Apple's World Wide Developer's Conference returns to San Jose starting June 4

Apple's next WWDC (World Wide Developer's Conference) is slated to return to San Jose, California on June 4-8. Apple will take over the San Jose McEnery Convention Center to showcase the latest iOS, macOS, WatchOS, TVOS, HomeKit and HealtKit software innovations.

Some hardware is also expected at this event as it will mark the a year since the last iPad Pros were launched. Also expected are new MacBooks and quite possible the first glimpse into the much awaited Mac Pro.

Developers can apply for tickets now through March 22 at 10 a.m. PDT via the WWDC website (developer.apple.com/wwdc/tickets). Tickets are issued through a random selection process, and developers will be notified of application status by March 23 at 5 p.m. PDT. 

Students are an integral part of the Apple developer community. Up to 350 WWDC Student Scholarships are available this year, providing students and members of all STEM organizations an opportunity to earn a free ticket to WWDC. Students can now visit the the WWDC website for details on how to apply (developer.apple.com/wwdc/scholarships). 

Hands on with the new ecobee Switch+ Alexa powered smart light switch

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

with the ecobee Switch+ you can make any home or apartment a truly smart home by integrating Amazon's Alexa and all its connected features on a structural level.

Smart speakers are the hottest consumer technology devices in Canada this year. We already have an ongoing turf war between Google Home, which has a year's head start in Canada (and was also partly developed in Waterloo, ON) and Amazon Echo, whose Alexa smart assistant leads the market in the US and which is available on a range of speakers, PCs and other devices.

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Fitbit releases Fitbit Versa, Female Health Tracking and Fitbit Ace for kids

Fitbit just released a trifecta of products, each expanding the health tracking services and devices to new markets. The first one is a more affordable smartwatch in the Fitbit Versa. This rounded and more fashion-focused Fitbit that recalls some design touches from Pebble. Fitbit absorbed Pebble two years ago. The Fitbit Versa comes on April 2018 and will sell for $249 CAD.

Fitbit also unveiled Female Health Tracking for logging menstrual cycles, recording symptoms and allowing these to be a part of their Fitbit health and fitness analytics. This is the first time that female health has been integrated in a fitness tracker. Fitbit Ace is the first fitness tracker designed for kids and will sell for $129.95 when it ships in the spring. This feedsinto a secure Fitbit Family account and allows parents to safeguards their kids' information. Find out more on  Fitbit Versa, female health tracking and  Fitbit Ace.

Vancouver entrepreneurs launch Artificial Intelligence start-up

CareCru Inc., an AI-driven platform for dentists and dental groups, announces today they have raised a seed round investment.

The round was led by Peter McCullagh of TenX Ventures with participation from Manny Padda of New Avenue Capital and several other high-profile tech investors. This round of funding will be used to accelerate development of their platform and expand sales and marketing efforts.

The CareCru team has developed an automation platform, powered by artificial intelligence, that grows and manages dental practices with minimal human intervention. Built from the ground up to be completely self-driving, the CareCru platform also generates real-time analytics, providing managers with the tools to run a successful dental practice.

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