After months of planning, ride-hailing service Uber has received a dispatcher licence from the City of Winnipeg, which should allow the company to begin operating as soon as it has enough drivers.
“We’re excited to come to Winnipeg,” said Michael Van Hemmen, Uber’s head in Western Canada.
For several years, Uber hinted at entering the Winnipeg market, but then decided Manitoba Public Insurance’s “passenger vehicle for hire” coverage was too restrictive. In March, the company changed course, saying the insurance framework would have to do, and it anticipated it would launch by summer.
“The model is workable,” Van Hemmen told the Free Press at that time.
Van Hemmen was optimistic the only barrier to launching the service in Winnipeg was the dispatcher licence and interest from drivers, who are viewed as independent contractors and not as employees. It was mere days before the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of the Canada-U.S. border, and right before Uber’s stock value plummeted by more than 50 per cent.
Now, as reopening efforts continue, it appears Uber is sticking to its pre-pandemic schedule for its local launch. Although, the circumstances will look much different than planned.
Last month, in a blog post attributed to CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber said drivers or delivery people will be required to use an online checklist to ensure safety precautions.
“Before every trip, riders must confirm that they’ve taken precautions like wearing a face cover and washing or sanitizing their hands,” the post read. “They must also agree to sit in the back seat and open windows for ventilation.” The maximum number of passengers suggested for an UberX ride was decreased to three from four.
Another requirement is that each driver must take a selfie to verify they’ve worn a mask. Khosrowshahi wrote that drivers who don’t wear a mask won’t be able to go online as of May 18. However, media in Ottawa spoke to customers four days later, who said their drivers didn’t wear masks.
The Uber spokesperson said there are new feedback options to report whether drivers or riders are wearing a mask, which can affect their ratings and performance.
In the Uber system, drivers and riders rate each other. Ratings determine their success in getting and commandeering rides.
Van Hemmen said Sunday that drivers who don’t wear a mask or following precautions face “warnings to eventually deactivation” from the Uber system.
As Uber plans its expansion into Winnipeg, the company — whose stock has begun to rebound — is also in the midst of major cuts. The company laid off 3,000 employees in May and closed 45 offices, the online technology publication Tech Crunch reported. Those cuts came on the heels of the layoff of 3,700 employees, and as rides dropped by about 80 per cent. Despite those changes, Van Hemmen said driver sign-ups have increased in Canada, but not at pre-pandemic levels.
Other gig economy companies have also had an increase in applications as unemployment levels climb and many workers find themselves with reduced hours and incomes. Grocery-picking service Instacart added 300,000 contractors during the first month of the shutdown. While the increased gig labour force is good news for the companies, it also means the contractors themselves face more competition for gigs.
In Winnipeg, Uber is aiming to enlist enough drivers to launch the system, though Van Hemmen didn’t say how many were needed. The company is attempting to sweeten the deal by offering a one-time $500 bonus to the first 100 drivers who complete 20 trips after the launch.
The company is offering a temporary financial assistance program, available to drivers ordered to self-quarantine or those with active cases of COVID-19. Uber said compensation is determined by looking at average weekly earnings for the three months before drivers apply for assistance; the company is offering a maximum of two weeks of financial assistance.
To qualify, drivers need to have completed one trip in the 30-day period prior to their application for support.
ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca
Ben Waldman Reporter
Ben Waldman covers a little bit of everything for the Free Press.
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.
