We may receive commission from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
As always for Cyber Weekend, many Amazon devices are on sale for their lowest prices of the year. (Photo: Getty)
Amazon started celebrating Cyber Weekend long before Cyber Weekend. But now that it’s here, the deals haven’t stopped. In fact, you can still find some best-of-2021 prices on many Amazon-branded (and Amazon-owned) devices: Ring video doorbells, Echo Show smart screens, Eero mesh routers and plenty more.
Keep in mind that hot deals always so quickly; even Amazon runs out of stock sometimes. So if you see something that’s on your shopping list, grab it before it’s gone or it expires.
Blink’s outdoor camera is completely wireless and weatherproof, the better to keep a year-round eye on your digs. (Photo: Amazon)
Blink makes a variety of highly rated smart-home gear, including indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells and floodlights. Just about everything in the lineup is on sale right now, with discounts of up to $160 and some of the lowest prices on record.
Smile! You’re on a video call with Amazon’s 2nd-generation Echo 5 smart display, currently on sale for an all-time-low $45. (Photo: Amazon)
In case you haven’t been paying close attention, Amazon’s Echo smart speakers and displays go on sale a lot. These deals — which are good until Nov. 24 — don’t represent everything in that product lineup, but they do represent some of the lowest prices on record. Case in point: The new-for-2021 Echo Show 5, which you can now get for just $45 — a $40 discount.
Notably absent here are the larger Echo displays, namely the Echo Show 10 and newer Echo Show 15. Maybe we’ll see deals there on Cyber Monday? If not, holiday sales are just around the corner.
Is weak Wi-Fi ruining your work-from-home efforts? Eero’s mesh network will almost certainly help. (Photo: Amazon)
Here’s the best thing I can tell you about the Eero mesh-networking system I bought a few years ago: I never think about it. Once it was set up, it just worked and kept on working, slinging strong Wi-Fi signals to all corners of my house.
Your mileage may vary, of course, but if you struggle with Wi-Fi connectivity, I can’t recommend an Eero system highly enough. The single Eero Pro router is on sale for $139 (save $60), but consider the Eero Pro with two Eero Beacons for $139 (save $60).
The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is on sale for just $45 right now. (Photo: Amazon)
It’s a Fire sale, get it? Amazon’s tablets are already a bargain at their regular prices, but many of these Black Friday deals are downright historic (and available until Nov. 30). For example, the current-generation Fire HD 10 (32GB) is just $75, a full 50 percent off and the lowest price ever. It may not have the polish of the latest entry-level iPad, but that model starts at $329 and doesn’t offer expandable storage. You could buy four Fire HD 10s and still come out ahead.
Put the Fire TV Stick 4K Max where the sun doesn’t shine (you know: behind your TV!) and enjoy speedy streaming and even games. (Photo: Amazon)
Several of Amazon’s Fire TV products (including the plug-in streaming sticks and Recast DVRs) are on sale for the lowest prices since, well, last year around this time. So if you’re looking to raise your streaming game or record over-the-air TV shows, this is the time to pounce.
Worth noting: The new-for-2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max has been on sale for $35 for about a week already, but it’s the first discount since the product’s September debut. This is the stick to pick if you want super-speedy navigation and support for console-free gaming.
Also worth noting: It’s crazy to pay $18 for the Fire TV Stick Lite when for just $2 more you can get the Fire TV Stick, which adds dedicated TV controls (volume, power, etc.).
Now read this: You can get a Kindle for as little as $50, a tie for the lowest price ever. (Photo: Amazon)
The Kindle-sale selection is slim right now, but what’s there is good: The current-generation Kindle e-reader is down to just $50, tying the lowest price on record for only the second time. (If you’re hoping for a Paperwhite deal, nothing yet — but stay tuned, I guarantee it’s coming.)
Also available: The Kindle Kids for $60 (save $50) and Kindle Paperwhite Kids for $115 (save $45). These models include a colorful cover, an Amazon Kids+ subscription and a 2-year worry-free warranty. (Honestly, if you’re thinking about the standard Kindle for $50, grab the Kids model for only $10 more. The cover and warranty alone are well worth it.)
If you like it (home security) you should put a Ring (video doorbell) on it. (Photo: Ring)
If you’re looking to replace an existing wired doorbell with one that’s smart, look no further: The new Ring Video Doorbell Wired is on sale for just $42, the lowest price to date. (I think it was already a steal at $60.) With it you can get a live video feed from your front porch, get notified of movement and even carry on two-way conversations — all from your phone.
You can decide later if you want to add the indoor chime, which plugs into any AC outlet to give you the ol’ “ding dong” that’s otherwise missing, or just buy the doorbell with chime. Either way, the latter costs $30. (No Black Friday savings to be had, alas.)
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.
