Tech

Apple iPhone 15 Pro: New Leak Reveals Awesome Updates In Definitive Report

Published

1 year ago

July 31, 2023

July 31 update below. This post was first published on July 30, 2023.

It’s almost certainly less than two months until Apple unveils its latest iPhones, the iPhone 15 series—here’s exactly when it will be announced and go on sale. Today, though, a new report gives chapter and verse on what will be revealed, leaving almost nothing hidden for Apple to announce.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, the next iPhone’s features, design and price are all now pretty much set in stone and it’s all over bar the keynote.

That’s not to say that all of it is new news: Forbes’ Gordon Kelly has already reported on plenty of the features Gurman describes. But there are new details or refinements to what we’d heard before. Here are the key details, in the gospel according to Gurman.

Among the onslaught of information from Gurman yesterday, even if some of it focused on confirming previous rumors, was the exciting news that titanium is coming to the iPhone.

Remember that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will come in several colors, and you can bet that Apple will be ensuring the titanium bands will be color-matched. So, a regular titanium band would be on the silver iPhone 15 Pro, if that’s what it’s called. It’ll be interesting to see if Apple tints the titanium gold, if that colorway is there.

But in the last few hours, reliable leaker Unknownz21 has added to what we think we know about the new material for the next Pro models. They have been telling us that titanium is coming for at least four months, but now they have confirmed strikingly specific details. They have said that it will be “Grade 5 Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V), Aluminum (Al 6013 T6),” and have now doubled down on this, saying, “I thought it’d be fun to share something specific, as opposed to vague rumors about the material.” I’m not sure if this is a dig at other leakers, but even if it is, you can’t deny this is amazingly precise.

This leaker is also known for their no-nonsense attitude and has just tweeted, “Everyone in shock over thin bezels. Like ok, what’s so revolutionary about that?” And here I disagree, thinner bezels will make a big visual difference. Remember the first all-screen Android phones where the display sat towards the top and there was a noticeable chin at the base? The introduction of the iPhone X really changed things for the better. I think the new bezels could do the same and it could be déjà vu all over again, as they say.

Oh, and it looks like we could see more titanium than just on the iPhone: the next Apple Watch Ultra could come in another shade. More on that here.

The Almost Nearly All-Screen iPhone

Gurman says that Apple takes another step towards an all-screen phone with this year’s models. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will introduce the Dynamic Island currently restricted to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. And the Pro models released this year will have even thinner bezels. Gordon Kelly covered this just this week, but Gurman has even better news. While a previous report said the bezels would be only 1.55mm thick, which is world-beating already, Gurman stipulates a thickness of 1.5mm. Sure, 0.05mm is a difference that’s hard to spot, but every little helps.

When Apple released the iPhone X, Apple’s Craig Fedrighi told me that the full-screen display is what they’d wanted from day one of the iPhone. This new phone brings it a big step closer.

New Display Tech For iPhone 15 Pro And Pro Max

The Pro phones this year will have Low-Injection Pressure Over-Molding. No, me neither, but it’s tech that makes the thinner bezels possible and has previously been used on the Apple Watch.

iPhone 15 And iPhone 15 Plus Camera And Chip Upgrades

There will be major camera improvements, Gurman says, for the 15 and 15 Plus. This tallies with reports that both will get 48-megapixel sensors, even if they are not quite the same sensors as on the Pro models.

The A16 chip currently exclusive to the 14 Pro and Pro Max will come to the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.

Titanium For iPhone 15 Pro And Pro Max

Gurman told us this earlier but now says it again, that the Pro phones will have a titanium edge. He says now, “Apple has long sought to bring titanium to the iPhone and using the metal with recent watches was a test for bringing that material to its highest-volume device.”

Easier To Repair

This is new: the inside of the Pro phones will be redesigned to match the iPhone 14 which means it will be easier to repair. A quietly important change.

Snappier Chip In The iPhone 15 Pro And Pro Max

As the 15 and 15 Plus move to A16 chip, the Pro models “are moving to a 3-nanometer chip that is noticeably snappier.”

Pricing

Gurman says, “I would look out for at least minor price increases across all four models outside of the US. I also wouldn’t rule out a price increase in the US — at least for some of the pro models — given the move to titanium and the costlier camera system on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.”

Exciting stuff, then. And not long until we see the phones themselves.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.