Apple has just released the first public beta of its latest Mac operating system: macOS Monterey.
It had been expected that it would be sometime in July, but most were expecting this to mean mid-July at the earliest. But no, Apple went for the first possible date: July 1.
Here’s how to get it—and what you’ll find.
First, though, remember it’s a beta
And the very first version of the public beta at that. As such, Apple recommends, and this is good advice, that you shouldn’t put it on a mission-critical device. It will be buggy, with apps that won’t work, features that won’t work properly and things that suddenly, inexplicably fail. So, if it’s the Mac you use for work or need to rely on, that’s not the destination for this update. When you do find problems, let Apple know through the Feedback Assistant app.
Which Macs are compatible?
iMac: late 2015 onwards, iMac Pro: from 2017, MacBook: from early 2016 onwards, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro: from early 2015 on, Mac mini: late 2014 onwards, and Mac Pro from late 2013 and more recent. Unlike iOS 15 which is compatible with all those iPhones that can run iOS 14, Apple has cut some laptops and desktops out of working with Monterey (though the Mac mini, Mac Pro and iMac Pro models are the same compatible models as for Big Sur).
How to get it
Go to the Apple Beta Software Program page here, and sign up or, if you’ve done this before, sign in. Then choose the macOS tab and go to Get Started where you can enroll your Mac. After that, it’s a matter of installing the profile which lets Apple know that you’re after the public beta software of macOS Monterey rather than the latest macOS Big Sur.
Don’t care for it?
There’s an Unenroll page, here on the Apple site, with instructions on how to get off the beta train.
What’s in store?
There are lots of changes lying in wait. For a start, though Apple is keen to keep the different operating systems distinct, there are more feature overlaps. So, spatial audio which is coming to FaceTime on the iPhone in iOS 15 will be on the Mac, too, so voices sound like they’re coming from the right direction. Other FaceTime upgrades such as SharePlay (where you can watch the same movie or show as someone else at the same time, no matter where they are) will be across the Mac, too. In a clear attempt to make FaceTime more like Zoom, you’ll be able to share your screen with others. Oh, and best of all, voice isolation will mean that dog barks or other background noises can be quelled.
Sync Safari tabs across multiple Apple devices.
Apple
Safari has been completely redesigned—and this may not be to everybody’s taste—to look very different. The tab bar looks much more streamlined, for instance, and a new feature, Tab Groups, should make it easier when you’re navigating through the scores of tabs you may have open at a time. And the tabs can sync across iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Notifications have been updated to introduce something called Focus, which selects what you see. Work notifications can be kept at bay while you play a game, some personal things can be silenced while you finish that pesky work deadline and so on. The Mac can let other people know you’re in Focus mode so they know you’re not ignoring them. Well, you are, but for a particular reason. Again, it’s multi-device so activating it on one means it can be set across all.
There’s one thing coming which looks amazing: Universal Control. If you have an iPad running iPadOS 15 as well as your Mac, you can—and this is so good it’s almost spooky— drag content from one screen to the other when they’re sitting alongside. Watching the cursor move from one display to the next as you drag your mouse is remarkable.
There’s a lot more coming, such as Live Text, which lets you work with text in photos or other images in a whole new way: tap on a phone number in an image to call it, copy text from a photo as if it were a regular document and paste it elsewhere.
Maps has been updated with a new look, including buildings which in the case of some landmarks are picked out with a cute simplicity. As though the world were peopled and built by Memoji. Which I personally think would be kind of swell. There are also improvements to Translate, which will work system-wide, improved audio on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max (if your Mac has an M1 chip in it), a better low power mode for Mac laptops and more.
This is the start, and it could be quite the adventure.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
