Google Canada adds new ‘Explore’ feature to Google Maps apps

More than search, Google is trying to give users options for exploration and finding relevant information based on location, time and context. As Google says, "the new ‘Explore’ feature helps Canadians uncover their surroundings with the tap of a button, whether they’re searching for a new lunch spot, travelling to a new country or wondering what time their train is scheduled to arrive." This is a convenient way to expand one's horizons beyond pure search. Hit jump for more details.

Click to read more ...

Canada's Keek social video service passes 58 million user mark

It may not be as popular as Instagram or even Vine, but the Canadian-created social video sharing service seems comitted to compete against those leading apps. The company is reportedly raising $100 million for financing to better compete with more widely popular apps and services. Keek allows users to record and post 36-second long videos called "Keeks" from smartphones as well as computer connected webcams. Followers can then comment and like the videos. You know, sort of like YouTube.

Founded in 2011, Keek's aggressive moves could make it a big story in Canadian app innovation. Keek is available on browsers, Android, iOS, Windows Phone and Blackberry.

Source: Venturebeat

SourceCode: Massive change in retail requires adaptation

Retail Prophet Doug Stephens at the Art of Retail Event: "The best days of retail are ahead of us, but things are changing dramatically."By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

I attended the recent Art of Retail conference in downtown Toronto to learn more about how retail is undergoing a massive change and how companies are tackling continued competition from online as well as innovating to stay alive.

Click to read more ...

SlideShow: Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone

While it may not be dramatically different from its predecessor, the flagship Samsung Galaxy S4 is very much a statement device. Currently one of the highest-specced quad-core Android smartphones in the market, the GS4 improves on the Galaxy S3 with a boatload of innovative software features, an improved 13-megapixel camera, IR blaster capability for controlling TVs and cable boxes, the ability to carry on ad-hoc WiFi file sharing, a gamut of sensors geared towards health apps and much more. It also feels better constructed and features a higher capacity battery.