There were a number of interesting developments regarding NVIDIA’s potential $40B acquisition of Arm over the past couple of weeks. High-ranking executives from three of Arm’s key chip partners – namely MediaTek, Marvell and Broadcom – all came out in favor of the deal, citing similar reasons for support. To summarize, the execs claimed that investments by NVIDIA, in conjunction with the company’s deep expertise in graphics processors (GPUs) and artificial intelligence (AI), would ultimately benefit Arm and bolster the entire chip industry that relies on Arm’s IP ecosystem. They also went on record affirming their belief that NVIDIA would continue Arm’s open licensing model and not limit partner access to bleeding-edge Arm technology.
It is no surprise that multiple industry heavyweights have spoken out about the potential deal. NVIDIA’s acquisition of Arm could have far reaching implications that resonate throughout the technology industry, due to the pervasiveness of Arm’s IP and the company’s current business model, which licenses core processor architecture innovations to many chip partners. Arm technology is quite literally everywhere, from cellphones to cars, industrial equipment, the IoT, and the data center.
Arm CEO Says NVIDIA Is The Way, Not IPO
However, there are some players in the space that aren’t quite as keen on NVIDIA’s plans. Some recent chatter also suggested that there is an opportunity for Softbank, the current Japanese owner of Arm, to consider an IPO option. In lieu of NVIDIA’s acquisition, an IPO could allow some of Arm’s partners to directly invest in the company, to help solidify its financial positions and maintain the status quo. Simon Segars, the current CEO of Arm Holdings plc, however, took to the company’s blog today to quash the IPO idea and reaffirm his support for the NVIDIA acquisition, stating that it was essentially the only viable path forward.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang
NVIDIA
Segars made a number of assertions, which seem to make sense in the current climate. With the rapid pace of innovation and advancement in the machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) space, a straightforward cash infusion from an IPO isn’t ideal and doesn’t cater to Arm’s unique needs. Segars asserts that Arm would benefit significantly more by partnering with a leader in the AI field, which is exactly what NVIDIA is, and that NVIDIA’s expertise, in conjunction with the cash infusion that would come by way of the $40 billion acquisition, is the best path forward.
“Now is the time for us to take our scale to the next level to address the technology challenges ahead. We contemplated an IPO but determined that the pressure to deliver short-term revenue growth and profitability would suffocate our ability to invest, expand, move fast and innovate. Combining with NVIDIA will give us the scale, resources and agility needed to maximize the opportunities ahead. This deal is the best opportunity for Arm and our customers and will enable the UK to be a meaningful industry player in the age of AI,” noted Segars in his post this morning.
Arm Chief Underscores Commitment To Investment In The UK
NVIDIA DGX Supercomputers
NVIDIA
It is also worth noting that Softbank considered an Arm IPO last year, but ultimately decided that engaging with NVIDIA was the better move. Further, with respect to the notion that an NVIDIA acquisition would be detrimental to jobs and economic growth in the UK tech industry, Segars firmly insists that NVIDIA “will not siphon investment away from the UK,” rather it will invest specifically in the expansion of Arm’s Cambridge headquarters to help build a “world-class AI research facility,” at the center of which will be one of the world’s most powerful Arm-powered supercomputers for leading scientists, engineers and researchers to harness for the evolution of AI, which is certainly one of the most critical technology growth areas of our time.
Further, in an interview with the Telegraph, Segars goes on to suggest that an IPO would be the “worst place to go” suggesting Arm would need to cut costs after its long-term investment in staffing. “We’ve got over 6,400 people today, that is significantly higher than what it was when we were acquired [by SoftBank], and our profitability is very, very low,” Segars notes. In fact, this statement suggests maybe, if the acquisition isn’t approved, Arm may actually have to trim head count.
The Arm Chief continues with reassurances that both Arm and NVIDIA are committed to maintaining the company’s open licensing model, noting that it’s an “economic and commercial necessity,” which makes sense as well. Arm’s entire business model is centered around partner adoption and implementation of its core IP. If the combined entity moved to close this off in any significant way, it would be like biting off its nose to spite its face.
There’s a bit more road ahead to travel with the regulatory approval process in any potential NVIDIA-Arm acquisition deal, but there’s one thing for certain and it’s that Arm’s executive leadership is firmly behind the acquisition and truly believes NVIDIA is its best partner moving forward, not only for its massive $40 billion dollar investment, which is the biggest the semiconductor industry has ever seen, but for the strategic synergies that NVIDIA brings to the table for Arm. When it comes to AI and the breakneck pace of innovation that the technology industry in general is currently marching towards, we’re bound to have at least a couple of these tectonic shift-like events like this. You learn to be surprised by almost nothing.
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.
