This has been a weird week for followers of the Dr Disrespect saga. When Twitch first banned him, there were rumors that this was all just a big publicity stunt, that the ban was some sort of platform for Doc to make some big new move when he showed up on a new service, or started his own with fellow streamers. In theory, it would be a very “Doc” move, and yet in practice, that definitely was not what was happening.
Dr Disrespect signed what was reportedly an eight figure contract with Twitch this past spring to stream exclusively there. There’s at least $10 million, for those of you doing the math in your head. Twitch would not be “in” on a ban of Doc as part of some stunt, and neither would Doc, despite his antics, do something to mess up the terms of a contract that significant so close to signing.
This is a legal matter. That much has been made very clear by now, with Doc himself saying he can’t talk about aspects of the ban too much due to legal reasons. There are obviously many types of legal issues, which could range from civil (contract drama with Twitch) to criminal but not disastrous (tax issues) to criminal and very very bad (a wide range of crimes). And we don’t know what the answer is there.
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 17: Dr DisRespect getting interviewed at Call of Duty World League … [+] Championship at Pauley Pavilion on August 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Haube/ESPAT Media/Getty Images)
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But this week, Doc is certainly not behaving like someone who is about to get hauled into court by the FBI or something. He did three different interviews with outlets that were all published the same day and all effectively said the same thing: nothing. To CNN, the Washington Post and PC Gamer, Doc essentially repeated the same answers verbatim across interviews, and said close to nothing of relevance, sticking with lines about how the support of his community is great, and how this situation has been hard. He is choosing his words very carefully, saying that “Twitch never told him” why he was banned, and yet that leaves the door open that he knows why he’s banned anyway, technically.
But the point is…all of this looks like some sort of publicity comeback tour, albeit one that is going on before Doc has actually been accused of anything, whether that’s a contract breach or an actual crime. It’s rehab press tour without anyone knowing what he’s being rehabbed for.
And now things are just getting plain weird. Doc’s first video back is a music video made with J+1 called “Alleyways” which has a synth beat playing over his silhouette, with lyrics like “You can never take away the power of my soul” which seems to be addressing the Twitch ban. Again, not exactly something you would expect from a man potentially facing scary charges or accusations, and I can’t tell if that’s kind of the point, or if again, it’s just another publicity tactic to soften any upcoming blows.
I would not be surprised to see Doc “return” in full soon. Not just interviews and weird music videos, but possibly an actual stream on YouTube or his own website, which is something he mentioned. Even if his contract with Twitch totally collapsed, as of right now there’s nothing preventing him from streaming elsewhere, and lord knows he is probably building up some legal fees behind the scenes right now.
I do think the interviews and music video are accomplishing what they’re meant to as publicity stunts, they’re reassuring his fans that whatever is going on may suck, but it’s not a huge deal and will be resolved in time. Whether that is actually true or not remains to be seen, but I would probably expect a Doc “comeback” before we get answers about his initial ban, whenever that will end up leaking. Because it will, someday.
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.
