Following the sound of a push notification, a stage for a dance battle, along with bright lights, appears in front of you and your friends. This is only a small part of the modern, virtual experience available at the Future Gen House.
The Future Gen House is a place where Generation Z (Gen Z) can be fully immersed in a hyper-connected experience provided by Samsung Electronics’ SmartThings.
SmartThings provides a comprehensive device-connected experience that fits a user’s own lifestyle. It not only connects Samsung products and services but other Smart devices as well. Devices such as TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners and more are all organically connected to create a customized space and experience according to a user’s requirements.
To familiarize and connect Gen Z to SmartThings, Samsung created the Future Gen House.
Based on the popular Gen Z trend of house sharing, the Future Gen House is equipped with a host of Samsung products all connected to SmartThings.
Inside the Future Gen House, each space is designed and curated around one of five different Gen Z interest categories, including gaming, entertainment, sports and fitness, cooking and design. There are also shared spaces, including a lounge and a dining room, where visitors can engage and interact with each other.
▲ Group photos of the Future Gen House in Korea and in the U.K.
Gen Z Samsung employees from the Future Generation Lab, Gen Z influencers and college students moved in and lived together at the house for two weeks. During their time at the Future Gen House, they interacted with Samsung’s products and SmartThings and created unique scenarios based on their own preferences and lifestyles.
Take a look at some of the exciting and unique experiences Gen Z visitors had in the Future Gen House in the videos below:
Remote Dance Battle: Have a Real-Time Online Dance Battles With Your Friends
When a friend texts you a specific keyword, the preset Remote Dance Mode is automatically activated through keyword recognition. The Sero, Samsung’s 4K Smart TV, and smart lighting are turned on, and the smartphone screen connects to The Sero through the Smart View feature during the video call.
Now, it’s time to enjoy the remote dance battle with your friends. You can change the color of the lighting using a smart button to set the vibe. By utilizing SmartThings, users can enjoy a hyper-connected experience with their loved ones, even when they’re far away.
Your Gym, My Gym, Our Gym: Create Your Own Fitness Room by Simply Tagging Your Smartphone
Change a shared fitness room into your own personal home gym with SmartThings. Simply tag your smartphone to the NFC sticker on the wall and enjoy your own personalized fitness mode. The fitness mode, which is preset by users, features activities such as dance, yoga and boxing mode. You can make any place your own customized space with SmartThings.
Surprise Birthday Party: A Super Simple Way to Prepare a Surprise Party
The moment you turn off the stove after preparing a meal for your friend’s birthday, the preset Birthday Party Mode is activated. A happy birthday message is displayed on the screen of The Frame, Samsung’s lifestyle TV, and the space where the party will take place becomes decorated with lights. Through this simple to use Birthday Party Mode setting in SmartThings, users can enjoy precious moments and make longer-lasting memories during special occasions.
SmartThings Mural Challenge: Create Your Own Mural With a Click of the S Pen Button
With SmartThings, you can take your own artwork into a room and create a mural with it. With just a click of the S Pen button, the Mural Drawing Mode preset creates an optimal mood that allows you to design a mural. When the Galaxy Tab S8+ is connected to The Freestyle, Samsung’s portable and easy-to-use projector, you can project your artwork onto the wall and simply draw on top of it, giving you the ability to easily create a new work of art.
The SmartThings scenarios created at the Future Gen House in Korea and in the U.K. have been made into videos and shared as a series of 30 episodes. These videos utilize a fast-paced editing style, a style popular among Gen Z, along with addictive, catchy songs that repeat key messages such as “Future Gen House,” “SmartThings” and “#LiveYourFree.” These videos can be found on Samsung’s official Instagram, TikTok and YouTube accounts, as well as the participating influencers’ Instagram or TikTok accounts starting on August 11. In the second half of this year, the Future Generation Lab will open the Future Gen House in more countries, including those in Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
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.
