Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup - 8/18 - 8/24

Apple's rumoured September 10 event: What to expect

Samsung's Galaxy S26 lineup: A name change is afoot?

Google's original Pixel Fold won't be discontinued

Apple opens up NFC access to developers, but at a cost

Leaked image reveals iPhone 16 Pro colour options

This is when you can get 'Indiana Jones and the Great Circle'

Nomad introduces Stand One Max with Qi2 support

OpenAI partners with Condé Nast to enhance AI-powered content

Google Messages for Android gets a new look

LEGO lets you build your own Oz with new 'Wicked' sets

Safety first: NASA changes return plan for Starliner astronauts

Threads experiments with self-destructing posts

Apple opens up NFC access to developers, but at a cost

Until recently, iPhones' near-field communication (NFC) capabilities were largely restricted to Apple Pay and a few other Apple-approved functions. However, with the upcoming release of iOS 18.1, Apple is set to significantly expand NFC access for developers.

Developers will now be able to leverage the Secure Element (SE) on iOS devices to offer a wide range of NFC-based services, including in-store payments, car keys, transit passes, and more. This move comes after Apple reached a settlement with the European Commission over antitrust concerns related to its exclusive control over NFC payments on iPhones.

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Square diversifies, launches NFC reader for small businesses to accept Apple Pay

Square has become the leading solutions provider for peer-to-peer payments and the easiest way for small businesses and merchants to accept credit card payments using an iOS or Android device, is now making a new NFC reader compatible with Apple Pay available in the US. 100  small businesses will be able to test the reader before it goes public. Business owners can buy the Square reader for $49 to begin allowing customers the option to use Apple Pay in the US. We reached out to Square Canada and they currently don't have anything to announce, but we'll keep stay tuned.

Samsung Pay mobile payments system now available in the US

Samsung's mobile payments system, Samsung Pay, is now live across the US. Using a built-in app as well as thier fingerprint sensor, the service allows users to pay for purchases via NFC and contactless payments terminal.  The service is available only to Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge + and Note 5 devices on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and  US Cellular provided they're tied up with Visa, MasterCard or American Express accounts. 

Source: Engadget