CES is a yearly event held by the Consumer Technology Association. Investors and industry insiders get an opportunity to see what the different tech companies are working on and how it will affect consumers. In 2022, the event ran from January 5 to January 7. It was a difficult task to run the show during a global pandemic and, as a result, several presenters chose to participate remotely. Nevertheless, there were plenty of interesting presentations and exciting upcoming products revealed at CES 2022.
There were a lot of noteworthy announcements regarding the gaming industry’s aspect of the show. A presentation from Sony revealed the specs for the upcoming PlayStation VR 2 headset, as well as a AAA VR game titled Horizon: Call of the Mountain. The biggest winners, however, were PC gamers who got a wide range of upcoming products revealed by Nvidia, AMD, and Intel.
Nvidia had plenty to reveal. Jeff Fisher, who is Nvidia’s senior vice president, gave a presentation that predicted that cloud gaming will continue to grow. For this reason, Nvidia will continue focusing on Geforce Now, the company’s cloud gaming surface. To support the platform, Fisher announced that Battlefield 4 and 5 are available on Geforce Now, and certain 2022 Samsung smart TVs will soon be able to stream games on Geforce Now.
Nvidia will continue to support raytracing on more upcoming games. This includes The Day Before, an upcoming survival MMO being developed by Fntastic. DLSS, which allows gamers to enjoy games at a greater resolution without sacrificing framerate, will also continue to be supported by Nvidia. Upcoming games that will support DLSS include Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction. Nvidia Reflex, which is a software solution that provides lower latency will be implemented in more games, including God of War (2018), Rainbow Six Extraction, iRacing, Midnight Ghost Hunt, Grit, Ready or Not, and Super People.
Nvidia also showed off plenty of hardware. A new esports 1440p, 27 inch, G-Sync monitor was revealed. The displays are designed for esports gamers who are looking for the best performance at high frames, which is a must for competitive gaming. Fisher also announced that Nvidia will be releasing over 160 more RTX laptops with prices starting at $799. This includes the RTX 3080 Ti laptops and RTX 3070 Ti laptops that are scheduled to release in February.
For most gamers, Nvidia is known for its high performance graphics cards. Nvidia had a few new cards to reveal, including the RTX 3050, which is capable of playing modern games at higher than 60FPS with raytracing turned on. It will be available from January 27. At $279, it appeals to gamers on a budget. Nvidia also revealed the RTX 3090 Ti, which Fisher described as a “monster,” while teasing the early specs of the card.
Intel Had a Lot To Show Off
Intel announced that it will be releasing new processors in 2022 that are sure to enhance gaming and creative ventures. The 12th Gen Intel Core KS-Series desktop processor will be released in the second half of 2022. To show off its new processor, Intel showed Hitman 3 running on the hardware. For laptops, Intel revealed the 12th Gen Intel Core H-Series mobile processors and 12th Gen Intel Core P-Series mobile processors. According to Gregory Bryant, executive vice president of Intel, the H-Series mobile processor will yield up to 40% greater performance compared to the previous generation of processors.
Bryant revealed over twenty new laptop designs that feature the H-Series mobile processors. Companies that have partnered with Intel include Acer, HP, Dell, and Lenovo. Bryant also stated that Intel plans on releasing over a hundred new designs in 2022. One of the laptops that got a spotlight shone on it is the Acer Predator 500 SE which has a sleek design that will allow gamers to take their gaming anywhere.
The upcoming PC port of Death Stranding Director‘s Cut will be making good use of Intel’s technology, including Intel’s XeSS which serves the same purpose as Nvidia’s DLSS. XeSS will be seen in many more games, including Hitman 3 and Grit.
AMD Put On a Good Show
AMD had plenty to talk about. The company revealed the AMD Ryzen 6000 Series mobile processors that will be used in notebooks. These processors offer up to 100% greater gaming performance compared to the 5000 Series. This will help make laptop gaming a more viable option. For desktop gamers, AMD announced a new powerful GPU called the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT. When tested on recently released games, AMD’s offering yields 59% better performance in Resident Evil: Village, 44% in Fortnite, 33% in Apex Legends, and 32% in Counter Strike Global Offensive. The AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT will be released on January 19 with a selling price of $199.
AMD also spent some time talking about Fidelity FX Super Resolution which will allow gamers to hit higher framerates without sacrificing image quality. AMD claims that significant framerate gains can be achieved on modern games such as Deathloop, Far Cry 6, and Call of Duty: Vanguard.
AMD announced the Ryzen 7 5800X3D which will be the first processor to feature 3D V-Cache. According to AMD, this will allow for an average of 15% more frames per second. When tested on existing games, Watch Dogs Legion gets a 36% increase, Shadow of the Tomb Raider gets a 9% increase, and Far Cry 6 gets a 24% increase. The processor will be released in 2022.
This year’s CES event drew in all the big names in gaming who had plenty they wanted to share with gamers. AMD, Intel, and Nvidia all have an exciting host of new products which will be released in 2022.
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.
