Tech

Fitness: Need motivation to get moving? There's an app for that – Peace River Record Gazette

Published

4 years ago

July 26, 2020

Some help you compete against others; some simply help you get off the couch.

Despite a whole new cohort of exercisers relying on fitness apps to keep them moving while gyms were closed, do apps have the staying power to keep users engaged now that more options are opening up? Or are they just another gadget used by fitness fanatics to track their personal stats?

Apps boast a slew of features, but one of their main pitches is providing motivation for anyone who needs prodding to get moving. Yet one of the strongest predictors of whether exercise sticks is the source of that motivation: does it come from within, or are external factors behind the desire to make exercise a habit?

Most dedicated exercisers list enjoyment, personal achievement and dedication to their overall health and well-being as factors that motivate them to pull on their workout gear. Exercising to please others or bowing to social pressure to lose weight or be more active has a less than stellar track record of motivating exercisers on days when it’s easier to sit on the couch.

Another important factor in creating lifestyle change is having a support network to offer high-fives and the occasional push when necessary. Making exercise a habit is hard enough, and without support from those around you, the chances of success diminish considerably.

To their credit, app developers have leaned into the science behind exercise adherence by tracking and rewarding personal achievement and creating communities of exercisers with the same interests. To gauge just how effective they’ve been at motivating exercisers, a team of Australian researchers decided to poll a large group of fitness enthusiasts about apps.

Recruited through social media and questioned about their exercise habits, motivations and whether or not they used a fitness app, the 1,274 respondents ranged in age from 18 to 83, spent an average of 271.6 minutes per week engaged in physical activity and were primarily women (87.6 per cent). Over half reported using a fitness app, with 25- to 44-year-olds significantly more likely to do so than older respondents. Fitbit, Strava and Garmin were the most popular apps, with a high percentage of users (37 per cent) stating they used the app daily and only 13 per cent claiming they used an app three times a week.

Similar to results published in other studies, the app users reported engaging in significantly more physical activity.

As for social support, 64 per cent used an app that featured its own proprietary community of users, of which 41 per cent said they considered themselves a part. A whopping 92 per cent of app users said they interacted on social media platforms regarding their physical activity — a statistic that shouldn’t be that surprising, since they were recruited through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Researchers reported that app users who engaged with an online community — thereby getting encouragement — or interacted with the social features of their app accumulated more exercise minutes than those who didn’t.

Those aren’t the only discoveries they uncovered about exercisers who prefer working out with apps. Turns out they’re a pretty competitive group.

“Individuals with higher levels of trait competitiveness engaged in significantly higher levels of physical activity, suggesting that those with a general disposition toward competition may benefit most from using apps,” said the researchers.

It’s clear that app developers know how to tap into the psyche of exercisers who love a good challenge. The more popular apps include features like leaderboards, monthly challenges and badges to reward those who continue to push their limits. While some of the competition is between members of the app’s larger community, a fair number of exercisers are content competing against themselves. Among this group, improving personal statistics — like the number of steps taken per day/week/month, most consecutive daily workouts or the length of time it takes to finish a workout — is the type of motivation that makes exercise happen.

Of course, the key to using an app for motivation is finding one that appeals to your particular interests. If competing against others in your demographic makes you want to pull on your exercise gear, then choose an app that connects you with a large community of fitness fanatics who strive to be at the top of the leaderboard. But if you’re looking for an app that provides the kind of motivation that simply gets you off the couch, consider one that offers reminders to get moving, helps you set modest goals and gives you high-fives when you achieve them. The good news is there’s no shortage of apps to choose from, and most are free to try. And according to the Australian researchers, they work.

“Commercial physical activity apps are clearly beneficial given their widespread reach (and) acceptability by the population at large and, based on the current findings, are associated with certain psychological constructs (i.e., social support, self-efficacy and motivation) which have been linked to increased physical activity behaviour,” they write.

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Tech

United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Published

19 hours ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

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.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

4 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

4 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.