Tech

Posthaste: Attention shoppers, it's going to be a very different Black Friday this year – The Kingston Whig-Standard

Published

4 years ago

October 31, 2020

Harry Miller

Online shoppers will find sales earlier and longer

Nov. 27 is going to be a very different shopping experience.

Getty Images

Good Morning!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday, that four-day bargain binge that shoppers around the world wait for every year, is fast approaching, but this Nov. 27 is going to be a very different shopping experience.

No more door busters, mobbed aisles and frenzied shoppers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States has classified “shopping at crowded stores just before, on or after Thanksgiving” on a list of higher-risk activities to avoid, reports USA Today.

Walmart has already announced it will close on Thanksgiving Day, a first since the late 1980s. Target, Best Buy and other big brands are doing the same.

Nor will Canadians be flocking over the border to swarm the stores down south.

The pandemic, however, has not dulled shopper’s interest in Black Friday and Cyber Monday, a new survey by Shopify reveals. Two thirds (67%) of U.S. consumers surveyed say they plan to shop during the four-day marathon this year. In Canada it’s 50%, France, 67%, and Germany 61%, which is comparable to or even higher than last year.

They also plan to spend more. Americans see themselves laying out US$686, Canadians, $481. In Britain, shoppers expect to spend £376, France, €466 and Germany €389.

But most of that shopping will not be in actual stores. The survey found more than half of Canadian shoppers (52%) plan to shop online only during the Black Friday, Cyber Monday weekend. In the U.S. it’s 49%, the U.K. 62%, Germany (53%), Australia (53%).

Another hefty share, 48% in the U.S., plan to shop online and in stores, but only 3% plan to shop in stores only.

And for bargain hunters, here’s the best part. Because of limits to how many people can be in a store and concerns about the timing of deliveries, sales are starting earlier this year and lasting longer.

“The concentrated four-day period traditionally marked by deep discounts and promotions has now evolved into a broader holiday shopping season,” said Shopify.

More than half of Shopify’s merchants surveyed said they believed consumers would start their holiday shopping before Black Friday this year, and they started preparing in September. About 20% of shoppers in Canada and the United States said they have started looking for Black Friday deals online and many big brands have already announced best-price sales to be staggered through November.

Shopify said the extended Black Friday, Cyber Monday season gives retailers more time to prepare for the hike in online orders and fluctuating inventory.

Curbside pickup and local delivery have substantially increased during the pandemic as more retailers moved online and it is having a “significant business impact.”

On average shoppers who chose these options spent 23% more.

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DON’T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB — YET Toronto millennial Nelson has a dream — a career in comedy. Before the pandemic put a stop to it, he was performing at amateur nights in Toronto clubs, while keeping his day job in communications. Nelson wants to move to Los Angeles to take things up a notch, but there’s a punch line to that plan. Find out what this twenty-something has to give up to chase his dream in this week’s Spent by Victor Ferreira.Brice Hall/National Post Illustration

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland will deliver a virtual keynote speech on Canada’s plan for a strong economic recovery from COVID-19 to the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal.
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole will deliver remarks at a Canadian Club Toronto event, followed by a fireside chat
Lisa MacLeod, minister of heritage, sport, tourism and culture industries, will deliver a speech on sectoral resiliency and renewal to the Empire Club of Canada
Today’s data: Canadian GDP (August), U.S. personal income and spending
Earnings: Imperial Oil, Fortis, SNC-Lavalin, Shaw Communications, Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Under Armour

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International tourist arrivals throughout the world are down 70% in the first eight months of 2020, the World Tourism Organization revealed this week. That decline represents 700 million fewer international tourists compared with the same period in 2019, and a loss of US$ 730 billion in export revenues from international tourism, more than 8 times the loss in 2009 under the impact of the global economic crisis. Most UNWTO experts expect a rebound in international tourism by the third quarter of 2021 but it is not expected to return to pre-pandemic 2019 levels before 2023.

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The Bank of Canada is keeping its foot to the floor to drive economic growth, as the resurgence of COVID-19 this fall threatens to slow the pace of recovery.

The central bank announced Oct. 28 that it will maintain its 0.25% target for the overnight rate, which means consumers can expect interest rates on mortgages and other loans to remain ultra-low for the foreseeable future.

It’s a tough road ahead, but in the meantime both homeowners and homebuyers can take great advantage of the bank’s plan to fight through the fallout. Our content partner MoneyWise has some helpful advice.

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Today’s Posthaste was written by Pamela Heaven (@pamheaven), with files from The Canadian Press, Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg.

Have a story idea, pitch, embargoed report, or a suggestion for this newsletter? Email us at posthaste@postmedia.com, or hit reply to send us a note.

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Tech

United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Published

6 days ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

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.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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.