Category: Mobile Syrup

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Mobile Syrup

Skullcandy release limited edition cannabis themed earbuds

Audio company Skullcandy has released its limited edition Grind Haze True Wireless Earbuds in an effort to, as the name suggests, celebrate cannabis culture.

Inspired by the Indica-dominant Purple Haze strain (and maybe the Jimi Hendrix track,) the earbuds feature a silvery sage green colourway with subtle purple and orange highlights that look exactly what you’d expect your local budtender to be wearing when listening to tunes.

The rustic look is accented by a soft and fuzzy textured feel and a smoked grey charging case.

Functionality-wise, the earbuds house features such as the brand’s Skull-iQ technology that allows users to hands-free voice commands to change songs, answer calls and more. They also boast compatibility with the Skullcandy app for updates, personalizable audio settings and a 40-hour battery life with the included charging case.

The Grind HAZE True Wireless Earbuds are available now, just in time for April 20th, and can be purchased on Skullcandy’s website for around $124.29 after tax.

Image credit: Skullcandy

Source: Skullcandy

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Mobile Syrup

Google Messages launches new feature to send images faster

Google Messages has quietly rolled out a new feature that allows users to send images faster by reducing their resolution.

The feature, which was first reported by 9to5Google, is called “Send photos faster,” and appears as a toggle in settings.

Google is currently rolling out the feature to users, though it hasn’t shown up on all devices. The feature could be especially beneficial to users with limited internet access and in data-constrained areas as the feature reduces the resolution of images before sending them. However, there seems to be no discernible visual difference between the images, which is a good sign.

According to 9to5Google, the setting is toggled on by default, and users can turn it off by tapping their Google Account thumbnail and navigating to Message settings. The feature should be located underneath the toggle for Bubbles if it is available.

The “Send photos faster” toggle on Google Messages is a welcome addition for users who want to reduce the data used to send images or those who have limited storage or data caps.

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Google Assistant users face radio integration issues across devices

If your Google Assistant is currently unable to play radio stations on your command, you’re not alone.

Google Assistant users are reporting experiencing issues with the platform’s radio integration feature.

The service, which allows users to ask Google Assistant to play radio stations across all compatible devices, has been down for a few days. Currently, requests to play radio stations on mobile, smart displays, speakers, and auto are returning an “isn’t available or can’t be played right now” response, as reported by 9to5Google.

Google says that the issue is global, and is affecting “most radio providers.” “The Assistant team is actively working on restoring service. We will provide an update here as soon as the issue is fixed,” wrote Google.

This outage has caused inconvenience to many Google Assistant users who rely on the radio integration feature. However, with Google actively working on restoring the service, users can expect the service to resume soon.

Source: Google, Via: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Solid-state buttons reportedly aren’t coming to Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro anymore

The world of iPhone rumours is fast-moving.

Just a few weeks ago, we reported that Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro series might feature buttons that don’t move, often referred to as solid-state buttons. Fast-forward a few weeks, and reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the tech giant’s plans have changed due to “unresolved technical issues.”

This means that Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max (or Ultra, if you believe that rumour) will likely continue to feature physical buttons after all.

Previous rumours suggested that both the iPhone 15’s volume rocker and power button won’t actually move and instead would be touch-sensitive and use a version of the Taptic Engine featured in Apple’s iPhone and Apple Watch in order to provide tactile feedback.

Of course, since the iPhone 15 series won’t be revealed until this coming September, the tech giant’s plans could change.

Other iPhone 15 rumours include the possibility of a new ‘Ultra’ device replacing the ‘Max’ line, and that could feature two selfie cameras, and, more importantly, the introduction of USB-C.

Source: 9to5Mac

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Mobile Syrup

Here are the games hitting PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium in April 2023

Sony has revealed what’s coming to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium in April.

Some of this month’s highlights include Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Doom Eternal and Paradise Killer. All of these games and more are coming to Extra and Premium on April 19th.

PlayStation Plus Extra

  • Bassmaster Fishing (PS4/PS5)
  • Doom Eternal (PS4/PS5)
  • The Evil Within (PS4)
  • Kena: Bridge of Spirits (PS4/PS5)
  • Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom (PS4/PS5)
  • Paradise Killer (PS4/PS5)
  • Riders Republic (PS4/PS5)
  • Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS4/PS5)
  • Slay the Spire (PS4)
  • Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (PS4)
  • Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (PS4)

PlayStation Plus Extra offers all of these games on top of what’s offered in the base Essential membership, including free monthly games.

PlayStation Plus Premium

  • Doom (PS4)
  • Doom II (PS4)
  • Doom 64 (PS4)
  • Doom 3 (PS4)
  • Dishonored: Definitive Edition (PS4)

PlayStation Plus Premium also offers all of the benefits of Extra and Essential memberships.

PlayStation Plus Essential starts at $11.99/month, Extra at $17.99/month and Premium at $21.99/month.

What’s leaving

Altogether, 32 PS4 titles are leaving the PS Plus catalogue on May 16th:

  • Balan Wonderworld
  • Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy!
  • Chronos: Before the Ashes
  • Deadlight: Director’s Cut
  • Dreamfall Chapters
  • FlatOut 4 – Total Insanity
  • Graveyard Keeper
  • Homefront: The Revolution
  • How to Survive: Storm Warning Edition
  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance
  • Kona
  • Last Day of June
  • Left Alive
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man: Game of the Year Edition
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man
  • Metro: Last Light Redux
  • Metro 2033 Redux
  • Mighty No. 9
  • MX vs. ATV All Out
  • Pathfinder: Kingmaker – Definitive Edition
  • Pixel Piracy
  • Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered
  • Relicta
  • Resident Evil
  • Shenmue III
  • Star Ocean: First Departure R
  • This War of Mine: The Little Ones
  • Tour de France 2021
  • TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2
  • Virginia
  • Windbound

Finally, find out what came to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium last month here.

Image credit: Ember Labs

Source: PlayStation

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Game of Thrones prequel The Hedge Knight is coming to HBO

Another Game of Thrones spinoff set in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire world is on the way.

HBO has confirmed that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight has been ordered by the network. It’s unclear when the TV show will release.

If The Hedge Knight sticks to the plot of its source material, Martin’s Dunk and Egg novel, it follows the journey of knight Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg (Aegon V Targaryen) as they travel across Westeros. The Dunk and Egg novel takes place 100 years before the Game of Thrones series.

This is the second Game of Thrones TV show prequel from HBO, following House of the Dragon. It’s unclear when the second season of House of the Dragon will release, but production has been confirmed to have started. HBO is also working on a series about Game of Thrones lead Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and several other projects based on R.R. Martin’s novels.

HBO has confirmed that The Hedge Knight will be written and executive produced by Martin and Ira Parker (the team behind House of the Dragon). The network has also announced plans to create a TV series based on the Harry Potter franchise.

Image credit: HBO

Via: The Verge

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Here are the changes to Canadian mobile rate plans this week [April 13 – April 19]

With over 13 wireless providers in Canada, it can be difficult to keep track of the latest promotions and cell phone rate plan changes.

MobileSyrup will compile the latest weekly rate plan deals every week. You can also check out our guide on plans across Canada to find the right plan for you.  You can compare from 47,842 options and 13 providers in Canada to find the best option.

It’s worth noting that rate plans are always subject to change and that we’ll do our best to keep this list updated as accurately as possible.

Canadian carrier rate plan changes this week

Noticeable price changes:

New deals:

  • Save $25/mo. for every team member, you add to your account.
  • Switch your business to Canada’s best national network1 and get a credit of up to $240 per line.

Ongoing deals:

  • Save $50 on the Google Pixel Watch.
  • Get 500MB bonus data/mo. with automatic monthly top-up options with the $30, $40, $45 & $55 prepaid plans and 100MB bonus with $25 prepaid plan.
  • Get a credit up to $800 when you trade in your old phone.
  • Get bonus Crave Mobile for 24 months with Unlimited Share Plans Ultimate 25 and Ultimate 25, 40 & 60 (Canada & U.S.) in QC and with Ultimate 50, Ultimate 100 (Canada & U.S.) in main regions.
  • Buy a new phone online and save $50
  • Keep your business and all of its devices connected with plans starting at $10/mo.
  • Get 3 months of Apple TV+ when you buy an iPhone or iPad.
  • Various phone accessories on sale
  • Get up to 500 MB bonus data/mo. when you sign up for Automatic Monthly or Automatic Monthly/Low Balance Top-Up option on eligible plans. 

Browse Bell cell phone plans

Noticeable price changes:

Ongoing deals:

    • Limited time offer: Save 50% per month for 12 months on unlimited Fido Home Internet. That’s up to $540 in savings! New customers only! ON
    • Save even more when you bundle home internet and mobile plans together. Packages start from $73/mo!
    • Get 5 extra hours of unlimited data every month at no extra cost. Available with Data, Talk & Text plans.
    • TABLETS AT $0 DOWN AND 0% INTEREST with financing on select plans for $10/month when you add a line to your account.
    • One Month Free Service when you invite your friends and they join Fido.

Browse Fido cell phone plans

Ongoing deals:

  • For a limited time, take advantage of the Trade-in Credit and get twice the value of your old phone when you buy a new one with an eligible Mobile plan and 24-month agreement.
  • Save $10 per month for life with the multiproduct discount by adding an Internet plan to your Mobile plan.
  • Get 100 GB bonus per year with all-Inclusive 20GB, 40GB and 50GB plans, along with $15 monthly savings if you combine it with an Internet service.
  • A Motorola phone starting at only $1.75/month.
  • 100 GB of bonus data per year, Club illico mobile, on the phone of your choice.
  • Combine your Internet service with several Mobile plans on the same invoice and save up to $100 per month.
  • Club illico mobile is included with all the All-Inclusive Mobile plans.
  • Get 10 GB bonus per year in Canada with the 6 GB and 15 GB Canada plans, along with $10 monthly savings if you combine the 15 GB plan with an Internet service.
  • Get up to $500 in credit when you trade in your old phone.
  • Monthly savings on various smart phones
  • Take advantage of monthly discount with multiline $5 to $15 per line each month (depends of number of lines)

Browse Videotron cell phone plans

Noticeable price changes:

Ongoing deals:

  • Get 2GB bonus data when you sign up for automatic top up on plans starting at $30/mo
  • Save the $50 connection fee when you shop online.
  • Get bonus 500MB data per month with Automatic Top-Up on $25/mo plan and 250MB bonus with the $15 plan.
  • For a limited time when you refer your friend to Koodo, you can both take $25 off your bill.
  • Prepaid SIM cards are now $10 for a limited time

Browse Koodo cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Get iPhone 14 128GB for as low as $10/mo for 24 months on select plans, when you trade in an iPhone 12 or put $480 down. Certain conditions apply.
  • Enjoy 5 Roam Like Home days at no cost in up to 185 destinations (up to $75 value) with a Rogers Connections Mastercard®.
  • It’s better together: Save $30/mo for 24 months when you activate 2 lines, for a total of $720 in savings over 24 months! This offer is only available in stores.

Ongoing deals:

  • Trade in an eligible iPhone and enjoy a one-time trade-in credit of up to $770 towards the device of your choice with financing and select plans.
  • Get Apple Watch Series 8 starting from $29.11/mo with financing and get your smartwatch plan free, both for 24 months when you activate on select plans.
  • Save $20/mo for each family member you add. Additional Line Rogers Infinite Plans start at $45/mo in QC or $65/mo in other regions for 25GB.
  • Get 40GB to share for just $52.50/mo per line in QC or 50GB to share for just $70/mo per line in other regions.
  • Add family to your Rogers Infinite plan starting as low as $40/mo per line with 20 GB in QC or $55/mo per line with 25 GB in other regions.
  • Trade in your phone, tablet or smartwatch and get a credit towards a new device through the Rogers Trade-Up Program.
  • Take advantage of the Upfront Edge credit on select phones on Rogers Infinite plans with financing over 24 months.
  • Add a tablet or smartwatch to an eligible Rogers Infinite plan and get a free tablet plan or smartwatch plan for 24 months.
  • Rogers Infinite Mobile plans start at $60/mo for 24 months when you add it to your home services (ON).
  • Save $50 with the Setup Service Fee waived when you buy online.
  • Refer your friends and save up to $300 per year
  • Sign up for Disney+ through Rogers and get 6 months on select Rogers Infinite plans

Browse Rogers cell phone plans

New deals:

  • TELUS Exclusive Partner Program offers: get 10GB of data for $45 per month in Quebec or 50GB for $65/mo in other regions, on a 24-month Easy Payment agreement.
  • Double your data for only $5 extra per month. Enjoy unlimited talk, text and get 50GB of high-speed data for $90 per month (Excluding QC).
  • Save up to $800 on Samsung Galaxy S23 with Bring-It-Back, when you trade in an eligible device.
  • Save up to $1,030 on iPhone 14 Pro Max with Bring-It-Back and Trade-In.
  • Get up to $710 off your new iPhone 14 with Bring-It-Back and Trade-In.
  • Make the Google Pixel 7 yours and save up to $656 with Bring-It-Back and Trade-In. Get it for only $11.67 per month.

Ongoing deals:

  • Get up to $1,026 in savings plus bonus Galaxy Buds2 with the purchase of Samsung Galaxy S22 with Bring-It-Back.
  • Upgrade and save up to $620 with Trade-In on iPhone 14 & Apple Watch. Certain conditions apply.
  • Discover Stream+ and save 20% on your favourite entertainment. Get Stream+ with any Mobility plan for only $28 monthly plus taxes.
  • Get 3 months of Apple Fitness+ free when you buy an eligible Apple Watch.
  • Enjoy up to 15% off on like-new select devices. Plus, save even more with Bring-It-Back.
  • Join the TELUS Privilege program and you could win a 24-month lease on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV LT, plus $1,500 towards the purchase of a charging station. Until June 28, 2023 (Only in Quebec).
  • Save big and get 25GB of CAN-U.S. data for $70 per month, it’s only $5 more per month compared to the 25GB nationwide plan (Only in Quebec).
  • Get a bonus pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds2 when you purchase a Samsung Galaxy S22 or S22 Ultra. Certain conditions apply.
  • Save up to $450 on iPhone 13 with Bring-It-Back and Trade-In.
  • Share your phone’s unlimited data with your smartwatch or tablet for $10 per month.
  • Get a bonus 100 MB of data when you sign-up for Auto Top-up on a $25 prepaid talk & text plan.
  • Refer a friend to TELUS Mobility and you both get a $50 bill credit.
  • Save the $50 connection fee when you shop Mobility online.
  • Save more with the TELUS Family Discount: save from $7.50 to $15 per line per month for every family member on your account who subscribes to an Unlimited Data plan.
  • Get a bonus 500 MB of data when you sign-up for Auto Top-up on $30, $40, $45 & $55 prepaid talk, text & data plans.
  • Get 3 months of Apple TV+ free on eligible Apple device activations.
  • Enjoy your ICI TOU.TV EXTRA subscription included with your TELUS plan (QC).
  • Bundle a new Apple Watch with TELUS Health Companion from $54/month.
  • Bundle your services and get up to $40 off each month (QC)
  • Save big on the flashiest phones with Bring‑It‑Back

Browse Telus cell phone plan

Ongoing deals:

  • For every dollar you spend, you’ll make 5% of it back in points.
  • For a limited time, get 15GB of data for only $40
  • Reward – Welcome Present Get 5 points.
  • Earn up to 20 points per month by helping the Public Mobile community online.
  • Earn 10 points for every 12 months you stay
  • Earn 1 point for every month a friend you refer stays
  • Free Public Mobile SIM Card included with each purchase of a Certified Pre-Owned phone.

Browse Public Mobile cell phone plans

Ongoing deals:

  • Exclusive offer for Quebec : Get 5GB of bonus data on the $35 plan on your second anniversary date.
  • Get 2GB bonus data with autopay on all talk, text & data 3G and 4G plans and 500MB bonus data with autopay on $25/mo plan.
  • 250MB bonus with Autopay on Talk & Text $15 Plan along with and one month’s fee in credit
  • Chatr Refer a Friend Program – Get up to $150 in credits over 10 months to use towards your top up. 

Browse Chatr cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Get pre-loved phones starting from just $1/mo, with Sweet Pay on an eligible 2-year plan. Online only.
  • Get a new phone. Plans starting from $26/mo in QC or from $34/mo in other regions.
  • Save 65% off the Samsung Galaxy A53 with Sweet Pay on an eligible 2-year plan.
  • Combine a mobile plan with home internet, now starting from $84/mo (ON).
  • Get 100MB Bonus Data with PPU minutes $15 prepaid plan, on Auto Payment Options.
  • Get 15GB for $40/mo in Quebec or 8GB for $55/mo in other regions, when you bring your own phone. New activations only.

Ongoing deals:

  • Get a $15 credit for 12 months on 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps and 300 Mbps Unlimited Internet plans or a $5 credit for 12 months on the 25 Mbps plan (ON).
  • Get 50 Mbps Unlimited Internet for $50/mo, includes a $15/mo credit for 12 months (ON).
  • Members save $80 on groceries with Walmart online groceries. Get $20 off the first four orders of $100 or more. Expires on July 26, 2023.
  • Members get a shot at a Disney Vacation from Virgin Plus. One entry per Member. The contest ends on April 30, 2023.
  • Get iPhone 11 for $0 down, 0% APR with Sweet Pay. Now only $20/mo.
  • Get an additional 3GB of bonus data per month, on the 15GB and 20GB plans. Now 18GB for $45/mo and 23GB for $50/mo (Only in Quebec).
  • Value-packed mobile plans and home internet. Now starting at $57/mo when you bring your own phone (QC).
  • Get the Pixel 6a for $0 down, 0% APR with Sweet Pay. Now only $10/mo.
  • Buy the Google Pixel 6a and get 3 months of Youtube Premium and Google One.
  • Crave is available as an add-on for TV for only $20/mo. Hook up today and get 2 months free.
  • Get 250MB Bonus Data with Unlimited Canada-wide $25 prepaid plan (ON, QC, SK) and with Unlimited Province-wide $22 and $29 prepaid plans (QC), on Auto Payment Options.
  • Get 500MB Bonus data with Unlimited Province-wide $31, $35, $40, $50 and $55 prepaid plans, on Auto Payment Options (QC).
  • Add TV to your Unlimited Internet starting from $25/mo in QC and $35/mo in ON.
  • Get 500MB Bonus data with Unlimited Canada-wide $32, $34, $38, $43, $53 & $58 prepaid plans, on Auto Payment Options (QC).
  • Get 500MB Bonus data with Unlimited Canada-wide $30, $40, $45, $55 & $75 prepaid plans, on Auto Payment Options (ON, SK).
  • Purchase the Motorola Edge 2022 on Sweet Pay™ and receive a pair of Motorola Verve Buds 120 True Wireless Headset.
  • Shop online and get $50 waived of connection service fee.
  • Hot phones starting from $0 down, 0% APR
  • Refer a Friend to get $50 in bill credits each when they join the Virgin Plus party.
  • Get a Google Chromecast when you hook up with TV on a 6-month term
  • Get up to $700 off a hot new device when you trade in your old one.

Browse Virgin Plus cell phone plans

Noticeable price changes:

Ongoing deals:

  • Get 1.5GB of data for $24/mo.
  • Limited time Offer (Bring your own phone) : Get 10GB of data for $35/mo, 20GB for $40/mo and 30GB for $45/mo Includes up to a $10/mo. credit for 24 months.
  • Get an unlimited plan with 20GB of fast LTE data for only $40/mo.
  • Refer a friend and get a $25 service credit for each referral. Save up to $250 a year 

Browse Freedom Mobile cell phone plans 

Noticeable price changes:

Ongoing deals:

  • Sign up for new wireless service on any totalSHARE or VIP 35 unlimited plan and save up to $15/mo. for 24 months.
  • Upgrade your device on a 2-year voice & data term and choose your savings.
  • Save $100 when you purchase Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) online.
  • Sign up for SaskTel Internet on the infiNET 1 Gig plan and get this special deal.
  • Save $10/mo. for 6 months on Talk + Text + Data 50 or Complete 95.
  • Save $20/mo. off a totalSHARE Nationwide, totalSHARE Canada & U.S., or VIP 35 plan when you bring your own phone or buy a phone at a full price!
  • Get up to $600 in-store credit toward a new wireless device and accessories when you trade in your old device.
  • Sign up for SaskTel Internet on a monthly plan and save 50% for 3 months + get Optimum In-home Wi-Fi for only $5/mo. for first 3 months
  • Sign up for SaskTel Internet on a 2-year contract and get Optimum In-home Wi-Fi free for 12 months
  • Switch to a 2-year Internet contract plan and save $10/mo. off the regular price
  • Upgrade to the next fastest plan at no additional cost for 1 month
  • Get unlimited calling with our Anytime North America Long Distance plan—all for one low monthly price
  • Get our 10 most popular calling features, including Call Display & Name Display, for just $10/mo. Add on Voice Mail for only $2/mo. more
  • Get 3 months of Apple Fitness+ free when you buy an Apple Watch.
  • Sign up for noSTRINGS Prepaid Auto Top-ups and get a $20 bonus
  • Bring your Google Pixel to SaskTel and activate it on a voice & data plan and get a $25/mo. bill credit for 2 years—that’s $600 in savings.

Browse SaskTel cell phone plan percent 

Noticeable price changes:

New deals:

  • Buy Mobile online and get a $50 welcome credit & free shipping

Ongoing deals:

  • For a limited time, add Mobile to your bundle and save $20/mo.
  • Save up to $3000 when you bundle with Family Share plans.
  • Refer a friend to Eastlink Mobile and you both get a $25 credit.
  • Bring Your Own Phone and Enjoy Data Plans
  • Add Mobile to other popular Eastlink services and save up to $10/month!
  • Get 3 months of Apple TV+ free when you buy an Apple device.
  • Get the Smartphone you Want for $0 Down with easyTab
  • Save $69.95 when you DIY and save the installation fee
  • Get up to $200 When you Switch to Eastlink

Browse Eastlink cell phone plans 

New deals:

  • Skip onto the 15 GB mobile plan for only $36/month.

Ongoing deals:

  • Fully customizable mobile and Internet plans. Mix & match starting at $55/month.
  • Activate your first plan with the referral code of a friend, and you’ll each receive a $25 referral bonus
  • A supercharged voicemail for IOS and Android phones, at only $2 per month
  • Enjoy a 12-month warranty on new phones and a 6-month warranty on Preloved phones
  • The higher the level you’re at, the more rewards you get to choose from to add value to your monthly plan.
  • Any unused mobile data will be rolled over to the next month.

Browse Fizz cell phone plans 

New deals:

  • Save $350 on your MyTab plus your trade-in value when you bring us a Samsung S Series, Z Series or Note series device. Trade in any other device and save $100 on your MyTab plus your trade-in value. Available on an Unlimited plan with 25GB Fast LTE.

Ongoing deals:

    • Fibre+ Gig on a new 2-year ValuePlan is only $99/mo. Enjoy WiFi 6 with more speed and stronger connectivity across your devices.
    • Upgrade to Fibre+ Gig 1.5 Internet for exclusive savings on Mobile.
    • Sign up for Disney+ and get up to 12 months free.
    • Plans from $0/mo. Bring your device & number to Shaw Mobile for brighter savings.
    • Bill credits : $100 bill credit with Fibre + Internet and TV and Fibre + Internet & Mobile and $50 bill credit with Internet & Streaming (QC, AB & BC)
    • Bill credits : $100 bill credit with Fibre + Internet and TV and $50 bill credit with Internet & Streaming in (ON, SK & MB)
    • Order your plan online and save an extra $50
    • If you’re looking for a lower-level TV plan than Total TV, check out the Limited TV plan for $25/mo.
    • Rollover Data any time for just $10/GB and carry over unused data for up to 90 days

Browse Shaw cell phone plans

New deals:

  • $25 off any phone with purchase of a $50 top up
  • Free $25 account bonus with purchase of $100 top up 

Browse cell phone plans

Ongoing deals:

  • Get an additional 5 percent of the value of every Top-Up in points when you sign up for Auto-Allowance or Allowance with your PC Financial Mastercard or PC Money
  • 20,000 PC Optimum points after two months of service
  • Get 1GB of bonus data every month when you sign up for an Automatic Top-Up option, eligible on plans that have data.

Browse cell phone plans

Ongoing deals:

  • Stay in touch with friends and family for just $5/mo.
  • Sign up with Lucky Mobile and Refer-A-Friend to earn a $50 credit!
  • Get bonus data with Lucky Rewards.
  • Get 250MB/mo. of bonus data after making 6 monthly payments.
  • Get a cheap phone plan from $15/mo.

Browse cell phone plans

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Google drops first Android 14 beta for Pixels

As scheduled, Google dropped the first Android 14 beta on April 12th.

The first beta arrives after two Developer Previews. Google previously detailed a plan to release Developer Previews through February and March, beta releases in April and May, followed by a period of ‘platform stability’ culminating in the final release sometime after July.

The release of Android 14 Beta 1 also marks the first time that Android 14 will be easily accessible to people through Google’s Android Beta Program website, assuming you have an eligible device (currently, Pixel phones ranging from the 4a 5G to the Pixel 7 Pro).

However, being easily accessible doesn’t mean you should download it — as a beta, Android 14 will definitely have rough edges, bugs and other problems. If you want to try it out, don’t install it on your daily driver or make sure you’re prepared to deal with any potential problems.

What’s new in Android 14 Beta 1?

While I’m still waiting on the beta to download to my Pixel 7, there are already several reports out about new features and additions. Some of what’s new will be familiar to anyone who’s played with (or followed coverage of) the developer previews.

For example, Google has forged ahead with restrictions that will limit the visibility of sensitive data to disability-focused accessibility services. This should help improve user privacy.

Google also did some work to improve the user interface (UI) with a new back arrow that should help improve gesture navigation. Android’s share sheet is also getting a little better with custom actions and shortcuts, though Google still has a long way to go to fix sharing on Android.

There are plenty of small changes too, like an option to force a ‘transparent’ navigation bar on all apps, revamped icons in the Markup tool that show drawing colours, and more.

It remains to be seen what all is new and different, but over the new few weeks, we’ll likely learn more as the Android experts start digging in and unearthing new stuff.

Cia: Android Central, 9to5Google

Categories
Mobile Syrup

New iPhone SE with custom 5G modem rumoured to launch in 2025

There’s talk that Apple is planning to release an iPhone SE with an Apple-designed 5G modem in 2025, according to analyst Jeff Pu.

In a research note with Haitong International Securities on April 11th, Pu said the modem will be manufactured by TSMC, Apple’s chipmaking associate.

Two months ago, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple had restarted development for a 4th-gen iPhone SE that would feature a 6.1-inch OLED display and an Apple-designed 5G modem. Kuo also reported that the modem would also be built with TSMC’s 4nm process, so the current rumours do have some history.

Kuo said that the production of the fourth-generation SE would commence in the first half of 2024, but Pu suspects production will be delayed until 2025.

As for design, the current iPhone SE model was released in March 2022 and is the last model to feature a Home button and Touch ID. It also features Qualcomm’s custom Snapdragon X57 chip for 5G compatibility. Kuo says that the new SE slated would most likely feature a design similar to the iPhone 14 model, meaning a switch to Face ID is probable.

In an effort to design its own modem, Apple acquired the majority of Intel’s smartphone modem business in 2019, reducing its dependence on Qualcomm. It has yet to be seen what benefits the Apple-designed modems will feature, but that could be revealed if these rumours are confirmed.

Source: MacRumors

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Rogers began talks to acquire BAI long before TTC violence: Staffieri

Rogers is selling Freedom Mobile to appease federal bodies. Image credit: Shutterstock

Rogers started the process to acquire BAI a year ago.

Rogers president and CEO Tony Staffieri said the action came after customers told the company they needed connectivity when utilizing the subway.

“We quickly got into talks with BAU about buying that contract. We wanted access; we wanted to provide the connectivity,” Staffieri said at the Canadian Club. “The easiest way was to just buy out the Canadian subsidiary, which the biggest asset is this contract.”

The announcement comes during a volatile time for the TTC with the uptake in violence in recent months.

However, service won’t come right away. It’s going to take Rogers two years to implement 5G services underground.

Staffieri said the company would only have upwards of three hours every night to implement the network while the subway is shut down. The transit agency has committed to giving the company “as much time as possible,” Staffieri said.

It’s going to take approximately nine months to implement the service through 3G and 4G. Staffieri notes that access will come through phases, with the ability to contact 911 coming first, followed by text messaging, voice services, and finally, video streaming.

Staffieri further promised the service would work for all subway users regardless of provider, granted these companies sign on to the network.

“If Bell [and] Telus want to step up and join in, we’re happy and open to having those discussions with them. There’s no intent to prevent any customer, regardless of what network they’re on, to have access within the TTC subway system.”

Staffieri’s speaking engagement was the first after Rogers recieved final approval to takeover Shaw in the largest telecom merger in Canada.

It’s going to take 24 months to integrate Shaw into Rogers, and he said customer experience is the most important thing Rogers is keeping in mind.

“If we are successful in executing what we say we’re going to do, then five years from now, we are the brand and the company that Canadians choose first every day; more than Bell, Telus, or Vidéotron,” Staffieri said.

Image credit: Shutterstock