(Pocket-lint) – “It feels great to be back,” says Carl Pei. “I’ve been quite quiet for the past one and a half years, so happy to be back, happy to start telling the world what we’re building over here.”
Carl Pei is a familiar face on the tech scene, although that’s now partially shrouded by the mandated face mask at Mobile World Congress. His eyes scan the room, flickering in recognition as he takes in his small audience.
Having been one of the founders of OnePlus, his departure from the Oppo sub-brand surprised a lot of people as he set off on a new venture, amusingly called Nothing.
Of course, sitting in a meeting room on the Qualcomm stand at MWC 2022 – along with Enrico Salvatori, president of Qualcomm Europe – and the anticipation is that we’re going to hear something about the Nothing phone.
We’re not.
When asked whether Nothing would be releasing a smartphone, Pei quickly replies: “We’re not commenting on future categories.”
That neither confirms nor denies a smartphone from Nothing, leaving us with little more than rumour. While the speculation on the show floor is that Nothing is developing a phone, Carl Pei has done this too many times before to give anything away. We’re left knowing that Nothing owns the old Essential brand, but little more.
But Nothing is already telling us what it’s trying to achieve. The company outlines on its website that it is “crafting intuitive, flawlessly connected products that improve our lives without getting in the way.” For many, the smartphone is the centre of connected products.
“I was the first kid in my school to have the iPod and also the first with the iPhone,” explains Pei, filling us in on the context of why he’s on a mission with Nothing: “Also the first kid that bought the Android phone … the G1, I was really excited about that.”
“But lately all that has changed. On the hardware side – at least – I’m not that excited about new products anymore. I feel like society has a more and more negative view of technology. It’s not inspirational anymore and that’s the founding purpose of Nothing.”
Nothing has said before that it’s about blending into the background, the products literally become nothing when they’re doing what they’re supposed to do. Launching a set of earbuds with transparent materials was a literal manifestation of this, but what Carl Pei really seems to be looking for is ecosystem efficiency.
“We’re building an ecosystem of products that connect seamlessly, if that ecosystem becomes successfully built, then we’re kind of in the background. You don’t feel us anymore because everything just works the way you think it will.”
“I think the opportunity we have in front of us is that there’s no alternative to Apple … their ecosystem – all their products work well with each other. But if you leave the Apple ecosystem and look at a Windows PC and a pair of Sonos speakers etc, you don’t have that same integration.”
“That’s what we’re trying to build, that product system and connectivity layer.”
It’s often been said that Apple has a huge advantage here, designing both its hardware and software to ensure compatibility within the system, while other products tend to stand in isolation. Currently it’s perhaps only Samsung and Huawei that seem to be gunning for something bigger in ecosystem terms. Taking on Samsung would be a Goliath challenge.
We get the sense from Pei that the ecosystem experience is going to drive all the choices that Nothing makes. Referring to smartphone design, Pei says: “all these companies, when they talk to people, it’s all about specs and features – nobody’s communicating on a higher level.”
“Personally, I think that what makes Apple really strong is their hardware and software integration.”
It’s clear then that while many speculate about a phone from Nothing, that’s not going to be a defining product for the company. If Nothing was to launch a phone, it would just be a piece of a bigger picture, aiming to provide a better connected experience than its rivals. Sitting as we are with the head of Qualcomm Europe, it’s hard to imagine that Qualcomm won’t have huge part to play in this process.
As for the rest of us, it seems we’ll have to wait a little longer before we see what’s coming next from Nothing.
Best iPhone 13 deals on EE
By Pocket-lint Promotion
·
8 November 2021
If you’re looking to buy the new iPhone 13, you can get some amazing deals on EE, the UK’s best network for 4G and 5G. Here are some of the best.
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.
