Apple starts enabling worldwide discounts on iPhone battery replacements

Further to an earlier announcement regarding discounted iPhone battery replacement services for customers of older iPhones who may be experiencing performance slowdowns, Apple has enabled the discounted replacement service globally starting today.

Canadians who bring their older iPhones for a battery replacement to Apple Retail stores will be able to benefit from the reduced fee. 

"Apple is reducing the price of an out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacement by $64 — from $99 to $35 — for anyone with an iPhone 6 or later whose battery needs to be replaced, available worldwide through December 2018. Details will be provided soon on apple.com/ca," Apple said in an official statement earlier today. The initial timeframe for the discounted battery replacement was supposed to be in January 2018.

"We expected to need more time to be ready, but we are happy to offer our customers the lower pricing right away. Initial supplies of some replacement batteries may be limited," an Apple spokesperson clarified.

Apple issues apology for performance throttling, offers discounted battery replacement service throughout 2018

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Apple broke the silence about the issue that iOS 10.2.1 causes performance on older iPhones to slow down, ostensibly to counteract battery degradation. It's an issue that created a lot of confusion, with some pundits claiming that Apple is purposely throttling performance to push users to upgrade to newer devices. Apple issued a statement on its website explaining the issue in detail. The company, who makes most of its profits off the iPhone, is also offering discounted battery replacement services for older iPhones throughout 2018.

Responding to increasing confusion and even lawsuits from disgruntled users, Apple took to posting an open letter on its website.

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Dyson opens first demo store in Canada focusing on experiences

Dyson opened its first Canadian Demo store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto.  The Toronto opening follows three in North America: Flagship New York on 5^th Avenue, San Francisco and Virginia. Hair styling stations featuring the Dyson Supersonic and a Dyson air purifier smokebox demonstration represent some of the experiences that await guests at the new store.

 The 2,000 sq. ft. space is designed to encourage people to pick up, test, and understand Dyson technology. Interactive demonstrations bring to life the science at the heart of Dyson machines, and Dyson Experts are on-hand to explain machines and provide recommendations that will best suit customers’ lifestyles.

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Android OS 8.1 update slows down the Pixel 2 XL's fingerprint reader

The Pixel 2 XL is a divisive piece of tech. Many feel it is the best Android device out there and argue that it has the best camera on any smartphone, but there's also been apprehension because of the POLED display, burn in issues. Software has been another point of concern as it seems the Android 8.1 update, which unlocks all those cool AR Stickers, has been responsible for slowing down the fingerprint sensor.

Enthusiasts on Google’s support forums as well as Reddit are chiming in and saying that since the update, the fingerprint sensor has been slowing down or is less responsive. The issue is widespread enought that Google is acknowledging the bug and promises to look into it.

Source: 9to5Google