Mastercard to phase out magnetic strips

Source: Mastercard

Mastercard is ready to let go of the magnetic strip on its cards. The company plans to transition to chip cards starting in 2024, particularly in regions where it's already a norm (like in Europe). Those regions where chips aren't widely used yet will begin their transition in 2027. 

By 2029, no new credit or debit cards will be released with a magnetic strip. The exceptions will be prepaid cards in the US and Canada. Mastercard plans to transition away from magnetic strips by 2033.

Source: Mastercard | Via: GadgetMatch

Waze brings 'PAW Patrol' voices to its app

Waze wants to entertain any kids you might have in your car with a new PAW Patrol experience. This feature will be available for a limited time for English users on both Android and iOS. You can access the experience here or head to My Waze within the Waze app and select the PAW Patrol banner there.

PAW Patrol's Ryder will guide you through your trip with help from Chase, Marshall, and Skye. With Waze Mood, you can replace your icon with Chase's police car, Marshall's fire truck, or Skye's aircraft. This new experience helps promote the PAW Patrol: The Movie coming out on August 20. 

Fitbit launches new band options for the Sense, Versa 3

Aside from the new Designer Collection bands from Brother Vellies and Victor Glemaud, Fitbit is introducing additional bands for the Sense and Versa 3. The Google-owned company also presents a new Fitbit Sense in sage grey/silver stainless steel for $399.95. These new options will be available starting August 25. 

The sage grey band will also be available as an infinity band for $34.95. There are new hook & loop bands in charcoal and coastal blue for US$34.95 (around CA$45), and new vegan leather band options in sand dollar and sea glass priced at US$49.95 (around CA$65). If you want the soft and durable silicone sport bands, there are new colour options in blush/desert bloom and frost white/lunar white for $39.95 each.

Source: Google

Volkswagen Canada, Electrify Canada to offer three-year unlimited charging to new all-electric 2021 VW ID.4

Source: Volkswagen Canada and Electrify Canada

Volkswagen Canada partners with Electrify Canada to offer new owners of Volkswagen's all-electric 2021 VW ID.4 to offer three years of unlimited, complimentary charging at several Electrify Canada stations in the country. These charging stations use 150kW and 350kW chargers, allowing users to charge their electric vehicles from five percent to 80 percent in around 38 minutes.

Electrify Canada recently announced plans to expand its 27 stations to over 100 stations with 500 individual chargers across the country by 2025.