Review: Samsung Galaxy Note 9

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 9 represents the apex of today’s flagship smartphone market in many ways. The overall design remains generally unchanged from last year’s Note 8 offering, but Samsung’s highlighted various areas for dramatic improvement. Read my full review below.

Click to read more ...

TELUS Pitch awards $100,000 to startup that develops wearable mobility tools for the blind

Bin Liu, CEO and co-founder of iMerciv, delivering his final pitch as the grand prize $100,000 winner of the TELUS Pitch small business competition in Toronto. Photo credit: Gray Aletter

The winner of the TELUS Pitch is doing good for both the blind and the partially-sighted. iMerciv Inc. emerged the grand prize winner and was selected from nearly 3,000 entries. The company works to improve the mobility, confidence, and quality of life of individuals who suffer vision loss. The company’s CEO and co-founder Bin Liu has personal experience with the matter as his father lost his vision and was diagnosed with inoperable glaucoma. The company recently introduced its first product called BuzzClip. It’s a wearable mobility tool to help those with vision loss avoid collisions. The device makes use of ultrasound to detect any obstacles that might be in the way. The wearer will feel intuitive vibrations to help them navigate around any object, especially those that are head level.

iMerciv will be using the $100,000 prize to boost its sales and marketing efforts and help expand their presence in the 11 countries where they are present. They hope to generate more revenue and help built new products. Liu and his team will also be injecting the money into research and development of its second product.

Essential Phone gets permanently discounted by $200

Andy Rubin's Essential Phone has been an exciting product to watch but also a frustrating one to root for. There have been shipping delays, identity phishing fiascos, a lacklustre camera and reports that it isn't selling well at all.  

My own time with a Canadian unit was fraught with software glitches, poor camera experience and promised firmware updates that didn't come within the review period. Another key complain about the device is the high price. This is something Essential is in control of, and starting this weekend, the company is takingUS $200 off the price of the Essential Phone.

Click to read more ...

Apple Watch Series 3 with LTE and Watch OS 4 launch today

Apple today released the Apple Watch Series 3, which is an updated version of its wearable which it released two years ago. The Apple Watch has found a niche in health tracking, notifications as well as specific advantages for runners and swimmers. The newest version features an LTE variant which.

Watch OS 4 Comes to customers on September 19.

Apple Watch Series 3 2ill have LTE connectivity which will be tied in to user's iPhone number. It will be able to stream music from Apple Music, it also comes with a barometer. Apple's Jeff Williams admitted that having LTE on the Apple Watch as a goal since day one, but the technology was not there.

As with most Apple Watch releases, Apple has also announced new straps including collaborations with Hermes and Nike. Series 1 Apple Watches will be available for US $249. Non cellular and cellular models of the Series 3 will be available for pre-order September 15 with a September 22 launch date.