Tech

Best Plays of the 2010s – Yahoo Lifestyle

Published

5 years ago

December 23, 2019

Here’s the only criterion that any play of the decade needs to meet: Did it get you out of your seat? Did you stand up and shout at the television or your phone as it unfolded? These were the 10 moments of the 2010s that cleared that high bar, moments you’ll be talking about as long as you’re watching sports. Unbelievable, inspiring, astounding, all at once — these were the best plays of the 2010s.

(Michael Wagstaffe/Yahoo Sports illustration)

<h2 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="10. Arike Ogunbowale’s Miracle 3, NCAA Women’s Final Four, 2018” data-reactid=”23″>10. Arike Ogunbowale’s Miracle 3, NCAA Women’s Final Four, 2018

The best way to top drama is with more drama. Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team came into the 2017-18 playoffs without four of its key players. But the Irish fought their way through the 64-team bracket to reach the Final Four, and Notre Dame guard Arike Ogunbowale closed out UConn with a buzzer-beater. Two days later, she did it again, drilling a three-pointer with just 0.1 seconds remaining to knock off Mississippi State and clinch Notre Dame’s first title since 2001.

<h2 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="9.  Holly Holm defeats Ronda Rousey, UFC 193, 2015” data-reactid=”26″>9. Holly Holm defeats Ronda Rousey, UFC 193, 2015

By the end of 2015, Ronda Rousey was on her way to becoming a multimedia threat, a UFC champion ready to break into the mainstream. The match with Holm in November 2015 in Melbourne, Australia, was a task on the to-do list, nothing more. Rousey came into the fight favored by up to -1650, but within moments it was clear she was in for a fight. Like Buster Douglas against Mike Tyson a quarter-century before, Holm came in hungrier and meaner, taking down Rousey in Round 1 and taking her out with a kick to the neck with 59 seconds left in Round 2. Rousey, who had never lost before Holm, would never again win an MMA fight, retiring to pursue a career in acting and wrestling.

<h2 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="8. Cubs Win Game 7, 2016 World Series” data-reactid=”29″>8. Cubs Win Game 7, 2016 World Series

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Sometimes it’s not the play, it’s the moment. The exact play that ended the 2016 World Series isn’t all that important — an easy infield groundout — but what it represented is immeasurable. A century of frustration, a century of incompetence, a century of being a punch line — over and done in one magnificent, agonizing, transcendent Game 7. And of course The Almighty couldn’t let Cubs fans win easy, no — against the almost-as-woebegone Cleveland Indians, Chicago had to endure extra innings, multiple comebacks, a rain delay and a heart-stopping bottom of the 10th inning before throwing off four generations of frustration. ” data-reactid=”30″>Sometimes it’s not the play, it’s the moment. The exact play that ended the 2016 World Series isn’t all that important — an easy infield groundout — but what it represented is immeasurable. A century of frustration, a century of incompetence, a century of being a punch line — over and done in one magnificent, agonizing, transcendent Game 7. And of course The Almighty couldn’t let Cubs fans win easy, no — against the almost-as-woebegone Cleveland Indians, Chicago had to endure extra innings, multiple comebacks, a rain delay and a heart-stopping bottom of the 10th inning before throwing off four generations of frustration.

<h2 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="7. Carli Lloyd’s Hat Trick, 2015 Women’s World Cup” data-reactid=”32″>7. Carli Lloyd’s Hat Trick, 2015 Women’s World Cup

Sixteen minutes. That’s all it took to transform Carli Lloyd from star to icon to legend. Sixteen minutes, three goals, one World Cup. Lloyd dominated the 2015 World Cup final the way few ever have, scoring two goals on set pieces and a third from nearly midfield, the equivalent of a sharpshooter feeling it and pulling up from the center-court logo. To play with that kind of abandon, that kind of freedom, that kind of fearlessness in the most important game of your life … that’s a special combination of skill and courage, and it marked Lloyd as one of the most remarkable players in World Cup history, male or female. Oh, and the U.S. won 5-2, but you probably could have guessed that.

As putts go, it wasn’t particularly dramatic, a short tap-in for bogey. As moments go, it couldn’t have been bigger: Tiger Woods, standing on the 18th at Augusta, clinching the most unlikely win in his history … and perhaps the history of golf itself. After a decade that included scandal, injury, surgery, brushes with the law and failed comeback after failed comeback, here was Woods, back at the pinnacle of his sport. A few years before, he’d been sitting alone in his mansion playing Call of Duty and eating cereal; now he was standing triumpant before an audience of millions. He embraced his children — who’d been too young to remember Dad winning anything big ever before — and put a bow on one of the best comebacks of the decade.

<h2 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="5. Villanova’s Three-Point Winner, 2016 NCAA Final Four” data-reactid=”38″>5. Villanova’s Three-Point Winner, 2016 NCAA Final Four

This is the rare game that would have ended up on this list no matter who won. Villanova and UNC traded body body blows in the 2016 NCAA championship, with Villanova unable to hold off Carolina’s charges. Finally, with 4.7 seconds remaining and down three, Carolina’s Marcus Paige drained a three-pointer that seemed it would send the game to overtime. But instants later, Villanova’s Kris Jenkins buried a buzzer-beating three-pointer to win the championship for Villanova, 77-74. You won’t find two more clutch back-to-back shots paired with one another … well, almost anywhere.

<h2 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="4. LeBron James’ Block, 2016 NBA Finals” data-reactid=”43″>4. LeBron James’ Block, 2016 NBA Finals

One man against an empire. One man carrying an entire city on his shoulders. One man leaving his heart, soul, spirit and will out on the hardwood. Under two minutes remaining, Game 7, 2016 NBA Finals, Golden State’s Andre Iguodala dribbling to what appears to be an easy, open layup to put the Warriors up two over the Cavaliers. And then, from out of frame, LeBron James storms in, arm outstretched. Where did he come from? The backcourt? The rafters? Heaven? It doesn’t matter, all that matters is that he leaps, pins Iguodala’s shot against the backboard, and preserves the tie. A minute later, Kyrie Irving drains a long three, James sinks a free throw, and Cleveland has its first major championship in half a century.

<h2 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="3. Philly Special, Super Bowl LII, 2018” data-reactid=”46″>3. Philly Special, Super Bowl LII, 2018

The only way to beat New England in the Super Bowl is to do something so outlandish, so off-the-wall absurd, that the Patriots brain trust doesn’t expect it at all. (New England couldn’t get a read on what Eli Manning would do because even Eli Manning never quite knew what Eli Manning would do.) So when Philadelphia dialed up a fourth-down play involving a rookie running back, a tight end who had never thrown a pass in the NFL, and a backup quarterback who’d never caught an NFL pass before, well, you can understand why the Patriots didn’t see it coming. The fourth-and-goal play shortly before the half wound up with the ball in Nick Foles’ hands, giving Philadelphia a 10-point lead and an eventual Super Bowl victory.

<h2 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="2. Kick Six, 2013 Iron Bowl” data-reactid=”49″>2. Kick Six, 2013 Iron Bowl

There are moments where a key play snaps, fully formed, into existence — a dramatic home run, a dagger of a three-pointer. But then there are moments when a key play comes together, piece by piece, every moment building on the ones before it, every one needing to go exactly perfectly to lead to the next. In the closing moments of the 2013 Iron Bowl, one of so many this decade with national championship implications, Alabama reached the Auburn 38. The game was tied at 28, and Bama intended to kick a field goal for the win. The clock reached 0:00 and the game appeared headed to overtime until Nick Saban lobbied to get one more second put on the clock. The Alabama field goal team trots onto the field; Auburn, in turn, drops Chris Davis back to the goal line. The 57-yard field goal is just short, and Davis catches it standing atop the E in “TIGERS.” He begins running up the left sideline, and Alabama’s beefy field goal unit can’t hope to catch him. Six years on, Auburn hasn’t stopped celebrating yet.

<h2 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="1. Malcolm Butler, Super Bowl XLIX, 2015” data-reactid=”52″>1. Malcolm Butler, Super Bowl XLIX, 2015

Super Bowl XLIX was already headed toward “greatest Super Bowl ever” status, and then the game’s final minute vaulted it into the “greatest game ever” conversation. The Patriots’ devastating offense — Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski et al — went toe-to-toe with the Seahawks’ legendary Legion of Boom defense, but in the end it was two players on the teams’ other units — Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson and New England defensive back Malcolm Butler — who made all the difference. With 26 seconds remaining, down 28-24, Seattle stood at New England’s one-yard line. The most punishing running back in football—Marshawn Lynch — was right there, but Seattle opted to go for a slant pass. Butler read it, intercepted Wilson’s throw, and clinched yet another Super Bowl victory for New England. You could watch this game a hundred times and you’ll still expect Seattle to pull out the win, every single time.

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Honorable mentions: BeastQuake; Minnesota Miracle; Ray Allen’s 3-pointer to defeat San Antonio; Kawhi Leonard’s four-bounce buzzer-beater; Tua Tagovailoa leads Alabama over Georgia in national championship; David Freese’s heroics in 2011 World Series; Jameis Winston leads Florida State over Auburn in 2014 national championship; Tim Tebow beats Steelers in 2012 NFL playoffs. ” data-reactid=”55″>Honorable mentions: BeastQuake; Minnesota Miracle; Ray Allen’s 3-pointer to defeat San Antonio; Kawhi Leonard’s four-bounce buzzer-beater; Tua Tagovailoa leads Alabama over Georgia in national championship; David Freese’s heroics in 2011 World Series; Jameis Winston leads Florida State over Auburn in 2014 national championship; Tim Tebow beats Steelers in 2012 NFL playoffs.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.