I love Apple products and own many of them. But it doesn’t mean I go easy on the company when I cover Apple.
Today, as every Apple fan (and hater) knows, Apple released the long-rumored AirPods Max, over-ear headphones with a sexy, sleek minimalist sophistication and a suite of great features.
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I’ll be the first to admit: I want them. The Digital Crown looks interesting and I’m excited about having a better way to control my headphones, as the buttons on my Bose headphones are hard to find and press, and I find the virtual buttons on the AirPods Pro are also tough to use. The mesh canopy on the headband is ingenious, reminiscent of a premium Herman Miller Aeron chair. Memory foam on replaceable ear cushions that magnetically seat into the headphone cups is a why-didn’t-they-think-of-that-before feature, and seamless switching between devices is great, although I don’t find switching to be entirely seamless for my AirPods Pro right now. Spatial audio is great — really good in AirPods already — transparency mode makes a ton of sense, and I’m sure the sound quality will be very good, if not great.
But … $549?
During a pandemic in which tens of millions are still out of work?
Apple AirPods Max
Apple
First off, that’s beyond pricey. My Bose noise-canceling headphones are several years old but cost me about $350. Sony models can be had for similar or less. Master & Dynamic are in the $500 range, and that’s a premium price. Sennheisers top out around the same price point. Bang & Olufsen push past the $1,000 range … but that’s Bang & Olufsen, where speakers that look like alien spaceships run up to the $100,000 range.
Back to reality and the AirPods Max: I love the look, and I like the compatibility that they’ll have with my MacBook Pro, iPhone, and Apple Watch. But at $549 — almost $800 in Canada — they don’t compare favorably with a lot of other Apple products.
iPad Air: just $50 more
iPad: more than $200 less
MacBook Air: $450 more
iPhone 12: just $150 more
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Apple doesn’t price its products without a lot of thought, which doesn’t mean they don’t make pricing mistakes (original HomePod, anyone?) I have no doubt the company sincerely believes there’s $549 of value in the AirPods Max. But I’m also pretty sure there’s a significant amount of profit in there too.
Apple is premium: no doubt about it.
But Apple is also the people’s premium.
Apple is your chance to own the same phone as a billionaire or the same watch as a titan of the tech industry and get exactly the same level of quality and power and speed. I expect to pay more for Apple, because I expect to get a better product that lasts longer and is better supported. But I also expect value commensurate with the price.
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$549 during a pandemic feels too high, however. It feels predatory. It has people comparing the AirPods Max to used car pricing. Or, as CNBC technology editor Steve Kovach tweeted: “Sorry, I can’t hear you. My AirPods Max automatically mute poor people.”
They may be worth it, and pundits like TechCrunch editor Matthew Panzarino thinks they likely will be:
That remains to be seen.
What we can say right now is that in extremely tough economic circumstances where many of us keyboard commandoes can work wherever we choose but many others who are not location independent cannot, Apple risks losing its popular appeal by pricing the Max headphones so high.
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Tech analyst Brian Jackson calls it “shameless luxury tier pricing.”
Look, ultra-premium brands will always be among us. Even during a pandemic.
The question for Apple executives is whether they want to be seen as great technology that most can afford, or pricey, out of reach (and maybe out of touch) tech toys for the ostentatiously wealthy. There is already that perception among many who are not Apple customers, and AirPods Max will not do anything to change that.
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.
