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Mobile Syrup

Here’s how to invite Android friends to a FaceTime call on iOS 15

With the introduction of iOS 15, FaceTime calls have gained significant new features, including a ‘Microphone Mode’ with voice isolation/wide spectrum and a ‘Portrait Mode’ that blurs whatever is in your background.

However, the most notable feature is Android FaceTime support.

Similar to how Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Cisco Webex work, Apple’s FaceTime too now allows you to create a shareable link for others to join, no matter what platform they’re on.

The new feature will enable friends, family or colleagues who do not have an Apple device to join a FaceTime video/audio call via a web browser on any non-Apple device, including Windows PCs and Android phones.

It’s worth noting that non-apple users can only join a FaceTime call and can’t create one.

Here is how you can initiate a FaceTime call and invite your friend to it on iOS 15:

  • Launch the FaceTime app on your iPhone running iOS 15.
  • Tap on ‘Create Link.’
  • Give a name to the video room by tapping ‘Add Name.’ This step is optional.
  • Decide how you want to share the link (message, email, WhatsApp, Instagram) and tap that option. Proceed to send the link to all the people you want to invite.

That’s all you need to do on the iOS end. Once your invitees receive the link and open it, they’ll be redirected to the webpage with a popup asking for their name.

Upon joining, you’ll have to admit the invitees. While they’ll have all the traditional FaceTime controls, i.e., camera On/Off, mic mute, switching between the rear and front camera, they won’t be able to use Memojis, filters, stickers, etc.

Follow along the screenshots below:

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Mobile Syrup

Here are the Samsung Galaxy S22, Google Pixel 6 and iPhone 14 leaks from this past week

Images, renders and videos of upcoming smartphones continuously leak. These leaks can be challenging to follow, so we compiled a list of the past week’s hottest rumours.

From September 18th to September 24th, we saw a couple of leaks about the Pixel 6, Galaxy S22 and even a foldable iPhone.

Below are all the major smartphone leaks from September 18th to September 24th:

Samsung

Google’s support page lists Android devices that are certified to support Play Services for ARCore, and mysteriously, the still-not-officially-announced Galaxy S21 Fan Edition is now on it.

For more on the leak, click here.


Well-known tipster Ice Universe tweeted that “Note is over, but it’s not over. S becomes Note!” This likely means that at least some upcoming S series smartphones will be a bit more Note-like.

Perhaps this means that the S22 Ultra will include an S-Pen slot next year? While the Galaxy S21 Ultra worked with the S-Pen, users had to buy it separately. This could also mean we might get a more square-shaped Note smartphone this year.

For more on this leak, click here.


Samsung isn’t working with Olympus on its cameras like was previously leaked. According to LetsGoDigital, Olympus/OM Digital Solutions GmbH, told the publication that the company isn’t planning to work with Samsung.

Further, Olympus didn’t say whether or not the partnership was on the table at one point. With that, it seems that the Galaxy S22 series won’t feature Olympus branding of any kind.

For more on this leak, click here.


The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra will reportedly sport a slightly curved display with a 6.8-inch display and a high refresh rate. The dimensions OnLeaks provided measured in at roughly 163.2 x 77.9 x 8.9mm with a thickness of 10.5mm if you include the camera bump.

It also seems that the device features a P-shape camera module with a quad-camera setup with a variety of sensors. One of the lenses is evidently a square-shaped periscope lens, which means the phone will have probably 10x zoom.

For more on this leak, click here.


This isn’t an actual leak, but it’s still pretty cool.

This concept smartphone design comes from the Technizo Concept YouTube channel, which partnered with LetsGoDigital.

Check out the video below:

For more on this concept, click here.


Over the weekend, OnLeaks released renders of the Galaxy S22 and S22+ that show off a slightly tweaked design. Both phones are reportedly smaller than their predecessors.

You can read more about the renders here.


Google

We now have another leak indicating that a second Pixel foldable, dubbed ‘Jumbojack’ internally at Google, might be on its way.

Uncovered in the upcoming Android 12.1 code by 9to5Google, the foldable reportedly features a dual-display setup similar to the Samsung Z Fold 3, with main and cover displays that shut off depending on how you’re using the device.

For more on this leak, click here.


Google’s upcoming Pixel 6 Pro has turned up in a hands-on video posted online, giving viewers a good look at the back of the device and what appears to be a refreshed setup screen.


Google’s upcoming Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro recently turned up on Canada’s Radio Equipment List (REL).

We’ve known the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro would come here for a while, but it’s nice to see actual confirmation courtesy of the government.

For more on the leak, click here.


It looks like Google will finally offer improved camera hardware in a smartphone with the upcoming Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

Starting with the primary camera, the hardware will leap significantly to Samsung’s ISOCELL GN1 50-megapixel sensor. The ultra-wide camera will use a 12-megapixel IMX386 sensor, while the 4x optical telephoto camera on the 6 Pro will use a 48-megapixel IMX586 sensor. The phone will reportedly support up to 20x zoom with photos and videos (except 4K, where zoom is capped at 7x) and 4K/60fps video recording.

For more on this leak, click here.


This is just a concept of the aforementioned Jumbojack Pixel leak.

The designer added the look of the Pixel 6 Pro on the back, along with the same type of camera design. There’s also a hole-punch camera on the cover screen in the top left corner, and on the larger inner display, a hole punch shooter on the right side.

For more on this concept, click here.


Apple

The iPhone 14 Pro is rumoured to feature a hole-punch design with a 48-megapixel wide camera.

According to reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, 2022 will see the release of “two new high-end models equipped with a punch-hole display (replacing the notch area design) and a 48MP wide camera.” Kuo says these phones, which are expected to be called the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max, will be the only ones in Apple’s 2022 lineup to feature the “punch-hole display.”

In addition to the 14 Pro and Pro Max, Kuo says there will be a “new and more affordable 6.7-inch iPhone” (presumably the iPhone 14) coming in fall 2022 as well. Ahead of that reveal, though, they expect a new iPhone SE with 5G support in the first half of 2022.

For more about this leak, click here.


Apple might be going for a significant design refresh with its rumoured future foldable, according to Business Korea.

The report states that the Cupertino, California-based tech giant’s first foldable smartphone will feature a 7.5-inch display panel developed by LG. We recently reported that LG is currently developing a new ‘Real Folding Window’ display material that doesn’t leave creases, a problem that is still prevalent in new Flip 3 and Fold 3 smartphones. Considering Apple’s focus on perfection, the ‘Real Folding Window’ is definitely a component could be integrated into Apple’s foldable.

For more on this leak, click here.

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Mobile Syrup

Defining 5G: What all that weird jargon really means

Everyone seems to be talking about 5G, but I still see a lot of confusion about the technology and what it actually means.

Things aren’t helped by the fact that nearly every carrier is pushing the next-gen connectivity standard, despite 5G not existing in any meaningful way in Canada.

For example, if you buy a new smartphone, chances are it’ll have ‘5G’ in the name, or at least support the technology. Even lower-cost, budget phones like the Pixel 4a 5G sport the tech. It’s basically everywhere in Canada and, impressively, nowhere at the same time.

“Sub-6 is shorthand for sub 6GHz, or spectrum below 6,000MHz.”

The short and simple explanation for 5G is that the term stands for “5th-generation mobile network,” and represents a variety of technologies that enable faster wireless networks, increased bandwidth, lower latency, and more.

Ultimately, that’s really all most people need to know. As more 5G networks come online, people will start to see new technologies leveraging the improved networks. Existing technologies and network applications will also get better (i.e. faster downloads, more stable video streaming, etc.). But, for those interested in the types of 5G that are out there, read on.

Making sense of Sub-6 and mmWave

5G can be split into three main groups: low-, mid- and high-band 5G.

Low-band 5G generally refers to radio wave spectrum below one gigahertz (GHz) or 1,000 megahertz (MHz). In Canada, the vast majority of 5G networks currently available use low-band 5G.

Unfortunately, 3G and 4G networks also use low-band spectrum, which means that for most people, there isn’t a significant difference between using 4G or 5G at the moment. Moreover, there just isn’t a lot of spectrum available in this range, whether you’re running on 5G, 4G or 3G.

That’s where mid-band, or Sub-6 5G, comes in. Sub-6 is shorthand for sub 6GHz, or spectrum below 6,000MHz. This is an important area to watch for Canadians, as Sub-6 will be some of the first meaningful 5G we’ll get. The government recently auctioned off 3,500MHz spectrum, and when carriers start to implement networks using it, we should begin to see some actual benefits.

“Most places, including Canada, have focused on Sub-6 5G, but the U.S. started with mmWave.”

Sub-6 5G is a great middle-ground since it offers higher speeds and performance than low-band spectrum, but doesn’t suffer from the same range limitations of high-band 5G, also called mmWave.

mmWave covers spectrum in the 25-39GHz range, which offers much higher speeds up to the gigabit level. Unfortunately, these radio waves can’t travel further than a few hundred metres. They also struggle to pass through objects like trees or walls.

Although more limited, mmWave can offer significant boosts to speed in scenarios where range isn’t a huge factor. For example, urban areas allow carriers to build dense mmWave networks.

Most places, including Canada, have focused on Sub-6 5G, but the U.S. started with mmWave. That’s why you often see insanely fast mobile speeds in U.S. cities, but 5G coverage overall can be extremely spotty. However, that will change over time.

There’s been a lot of talk about the possibilities 5G brings, potential applications of the technology, and much, much more. Although many of the prospects are exciting, we’re still years away from having the 5G saturation needed to support those ideas.

In other words, there’s reason to be hyped about 5G in Canada, but for now, keep your expectations tempered.

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Mobile Syrup

Streaming in Canada on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Crave, Disney+ and Netflix [Sept. 20-26]

Every week, MobileSyrup outlines some of the most notable movies and TV shows that recently hit Canadian streaming platforms.

Our ‘Streaming in Canada’ column typically focuses on new content from Amazon Prime Video Canada, Crave and Netflix Canada, but other services like Apple TV+ and Disney+ will be mentioned when relevant.

We’ll also highlight shows or movies that are made in Canada, involve notable Canadian cast or crew and/or are filmed in Canada.

Finally, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing many movies to hit digital platforms much sooner than planned, we’ll make note of any major films — as well as other notable streaming service news — that fall into this category when applicable.


Amazon Prime Video

Goliath (Season 4) [Amazon Original]

In the fourth and final season of Goliath, Billy joins Patty at a prestigious law firm to take on a dangerous pharmaceutical company.

Goliath was created by David E. Kelley (Doogie Howser, M.D.) and Jonathan Shapiro (Boston Legal) and stars Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade), Nina Arianda (Stan & Ollie), Tanya Raymonde (Malcolm in the Middle) and J.K. Simmons (Whiplash).

Amazon Prime Video Canada release date: September 24th, 2021
Genre: Legal drama
Runtime: Eight episodes (40 to 54 minutes each)

Stream Goliath here.

An Amazon Prime Video subscription is included at no additional cost with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $79 CAD/year.

The full list of movies and shows hitting Amazon Prime Video Canada this month can be found here.


Apple TV+

Foundation [Apple Original]

This thousand-year saga follows the band of exiles known as the Foundation as they discover that the only way to save the Galactic Empire is to destroy it.

Based on Isaac Asimov’s eponymous series of novels, Foundation was created by David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight trilogy) and Josh Friedman (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) and stars Jared Harris (Mad Men), Lee Pace (The Hobbit trilogy) and Lou Llobel (Voyagers).

Apple TV+ Canada release date: September 23rd, 2021 (first two episodes, new episodes every Friday)
Genre: Sci-fi
Runtime: Ten episodes (around one hour each)

Stream Foundation here.

Wolfboy and the Everything Factory [Apple Original]

After William Wolfe becomes the Wolfboy in the magical spirit realm, he and his new friends learn how their creativity and imagination can change the world.

Wolfboy and the Everything Factory features the voices of Kassian Akhtar (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer) and Archie Yates (Jojo Rabbit).

Apple TV+ Canada release date: September 24th, 2021
Genre: Animated family
Runtime: Ten episodes (around 25 minutes each)

Stream Wolfboy and the Everything Factory here.

An Apple TV+ subscription costs $5.99/month.


Crave

Doom Patrol (Season 3)

Following a devastating loss, the Doom Patrol go their separate ways to deal with their own struggles until the arrival of Madame Rouge sets them on a new path.

Based on the DC Comics superhero team of the same name, Doom Patrol was created by Jeremy Carver (Supernatural) and stars Diane Guerrero (Orange is the New Black), April Bowlby (Two and a Half Men), Joivan Wade (EastEnders), Matt Bomer (Magic Mike), Brendan Fraser (The Mummy) and Timothy Dalton (License to Kill).

Crave release date: September 23rd, 2021 (first two episodes, new episodes every Thursday at 9:30pm ET)
Genre: Superhero
Runtime: Ten episodes (around one hour each)

Stream Doom Patrol here.

Mortal Kombat (2021)

A washed-up mixed martial arts fighter named is hunted by the assassin Sub-Zero, leading him to seek out a group of Earthrealm’s protectors.

The third live-action adaptation of NetherRealm’s popular video game series, Mortal Kombat was directed by Simon McQuoid (feature directorial debut) and features an ensemble cast that includes Lewis Tan (Into the Badlands), Jessica McNamee (Sirens), Mehcad Brooks (Supergirl), Vancouver-raised Ludi Lin (Power Rangers), Joe Taslim (The Raid) and Hiroyuki Sanada (The Last Samurai).

Original release date: April 23rd, 2021 (PVOD)
Crave release date:
September 24th, 2021
Genre: Martial arts, fantasy
Runtime: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Stream Mortal Kombat here.

A standard Crave subscription is priced at $9.99/month, with Starz costing another $5.99/month and HBO an additional $9.99/month.

The full list of movies and shows hitting Crave this month can be found here.


Disney+

Star Wars: Visions [Disney+ Original]

It’s no secret that George Lucas was heavily inspired by Japanese artistic works when he created Star Wars, so in a nice full-circle moment, Lucasfilm has given various Japanese creators a chance at telling their own stories set in the galaxy far, far away.

Visions features animated shorts from seven Japanese studios: Kamikaze Douga (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure), Studio Colorido (A Whisker Away), Geno Studio (Golden Kamuy), Studio Trigger (Kill la Kill), Kinema Citrus (.hack//Quantum), Production I.G (Ghost in the Shell) and Science SARU (Yokai Watch: The Movie).

Disney+ Canada release date: September 24th, 2021
Genre: Anime
Runtime: Nine episodes (13 to 22 minutes each)

Stream Star Wars: Visions here.

A Disney+ subscription costs $11.99/month or $119.99/year in Canada.

The full list of movies and shows hitting Disney+ Canada this month can be found here.

This week in Disney+ news: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is hitting Disney+ on November 12th, the same day Disney holds its first-ever big ‘Disney+ Day’ event.


Netflix

Dear White People (Volume 4) [Netflix Original]

During a pandemic, future Sam and Lionel reminisce on their final year together at Winchester in the style of a ’90s musical.

The series was created by Justin Simien (2014’s Dear White People) and stars Logan Browning (The Perfection), Brandon P. Bell (Hollywood Heights) and DeRon Horton (Lethal Weapon). This is the final season of the show.

Netflix Canada release date: September 24th, 2021
Genre: Comedy-drama
Runtime: Ten episodes (31 to 39 minutes each)

Stream Dear White People here.

Midnight Mass [Netflix Original]

A charismatic young priest arrives in a dying town to bring miracles, mysteries and religious fervor.

Midnight Mass was created by Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep) and stars Kate Siegel (Gerald’s Game), Zach Gilford (Friday Night Lights), New Westminster, B.C.’s Kristin Lehman (The Killing) and Hamish Linklater (Legion). It’s worth noting that the series was filmed in Vancouver.

Netflix Canada release date: September 24th, 2021
Genre: Supernatural horror
Runtime: Seven episodes (60 to 71 minutes each)

Stream Midnight Mass here.

A ‘Basic’ Netflix subscription costs $9.99/month, a ‘Standard’ subscription (HD-supported) costs $14.99/month and a ‘Premium’ membership is priced at $18.99/month (4K-supported).

The full list of movies and shows hitting Netflix Canada this month can be found here.


What are you planning on watching this week? Let us know in the comments.

For more suggestions, check out last week’s Streaming in Canada column.

Image credit: Apple

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Mobile Syrup

Developers will need to update iPhone apps to take full advantage of 120Hz

It seems app developers will need to make some tweaks to take full advantage of the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max’s new 120Hz display.

According to iMore, Apple posted a developer article detailing that iPhone apps require a key added to a ‘.plist’ file to “unlock” 120Hz support.

The clarification came after some developers reported that scrolling in an app used 120Hz, but animations were capped at 60Hz. By adding the plist entry, apps can start taking advantage of the higher refresh rate.

Apple also noted that the iPad Pro doesn’t require this special configuration. While it isn’t entirely clear why, Engadget suggests it may be a limitation to help preserve iPhone battery life — the iPad wouldn’t need a similar limit since the larger battery would experience less of a hit from 120Hz.

Further, Apple also confirmed a fix was incoming for some apps ‘Core Animation’ animations. In short, the bug limited the speed for these apps, but a future iOS 15 update should remedy the issue.

Overall, if you’re one of the lucky ones out there with a brand-new iPhone 13 Pro and you notice some apps aren’t as smooth as others, it might be because developers haven’t updated the apps yet. As with all significant changes to iPhone displays, it may take time for developers to add support.

Those interested can view the full Apple developer article here.

Source: Apple Via: iMore, Engadget

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Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+ renders show off slightly tweaked design

On the heels of the Galaxy S22 Ultra leaks this week, new renders of the rumoured Galaxy S22 and S22+ have also turned up online.

These new renders come courtesy of OnLeaks (Twitter) in collaboration with Zouton and 91Mobile. Overall, it looks like the Galaxy S22 and S22+ will remain mostly unchanged from the S21 and S21+, if the renders are accurate.

That means the same vertical camera module returns along with a centred hole-punch display. The only small change I can see is that the devices look flatter than the S21 series, although that could just be the renders.

Along with the renders, OnLeaks detailed the dimensions of the rumoured phones. The Galaxy S22 will reportedly measure 146 x 70.5 x 7.6mm, making it slightly smaller than the S21 at 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9mm. Other rumours have suggested the S22 will have a 6.06-inch screen, also smaller than the S21’s 6.2-inch display.

As for the S22+, it reportedly will measure in at 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6mm. Again, that’s smaller than the S21+ with its 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm dimensions. The S21+ had a 6.7-screen, but it’s not clear what size the S22+ display will be.

These renders certainly look nice, but we probably won’t know how accurate they are until 2022. Samsung usually unveils the latest Galaxy phones in the first few months of the year — the S21 series launched in January 2021. If Samsung sticks to the same schedule, we could see the S22 line in just a few months.

Source: OnLeaks, Zouton, 91Mobiles Via: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

iPhone apps and games track you, even if you ask them not to

Surprise, surprise: it turns out some iPhone apps still track users even when they use Apple’s new App Tracking Transparency feature to avoid being tracked.

For those who may not be familiar with it, Apple added App Tracking Transparency in an update to iOS 14 earlier this year. The feature lets users block apps from accessing their device’s Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA), a sort of advertising identification number tied to a device. The change should prevent apps from sharing data gathered about you from your iPhone or iPad with third-party companies (for example, Instagram could still share data with Facebook since they’re the same company).

Unfortunately, what should happen and what does happen are often completely different things. And according to an investigation from The Washington Post in conjunction with privacy-focused app developer Lockdown (via Input), some apps and games ignore users’ settings.

Of the ten apps studied, Lockdown found that none stopped tracking when users asked not to be tracked. The investigation found at least three popular iPhone games, including Subway Surfers, sent user data to third-party advertising companies, regardless if users had enabled App Tracking Transparency. Worse, the investigation found that Apple had done nothing to stop it, despite being alerted to the issue.

Blocking IDFA access doesn’t matter because apps can fingerprint users with other data

Here’s the thing — blocking an app’s access to your IDFA actually works, in the most barebones, basic way. The apps studied in the investigation didn’t have access to users’ IDFA and didn’t use it for tracking. Instead, they effectively created their own IDFA for devices by gathering various other metrics.

Going back to the Subway Surfers example, the investigation found it sent 29 data points about users’ devices to an ad company called ‘Chartboost.’ Some of the data points included users’ IP address, remaining free storage, current volume level, accessibility settings, device name, time zone, country, carrier and more.

Gathering a bunch of device data like this is actually a common tracking tactic called fingerprinting. By gathering a large amount of seemingly innocuous data about a users’ device, companies can effectively track that device (and, by extension, the user) across various apps and platforms.

Few of the developers behind the apps responded to requests for comment from The Washington Post. However, Subway Surfers developer Sybo did, and claimed it gathered the data “for the game to function properly.” While maybe some of the data points could help the game work — for example, getting accessibility settings could help the game accommodate users who rely on those options — most of the data should have no impact on the function of the game.

Apple needs to do more if it wants to be a privacy-first company

More than anything, the investigation demonstrates that Apple’s App Tracking Transparency feature is, ultimately, not that helpful. Worse, it may even be detrimental by lending users a false sense of security. Apple’s effectively telling users that they don’t have to worry about being tracked if they enable the feature. App Tracking Transparency also bolsters the company’s privacy-first image — I’ve seen plenty of social media posts about how App Tracking Transparency convinced people to switch from Android to iPhone to improve their privacy.

If Apple were really serious about privacy, it would add fingerprinting protection to iOS to reduce or hopefully stop tracking practices like this. In its current form, App Tracking Transparency is, at best, shallow marketing. At worse, it’s detrimental to user privacy by tricking people into thinking they’re protected when they aren’t.

Source: The Washington Post, Lockdown Via: Input

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Mobile Syrup

Rogers accuses Bell, Telus of opposing Shaw deal to avoid competition in CRTC filing

A recent Rogers filing to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) accuses Bell and Telus of opposing the proposed Shaw merger to avoid competing with a stronger broadcaster.

In the document Rogers filed, the carrier claims that acquiring Shaw would enable it to compete with Telus and Bell more effectively. According to The Globe and Mail, Rogers also claimed it would help the company compete against foreign competitors like Netflix.

It comes as a response to requests made to the CRTC by Bell and Telus to deny Rogers’ acquisition. Both carriers raised concerns that the Rogers/Shaw merger would make the company’s broadcasting distribution market too large.

Specifically, the two telecoms argued that Rogers would control 47 percent of the English-language broadcasting distribution market (distribution of TV channels through cable, satellite or internet) if the proposal went through. Shaw’s broadcasting distribution business includes a satellite TV service called Shaw Direct and cable networks in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northern Ontario. Bell and Telus say that if Rogers achieved that scale, it would gain control over the availability of programming services.

However, The Globe and Mail notes that Rogers countered those claims by pointing out that Bell is already the largest broadcasting distributor and that the company attempted to buy Shaw as well.

First, Rogers claimed in the submission that Bell had a larger market capitalization than Rogers and Shaw combined and called Bell’s concerns “ironic.” Further, Rogers said that if Bell had gone through with its attempted acquisition of Shaw, it would be advocating for approval of a deal that would create an even larger broadcasting distributor than what Bell’s currently opposing.

The Globe and Mail points out that although Bell attempted to acquire Shaw, it ultimately chose not to because it wasn’t willing to take on the regulatory risk.

CRTC to hold public hearing about merger on November 22nd

Of course, Bell and Telus aren’t the only companies opposing the acquisition. The Canadian Communication Systems Alliance, which represents Canada’s independent internet, television and telephone providers, also filed an intervention. So did Cogeco Communications, which Rogers repeatedly attempted to acquire last year. Moreover, Corus Entertainment warned that the Rogers/Shaw merger could harm Global News.

There are also other regulators scrutinizing the proposed Rogers/Shaw merger. The Competition Bureau is reviewing whether the merger will result in less competition, while the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) will need to approve the transfer of spectrum licences. The CRTC’s role is to examine the transfer of broadcasting assets, and it will hold a public hearing on November 22nd.

It’s particularly interesting to see the carriers leverage competition as an argument both for and against the deal, given that so far, critics have lambasted the proposal for its potential to reduce competition and harm Canadians. Much of the criticism has been directed at wireless since Shaw owns Freedom Mobile. Should the wireless brand end up with Rogers, it’d further reduce the already lacking competition in Canadian wireless.

However, Freedom could be sold off as part of the deal, and Quebecor’s Videotron has indicated it might buy up the wireless business to help expand beyond Quebec. Ultimately, there’s still a long way to go in this process, and things could change significantly in the coming months.

Source: The Globe and Mail

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Mobile Syrup

This is how to block artists on Spotify

DaBaby is a raging homophobe and as someone who used to listen to his music, I sometimes still see it in my recommended music lists on Spotify. I wanted to change that.

While I tried to block the individual songs I encountered, I quickly realized that was impossible. However, what’s even better is that you can completely block an artist with Spotify.

So here’s how to block artists — like DaBaby, for example — with the Android and iOS versions of Spotify:

Open Spotify

Click the ‘Search’ button

Type in the name of the artist you’d like to block (DaBaby)

Tap on the three-dot (horizontal on iPhone, vertical on Android) menu button below the name of the artist

Tap ‘Don’t play this artist’ (on iPhone) or ‘Don’t play this’ (on Android)

These are easy steps regarding how to block artists on Spotify. It’s worth noting that even if you manually tap on a blocked artist’s song, it won’t play, which is perfect. It’s worth noting that I noticed all of the artist’s songs are greyed out on iOS, but this doesn’t happen on Android.

Additionally, if the artist isn’t the main name on the track, it will still play. So, unfortunately, “Levitating” by Dua Lipa featuring DaBaby will still play.

Either way, this is one step closer to getting rid of bigoted music on my Spotify-generated music playlists.

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Mobile Syrup

Best Buy drops prices on ASUS, Lenovo, Sony, and Samsung products

Every Friday, we dig through Best Buy Canada’s “Top Deals” to find the week’s most worthwhile discounts on tech gear, and this week’s best discounts are perfect for anyone looking for a new smart TV, noise-cancelling ear buds, or a cordless vacuum.

Check out the full list of deals below.

Toshiba 32″ 720p HD LED Smart TV for $279.99 (save $70)

Sony BRAVIA XR A80J 55″ 4K UHD HDR OLED Smart Google TV for $2,199.99 (save $200)

Acer 31.5″ FHD 165Hz 1ms GTG Curved VA LED FreeSync Gaming Monitor for $299.99 (save $100)

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 In-Ear Noise Cancelling Truly Wireless Headphones for $169.99 (save $20)

Jabra Elite Active 65t In-Ear Truly Wireless Headphones for $89.99 (save $50)

Thinkware F200 Pro 1080p Wifi Dash Cam with Rear View Camera & GPS for $269.99 (save $20)

Lenovo IdeaPad 14″ Laptop with 1 year of Microsoft 365 for $249.99 (save $100)

ASUS VivoBook 15.6″ Laptop for $529.99 (save $170)

Philips Hue A19 Smart Bluetooth LED Light Bulbs – 3 Pack for $119.99 (save $40)

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) for $239.99 (save $40)

Samsung Galaxy Watch4 40mm Smartwatch with Heart Rate Monitor for $279.99 (save $50)

iRobot Roomba i8+ (Plus) Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum with Automatic Dirt Disposal for $899.99 (save $200)

Tineco Pure One S12 PRO EX Cordless Smart Stick Vacuum for $599.99 (save $100)

Samsung HW-Q850A 5.1.2 Channel Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer for $899.99 (save $500)

Breville Barista Touch Automatic Espresso Machine with Frother & Coffee Grinder for $1,199.99 (save $300)

WD Easystore 8TB USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive for $179.99 (save $20)

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