Category: Business

Windows XP is being put to rest, forcing users to upgrade

By Ted Kritsonis

After the longest run of any operating system Microsoft has ever produced, Windows XP will basically be laid to rest on April 8, meaning that no further patches, updates or support will be forthcoming from the software giant. For users still clinging to the aged OS, upgrading to Windows 7 or 8 has become the only option, more or less.

Sticking around: Google Chromecast vs. Roku Streaming Stick

Text and photos by Ted Kritsonis

Streaming content to your TV has been getting increasingly easier as different types of solutions have come to market, and given the timing of the launch of both Google’s Chromecast and Roku’s Streaming Stick, it’s apt to compare them. While they seem to be an apples-to-apples comparison, they diverge in some key areas that should impact your buying decision.

Facebook looks to virtual reality through acquisition of Oculus

By Ted Kritsonis

Facebook has made yet another high-profile acquisition by announcing yesterday that it will pay $2 billion (U.S.) to bring Oculus into the fold, a company that has made some headlines with its virtual reality technology.

Google Now coming to Chrome browsers for PC and Mac

By Ted Kritsonis

Google has opened another salvo for its vaunted Now notification platform by expanding it to the company’s Chrome browser for both Windows PCs and Macs. The update is live but will apparently take some time to spread, and will require that users are signed into the same Google account they use on their Android or iOS device.

Android’s shadow looms over BlackBerry smartphones

By Ted Kritsonis

BlackBerry’s troubles have been covered extensively, and one of the consistent themes around the company’s current platform is the perceived lack of apps available. These complaints are usually centred around the lack of native support for popular apps users expect to have on their handsets — a hole that Android is coincidentally filling for BlackBerry.

Filing your taxes the neat and tidy way this year

By Ted Kritsonis

The old saying goes that there are only two sure things in life — death and taxes. The April 30 tax deadline looms and it’s expected that more than 75% of Canadians will file their 2013 return electronically this year. If you count yourself among them, you have options to do it with a little less fuss, and some thought into getting organized for upcoming years.