INplay 2012: Keynotes from Mozilla's Mark Surman, Pancake Mountain's Scott Stuckey, and More

The landscape today’s children grow up in is a world apart from the one we knew. With today’s mobile devices, games that reward our kids for learning, and a mountain of other changes, we are going through what some would call the “golden age” of digital media.

INplay 2012 was a conference designed to showcase and build innovation within the digital community for kids. I’m very fond of my own childhood memories, but I do have to say, I wish I was a kid that could try out today’s technology. But even through all the digital transformations, we can still find many commonalities—like the ever beloved and familiar LEGO pieces.

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Best Buy Canada Releases Free Android and iOS Apps

Best Buy Canada has released an Android app.

The free mobile app, which works on Android OS 2.2 and newer, adds to the retailer's roster of app offerings, which includes a similar iOS app for Apple's iPhone and iPad lineup.

The app features instant alerts when favourite items go on sale, access to additional online product information through the QR code scanner, favourites lists, and social media sharing.

Other features include the ability to review products in-app, locate stores, and schedule in-store pickups.

Best Buy's mobile apps can be downloaded here.

Venture Capitalism Slows in Canada in 2012

In the first quarter of 2012, Canadian buyout and private equity market activity maintained a "steady course," with "moderate" year-over-year growth in deal-making. But Canadian venture capital investment began the year at a much slower pace, according to a new report by Canada's Venture Capital & Private Equity Association.

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Who the Heck Works for All These Startups, Anyway?

So there are startups everywhere these days, all over the world, ranging from solo endeavours to rapidly growing teams of dozens of people. But when most people think of a job, or even a career, they imagine climbing a corporate ladder in a medium to large business. So who are the people behind these tiny little budding companies?

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How Well Do Canadians Know Their Bosses?

How well do Canadians know their bosses?

A new CareerBuilder.ca survey of full-time workers in Canada suggests that most employees have met their CEO and know what he or she looks like. The survey, conducted online by by Harris Interactive, reveals that 61% of workers says they've met their CEO while 39% have not. More female workers (64%) have met their CEO compared to 58% of males.

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Bell's Solo Mobile Not Taking Any More Customers

Solo Mobile, a subsidiary of Bell in Canada, has decided to stop accepting new customers.

"At Solo Mobile, we’ve loved giving wireless service to Canadians since 2005—and we’re super excited to support our existing clients for years to come," the company's new website landing page reads. "However, we’ve decided not to take on any new customers."

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ESL Explorer: A Better Way to Study English Abroad

ESL Explorer recently emerged from stealth mode, and the Vancouver-based startup is already making waves in the ESL education market.

The ESL market is worth over $4 billion annually, with over 25% of that spend currently going to agencies who place students in schools.

ESL Explorer wants to bring a healthy dose of the Internet into an industry that operates like the travel-agency industry did 15 years ago.

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Google Chrome Coming to Apple iPhone and iPad

Even among Apple fans, there are many Google Chrome lovers.

Fortunately for them, Safari may be on the verge of losing its relative monopoly on Apple's iOS platform: Google is expected to release a Chrome app for the iPhone and iPad this year.

Macquarie Equities Research anticipates Apple will approve Chrome for iOS "later this quarter."

However, don't get too excited—numerous limitations will prevent Chrome from being a true alternative to Safari on your smartphone or tablet.

For example, Safari will remain the only browser set to "default," which means that emails, text message,s third party app links, etc., will still open in Apple's browser.