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.

Nintendo Canada to hold largest Pokémon gathering

In time for the worldwide release of the Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, Nintendo is hosting a large fan event and launch at the WestJet Stage at Harbourfront Centre, Toronto on Friday, October 11 from 3-9 PM. The game developer gives local fans a chance to play the new game before it hits the shelves on Saturday, October 12. 

They also encourage you to bring your own Nintendo 3DS or DS and favorite Pokémon titles to touch base with other fans of the games. There is a limited commemorative giveaway to celebrate the launch and if you show up as your favorite Pokémon or Trainer, there’s a chance you can take home a Poké Ball Game Case. If you’re not in the Toronto area, you can participate in gatherings held at other areas.