Rogers and Fido offer in-store diagnosis with Device Tune-up

Rogers and Fido are trying to lessen the time you spend away from your smartphones with a new in-store offering. Device Tune-up service is a diagnostic tool that will let store reps solve your smartphone issues on the spot. Some of the services they offer include a diagnosis of the problems that may plague your device; secure your device and data; as well as wipe and back up your data if you’re passing on the device to someone. They will also help you transfer data from one device to another if you are upgrading. Of course, being able to transfer data is still dependent on what OS you are using and where your data is saved.

Review: TomTom Go 500 GPS

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Because I use my smartphone's various navigation features, my standalone GPS device has sat unused in my glove compartment for the past few years. The smartphone's constant data connection plus the variety of mapping apps and turn-by-turn direction options seemed good enough for me. But after I tried TomTom Go 500 GPS, I seriously reconsidered this approach.

A standalone GPS unit frees your smartphone from navigation duties and makes it possible to use the smartphone for fun stuff like playing back music, podcasts and most importantly, for making calls or taking messages (provided you're not driving, of course).

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Runtastic's Orbit wearable and app offer 24-hour health tracking

There are certainly a variety of health and sports-focused wearable trackers in the market today and many of those interact with smartphone apps. Joining them is Runtastic's Orbit which is a 24-hour tracking device that allows users to track their daily movements, fitness activities and sleep cycles. In combination with the just-released Runtastic Me app, Orbit further expands the Runtastic Ecosystem and is the first Runtastic hardware product geared towards “anyone and everyone,” regardless of an individual’s affinity for sports or fitness. The Orbit is the company's first wearable device and the first product to be available in Canada through an online store (and soon retail).

TSA wants you to charge your smartphone and tablet before flying

Seem's like the TSA (Transport Security Administration) has decided to give travellers one more thing to worry about as they struggle to put back their shoes, belts and store their notebooks. Passengers flying to the US will need to turn on ther smartphones as part of the long line of checkpoint rituals they already have to endure in the name of safety and security.

The latest rule states that, "Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft," this means screeners may now ask travellers to turn on those devices as part of the process. "The traveller may also undergo additional screening," the TSA added. Should a phone or tablet not turn on or be deemed to have low battery power, it might result in confiscation of the phone or tablet. It might be a good idea to invest in an external charger to keep everything juiced pre-flight.

Source: Politico