Official Canada Blog
News and notes from Google Canada
Actua and Google launch new AI partnership at Go North Youth
Friday, May 10, 2019
Editor's Note: today's post is guest authored by Jennifer Flanagan, CEO Actua Canada
It is hard to capture in words the energy and optimism of a room full of 1,300 students excited for a day of technology activities. This was the scene today at the University of Toronto for the 4th annual Go North Youth event. Go North Youth is the largest coding and digital skills youth event in Canada and we were thrilled to once again host it with our partners - Engineering Outreach at the University of Toronto and Google Canada.
The day kicked off with an incredibly exciting announcement of Google.org’s new $500,000 grant to Actua’s Codemakers program for the development of a high school AI program. Specifically, the grant will go towards developing AI curriculum for Canadian high-school students across the country, including communities where access to technology is more limited.
In its pilot year (2019-2020), Actua expects the AI programming will reach up to 15,000 students in every province and territory across Canada. It will also engage 500 teachers in AI training.
We want youth to not only learn essential basic principles of AI and how it works, but to help them understand how AI will influence future careers beyond just computer science, like music, medicine, or farming.
Our goal is to ensure we continue to build top talent for AI research institutes, and to help develop a pipeline of skilled workers with the competencies and knowledge to implement, use, and derive benefit from AI technologies and services.
In order to do this, we will build on the work of other organizations who have developed AI content. We will then test and refine the content through Actua’s national delivery network of 38 university and college-based member programs.
The bottom line? Canada is a global powerhouse in the development and use of artificial intelligence. AI technology developed in Canada is transforming everything from healthcare to farming. But for Canada to realize its potential,we must prioritize investment in youth education. We need to support opportunities, like we saw today at Go North Youth, for the next generation to develop skills and confidence in this area, or we risk falling behind.
We look forward to continuing our work with Google Canada to develop innovative, cutting-edge content that builds on Canada’s AI pedigree and gives Canadian students the foundational skills to build the next generation of AI technology right here in Canada.
Get help at a glance with Google Nest Hub
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Today we’re bringing the Home products under the
Nest
brand. It’s a natural next step since our products work together to help you stay informed, feel more comfortable and safe, keep an eye on home when you’re away, and connect to friends and family. Now we’re taking our first step on a journey to create a more helpful home. We’re also bringing Google Nest Hub (formerly called Google Home Hub) to Canadians.
Nest Hub brings you help at a glance. With the Google Assistant built-in, you can use your voice to get the best of Google—Search, YouTube, Google Photos, Calendar, Maps and more—right on Nest Hub’s display.
Simplify your connected home
With Nest Hub, you can control over a thousand devices from popular brands. Nest Hub helps simplify controlling all your compatible smart devices–no more switching between apps, and now everyone in the home has control. With Nest Hub’s home view, now you can see and control all of your compatible devices in one place, by touch or by voice. That’s your lights, thermostats, TVs, cameras, Chromecast and more, with just a swipe.
Relive the moment with Google Photos
Nest Hub is also a photo frame, but not your average one: it automatically refreshes the photos that are displayed and features your best shots. With
live albums
, a new feature from Google Photos, you can relive recent memories with family and friends even while Nest Hub is not in use. Plus, you can say goodbye to endless scrolling on your phone to find the photos you’re looking for. Nest Hub makes it easy: “Hey Google, show my pictures from the Grand Canyon,” and just like that, you’re taken back to your vacation.
Get hands-free help in the kitchen
Use your voice to browse millions of recipes from top names like the Food Network, Ricardo and Kraft Canada. From step-by-step recipes to how-to videos, Nest Hub is your digital sous chef that can show you simple ways to whip up great family dinners. Discover recommended recipes, follow step-by-step directions, set timers, and get conversions completely hands-free. And for those moments when you’re not quite sure how to dice an onion, a simple “Hey Google, show me how to dice an onion” will pause the recipe and play a how-to video to help you get it right.
Jumpstart your morning routine
From the time we wake up until you’re racing out the door, every minute counts. With Routines, Hub can provide you and your family with useful info about the day ahead. Just say “Hey Google, good morning” for a personalized, visual overview of your family’s activities from Google Calendar, your commute from Google Maps, your latest reminders, the weather forecast, and more. And with Voice Match, up to six people in the home can get their own personalized Routine. And you can also get easy how-to help from YouTube videos: “Hey Google, how do you make cold-brew coffee?”
Nest Hub helps you turn the music up, then wind down
Enjoy free music from Spotify and YouTube Music. Nest Hub’s full-range speaker means crisp, clear sound every time. When you’re ready for bed, just say, “Hey Google, good night” to set an alarm, turn off compatible lights and TVs, lock the front door (as long as you have a supported lock) and fall asleep to soothing music.
Thoughtfully designed for any room
The first thing you’ll notice about Nest Hub is its
beautiful design
. We made this display to fit right into your home, and we hope you’ll consider it not just functional, but part of your decor. The 7” screen is like a floating display, the right size to fit on any surface and big enough to enjoy your photos from across the room. With its soft rounded corners, Nest Hub fits naturally on any surface. With four colours to choose from—Chalk, Charcoal, Aqua and Sand—it’s right for just about any room.
On the top of the device you’ll find the Ambient EQ light sensor. It allows the screen to automatically adjust to match the lighting in the room, so photos on Nest Hub will blend in with the room, too. That means no glowing screen—it fits seamlessly into your home. When it's time for bed, Hub knows to dim the screen for a good night’s sleep.
You can buy Hub for $169, and starting today, you can pre-order from the
Google Store
. When you pre-order a Nest Hub between May 7 and May 27, you get a Google Home Mini on us.* You’ll find Nest Hub on shelves on May 28 at select retailers.
Once you set up Nest Hub, just say, “Hey Google, what can you do” to get started.
Finally, today we’re introducing new pricing for some of our products. Starting today, Google Home will be $129 and Google Home Max will be $399.
*Get a Google Home Mini on us ($79 value) with pre-order purchase of the Google Nest Hub for a limited time. Pre-order must be between May 7, 2019 and May 27, 2019 at 11:59pm PT, while supplies last and subject to availability. Upon Google Nest Hub product delivery, an email will be sent to you with a promotional code redeemable on the Google Store Canada for a Google Home Mini on us ($79 value). Canadian residents only. Must be 18 years or older. Promo code must be redeemed by July 6, 2019 and will expire after this date. Unless otherwise stated, offer cannot be combined with other offers and is not transferable. Purchase must be made on the Google Store Canada. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Void where prohibited. Restrictions and terms may apply.
Pixel 3a: the helpful (and more affordable) phone by Google
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
These days, you expect a lot from a smartphone. You want a premium camera that can take vivid, share-worthy photos wherever you go. You need a tool that connects you to the world with all your favourite apps and also helps out during the day. And you want a phone that has a battery that’s reliable for long stretches, while it stays secure and up to date with the latest software. You also don’t want it to break the bank. The new Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are all of those things and more, for half the price of premium phones.
Pixel 3a is designed to fit nicely in your hand, and includes an OLED display for crisp images and bright colours. It comes in three colours—Just Black, Clearly White, Purple-ish—and two sizes, with prices in Canada starting at $549 for the 5.6-inch display and $649 for the 6-inch model.
High-end features: camera, Google Assistant, battery life, security
Google Pixel 3a delivers what you’d expect from a premium device. Starting with the same
award-winning
camera from Pixel 3, Pixel 3a lets you take stunning photos using Google’s HDR+ technology with features such as Portrait Mode, Super Res Zoom, and Night Sight to capture clear shots in low light. Google Photos is built in, so you can save all your
high-quality photos and videos
with free, unlimited storage.
1
It comes with an 18-watt charger so you get up to seven hours of battery life on a 15-minute charge and up to 30 hours on a full charge.
2
Squeeze Pixel 3a for the Google Assistant to send texts, get directions and set reminders—simply using your voice. Plus, the Google Assistant’s Call Screen feature (available in English in the U.S. and Canada) gives you information about the caller before you pick up, and helps shield you from those annoying robocalls.
We’ll help make sure your Pixel 3a is protected against new threats by providing three years of
security and operating system updates
.
3
It also comes with the custom-built
Titan M chip
to help protect your most sensitive data.
4
New features at a more accessible price
Pixel makes it easy to use Google apps like YouTube, Google Photos and Gmail. And you'll get access to new features first. Pixel 3a and the entire Pixel portfolio will get a preview of AR in Google Maps, so the next time you're getting around town, you can see walking directions overlaid on the world itself, rather than looking at a blue dot on a map.. This helps you know precisely where you are, and exactly which way to start walking (in areas covered on Street View where there’s a good data connection and even better lighting).
Time lapse is coming to Google Pixel 3a, so you can capture an entire sunset in just a few seconds of video—great for posting on social media or messaging to your friends. (Insert time lapse gif/image) Pixel 3a will be available for pre-order on the Google Store starting today and for sale via Best Buy, Bell, Costco, Fido, Koodo, Rogers, Telus, T-Booth, Virgin, WirelessWave, Walmart, WoW Mobile beginning tomorrow.
1. Google Photos offers unlimited online storage for all photos and videos uploaded in high-quality. Photos and videos uploaded in high-quality may be compressed or resized. Requires Google Account and internet connection. Data rates may apply. g.co/help/photostorage
2. Approximate battery life based on a mix of talk, data, standby, mobile hotspot and use of other features, with always on display off, according to a user profile as defined by Google. An active display or data usage will decrease battery life. Charging rates are based upon use of the included charger. Charging time performance statistics are approximate. Actual results may vary.
3. Android version updates for at least 3 years from when the device first became available on the Google Store. See g.co/pixel/updates for details.
4. See g.co/pixel/security for additional security information
Google News Initiative partners with CJF to help tackle fake news
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Editor's Note: today's post is guest authored by Natalie Turvey, President and Executive Director of
The Canadian Journalism Foundation
What role will fake news play in our democracy? Even as we celebrate World News Day and recognize the important role Journalism plays in our lives, this question weighs on the minds of Canadians as we prepare to head to the polls in the fall.
40% of Canadians report finding it difficult to distinguish between truth and misinformation in the news, according to a new poll commissioned by the Canadian Journalism Foundation (with
research
conducted by Earnscliffe Strategy Group). It also shows that more than half of respondents (53%) have come across stories recently where they believe facts were twisted to push an agenda.
Looking to address concerns over Canadians’ capacity to identify authoritative information online, today Google.org announced a grant of $1 million to the Canadian Journalism Foundation to bring NewsWise to voting-age Canadians. The goal is simple: help all Canadians understand the difference between fact-based journalism and fake news in the digital world.
The project will support Canadian publishers in educating their audiences on how to understand and navigate an increasingly complex information environment. Developed in collaboration with experts and educators, NewsWise will deliver journalistic context that can help Canadian citizens gauge the reliability of the information they're consuming.
NewsWise builds on the success of its namesake student news literacy program, launched last year by the CJF and
CIVIX
(the team behind Student Vote). NewsWise is already reaching students in 98 of Canadian school boards.
Google and CJF’s commitment to fact-based journalism comes at a pivotal time for Canada. When asked if this confusion is leading people to not know which politicians to trust, 85% strongly agreed or agreed; up from 56 per cent in 2018. When asked if the average person does not know how to tell good journalism from rumors and falsehood, 74% strongly agreed or agreed; compared to 63% last year. The stakes are high.
Understanding what’s real and what’s not when it comes to the information we consume is essential to a functioning democracy. NewsWise provides Canadians the tools to be engaged and informed citizens of the digital age.
Introducing new student plans from YouTube
Monday, April 1, 2019
Today, we’re introducing new student plans for YouTube Music and YouTube Premium, giving eligible university and college students discounted access to a world of music, original series and movies — all ad-free and at a wallet-friendly price.
Looking for some
classical music
to concentrate while studying for finals or a
crowd-pleaser playlist
for that end-of-semester party? Need a great binge-worthy series for winter break like
Cobra Kai
or
Origin
? Could you use a physics boost from astrophysicist and former MIT professor
Walter Lewin
? We’ve got you covered!
Last year, we introduced the new YouTube Music and YouTube Premium subscription plans to help users get more from their YouTube experience. YouTube Music is a new music streaming service with official albums, playlists and singles, as well as a vast catalog of music videos, remixes, live performances, covers and more — all with ad-free, background and offline access. YouTube Premium extends that ad-free experience across all of YouTube, and includes access to YouTube Originals.
Student plans are available for YouTube Music Premium for $4.99 and YouTube Premium for $6.99.
How to Watch, Listen and Stream
Student plans are currently available to all full-time students at an accredited college or university in Canada.
Click here
to learn more about eligibility requirements.
To sign up for the YouTube Premium student plan, visit
youtube.com/premium/student
.
To sign up for the YouTube Music Premium student plan, visit
youtube.com/musicpremium/student
.
Posted by Nicole Bell, YouTube Canada
Stadia: a new way to play
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
For 20 years, Google has worked to put the world’s information at your fingertips. Instant delivery of that information is made possible through our data centre and network capabilities, and now we're using that technology to change how you access and enjoy video games.
Stadia is a new video game platform, delivering instant access to your favourite games on any type of screen—whether it’s a TV, laptop, desktop, tablet or mobile phone. Our goal is to make those games available in resolutions up to 4K and 60 frames per second with HDR and surround sound. We’ll be launching later this year in select countries including the U.S., Canada, U.K. and much of Europe.
To build Stadia, we’ve thought deeply about what it means to be a gamer and worked to converge two distinct worlds: people who play video games and people who love watching them. Stadia will lift restrictions on the games we create and play—and the communities who enjoy them.
Advanced game streaming
Using our globally connected network of Google data centres, Stadia will free players from the limitations of traditional consoles and PCs.
When players use Stadia, they'll be able to access their games at all times, and on virtually any screen. And developers will have access to nearly unlimited resources to create the games they’ve always dreamed of. It’s a powerful hardware stack combining server class GPU, CPU, memory and storage, and with the power of Google’s data center infrastructure, Stadia can evolve as quickly as the imagination of game creators.
Data centres make Stadia possible, but what sets the system apart is how it works with other Google services. In a world where there are more than 200 million people watching game-related content daily on YouTube, Stadia makes many of those games playable with the press of a button. If you watch one of your favourite creators playing Assassin's Creed Odyssey, simply click the “play now” button. Seconds later, you’ll be running around ancient Greece in your own game/on your own adventure—no downloads, no updates, no patches and no installs.
But what’s a gaming platform without its own dedicated controller? Enter the Stadia controller*.
When we designed the Stadia controller, we listened to gamers about what they wanted in a controller. First, we made sure to develop a direct connection from the Stadia controller to our data centre through Wi-Fi for the best possible gaming performance. The controller also includes a button for instant capture, saving and sharing gameplay in up to 4k of stunning resolution. And it comes equipped with a Google Assistant button and built-in microphone.
Using Google’s vast experience, reach and decades of investment we’re making Stadia a powerful gaming platform for players, developers and YouTube content creators— of all sizes. We’re building a playground for every imagination.
*This device is a prototype unit and cannot be marketed, sold, leased, or distributed until it complies with applicable essential requirements and obtains required legal authorizations.
Posted by Phil Harrison, Vice President and GM, Google Stadia
Call Screen beta comes to Pixel phones in Canada
Thursday, March 14, 2019
You may have been in a situation where you see an incoming call but you don’t recognize the number. If you’re like me, I pretty much don’t answer these any more as I worry they will be spam. However, that also means you can miss legitimate callers like your kid’s daycare, realtor, or your bank.
Starting today, Canadians with a Pixel can now opt in to the Call Screen beta, a new feature that gives you help from the Google Assistant to find out who's calling and why.
To use Call Screen, when you get an incoming call, just hit the “Screen call” button and the Google Assistant will help you get answers to specific questions like who's calling, why and more. You'll see a transcript of the caller's responses in real-time, and then you can decide whether to pick up, respond by tapping quick replies like “I’ll call you back later,” hang up, or mark the call as spam.
Call Screen is a feature on Pixel devices powered by the Google Assistant to make life easier and simpler. Like many AI-powered features on Pixel, including camera features and our music feature Now Playing which helps your discover new music playing around you, Call Screen processes call details on-device, which means these experiences are fast, private to you, and use up less battery.
Select Canadian Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 owners will receive an email today with instructions on how to opt in to the Call Screen beta. All Pixel users can opt in to the beta
here
. Call Screen is currently available in English only.
Posted by Paul Dunlop, Product Manager, Call Screen
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