Google One storage is the default cloud storage service on Android phones globally, and it makes for a pretty seamless backup experience. The service also means quick-fire access to all your data across loads of devices — convenience at its finest.
There’s one complaint I have about Google One, though. And that’s the fact that Google hasn’t upgraded the base storage in years.
100GB was fine a decade ago
Google Drive was initially released back in 2012, duking it out with iCloud, Dropbox, SkyDrive, and several other storage services. The company’s cheapest paid storage plan gave you 25GB of storage for $2.49 a month. Meanwhile, 100GB of storage would set you back $4.99 a month at launch.
Google rejigged its pricing in 2014, offering 100GB of base storage for just $1.99 a month. To Google’s credit, this was a solid deal at the time. By contrast, Dropbox’s 100GB plan was priced at $9.99 a month. Apple’s iCloud didn’t have a 100GB plan but charged a pretty respectable $2.99 a month for its 200GB tier. Google would go on to offer a 200GB tier for the same price in 2018.
Fast-forward to 2023, and the cheapest Google One storage plan is still $1.99 a month for 100GB. We’re clearly way overdue for an upgrade.
100GB doesn’t go far in 2023
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Simply put, 100GB isn’t a lot of storage at all today. Perhaps the biggest reason for this is that Google Photos storage is no longer free.
Google used to offer unlimited high-quality photo and video backups, and loads of people took advantage of this. These backups didn’t count against your Google cloud storage plan, allowing you to use your free allowing or paid storage plan for other files like documents, RAW files, games, and more.
Google ditched unlimited free photo/video backups in 2021, but plenty of people still have automatic backups enabled. I’m one of them, which has resulted in my cloud storage being consumed at an exponential rate.
100GB of Google One storage doesn’t go far when photos and videos count towards your cloud storage plan.
This isn’t helped by the fact that photos and video files are bigger than ever, thanks to features like 8K video, HDR video, and super-high-resolution snaps. We have seen new formats like HEIF photos and HEVC videos, allowing phone makers to offer smaller file sizes or higher quality media at the same file size. However, the overall trend is still towards larger file sizes, especially with phones like the Galaxy S23 Ultra capable of churning out 200MP photos with a file size in excess of 30MB.
The Pixel 8‘s 50MP JPEG pictures account for roughly three times more storage than a 12.5MP image (albeit 9MB versus ~3MB). This trend is also apparent for the iPhone 15 series as the new phones shoot at 24MP by default, reportedly resulting in an admittedly modest ~1MB file increase. But these file sizes still add up over time. Likewise, the Pixel 8 Pro’s Video Boost/Night Sight Video feature requires cloud storage and processing rather than on-device processing, eating up yet more space.
Smartphones now offer more local storage and larger photo/video sizes, but cloud storage hasn’t kept up.
You could argue that cloud storage is less important as physical storage pools have grown. It’s common to find flagship smartphones with 1TB of storage, while even cheap phones are available with 256GB of storage in 2023. It’s a far cry from the first year of Google Drive when high-end phones offered 16GB to 64GB of storage. Still, there’s no denying that cloud storage is more important than ever for storing files across multiple devices and sharing memories with family and friends. Google’s affordable option simply isn’t keeping pace.
Storage tends to get cheaper over time, so I find it hard to believe that cloud storage costs haven’t decreased overall compared to the early 2010s. Either 100GB should be cheaper, or we should have more of it for the same price. However, Google Cloud admittedly announced some hefty price increases in 2022, so perhaps administering this storage is keeping prices up.
It must be said that Google isn’t the only cloud player to hold relatively steady on base storage plans. Apple’s iCloud still retains the same 50GB ($0.99 a month) and 200GB ($2.99 a month) tiers after all this time. Microsoft OneDrive still matches Google by charging $1.99 a month for 100GB of storage, jumping straight to 1TB for a $6.99 monthly fee.
Time for Google to change with the times
Even if cloud storage costs haven’t fallen significantly in the past decade to enable more base Google One storage, there are still other ways Google could provide more bang for your buck. For one, Google could offer a proper Apple One rival, bundling its various services (including a larger cloud storage plan) into one cost-effective package.
Is 100GB of Google One storage enough for you?
1562 votes
Yes, it is
14%
No, but I’m fine with buying more storage
14%
No, Google should offer more base storage
73%
The company could also offer more useful family-sharing functionality (even at a slight premium). This way, each member gets 100GB of storage rather than each family member grabbing a slice of your 100GB storage plan. Google could even theoretically convert our backed-up photos and videos to more efficient HEIF and HEVC formats, freeing up space in the process.
Either way, it’s been roughly a decade since Google offered 100GB of base cloud storage for $1.99 a month. Our cloud storage requirements have only skyrocketed since then, so it’s high time the company updated the base Google One storage to reflect this new reality.
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.
