Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup - 2/9/2025 - 2/15/2025

What we know about the Apple iPhone SE

Apple still pursuing standalone AR glasses

Apple patches critical iPhone security flaw

Beatbot's AI-powered AquaSense 2 pool cleaners now available

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons expected to feature mouse functionality

JetBlue and GeoGuessr team up for Guess-tination game

Razer unveils White editions of Wolverine V3 Pro, Tournament Edition controllers

Report: Netflix explores video podcasts as a budget-friendly content strategy

Google updates Family Link parental controls

Apple patent points to potential Vision Pro gaming controller

Apple TV app finally arrives on Android

Meta Ray-Ban sales hit 2 million, production to expand significantly

Samsung One UI 7.0 features to vary by device

Gemini's document upload feature now free for all users

OnePlus pauses foldable development, skipping Open 2 launch

Report: Netflix explores video podcasts as a budget-friendly content strategy

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Netflix is reportedly considering adding video podcasts to its platform as a cost-effective way to engage viewers. The company has been in discussions with talent agents about hosting talk-based video shows, despite previous skepticism about the format's viability on the streaming giant. The move aligns with Netflix's broader strategy of providing a vast array of content at lower production costs, allowing the platform to maintain a steady stream of material without hefty budgets.

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Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup - 11/10 - 11/16

Pinterest unveils new campaign for the holidays featuring creators and celebrities

Apple teases an 'immersive music experience' from The Weeknd coming to Vision Pro

Apple tipped to enter the smart home security camera market

Nvidia launches its replacement app for GeForce Experience

Report: Amazon working on Echo Frames for delivery drivers

Spotify plans to pay creators of popular videos

Google TV adds pop-up home control support

Pet care brand Purina launches game experience in 'Roblox'

Google brings shopping to Maps

Gemini app comes to the iPhone

Google Maps can show transit delays

Google Pixel Watch 3 can now show your Nest Cam, Doorbell feeds

Google Gemini comes to Nest, Google Home

Airbnb to host a 'Gladiator II' experience at Rome's Colosseum

Spotify plans to pay creators of popular videos

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Spotify wants to go head-to-head with YouTube. It plans to start paying creators who post popular videos based on the engagement they get from paid subscribers. The streaming service also intends to eliminate automated ad breaks for paid subscribers to encourage them to watch more videos. These changes will take effect starting January 2, 2025, in Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia. This incentive will pit them directly against YouTube, which is also leaning heavily on video podcasts and paying creators in shared ad revenues.

Spotify creators can access their payout details in a hub called Spotify for Creators. The platform can also show if they're eligible for the payments, display more detailed analytics, and offer the option to upload short, vertical videos. It's unclear how much Spotify plans to pay the video content creators on its platform. However, Spotify spokesperson Grey Munford said creators will see their breakdowns in the hub. And Spotify co-president Gustav Söderström told The Verge that the rate will be competitive and consumption-based because "it makes no sense for them" otherwise.

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