Microsoft addressing Surface Pro 4 "Flickergate" issue with out of warranty replacements

Surface Pro 4 Flicker issue from Gadjo Sevilla on Vimeo.

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

There's an issue affecting selected units of the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 devices where the display begins flickering. This issue cannot be addressed via a software update and is a problem with some of the displays used in the 2-in1 device. I've unfortunatley experienced the fkickering issue and have taken my out of warranty unit to various Microsoft Stores in Canada and in the US to be told that the issue can only get worse through time and that the best option in to move my apps and data over to another unit at my expense.

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Space epic The Expanse cancelled by Syfy after three seasons

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The Expanse, which is a sci-fi space epic based on the books of the same title by author James S.A. Corey which focuses on factions from Earth, the Belt and Mars facing off in a precipitous galactic war while a mysterious alien organism tips the balance.

Shot in Toronto, The Expanse features a stellar cast or characters, engrossing visuals and arguably the best special effects for a TV show we've seen. Now on its third season, the show has generated great acclaim and has a solid global fan following. Despite this, Syfy (and by extension their Canadian wing Space), has announced it is dropping the show after the third season concludes.

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Apple makes strides in advancing carbon-free aluminum smelting, brings $188 million investment to Canada

Apple has played a crucial role in an international joint venture that could forever change global manufacturing of aluminum. A key component used in the production of Macs, iPads, iPhones and Apple Watch products, many technology companies like Apple prefer aluminum because of its strength and lightness as well as the various ways it can be treated.

By using aluminum in its products at scale, Apple has been able to find ways to make production more effecient and less wasteful as well as develop new processes.

Leading aluminum manufacturing companies Alcoa and Rio Tinto have developed, "a revolutionary process to make aluminum that produces oxygen and replaces all greenhouse gas emissions from the traditional aluminum smelting process. The technology represents the culmination of decades’ worth of research and development," Apple's statement said. 

According to the news. Alcoa, Rio Tinto, the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec and Apple agree to provide a combined investment of CAD $188 million, which is a large investment in Canada, where the smelting will take place.

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ZTE ceases operations, reportedly on life support after U.S. ban

Chinese smartphone and communications manufacturer ZTE is reportedly on life support following a crushing US ban. The company has apparently ceased all online and retail operations in the wake of a ban imposed by the US goverment. ZTE is China's second largest telecom equiptment maker, it made its name in North America selling affordable smartphones as well as portablw Wi-Fi hotspot devices.

ZTEwas banned  for illegally shipping goods to Iran, the result is the ceasing of major operating activities for the companies. "ZTE appears to have suspended its online stores on its own website as well as on Alibaba Group’s e-commerce platform Taobao over the past few days, which display a “page being updated” message with no products to order," a report from Reuters says.

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