American Express customers can now enjoy Apple Pay in Canada

Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president in charge of Apple Pay says that American Express cards are easiest to support at launch. Photo By Gadjo C. Sevilla/ Canadianreviewer.com

Canadians who are American Express customers and who own iPhones and Apple Watches, rejoice! Apple Pay is now available in Canada. Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president in charge of Apple Pay says that American Express cards are easiest to support at launch because AmEx is both the payment network operator and the card issuer, whereas other payment networks like Visa and MasterCard work with financial institutions to issue cards that work on their network.

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Engineered by HP program yields first crop of wearable devices

HP developed the hardware modules, software and user interface, and is providing HP cloud services for all of the brand smartwatches. HP also designed the app that allows users to configure and connect the watch to the cloud.

HP has always done its own thing when it came to wearables and smart watches. Last year, they collaborated with designer Michael Bastien for the Chronowing timepiece, which was more watch that received push notifications, than a full blown smartwatch. The Engineered by HP program now has new model, the Movado Bold Motion smartwatch ($889.99 from HP) features a sleeker take on the notification watch and promises a 7-day battery life. Ideal for fashion forward users who don't want apps on their watch and are happy with a more back-to-basics take on wearable functionality.

Pandora acquires RDIO music streaming service for US $75M

RDIO, one of the pioneering streaming music services has been purchased by Pandora for US $75 million. Pandora, it appears, plans to cannibalize RDIO and use it for parts to improve its service. Pandora said in an announcement that the acquisition includes “technology and intellectual property from Rdio.”

Pandora, which isn't available in Canada, has been facing stiff competition from streaming music leader Spotify and new entrant Apple Music  which are gaining popularity and being Internationally available. The streaming music industry has surpassed CD sales and even online music sales for the first time this year. 

Source: Variety

Unlocked Lumia 950 and 950 XL smartphones available for preorder from Microsoft Store

Microsoft's new Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL Windows 10 smartphones are now available for preorder from Microsoft's online store. The devices are expected to ship on November 25 and will be featuring the latest build of Windows 10 running on smartphones. The 5.2" Lumia 950 costs $749.00 while the larger 5.7" Lumia 950 XL costs $849.99 and should work with all Canadian carriers.

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