BlackBerry and Kik messenger finally decide to play nice

After almost three years of back and forth legal banter, Waterloo-based BlackBerry (then RIM when dispute was filed) and Waterloo-based Kik messenger have finally settled their long-standing instant messenger dispute.

Although no word on settlement or how this will play out now for Kik, it puts to rest the patent infringement case that was filed back in 2010 when Kik launched their popular messenger service which - to this day - feels a lot like BlackBerry's famed BBM.

We reached out to Kik's founder and CEO Ted Livingston for comment and here is what he had to say:

"Its a tough subject that I can't say much on. Appreciate you asking though!"

Could this mean a future for Kik on BlackBerry 10? Unlikely. I think it was more about long term legal fees than anything. Stay tuned for more

via The Globe

BlackBerry to lay off 300 Waterloo-based employees

 BlackBerry has laid off 300 more employees based in their Waterloo, Ontario headquarters, as part of the 4,500 layoffs expected while the company prepares to be acquired.

“As previously mentioned, we are in a period of transition and we must focus on enhancing our financial results to be in a better position to compete in this current mobile environment,” said a BlackBerry spokesperson in an emailed statement to the Financial Post.

BlackBerry has trimmed more than 7,000 jobs since 2011 as it attempted to restructure and refocus its product line to better compete with popular handsets from Apple and various Android OS vendors like Samsung and HTC.

4,500 employees are expected to be let go for the next three quarters as the company reels from a recent almost $1 billion loss.

Source: Financial Post

Skype gets update for iOS 7

Microsoft redesigns Skype for the iPad and iPhone to support the new iOS 7. Both apps feature a new look to complement the new operating system and comes with enhanced accessibility features, especially those that require VoiceOver help.

iTunes Radio reportedly coming to Canada in early 2014

Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to release its online streaming radio service, iTunes Radio, to Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia in early 2014. While the report has yet to be verified by the Cupertino-based brand, this might seem in line with the recent job opening for the release of the service in the country.