Sony has finally revealed what the user interface of the PlayStation 5 console will look like in a new 11-minute video. Without further ado, here’s the full video.
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The video focuses on two aspects of the UI, the homescreen and the Control Center. First, let’s talk about the homescreen, as it’s the simpler one of the two.
The new homescreen would be familiar to anyone who has used the PlayStation 4. We have the same horizontal tile system that you can scroll through that reveal additional information below them. The tiles have been shrunken down and don’t take up as much space as before.
In the video, we can see that hovering over a game tile will show the game hub below it, showing the game Activities, video clips and screenshots, and game news. These are all available to PS5 titles and some of them will also be available to backward compatible PS4 titles.
There’s also a new Explore tab, that shows all your games, game content, game news, and also news on PlayStation hardware. This tab will initially only be available in the US and will eventually be made available in other regions.
The PlayStation Store is once again the left-most tab on the homescreen. The good thing this time is that the store is now a part of the operating system and not just another app that takes time to load. This should make accessing content on the store much faster.
As with the games, media apps on the PS5 also get their own section with their own set of tabs, although this section wasn’t shown during the preview.
Next up is Control Center, which is the biggest new feature of the PlayStation 5 software. The feature is invoked by pressing the PlayStation button. At the bottom of the screen, you will see quick access options for things like switching games, notifications, your friends list, your audio settings, controller settings, and power.
However, the main feature of the Control Center are the new cards. The cards provide context specific options that will change depending upon the game or the application.
One of the main cards here is Activities. Activities is a feature that provides deep integration with new PS5 titles within the console UI. The system will generate these Activities cards for things you can do within the specific game and will also show a card for activities related to the current level you are.
For example, in Sackboy A Big Adventure, you will get an Activities card that lets you change the level to something else. Within that level, you will see a card that lets you see the pending objectives. From there, you can jump right into the level at that specific spot to complete those objectives.
To help you further, some games will also offer game help, which provides hints and video guides to help you complete objectives without spoilers. The hint can be an image or a video and it can be played on the side or inside a picture-in-picture window while you play the game.
This feature will be available depending upon the game and only for PS5 titles. Game help will also be available only to PlayStation Plus subscribers.
You also get notifications for a new voice chat party started by your friends, and you can join it while you stay in your current game. Your friends can also share a video of the game they are playing currently and you can watch that in a picture in picture video while you play your own game.
You will also see cards for things like any trophies you may have collected, news about the game you are playing, and any screenshots and video clips you may have recorded.
The videos can now be captured at up to 4K resolution and shared to social media, as before. The cool thing is you can just enter the caption using your voice the microphone built into the controller. We imagine you will be able to enter text with your voice almost everywhere on the console, making one of the most frustrating experiences of console usage that much more easy.
That’s pretty much everything we see in this video. We will be looking forward to see more UI features once the console releases on November 12.
OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.
In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.
“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.
“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”
The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.
In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.
However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.
The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.
“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
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.
