Apple iOS 14.1 is here and it brings new features and a lot of fixes, following the (surprisingly problematic) iOS 14.0.1 release. Unfortunately, it also reintroduces a familiar flaw. Here’s everything you need to know.
Tip: bookmark this page because I will keep it up to date if/when new problems are found. I will deliver my final verdict in a week.
Apple iOS 14
Apple
Who Is It For?
Apple iOS 14.1 has been released for every iOS 13-compatible device. That means the iPhone 6S and newer and 7th generation iPod touch. An update notification should arrive automatically but, if not, you can trigger it manually by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update. Beta testers, if you are running iOS 14.2 (see ‘The Road Ahead’ section at the end), you must unenroll your iPhone for iOS 14.1 to show up.
iPad owners, Apple has moved you to iPadOS. This is not an iPadOS-focused guide, but I will touch upon pertinent issues in these guides.
The Deal Breakers
Jailbreakers, stay away. Unc0ver is still stuck on iOS 13.5 at the time of publication and while checkra1n has an iOS 14 jailbreak (not iOS 14.1), which is currently restricted to Apple devices running A9(X) chipsets and older.
Perhaps the biggest deal breaker in iOS 14.1, however, is it reintroduces a variant of the bug in iOS 14 where your choice of default mail and browser apps is reset. First spotted on Twitter and confirmed by The Verge, after installing iOS 14.1, whenever your chosen third party email and browser apps update, your selections will be removed and revert to Apple Mail and Safari. There’s no easy fix for this, and Apple will need to issue another iOS update to address it.
Aside from this, some iOS 14.0.1 bugs supposedly fixed in iOS 14.1 are still impacting users, including sending emails from the wrong alias, WiFi performance issues, broken widgets and Apple Music bugs. There are also a higher number of reports than usual about battery drain. It’s important to remember iOS/iPadOS updates cause higher battery consumption for a few days after updating while they reindex the device, but I’ll keep an eye on this.
So What Do You Get?
Apple lists the following iOS 14.1 upgrades and fixes:
Adds support for 10-bit HDR video playback and edit in Photos for iPhone 8 and later
Addresses an issue where some widgets, folders, and icons were showing up in reduced size on the Home Screen
Addresses an issue where dragging widgets on the Home Screen could remove apps from folders
Fixes an issue where some emails in Mail were sent from an incorrect alias
Fixes an issue that could prevent incoming calls from displaying region information
Fixes an issue on some devices where selecting zoomed display mode and an alphanumeric passcode could result in the Lock Screen emergency call button overlapping with the text input box
Addresses an issue where some users were occasionally unable to download or add songs to their library while viewing an album or playlist
Fixes an issue that could prevent zeroes from appearing in Calculator
Resolves an issue where streaming video resolution could temporarily be reduced at the start of playback
Fixes an issue that prevented setting up a family member’s Apple Watch for some users
Resolves an issue where the Apple Watch case material was displayed incorrectly in the Apple Watch app
Addresses an issue in the Files app that could cause some MDM-managed cloud service providers to incorrectly display content as unavailable
Improves compatibility with Ubiquiti wireless access points
This is a curiously feature-light update for a ‘major point’ release and several of the fixes (as noted above) are not working for everyone. Surprisingly, iOS 14.1 is also not listed on Apple’s official security page so it is unclear whether there are no security patches in the release or the company has been tardy updating the page. I’ll update this article if it appears.
Apple iOS 14.1 Verdict: Stay Away
iOS 14.1 fixes several bugs, but it also (re)introduces a widespread one in resetting users’ third party browser and email default apps. Those sticking to Apple Mail and Safari, may still want to take the plunge but if you already enjoy a largely bug free experience, there’s no real gain in upgrading to iOS 14.1. I will upgrade this guide in a week with my final verdict.
The Road Ahead
Apple iOS 14.2 is currently on its fourth beta and it introduces new emojis, Music Recognition for the Control Center (think: integrated Shazam), a redesigned Now Playing Widget, an upgraded interface for AirPlay (optimized for multiple-device streaming), enhanced Apple Card features and support for HomePod’s upcoming Intercom functionality.
That said, unless iOS 14.2 is coming out in the next few weeks, I’d expect iOS 14.1.1 to be fast tracked to fix the third party email and browser problems. Watch this space.
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.
