Tech

Liam’s off-road tech predictions for 2024

Published

9 months ago

December 18, 2023

Even though the bike industry is facing difficulties at the moment, the cycling technology race is showing no signs of slowing down. If 2023 is anything to go by 2024 looks set to be yet another bumper year for some massive tech releases as prototypes transition into fully-fledged products. Here’s my latest look into what future tech we might see in 2024.

Fresh wireless shifting from Shimano

Throughout 2023 SRAM took the lead in the drivetrain arms race with the release of the XX SL, XX, and XO Transmission drivetrains, and then released the cheaper GX version a couple of months later. 2023 was a hell of a year for the US drivetrain giant as it also announced its Eagle Powertrain e-MTB drive system, albeit years behind Shimano, along with its new Stealth brake lever design.

With SRAM taking full monopoly in the mountain bike wireless shifting market, Shimano’s silence is deafening. But that’s understandable as the brand has had numerous difficulties to contend with, the most recent being its somewhat fragile Ultegra road cranksets.

Shimano has been busy though, working hard on the new EP801 motor and e-bike-specific XT Di2 drivetrain that brings new features such as Auto Shift. With that in mind, Shimano’s very own mountain bike wireless groupset must be on the horizon – the brand has, after all, produced semi-wireless shifting for its new road griupsets. While we don’t know exactly what it may look like, the Japanese brand has patented its own direct-mount derailleur. This does things a little differently by including B-tension adjustment. Very interesting indeed.

Is 2024 the year we’ll see mainstream adoption of cable-integrated handlebars of mountain bikes?

Integrated cable routing has been inching nearer and nearer up the bike, with internal cable routing initially guiding cables from the head tube to wherever they pop out. In recent months, cable routing that runs through the headset has become increasingly common, to the dismay of many. Yes, it looks nice but how practical is it?

Something that’s setting the industry up for cable-integrated handlebars is SRAM’s latest Code and Level Stealth brakes, and the new Shimano CUES levers that look to point the cables towards the bar. While this does make for a tidier cockpit, the intentions are clear – to guide cables into the handlebar.

For the end user, this means a cleaner cockpit but it could lead to a huge pain in the neck when it comes to changing something as simple as stem spacers. But let’s not get hysterical. If and when cable-integrated handlebars come to fruition, surely designers will conjure up a useful way around this kind of issue.

We’ll see more Eagle Powertrain-equipped e-bikes

This is a safe bet but when SRAM announced its e-MTB motor, it only came powering four bikes: the Nukeproof Megawatt, the Propain Ekano 2 CF, the Transition Repeater, and the GasGas ECC. All of these are pretty heavy-hitting enduro-focused e-bikes. In the world of e-mountain bikes, that’s a small selection and, without a doubt, SRAM will want to up those numbers and spread the love to a greater range of e-MTB types.

New fork tech from fox

Ignoring the new trail and cross-country shocks we saw earlier this year, it’s been a little while since Fox brought something fresh and fork-flavoured to the market. The last new release we caught a glimpse of was its 32 Taper Cast gravel fork. However, the brand did bring a new crown to its 36 in 2022. While its GRIP, GRIP 2 and FIT4 dampers are still very good, the last time we saw an update to those was in 2020 along with the release of the 38. So it’s been a few years and 2024 is a big one for Fox as it marks its 50th year in the biz and it makes sense the brand will have something cool in the works to celebrate the occasion.

There has been a new cross-country fork spotted on the elite-level circuit and it looks pretty cool, featuring what looks to be a 3D-printed rearward fork bridge. With it already on the race scene, that’s surely due to blast onto the market soon.

Triple clamp forks on more than just downhill bikes

The bikes of enduro mountain biking are already revered as quiver killers due to their general ability to go up a hill as effectively as they can go down and a number of them are compatible with long-travel dual-crown forks that are mostly reserved for downhill bikes. Those that can run these forks are the likes of Yeti’s SB165, YT Industries’ Capra, and the Canyon Torque.

To say that we’ll see a bike with a triple-crown fork from stock is still a bit far-fetched, although I’d love to be wrong. But I believe that more brands will offer bikes with compatibility for big-travel forks and more people will ride their bikes as such. Especially e-MTBers.

Wireless suspension lockouts

We saw that Pauline Ferrand-Prevot’s Pinarello Dogma XC HT was kitted with some kind of electronic lockout for its SR Suntour fork, and we locked eyes on Loic Bruni and others from the Specialized Gravity team covering up their bikes. In both of these genres, lockouts make an awful lot of sense as they help riders maximise every watt.

For cross-country mountain biking, this is a given. Teams and riders are looking for any way to drop the kilos and getting rid of cables altogether is one way of doing so. For downhill mountain biking, this also lowers the weight but it can increase reliability.

750d probably won’t pick up

When Moots partnered with WTB earlier this year to unveil the experimental 750d, a larger wheel size for gravel bikes, the company caused a massive stir with many shunning the idea through the distaste of ‘yet another standard’. As much as I love to embrace a new idea, this one wasn’t without its backlash. And, of course, a Moots bike doesn’t come cheap and tyre brands have to develop new tyres given the current climate, the case of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ will ring strong. Moots stresses that this is just an experiment so it’s unlikely we’ll see any more of this for at least a good while.

For this to pick up, adoption of the new wheel and tyre size will need to be much larger than just one bike and one tyre but we’ve seen it happen once with 26-inch, 650b and 29ers, so who am I to say that it won’t happen again?

Celebratory Olympic Games stuff

Brands love an opportunity to celebrate an event with cool-looking products and with the 2024 Olympic Games being held in Paris, it goes without saying that we’ll be seeing some cool colourways at the very least. That already makes 2024 quite exciting.

Scott is no stranger to this, giving Nino Schurter a new bike with a fresh colourway every other weekend, it seems. So if Nino manages to wrangle a spot in the 2024 Olympics, Scott will no doubt unveil a special bike for the GOAT.

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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

4 weeks 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.