BlackBerry demos OTA updates for IoT and connected car solutions

BlackBerry is demonstrating its next-generation over-the-air (OTA) update solution for connected cars as well as Internet of Things applications. Enabling these connected devices to remotely receive software updates and fixes, just like how smartphones and tablets get updated today, is a promising move forward for IoT.

BlackBerry says this solution will help automakers cut maintenance costs, reduce expensive recalls, improve customer satisfaction, and keep vehicles up to date with compelling new features long after they have rolled off the assembly line. The OTA update solution is part of the BlackBerry(R) IoT Platform and is designed to deliver secure, globally scalable update services for maintaining and enhancing the software in infotainment systems, telematics units, and other end-points in the vehicle. 

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Microsoft Cloud touches down in Canada, services to be delivered from Toronto and Quebec City

Microsoft announced plans to deliver commercial cloud services from Canada. Azure, Office 365 and Dynamics CRM Online will be delivered from Toronto and Quebec City in 2016, further strengthening Microsoft’s footprint in Canada’s competitive cloud landscape.

“Soon, the Microsoft Cloud will be truly Canadian,” said Kevin Turner, Worldwide Chief Operating Officer, Microsoft, who travelled to Toronto to make the announcement. “This substantial investment in a Canadian cloud demonstrates how committed we are to bringing even more opportunity to Canadian businesses and government organizations, helping them fully realize the cost savings and flexibility of the cloud,” said Turner. According to IDC, total public cloud spend in Canada is projected to grow to $2.5B by next year. The fastest growth will be from Public cloud infrastructure with a strong 45 per cent increase by 2016.

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'The Wire' box set in Blu-Ray and digital download now available from Amazon

Amazon will soon offer highly acclaimed crime drama 'The Wire' The Complete Series on Blu-Ray with digital copy. This marks the first time we will get a Blu-Ray quality set of this popular show. Also included are 12 Audio Commen'taries 3 Prequels that explore life before The Wire and a Gag Reel. Other features are "The Wire: The Last Word, "The Wire Odyssey," and a Q&A with David Simon and Creative Team Behind-the-Scenes Documentary.

Amazon.ca is selling the whole set for $135.99.

Apple's 'Shot on iPhone' campaign moves to videos

Apple's has focused on the camera properties of the iPhone 6 with various large format billboards and magazine ads showing awesome photo from users with the simple but powerful 'Shot on iPhone 6' tagline. Called iPhone World Gallery, the campaign has even featured the world of Canadians John Lehmann and Dan Carr.

The campaign is now moving from stills to video as Apple has released a variety of short videos shot on the iPhone by regular Joes and Janes. Showing what one can do with the OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) features, wide f/2.0 aperture as well as Apple's unparalleled camera software, these videos, which will appear in 23 countries - feature the work of seven videographers and their use of the built-in video features of iPhone including slo-mo, time-lapse and cinematic video stabilization show the impressive range of shots and moods that an iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus can achieve.