Village Gamer

The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada has announced the five finalists for its eighth annual SOCAN Songwriting Prize (formerly the SOCAN ECHO Songwriting Prize) in English, and the nominees once again reflect the breadth and depth of Canada’s rich songwriting talent. Read the rest of this entry »

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has issued a wireless code that will make it easier for Canadians to understand their contracts and sets out their basic rights. The code will apply to new contracts for cellphones and other personal mobile devices starting on December 2, 2013.

“Every day, Canadians rely on wireless devices while in their homes, at their jobs, at school or travelling abroad,” said Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the CRTC. “The wireless code will contribute to a more dynamic marketplace by making it possible for Canadians to discuss their needs with service providers at least every two years.”

The wireless code addresses the main frustrations that Canadians shared with the CRTC, which included the length of wireless contracts, cancellation fees, roaming charges and other industry practices. Among other things, individual and small business consumers will be able to:

• terminate their wireless contracts after two years without cancellation fees, even if they have signed on for a longer term
• cap extra data charges at $50/month and international data roaming charges at $100/month to prevent bill shock
• have their cellphones unlocked after 90 days, or immediately if they paid for the device in full
• return their cellphones, within 15 days and specific usage limits, if they are unhappy with their service
• accept or decline changes to the key terms of a fixed-term contract (i.e., 2-year), and
• receive a contract that is easy to read and understand.

The wireless code will apply to all service providers in Canada. In particular, the code will apply in full to postpaid services (where customers pay a monthly bill after using their services), and where applicable to pre-paid wireless services.

“The wireless code is a tool that will empower consumers and help them make informed choices about the service options that best meet their needs. To make the most of this tool, consumers also have a responsibility to educate themselves,” Mr. Blais added.

The participation of a large number of consumers and the collaboration of the wireless industry will ensure the wireless code’s successful implementation. The CRTC’s public consultation attracted over 5,000 participants, including individual Canadians, who shared their views on an online discussion forum, in writing and at the public hearing held from February 11 to 15, 2013.

A new report released today by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) reveals the Canadian wireless sector generated an overall economic benefit of $50.2 billion in 2011, an increase of 16.7% from the $43 billion in 2010. The Benefit of the Wireless Telecommunications Industry to the Canadian Economy study, conducted by Nordicity, concludes that the Canadian wireless sector’s economic benefit has increased dramatically, as Canadians’ adoption of smartphones, tablets and mobile data services and applications has also increased at a rapid pace. Read the rest of this entry »

Rogers Communications, along with Microsoft Canada and Compugen, has announced a new broadband internet pilot project called Connected for Success that will provide affordable broadband internet, computers and software to Toronto Community Housing (TCH).  As part of the Rogers Youth Fund program, Connected for Success will bring more youth online and give them the tools and resources needed to experience the benefits of connectivity. Read the rest of this entry »

Destiny Media Technologies has announced the release of an all new Play MPE® app designed specifically for Android powered devices.  Music industry professionals who receive content through the Play MPE® system already access broadcast quality pre-release media through any web browser, Windows or Macintosh applications, or through Play MPE®’s iOS app. The highly anticipated Android app for Play MPE® will enhance the mobile experience for the thousands of Play MPE® users that have Android devices. Read the rest of this entry »

Accounting and business management solutions developer Dynacom Technologies has announced the release of version 11.6 of its flagship software, Dynacom Accounting. Placed under the sign of performance and innovation, this new version reflects Dynacom’s main concerns which are to remain attentive to its customers’ needs and demands, but also to attach great importance to provide its customers with innovative products. The new 11.6 version presents itself as an answer to these concerns by providing, among other things, a new tracking document service that lets users send documents to their customers by email and be notified when they access the documents, and a new mobile invoicing application that allows users the opportunity to invoice customers easily even on the road, and transfer these invoices automatically to their Dynacom Accounting software. Read the rest of this entry »

eCommera, a UK-based Decision-Intelligent Commerce solutions provider, has announced the acquisition of Richmond Hill’s OrderDynamics™, a leading Order Management System (OMS) and commerce platform for multi-channel retail. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Read the rest of this entry »

With many incredible tech company success stories in the GTA it can be difficult to start and grow a company that stands out among its peers, but last Friday evening in a gala event held at the BMO Institute For Learning, the York Technology Alliance (YTA) recognized five companies that are leading the way in the GTA tech hub.  Read the rest of this entry »

Montreal’s Elfiq Networks has announced the release of the company’s new model, the LBX900, designed for the SMB market, an upscale version from the existing LB800E model. Like its predecessors, the LB550/LB600/LB800, the LBX900 model is designed for the small or medium business market but delivers 50% more throughput on more Gigabits ports to bring enterprise-class bandwidth management. Read the rest of this entry »

IP-based multimedia communications solutions provider Media5 Corporation has announced the release of the Mediatrix C7 Series of multi-function VoIP devices that combines Analog Adapter, Gateway and QoS control in a secure and powerful platform. The Mediatrix C7 Series is specifically designed for enterprises with branch and remote offices looking to implement a cost-effective VoIP solution that is reliable, secure, and delivers the best possible voice quality. Read the rest of this entry »