At this year’s CES in Las Vegas, we had the opportunity to interview Sankar Thiagasamudram, the founder and CEO of the popular audio brand Audeze. We talked about the company’s new products as well as its collaboration with other brands from the audio sector.
Mr. Thiagasamudram also mentioned whether or not we’ll see an ANC product from Audeze and much more. You can read a brief overview of the interview below or check out the whole thing in the video above.
Q: You have announced a couple of new gaming products — the LCD-GX and Maxwell. Does that mean that the Penrose and the Mobius are being discontinued?
A: When it comes to the Mobius, we’ll likely make a new edition of it eventually with the latest chipset. But the Penrose will be discontinued and Maxwell will take its place.
Part of the reason for this is the supply chain, but there are also new chipsets and technologies coming out that we want to take advantage of. We’ve just decided to transition from older proprietary chipsets to the newer platforms available. And we think Maxwell is a new platform that will also include other form factors and headphones in the future. It’s a flexible platform that will not only be aimed at gaming but enterprises as well.
Q: Which of the existing LCD products do you think the LCD-GX is closest to in terms of sound?
A: Well, the LCD-GX is kind of a unique product in the series. The reason why we made these headphones is because we saw that people were gaming with our LCD-2 headphones and we thought we could add some of the gaming functionalities into the LCD-GX headphones to make them more versatile. We even partnered up with Shure microphones on this product.
So the LCD-GX is kind of a mix between products like the Maxwell and the Mobius.
Q: You moved over to Atmos with the Maxwell, which is a big step up from what was available on the Mobius. But does the Maxwell include head tracking?
A: No, it does not. We’re limited in the console world, as we don’t have a choice on which 3D algorithm to use. That’s decided by the companies behind the products. So Windows desktops will have Atmos built-in, Xbox will have Windows Sonic or Atmos, while PlayStation consoles will have Sony’s 3D audio.
We don’t control any of this, which makes it difficult for us to put our 3D algorithm into our headset because we have to work with these companies’ existing platforms. So with Maxwell, we had no choice because we wanted it to support both PC and consoles.
Q: We’ve seen your technology in HyperX products as well as in Edifier products. Are you currently pursuing any other relationships like that?
Mitja Rutnik / Android Authority
A: We probably have the biggest speaker manufacturing facility in the US at the moment, which is getting more and more automated. We don’t want to work with just about anybody. We want to pick and choose our partners based on our goals.
If there is a good opportunity out there for us, we will certainly take it. We did work with HyperX, which has offices close to ours. We had a nice collaboration in which we made a variation of the Mobius product for them, and they pushed it out to retail. The cooperation brought great results for both of us.
Q: I see you brought the Maxwell with you today. Is there anything you’d like to share with our audience about this product?
Mitja Rutnik / Android Authority
A: This is the best-sounding gaming headset we’ve made so far. It has USB-C and great embedded microphones, some of which are there to help with noise removal. But the best part of the product is the battery life. You can get more than 80 hours of battery life playing continuously at 80dB. I haven’t charged these since I came to CES. They also support fast charging.
When we made our first gaming headset, the Penrose, people gave us a lot of feedback. So we took all that feedback and incorporated it into the Maxwell, so we hope people will like them.
Q: Do you have any plans for making ANC products in the near future?
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
A: Yes, but we have to make sure everything works as it should first. We have an ANC patent with Planar, but we just need to make sure the technology works properly and that it provides a good experience for consumers at the same time.
So at some point in the future, we’ll try to figure it out.
This is just a quick overview of the conversation we had with Sankar Thiagasamudram from Audeze. If you want to learn more, check out the video at the top of the page.
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.
