Taking a look back at seven days of news and headlines across the world of Android, this week’s Android Circuit includes updates from Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked, the launch of the Galaxy S24 family, Galaxy AI debuts, ASUS ROG Phone 8 review, Pixel 8 Pro special offers, Redmi Note 13 revealed, and the mystery of the Galaxy Ring.
Galaxy Unpacked Reveals Three New Galaxy Smartphones
Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event dominates this week’s Android news. The most visible part of this was the unveiling of the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra handsets… three Android-powered smartphones the South Korean company is proud of:
“The Galaxy S24 series transforms our connection with the world and ignites the next decade of mobile innovation,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Galaxy AI is built on our innovation heritage and deep understanding of how people use their phones. We’re excited to see how our users around the world empower their everyday lives with Galaxy AI to open up new possibilities.”
While the Galaxy S handsets are the big ticket item for consumers, much of Unpacked was given over to Samsung’s latest suite of artificial intelligence tools, Galaxy AI. Samsung’s James Kitto spoke to Forbes on the importance of AI for consumer devices:
“Ahead of the Galaxy S24 launch at Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung UK’s vice president and head of MX, James Kitto, sat down with me to sketch out the vision of Galaxy AI. “Back in 2007, the smartphone market changed forever. In 2024, the AI phone, and what we’re bringing to market with the Galaxy S24, is going to rewrite those rules once again.””
One feature that many in the industry were watching for, and one that all smartphone manufacturers will have to react to, is the long-term support window Samsung will be offering. Following the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the S24 family will offer seven years of updates and security patches:
“This is welcome news for all Android users because other companies will follow suit. After Samsung announced in 2022 that it was extending its level of software support to at least four years, OnePlus matched the policy later that year. The days of promising one Android update for an expensive phone is over. It took the threat of Google’s seven-year promise of parts, security patches and OS updates for Samsung to act—or react—but we got there in the end.”
To make sure that Samsung doesn’t get all the publicity about the pre-order special offers for the S24 family, Google is offering a store credit for those buying a pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro from the Google Store over the next few weeks:
“The has company launched a new promotion that gives everyone who buys a Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro a £125 ($158.59) Google store gift card. The promotion runs until February 2nd and it’s only available to U.K. buyers. For U.S. shoppers, Google has slashed prices of its two flagships phones for January, which the company has done a couple of times since the handsets launched in October.”
ASUS’ latest gaming phone has a peculiar side quest built it to its design. Rather than focus purely on gaming, the ROG Phone 8 has made some cues to appeal to the mainstream flagship market. There will be some small compromises in the gaming experience, but the strategy is going to be an interesting one to watch as it plays out.
“…this move from purely gamer-focused device to one with a more general appeal has been an ongoing process for a good few ROG Phone generations. If this is what it takes for more people to notice the excellent ROG Phone family, then it is more than warranted. Plus, at its heart, the ROG Phone 8/8 Pro is still a gaming beast with excellent hardware and arguably industry-leading software to ensure the best possible gaming experience out there.”
Xiaomi has launched a new range of Redmi smartphones aimed at the lower segments of the market. Sitting at the top of the Note 13 range is the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus 5G, offering a well-rounded mid-range handset:
“The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus 5G is both a total mouthful and the flagship of this new series. Its design packs a flagship-like IP68 rating and in-display fingerprint reader, while it’s powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor and fronted by a 6.67-inch 120Hz OLED with a sharp ‘1.5K’ 2712 x 1220 resolution and a 1800 nits peak brightness.”
Right at the end of the Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung announced the health-focused Galaxy Ring wearable… and then told s almost nothing about it as the stage curtains metaphorically closed. So, what could it be?
“At this point, we can only make guesses based on the health features presented during the keynote. According to Dr Wiggins, the Samsung Health experience will include the ability to monitor for potential sleep apnea symptoms by tracking sleep patterns, blood oxygen changes, and maintaining heart rate alerts during sleep. “
Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future, and of course, read the sister column in Apple Loop!Last week’s Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links you’d like to see featured in Android Circuit, get in touch!
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.
