Technology has literally shaped and reshaped the world around us and Canada has certainly played its part in that process. A hotbed of innovation for more than a decade, Canada’s online entities have given us more efficient ways to communicate, find the best deals and, moving forward, open a door into the realms of virtual reality.

Following the publication of the 2016 Branham300 being released earlier this summer, we now know that Canadian tech is booming. According to the stats, the fiscal year for 2015 saw combined revenues of $96.1 billion which represents a 5.7% year-on-year increase.

With the industry on a high, we thought we’d pay tribute to the Canadian tech scene with a look at some of the most interesting platforms for communicators, consumers and casual gamers.

More efficient communication

Talking online is by far the most efficient way to communicate in the present day and Canada’s tech heads have certainly contributed to the evolution of the industry. With a base in Vancouver, Slack is now gaining international recognition amongst online businesses. A communication platform that was originally launched in 2013, Slack combines messaging, file sharing and calendar services to help remote teams communicate more effectively.

Slack’s unique feature is to improve efficiency between workers by reducing the amount of email co-workers send. The chat app is now valued at more than $2 billion, which is significantly higher than the $1.2 billion valuation it received in 2014. Slack has essentially taken us one step closer to a complete virtual office space.
Best-deal finders

In addition to bringing us together, technology has made it easier for us to attain knowledge and, more importantly, compare information. Sites using bots to collate and compare data from thousands of retailers have revolutionized our perspective on how we purchase things, and Canadian companies have played a major role in this shift.

Shopbot.ca has been Canada’s top ranked price comparison engine in the retail sector for almost a decade. Breaking down the latest deals, offers and prices from retailers selling everything from electronics to beauty products, Shopbot.ca has helped millions of Canadians get better deals. As for www.bonus.ca, it provides a similar service to the gaming industry in Canada. Catering to a market that’s worth $41 billion, bonus.ca reviews poker, casino and sports betting sites so that players can find deposit bonuses and free bets that suit their particular playing style.
Casual gaming and virtual reality

A report by the IDC has revealed that virtual reality will become a $643 million industry by 2017 which means Canadian companies like Cordon Media could be set for big things in the coming months. Although the Toronto-based company’s Pinć headset will face stiff competition from international players like Oculus Rift and Samsung VR, the early signs are positive.

Indeed, with Ctrl V creating Canada’s first every virtual reality arcade, casual gamers now have more access to the technology. With greater access comes greater awareness and for Pinć that can only be a good thing. Because its headset costs just $99, it’s now being seen as a high-quality, low-cost alternative to the likes of Oculus Rift.