to download because of growing file sizes. Sony wants to ease the process for you by adding a pre-loading feature for games you pre-order. The feature will be available starting this September with the release of Bungie's next big game Destiny. You can download the game prior to the September 9 release date and be ready to play once midnight strikes on that day.

Source: Engadget

Apple's new 'Verse' iPad ad focuses on the joy of travel

Apple's new addition to its "What will your verse be?" series of ads will appeal to travelers who are shown just how useful an iPad Air can be in enjoying, capturing, and sharing various moments and experiences we encounter in our travels. Featuring travel writer Cherie King, who was born with no hearing in both ears but who can use the iPad Air as an extension of herself. This is a great, inspiring ad that shows just how technology can be put at our disposal.