Author: Mobile Syrup

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Mobile Syrup

Roku was 2021’s most streamed TV platform in Canada

According to a new study from the Hypothesis Group, Roku is Canada’s most-streamed TV platform in Canada in terms of hours viewed.

“We are proud to lead the Canadian TV streaming market. The Roku brand is growing in Canada with introductions to new streaming devices, original content, and new Canadian entertainment with partners like CBC, Global News, and Crave,” said Arthur van Rest, the vice president of international at Roku. “Providing simplicity, entertainment, and value is clearly resonating with Canadian consumers, who are choosing our platform to stream TV.”

The news comes right after a pivotal year for Roku where it released a new 4K streaming Stick, added 23 free live channels, expanded its TV Ready program to more brands and added ‘Roku Originals‘ to the platform.

The study conducted by Hypothesis Group took into account its 2510-people survey from October 2021 that deduced that Roku was 2021’s most-streamed TV platform in Canada, a nation where 4 in 5 people identify as TV streamers, according to Roku’s The Decade of Streaming survey.

In 2021, the top 10 searched TV shows on Roku were:

  1. Yellowstone
  2. TSN Originals
  3. CBC Tokyo 2020 Replay
  4. Rick and Morty
  5. Paw Patrol
  6. Grey’s Anatomy
  7. Game of Thrones
  8. South Park
  9. Friends
  10. CBC News Live

In 2021, the top 10 searched movies on Roku were:

    1. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
    2. Elf
    3. Home Alone
    4. The Boss Baby: Family Business
    5. Venom: Let There Be Carnage
    6. A Christmas Story
    7. Space Jam: A New Legacy
    8. Paw Patrol: The Movie
    9. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
    10. Christmas with the Kranks

Roku’s Premiere 4K/HDR Streaming Media Player is currently available for $29.98 (regularly $39.99) on Amazon.

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though we may earn a commission on purchases made via these links that helps fund the journalism provided free on our website.

Source: Roku

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Mobile Syrup

Uber Canada enters deal with UFCW to provide drivers and couriers with dispute representation

In a historic agreement, 10,000 delivery people and drivers working for Uber Canada now have access to representation from United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Canada.

The largest private-sector union in the food industry will represent workers facing disputes with Uber if requested. Charges are covered by Uber and UFCW.

UFCW also represents employees from Maple Leaf Foods Inc. and Loblaw’s various companies.

“Over the past three years, we have worked with and advocated for thousands of drivers across the country regarding their rights, health, and safety,” Paul Meinema, president of UFCW Canada, said in a statement.

“Labour and gig-based companies like Uber have a shared responsibility in addressing these concerns and we are committed through this new agreement with Uber to make it happen for drivers and delivery people.”

While the two organizations will meet regularly to discuss health, safety, and other issues, this agreement does not mean workers are unionized.

Both groups said they’ll work together to ask provincial governments to create benefits and choices for workers in the gig economy.

Source: Uber

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Mobile Syrup

You should download iOS 15.3 to fix a bug that could reveal your browsing data

Apple dropped a series of updates on January 26th that fix a previously reported WebKit bug that could allow websites to see other sites you accessed on your Apple device.

If you use an iPhone or iPad, you’ll want to update to iOS or iPadOS 15.3 as soon as possible to fix the bug. There’s less of a rush for Mac users to update since they can mitigate the bug by using other web browsers — however, if you regularly use Safari on your Mac, you should download the Safari 15.3 update right away.

The bug, first reported to Apple in late November by FingerprintJS, affects web browsers that use WebKit, the open-source foundation for Apple’s Safari browser. Apple also mandates the use of WebKit on iOS and iPadOS, meaning any browser made for Apple’s mobile OS (including Chrome, Firefox, et al.) is also impacted by the bug.

A short explanation is that WebKit’s implementation of a commonly-used JavaScriptAPI for storing web data on devices allowed websites to view the names of other sites that had stored data on a given device. Typically, browsers apply same-origin policy to prevent this. You can learn more about the bug and how it works here.

The iOS 15.3, iPadOS 15.3, and Safari 15.3 updates all include a fix for the issue. It’s good to see the fix applied, especially after FingerprintJS highlighted Apple’s lack of response earlier this month.

9to5Mac confirmed that a beta version of the update fixed the problem using a demo tool provided by FingerprintJS on its website.

If you use an Apple device, you’ll want to install the update right away. Here’s how:

  • iPhone/iPad – Open Settings > General > Software Update.
  • macOS – Click the ‘Apple’ menu in the top-left corner > System Preferences > Software Update > Update Now (You can also click ‘More info’ to view a list of available updates and specifically install the Safari update).

Source: Apple (iOS/iPadOS | Safari) Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

TekSavy continues to expand its internet service in Chatham-Kent, Ontario communities

Independent internet service provider TekSavy continues to expand its fibre-to-the-home service in Chatham-Kent region of Ontario.

It recently launched its internet service along Riverview Line and Grande River Line. This is between Bear Line Road in the east and Jacob Road in the west. The company’s internet service is now available to an additional 300 homes and businesses in Chatham-Kent.

It will deliver speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second. All plans have unlimited bandwidth, allowing customers to use the service without overage charges.

“This project provided an ideal opportunity to install fibre infrastructure for more residents and is a great example of what can be achieved working closely with the municipal leadership here in Chatham-Kent,” Charlie Burns, the chief technology officer at TekSavvy, said in a statement.

Earlier this week, the company announced it expanded its internet service to the communities of Grande Pointe, Mitchell’s Bay and Pain Court, serving more than 250 homes and businesses.

The company is currently offering a promotion through its Fibre 1000 Unlimited package that gives customers a $20 monthly credit on their bill for the first 12 months of service.

Residents interested in TekSavvy’s Fibre internet service can visit their website or call 1-519-360-4747.

Source: TekSavy

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Mobile Syrup

TekSavy continues to expand its internet service in Chatham-Kent, Ontario communities

Independent internet service provider TekSavy continues to expand its fibre-to-the-home service in Chatham-Kent region of Ontario.

It recently launched its internet service along Riverview Line and Grande River Line. This is between Bear Line Road in the east and Jacob Road in the west. The company’s internet service is now available to an additional 300 homes and businesses in Chatham-Kent.

It will deliver speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second. All plans have unlimited bandwidth, allowing customers to use the service without overage charges.

“This project provided an ideal opportunity to install fibre infrastructure for more residents and is a great example of what can be achieved working closely with the municipal leadership here in Chatham-Kent,” Charlie Burns, the chief technology officer at TekSavvy, said in a statement.

Earlier this week, the company announced it expanded its internet service to the communities of Grande Pointe, Mitchell’s Bay and Pain Court, serving more than 250 homes and businesses.

The company is currently offering a promotion through its Fibre 1000 Unlimited package that gives customers a $20 monthly credit on their bill for the first 12 months of service.

Residents interested in TekSavvy’s Fibre internet service can visit their website or call 1-519-360-4747.

Source: TekSavy

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Mobile Syrup

Spotify confirms Neil Young’s music is being removed after Joe Rogan complaint

Spotify is removing Neil Young’s music from its streaming service after the musician stated he didn’t want his songs on the same platform as Joe Rogan’s podcast.

In a letter posted to his website earlier this week, the Canadian-born musician said the podcast spreads misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine and he doesn’t want his music streamed on the same platform.

“Spotify has a responsibility to mitigate the spread of misinformation on its platform, though the company presently has no misinformation policy,” Young wrote in the now-removed letter. “They can have Rogan or Young. Not both.”

While 60 percent of Young’s music is listened to on Spotify, it’s clear the company valued Rogan’s podcast more.

A Spotify spokesperson told The Washington Post Young’s music is being removed. “We have detailed content policies in place and we’ve removed over 20,000 podcast episodes related to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. We regret Neil’s decision to remove his music from Spotify, but hope to welcome him back soon,” the statement reads in part.

Joe Rogan’s podcast, The Rogan Experience, is the most popular podcast on Spotify. The streaming audio platform holds exclusive rights to the show.

In a follow-up letter Young shared on January 26th, he advises fans to listen to his music on various other platforms, including Amazon, Apple, and Qobuz.

“I sincerely hope that other artists and record companies will move off the Spotify platform and stop supporting Spotify’s deadly misinformation about COVID,” said Young in the latter.

This isn’t the first time a stand has been taken against Rogan’s podcast. Earlier this month hundreds of doctors and health care professionals in the U.S wrote an open letter to Spotify about the misinformation being shared on the podcast, according to Rolling Stone.

Source: Neil Young Archives

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Mobile Syrup

Here are the free games hitting Xbox Games with Gold in February 2022

Xbox has announced the four games that will be offered at no additional cost to Xbox Live Gold subscribers in February.

It’s important to note that Xbox 360 titles offered through Games with Gold can be played on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. The Series X/S can also play all of the Xbox One and Xbox 360 games that are made available through the program.

In Canada, an Xbox Live Gold subscription costs $11.99 for one month, $29.99/three months and $44.99/six months.

Xbox Live Gold is also included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which is priced at $16.99/month and also offers Game Pass and PC Game Pass, Cloud Gaming (mobile streaming) and EA Play.

Image credit: Revolution

Source: Xbox

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Mobile Syrup

Here are the free games hitting Xbox Games with Gold in February 2022

Xbox has announced the four games that will be offered at no additional cost to Xbox Live Gold subscribers in February.

It’s important to note that Xbox 360 titles offered through Games with Gold can be played on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. The Series X/S can also play all of the Xbox One and Xbox 360 games that are made available through the program.

In Canada, an Xbox Live Gold subscription costs $11.99 for one month, $29.99/three months and $44.99/six months.

Xbox Live Gold is also included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which is priced at $16.99/month and also offers Game Pass and PC Game Pass, Cloud Gaming (mobile streaming) and EA Play.

Image credit: Revolution

Source: Xbox

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Mobile Syrup

Tesla to increase production and deliveries by 50 percent in 2022

Despite uncertain supply issues, Tesla says that it expects its vehicle deliveries to increase by 50 percent year-over-year in 2022.

In 2021, the company’s sales increased by 71 percent to $53.8 billion, with over 936,000 automobiles delivered to consumers. By those metrics, Tesla CEO Elon Musk aims to ship and deliver over 1.4 million vehicles in 2022.

While Tesla is planning to open two new factories, which could help it achieve its 2022 vision, the looming doubt related to the supply chain is sure to stagger growth and limit Tesla’s manufacturing capability and capacity.

According to Musk, 2022 will be a year where the company doesn’t roll out any new models, and rather, focuses on releasing its long-overdue Cybertruck along with Semi and Roadster.

Tesla has fared better than other carmakers around the world in this time of uncertainty, owing to the fact that the chips it uses in its vehicles are less scarce and the company is quick to re-write software, whereas its competitors slow down production to combat the shortage of chips.

Further, the world’s richest man aims for Tesla vehicles to achieve Full Self-Driving capabilities this year. “I would be shocked if we do not achieve Full Self-Driving, safer-than-human this year,” Musk said (via Reuters). It’s worth noting that Musk made similar promises about the FSD release as far back as 2018.

The company has been testing the improved version of its Full Self-Driving software, with the beta version reportedly releasing in Canada sometime in February. Though just like any other information coming from Musk’s Twitter, we advise you to take it with a grain of salt.

Source: Reuters

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Mobile Syrup

Rogers Q4 results reveal board room drama played a role in decreased profits

Rogers’ Q4 financial results for 2021 reveal the carrier increased its overall revenue this year, but costs related to restructuring and the acquisition of Shaw decreased how much the company took home.

The company’s fourth-quarter revenue increased by six percent, at $3.92 billion compared to $3.6 billion in 2020.

The increase of wireless subscribers partially drove this. The quarter saw the addition of 141,000 new mobile users. Revenue also came from roaming costs associated with lighter travel restrictions.

The company’s media portfolio helped with this number, specifically with the delayed starts to the 2020-2021 NHL and NBA seasons. Revenue from this sector increased by 26 percent for the quarter.

The same growth was not seen for cable, which remained stable. Rogers says this is because of an increase in the company’s internet and streaming services and a decline in legacy television and home phone subscribers.

However, overall profits were down. Once adjusted for restructuring, acquisition, and tax impact, the company recorded $486 million in profit, decreasing from the $500 million in profit seen in Q4 2020.

Expenditures

The increase in wireless subscribers translated to the company spending more on wireless services. $501 million was spent in Q4 2021, a 49 percent increase from $337 million spent in 2020. The company says this is a result of upgrading its wireless services and implementing 5G.

$101 million was also spent on restructuring and acquisition expenses, a 38 percent increase from Q4 2020. Included was paying Shaw $62 million for costs related to Rogers merging with the company. The remaining went towards severance that came with the restructuring.

The 38 percent increase is not surprising as the company went through a period of turmoil and staff turnover while replacing its former CEO Joe Natale with Tony Staffieri.

Shaw merger

Documents state that Rogers’ merger with Shaw will close in the first half of 2022, likely in the second quarter. If not completed by March 15th (subject to extension), either company can terminate the agreement.

While an Alberta court approved the transaction last year,  government bodies still need to provide approval, including the Competition Bureau, Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED), and the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

If approval isn’t granted by March 15th, Rogers is obligated to pay Shaw $1.2 billion to reverse the termination fee. This cost will likely rise given Rogers is also responsible for paying other expenses related to the acquisition process.

Rogers says the review with ISED to approve the transfer of Shaw’s spectrum licenses is currently underway.

The review with the CRTC took place in late November 2020, and it’s not clear when a decision will be delivered. The CRTC’s hearing was the only public hearing on the matter.

2022 priorities

Besides Rogers successfully acquiring Shaw and growing its business in Western Canada, it wants to improve its performance and execution. The telecom giant also intends to increase its investments in 5G and expand the network across Canada. Rogers hopes these moves contribute to revenue growing between four and six percent.

Source: Rogers