Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup - 4/21- 4/27

Coca-Cola and Microsoft ink US$1.1 billion cloud and AI deal

Meta opens up Horizon OS, aims to be the Android of VR

LG UltraGear OLED gaming monitors elevate the game in Canada

LG MyView Smart Monitors arrive in Canada

Apple reportedly acquires French AI startup Datakalab

Fitbit dashboard on the web might be going away

Razer unveils the Viper V3 Pro mouse

Adobe Photoshop adds new generative AI features

Steam tightens refund policy for Early Access games

Biden signs law that potentially bans TikTok in the US

Google offers tips to unlock the power of AI chatbots

JetBlue lets you have in-flight watch parties

Apple reportedly acquires French AI startup Datakalab

Image: Datakalab

Apple reportedly acquired Datakalab, a Paris-based startup specializing in on-device artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision technology. The acquisition, according to French business magazine Challenges, was finalized in December 2023.

Datakalab focused on creating low-power, efficient deep learning algorithms that run directly on devices. This expertise aligns with Apple's rumored plans to introduce advanced AI features in the upcoming iOS 18.

Click to read more ...

Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup - 3/31- 4/6

Beats and Alo Yoga unveil Special Edition Fit Pro

Canva acquires Affinity, takes aim at Adobe's design dominance

Google Pixel 9 lineup gets a shakeup with potential Pro sizes and XL return

Samsung plans generative AI upgrade for Bixby

Fitbit watch functionality faces limits in Europe

McDonald's Canada unveils a r-r-r-remix with Lil Yachty

YouTube's new TV app feature helps you find the good stuff faster

ChatGPT goes account-free: Dive into AI chat without signing up

iPhone 12 gains surprise Qi2 support with iOS 17.4 update

Oura gets experimental with Symptom Radar

OnePlus 12 gets AI magic touch with new AI eraser tool

Google weighs AI-powered search subscription

Get dominating performance with the all-new Razer Blade 18

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6: Battery life rumours suggest stagnant capacity

Garmin steps up smartwatch updates with new nap tracking feature

Big screen entertainment, anywhere: Introducing the LG CineBeam Q projector

Canva acquires Affinity, takes aim at Adobe's design dominance

Affinity Designer 2 (Image: Affinity)

Canva, the popular web-based design platform, made a strategic move to challenge Adobe's stronghold on the design software market by acquiring the well-regarded Affinity suite. Announced in March 2024, the deal brings Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher—powerful design applications for desktop and iPad—under Canva's umbrella. These applications offer functionalities similar to Adobe's industry-standard Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, respectively.

While financial details remain undisclosed, Bloomberg estimates the acquisition to be worth hundreds of millions of pounds. This move strengthens Canva's position, particularly in attracting professional designers. While boasting 170 million monthly users, many likely aren't utilizing Adobe's professional offerings. However, Canva previously lacked design applications specifically catering to creative professionals like photographers, illustrators, and video editors.

Click to read more ...