Taking a look back at seven days of news and headlines across the world of Android, this week’s Android Circuit includes an early Galaxy Z Fold 5 release, Pixel Fold confirmed, Tensor G3 chipset details, Nokia XR21 launch, Surface Duo excitement fades, Nothing Phone (2) teased, and Bard AI on your homescreen.
Samsung is preparing to bring forward the launch date of its next Galaxy Z Fold from the traditional August space into July. Launching earlier may give Samsung space to be ‘first’ with the next-0generation folding technology before Google’s Pixel Fold arrives in store.
“According to a report from TheElec, Samsung is considering an early launch event for the unveiling of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The smartphones could be unveiled 2-3 weeks earlier than their predecessors. So, we can expect to see official information about the two upcoming foldable Galaxy smartphones in July 2023. Usually, Samsung launches its foldable phones in August every year.”
Speaking of the Pixel Fold, Google has confirmed the device this week with an animation of the smartphone as it exposes its central screen. A full launch at I/O is expected, although a commercial release may not happen until later in the year:
“Along with the tweet, the company also published a new Pixel Fold page at the Google Store. This page reveals the Google Pixel Fold launch details and gives folks interested in getting one the ability to sign up for alerts about its availability.”
Surface Duo In The Slow Lane
Microsoft’s concerted push to establish the Surface Duo as an Android productivity device looks to have come to an end. Zac Bowden highlights both a lack of resources to the Duo team and a number of layoffs at Microsoft as reasons behind the slowing down”
“…work on Android for Surface Duo has slowed while the team focused on Teams Rooms on Android. That’s why Android 12L launched in October and has received pretty much no fixes or improvements since. What’s worse is I’m told that as of late 2022, Microsoft had no plans to ship Android 13 for Surface Duo, with the thinking being that the company would wait for Android 14 first. That might have changed since, but I’ve not been able to confirm it.”
Just as important to Google as the new form factors launched at I/O (and later in the year) will be the system on chip. Its third Tensor Mobile chip – the presumptively named G3 – looks to be the first that will use Samsung’s 4nm process, as opposed to the 5nm chipsets in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 families:
“Samsung has been working on 4nm chips since 2021 but has struggled to keep up with TSMC, which has a superior process with better yields. In 2022, Qualcomm switched production of its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 from Samsung’s fabs to TSMC, with that change alone resulting in much better power efficiency, among other improvements. The report mentions that, according to “industry insiders,” Samsung’s 4nm process is now comparable to that of TSMC.”
A new ‘tough’ phone has been announced by HMD Global. The Nokia XR21 comes with a toughened screen to protect the display, and a strengthened back cover to offer similar protection at the rear. It also meets a number of certified criteria for protection:
“It’s been certified for MIL-STD-810H durability, making it drop-proof, dust-proof and waterproof. In addition, during internal testing, the Nokia XR21 survived being dropped from 1.8m, as well as being submerged in 1.5m of water for up to an hour, and hit with the same pressure as a 100-bar jet of water (higher than the burst pressure of UK fire brigade hoses[ii]) with a water temperature of 80°C heat.”
Nothing Tech has confirmed that the Nothing Phone (2) will be launched in the near future, teasing us with the word “premium” in a short tweet. Beyond a date of Summer 2023 and a flashing red LED, Nothing Tech wasn’t giving much else away.
Google is preparing to bring its Bard AI project to Android, or at least to its own Pixel hardware. Users could be offered a Bard AI widget on their home screen in the near future:
“There doesn’t seem to be a lot known at this time, like how it will arrive to Android devices and when. But the source does take stab at what Bard AI on Android might look like, stating that it could as its own app, come packaged as a homescreen widget, or be integrated into the Google Search app. Regardless its form, it would mostly likely provide a more seamless experience than navigating to the Bard website.”
Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future, and of course read the sister column in Apple Loop!Last week’s Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links you’d like to see featured in Android Circuit, get in touch!
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.
