Apple pilot tests extended AppleCare+ eligibility

Whether this is just a holiday offering or one program that will be available beyond this season, Apple is testing out the extension of its AppleCare+ program beyond 60 days in select North American locations. The pilot program started this week at 29 locations in Canada and in 50 or so Apple Stores in the US. The extended eligibility means devices bought between 61 days and one year can still avail of AppleCare+. Initially, the reports claim it was up to two years, but then it was reduced to one.

To make sure you qualify, you need to schedule a Genius Bar appointment where the technician will run diagnostics on your device as well as perform a visual check to confirm eligibility. AppleCare+ offers two or three years of extended hardware coverage and technical support, depending on the type of device. The service includes up to two incidents of accidental damage, each subject to a service fee.

Source: MacRumors

Samsung brings $2,599 Galaxy Fold to Toronto

After previously announcing that the company had no plans to bring the Galaxy Fold to Canada, Samsung changed its mind. They will be selling their first foldable smartphone exclusively at Samsung Experience Stores in the Greater Toronto Area starting December 6. It will be available at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, CF Sherway Gardens, and Yorkdale Shopping Centre for a hefty $2,599 price tag.

Available in Cosmos Black, the Galaxy Fold will come with "exclusive access to Galaxy Fold Premiere Service." This offering includes screen repair and 24/7 technical support available at "1-888-970-FOLD." A second-generation Galaxy Fold is rumoured to be coming to Canada, too.

Source: MobileSyrup

Amazon Canada now carries the Echo Show 8

If you need a larger display and louder sound from your smart speaker, then the Amazon Echo Show 8 is for you. The speaker launched during Amazon's September hardware event is now available on the online retailer's site for $169.99. This smart speaker comes with an 8-inch display and has built-in Alexa voice controls. It promises louder sound for spaces like the living room and kitchen, even with a relatively smaller footprint.

Google Docs to get Smart Compose

Google is going to be bringing the Smart Compose feature it first introduced in Gmail to Google Docs. However, access to the function is currently limited to G Suite domain administrators that sign up for the beta. The feature is also limited to English right now. But as with other Google productivity-related features in the past, the plan could include a rollout to all users in the future. 

Smart Compose uses machine learning to study your writing and suggest how to finish a sentence or correct a statement.

Source: The Verge