Most North Americans, including Canadians, prefer iPhones to Android. These reliable and sleek smartphones are not only useful when making calls and snapping pictures but there are tons of cool apps that one can use on them. The App Store lists 2 million titles and even though the review score is visible it is hard to decide which apps are best. Whether you are interested in fitness, language learning, music or games there is a wide selection available. Check out our list for inspiration.

We talked about the best iPhone apps ever with Canadian blogger Michelle Thomas. Michelle (read more about her here) is an expert in online gaming and she mentioned a couple of great gaming apps.

Alto’s Odyssey

If you like playing skiing games in Canada on your phone Alto’s Odyssey is a must. The game can be purchased at $4.99 and it is a follow-up of the popular Alto’s Adventure game. You can experience breathtaking colours and visuals as you are skiing, completing goals and collecting coins. Players can even earn upgrades along the journey.

All Slots Casino

Those gamers who like to take gaming to the next level and wager some real money will find that All Slots Casino Canada has a great free app on offer. This great Canadian online casino app offers games such as video slots – and among them fruit games – table games like roulette and blackjack as well as video poker and bingo.

Duolingo

This great language learning app comes free from the App Store. You can upgrade to the paid version if you want an ad-free experience but even with the free version, you can get great results. If you are interested in learning Spanish or Portuguese keep in mind that it is the Mexican Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese versions of the language you will be learning.

Wikipedia

When you google things, you might not always get true and accurate information. Put your searches on the next level by using this mobile encyclopedia. The app is completely free in Canada and the search results typically come up faster than in other search engines.

MyFitnessPal

For fitness fans, MyFitnessPal is one of the best iPhone apps free but for ad-free use, you will have to pay $9.99 per month which is a bit steep. The app uses your phone’s location data and it can track your exercises. It also features a calorie counter and a food and nutrition database that can help you count those calories.

Google Translate

This app is a must for your next trip abroad if in your destination people don’t speak English. You can set the source and the target languages and you can type in the phrase you would like to translate. The program can even translate complete sentences you say out loud, translates them and says them out loud in the foreign target language which makes it very easy to communicate in countries like Japan or Vietnam where normally people don’t speak English or French. The app also features a camera function. Turn it on, hover the camera over the restaurant’s menu and voilà you will see the English translation on your screen.

Viber

Viber is one of the must-have apps iPhones in Canada users should download. With this free communication app, you can call other Viber users, make video chats and can even make calls to standard phones for free. You will be able to transfer phone calls from mobile to desktop or vice versa. You don’t need to use a phone number in order to use Viber and still all the communication is encrypted.

Downcast

This is one of the most popular iPhone apps in Canada. If you enjoy podcast you must have Downcast. At $2.99 this app has a great interface and downloading options. The podcast checker feature will regularly check for new episodes or you can set certain locations where the check function will start.

Netflix

Starting at $8.99 per month Netflix is one of the most popular streaming sites featuring thousands of movies and series, including Netflix original ones. You can download movies and episodes for offline use so you can watch them even when you are without an internet connection.

Conclusion

There are great apps out there for practically any hobby or interest; for learning or work use. Check the review score and how many people downloaded a certain app for the indication of usability and value.

(Cover Image Source: Freepik)

As a business owner, you need to make sure that you are opening a clear and honest line of discussion with your customers. No matter what industry you are working in, there are many advantages to being able to speak openly with your customers, and they will appreciate it too. Here are some of the best ways to keep in touch with your clientele.

Make Your Contact Information Accessible

Every business is going to have some points of contact that customers use, such as a phone number and an email address. You need to make sure that these are clearly stated on the website and social media, so customers know where they can get in touch. Make sure these are regularly checked too – especially an email address – so you don’t accidentally miss any contact.

You can also add in some other forms of contact to your website. For example, many sites now like to include live chat widgets. These will link customers directly to one of your customer service representatives. This could be invaluable if the customer only has a few quick questions that they need to be answered.

Send Out Newsletters

Email newsletters are still an incredibly popular way for you to contact your customers. Many of the best brands send out emails like this, as it allows them to show off some of the latest things that have been happening in the business. From small indie brands just wanting a catch-up to the biggest new season launches from high-end luxury brands, there are plenty of things you can do with this platform.

Have a think about the sort of content you would want to push out through such a platform. This is an excellent way to stay in contact with your customers and let them know about some of the things that are happening in the company. All it takes is a little creativity and a mass email service to get them sent out!

Post on Social Media

Your social media is going to be a primary place to contact your customers, and get a reply from them in return! No matter what, you need to ensure that you have an adequate grasp of social media, and that you are regularly making high-quality posts that drive engagement with your customers.

However, you need to make sure that you take this further. When your customers post comments, make sure you reply to them. If you get a message from one of your clients, make sure you reply to it. If you can build yourself a reputation of being a chatty brand online, more customers will want to interact with you through these channels.

Keeping in touch with customers is quite easy in the modern age, you just have to make sure that you are dedicated to doing so. No matter what, you need to make sure that you are willing to reach out to them to open that initial conversation.

Every business is making efforts to bring mobile and data networks into modern cloud architecture. Introducing storage capacity and computing capability at the network edge helps to decrease a data packet’s travelling time. Again, it increases applications’ availability a particular network.

Edge computing plays helps to bring sensitive business applications and bandwidth-intensive data files close to the data source or end-user. It places control functions, storage capacity, and data acquisition of all bandwidth-intensive applications close to the end-users.

Three types of edge computing include local devices, regional data centers, and localized data centers.

How Edge Computing Minimizes Latency Challenges.

If service or information delivery is delayed, it causes dissatisfaction. Many businesses have experienced user migration due to delays in their services. Of course, you have seen companies advertising their business to influence brand value. Giving customer satisfaction a priority is the first step to business success. As a business, you should ensure that your websites load faster for the users to access the require information or service.

Local Devices.

They are pieces of equipment that are customized to meet specific needs in a business. The pieces are usually easy to set up and are suitable for home and small business applications. Running a secure channel is an example of a local device. Though technical, cloud storage gateway is another example of a local device.

Localized Data Centers.

These facilities require much processing to use and have high storage capacities to cater for varying business needs. Localized data centers offer faster deployment time which facilitates efficient business processes.

These setups are customed but integrated with necessary elements for quick assembling on site. Available in different forms, a prefabricated micro data center is the most common. It is designed and fabricated in the factory before moving it to the site. Use of this type of localized data centers reduces capital expenses. Installation is simple as it only requires a location that is close to the fiber and power sources.

On the other hand, multiple rack forms have high capacity and are elastic due to their high scalability factor. Unfortunately, they need lengthy planning and more installation time. They also need a cooling resource which adds on expenses.

Regional Facilities.

These facilities accommodate over 10 racks and are located close to the data source and end-user. They are characterized by greater scalability and hence offer super processing speeds and high storage capacities to enterprises. They take time to build due to long construction, sanctioning, and local compliance processes. Regional facilities are known for their heavy power consumption because they also need cooling equipment.

Edge data centers are the most preferred because they effectively get bandwidth-intensive data closer to the end-users and latency-allied applications close to the data source. In this type of data center, storage capacity and computing power are directly applied to the network edge. This significantly reduces data transport time and enhances the availability of applications.

If you are planning to adopt a technology that can help you deliver business value, look for a company that is underpinned by requisite resources and latest technologies.

Videogames have come a long way since the days of Atari and Super Nintendo. 

The trajectory of technology is intertwined with gaming more so than most other industries. And as tech leaps and bounds into the future, so does the way we play our favorite games.

From the early days of 3D modeling that brought us Doom — the catalyst of modern first-person shooters — and the ancient modem transfer system, which grew the roots of online multiplayer.

We now gear up to embrace a brand new era of digital gaming, one that ushers in the latest generation of consoles — and builds upon the sturdy foundations of pick up and play mobile games, in our own little internet bubble.

Be it carefully constructed role-play adventures or the casual experience of online casinos.  Nowadays, gaming has an infinite reach with countless avenues to explore.

Read on as we learn how online gaming is changing across various platforms and what you can expect to come in the near future.

Streaming enhances the quality of mobile gaming

Despite boasting 2.4 billion global players, mobile gaming has been pigeonholed for casual players, because of its limited hardware. And even now the most powerful smartphones cannot handle the strain of running a major video game.

But this all changes with the prospect of video game streaming services, where the only thing holding mobile gamers back is a high-speed internet connection (something many people around the world have readily available).

Our first glimpse of the future has come in the form of Google Stadia — a streaming service that allows games to run at 4K, 60FPS across a multitude of devices over cloud storage.

Although it’s had a shaky start to life (with a limited game pool and a few missing features), the mere existence of Stadia has opened the door to the future of gaming. Soon we could see the negation of hardware as the cloud takes over our living rooms.

Online casinos are becoming more popular than the real thing

Online casinos have grown into their own in the last few years, thanks to a string of technological advancements, combined with the looming threat of a global pandemic.

But this digital alternative has been threatening to replace the legacy of brick and mortar gambling for a long time. In part because they offer a convenient casino experience from the comfort of your home.

These platforms offer more live games than the real thing, up to the point there is a new online casino for every player type just to meet consumer demand (this new casinos list will give you a good idea of the scale). From 3D roulette to live poker tournaments, the digital world is rapidly encroaching on — and enhancing upon — its real-life counterpart.

This upward trend in online gambling shows that our gaming experiences run in tandem with technological innovation. And although physical casinos are in decline, it’s clear that we’re magnetized towards applications that make the games we enjoy far more convenient.

Consuming online gaming content will hit the mainstream

People enjoy watching content just as much as playing the games. Why? Because online gaming is more than the games we play, it’s the community that gets built off the back of it.

Watching video games is skyrocketing in popularity (among a few other reasons) as it allows people to feel part of something bigger than themselves, while also providing an opportunity to relax.

The motivations are much like the reason many of us binge-watch our favorite Netflix shows — or follow a particular sports team. The only difference is being part of a community they can openly engage with on a regular basis, through playing the game alongside a YouTuber and communicating with a wider audience in a live Twitch chat.

In fact, gaming now accounts for two of the top five most subscribed channels on YouTube — a trajectory set to grow as we see more investment in esports and content creators.

Formerly monopolized by Twitch and YouTube, esports and other related gaming content are gaining investment from social media giants like Facebook. So, we can expect this medium to transform into a mainstream source of entertainment in the coming years.

The gaming industry is in constant flux, always looking for the next big step, and finding new ways to enhance our experiences.

But where can they take videogames after this? Only the future holds the answer. But it’s certainly a prospect to get excited about.

(Cover Image Source: Pixabay)

How to Boost Your Workflow with E-Signature Solutions

Nowadays, a lot of companies transfer the entire document workflow to the digital format. The primary benefits of digitized data storage are simplicity of use, accessibility, and top-notch security. Electronic scripts have unbeaten advantages above the ‘old-schooled’ paper documents. E-signature is an integral element of efficient document workflow. 

SignNow is one of the leaders in this niche. The company provides e-signature solutions for experts in different business areas by developing a unique algorithm of digitized document signing (with the possibility to sign PDF being not an exception) according to the highest security standards. What are the benefits of integrating the SignNow solutions for business owners? The guide below enlightens the major aspects.

Benefits of E-signature Solutions by SignNow

The paramount advantages of the electronic signature for business processes are:

Lightning speed

Not so long time ago, companies could spend weeks or even months to proceed with documentation. One paper could require signatures of several people from different departments (often working in different cities) before it got an approval on the highest level. Such a sluggish signing process could significantly hurt the entire team’s work, especially ahead of the deadline. Thanks to the SignNow e-signature integration, companies can boost their operational productivity. They can sign all types of documents in one click without even leaving the office.

 Top-notch security

The unbeaten benefit of the electronic signature is a zero fake probability. While the manual signature is easy to forge, the digital one is identified by the authenticate endorsers only. SignNow developed a large-scale algorithm that verifies a signer’s identity. It means that unrelated parties will never interrupt your business processes or damage your company’s good reputation.

Enhanced customer experience

An effective internal workflow is not the only thing that detects industry leaders. The secret of any successful business is ensuring a favorable customer experience. By implementing the SignNow solutions, companies can build a bridge between them and their clients. The dominant share of customers chooses online services because people prefer to deal with brands that value their time. Signing deals in the online format is becoming more popular nowadays. Moreover, it allows organizations to expand their user bases with more loyal customers.

Free trial

Another benefit of cooperation with SignNow is that new clients can test their e-signature solutions for free during a trial period. All they have to do is to create an account on the company’s official website. In addition to drawing the electronic signature that meets the customer requirements, SignNow clients can check other products, like robotic process automation, contract management, etc. 

Expert assistance

SignNow provides expert assistance in e-signing at all stages. The company’s clients may count on the experts’ help in drawing a signature or adding a wet ink mark among others. The in-depth FAQ section covers all aspects related to security measures and enlightens digital signatures’ legality in different business areas.  

Mobile-friendliness

SignNow e-signing solutions are available for clients in the handy mobile format. The company’s app is compatible with all mobile devices. It’s a perfect option for business owners to proceed with deals even on-the-go and stay connected to their teammates and customers around the clock.

Why It Is Important to Automate Signing Workflow

In the era of the technologies and Internet boost, companies’ golden rule is to move with the times. Automation of workflow is an inseparable part of the successful business running. According to the SignNow statistics, their e-signing solutions are widely used in various industries, including:

• Finance 
• Healthcare
• Real estate
• Insurance
• Education
• Government

The workflow automation via the e-signature integration can help manage documents by signing them online. By using different SAAS services, teammates can share docs in the virtual cloud and collaborate with their colleagues 24/7 in the most suitable way. E-signing made a breakthrough in speeding up the process of the document transaction. By incorporating e-signature, companies can reduce the time spent waiting when a recipient prints a document, signs it manually, scans, and sends it back. 

The cost-effectiveness of the e-signing solutions allows business owners to eliminate expenses on paper and shipping charges. Instead, they can spend precious time on other tasks. Even the hiring process can become more easy-going when candidates can sign all necessary papers online and send them to employees. Digital technologies minimize the possibility of confidential data loss and keep the documents well-organized.

Workflow automation has also proved its efficiency in healthcare. E-signing can save patients from the necessity of waiting in lines in the hospital to fill the required forms. They can do it online because the majority of medical institutions accept e-signatures for the patients’ convenience. Moreover, physicians can proceed with e-signed prescriptions protected by the SSL encryption according to the highest HIPPA standards.

The best part about workflow automation is that users can track the documents’ entire history. In a couple of clicks, they can see who signed the document before and at what stage the script is now. Users can set up notifications to know when the document is signed if they don’t want to check the inbox all the time.  Moreover, they can send the invites to notify recipients that someone is waiting for their electronic signatures. 

Prospects of the E-signature Solutions

Technologies have deeply rooted in our daily routine. People keep searching for brand new methods to solve multiple tasks in the most time-saving and cost-effective way. E-signature is an evident proof of how technologies make our lives easier. Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, business owners have to adjust to the new conditions of running their companies. E-signing can save numerous organizations from severe money losses during the global pandemic. 

The integration of e-signature solutions gives companies excellent prospects to enhance their internal processes and improve customer experience.  More and more global organizations choose e-signing for workflow maximization. Speed, flexibility, and security are the top-3 reasons why industry leaders select top-notch SignNow products.

Do you often find yourself missing out on the late night sporting event? Maybe you work the second shift and you miss your favorite teams playing because you’re stuck at work. If this sounds like you, then do I have some good news or what. There are so many apps out there that let you watch live games right on your phone! They can also keep track of running scores of other teams and events and you easily control what you’re watching. All you need is a smart device and an internet connection, no matter where you are in the world. We are going to cover some of the best applications you can download on your mobile device to ensure you get the latest news and coverage. Let’s go!

ESPN

This might have been a no brainer. ESPN is the number one station in sports coverage and live games. It only makes sense that they would develop an app for both iPhones and Androids. You can see on the screen: current news about your teams, upcoming games and events, final scores, highlight reels and social media coverage. All you have to do is create an account and you can access everything you need. You can also set individual notifications for things like start times, results, and breaking news so that you don’t miss a thing.

365 Scores

Another top contender for sports streaming, 365 Scores is a free application that includes coverage for a wide variety of sports such as: rugby, ice hockey, and football among many others. You have the ability to play around and customize the screen to fit your wants and needs as a fan. Unfortunately you are unable to stream live games, but they do provide live scores and stats so you can still keep up with everyone else watching at home. They also provide highlight reels from the day-of matches.

Bet365

It may seem strange to add a betting app to this list, however, hear me out. Some of the best mobile apps to wager bets on also allow you to stream sports too. So, if you like to watch the latest games in Brazil or Eastern Europe and can’t find them on a local channel, you can almost be sure to find them available on betting apps. Although, whilst some may be free, others may require you to place a wager on the match to have access, but you can literally make the minimum spend needed to qualify. Much cheaper than paying a hefty cable subscription.

YipTV

One of the best free apps out there to watch live sports. There are 100+ channels to browse and choose from that not only cover sports but entertainment in general. They also consistently update and add channels to their service, so the potential for coverage is limitless. Some of your favorite sports are likely already on their platform, but if they aren’t they are sure to come in the future as they update the app. Check out their website to download it.

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Modbro

The popular kid at school, Modbro is attractive to many people. This is because it allows its users to stream live videos in multiple languages as well as only requiring an internet connection to use. They have a bookmark system that allows you to more quickly access your favorite content. You can create a free account to use Modbro, though you won’t get access to all its features without subscribing.

Hulu If you have a spotify account or hulu account AND you like sports, then you are in luck my friend. Hulu has live sports! Of course, this comes at the cost of $12.99 per month. This might be cheaper if you have a spotify premium account as they offer a discount for hulu. The best thing about this is there is a large variety of sports. They cover the NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAA, and many more. You can download hulu on any mobile device, for free which makes it easily accessible.

fuboTV

Now this is a costly app, but it does have its advantages. While $59.99 a month is quite a bit of money, you get a massive amount of channels to watch. They have sports, entertainment, and news channels available so you might not need another streaming service if you go with fuboTV. Additionally, they have a user-friendly DVR system so you can record anything you might miss and watch it when you have the time. The coverage of the program extends to international level, giving you the ability to watch almost any game anywhere in the world. That being said it does only offer 720p resolution which might be a red flag if you just bought that new 4k TV.

These are just some of the many, many options available to you for live sports viewing. Be sure to check out these and others on your app store. Read the reviews and see what people are saying so you can avoid hidden feeds and microtransactions. The sooner you download an app the sooner you won’t have to miss another game.