Over the past few years, Google has had an increasingly large presence at CES. In the new decade, things aren’t changing, with Google delivering another huge booth at CES 2020, tons of products held within, a strong focus on Google Assistant, and a fun experience to demo it.
Nomad case for Pixel 3
On its opening day, we were able to get into the Google booth early to hear about some new announcements for Assistant in the coming year, including sticky notes for smart displays, Assistant reading what’s on your screen, and more. Afterward, we were able to explore the booth.
As per usual, the Google booth was absolutely flooded with products that work with Assistant. There was a wall of Android smartphones and Wear OS smartwatches as well as Android TVs, soundbars, smart home lighting products, and much more. Some new products such as speakers from Belkin and Konka, new Wear OS smartwatches, and new phones from TCL and other brands showed up at the booth, too. In the middle of the room, there are also some Nest Hub and Pixel 4 experiences to show off Assistant.
Our experience at the booth started at the back with a quick demo of Android Auto. First, that was in a BMW, which was using Wireless Android Auto, something the brand has just recently adopted. Next, we moved over to a Volvo XC40, which is using a native version of Android Auto that expands to more of the vehicle. Its interface is different, but it supports many of the same apps and functions alongside being able to control the climate and show navigation behind the steering wheel.
Upstairs, though, is where all the real fun is for the Google CES 2020 booth with the “Google Assistant Journey.” In a sharp turn away from last year’s roller coaster, the 2020 version of this experience was called “Change of Plans” and is a fun, interactive experience.
An enthusiastic “tour guide” leads you through the experience where you’ll live the life of a person on the hunt for a reservation to try out a dish called “Bacon and Brussels Burrata di Bufala Risotto Burrito.” The name of that dish is absolutely ridiculous, only hinting at the fun tour to come.
In the first two rooms, those who enter see loads of Google Assistant hardware as they follow a story of a woman going to try out this dish. As you get in the “car” in the second room, things take a turn for the worse as the plans change and “you” decide to instead have the group of friends to your own home where you make the dish from scratch.
Throughout all of this, a disembodied voice is narrating the experience with some sarcastic quips and overacted lines, but it’s not until the third room that you realize this is an actual person guiding you through the experience. They ask, “Does anyone know how to cook?” or in my group, single out a specific person to find out if they know how to make Bacon and Brussels Burrata di Bufala Risotto Burrito. Obviously they did not.
From there, you’ll enter a faux grocery store with a Pixel 4 on display to help find the ingredients for the recipe. It was at this point that Google’s plan came to fruition with me as I had to say aloud, “Hey Google, find a recipe for Bacon and Brussels Burrata di Bufala Risotto Burrito.” I failed.
After the ingredients are ready, you’ll ask that Pixel 4 to preheat the oven and then, once at the door, unlock it using the Assistant. Throughout this entire experience, the narrator is giving snarky comments to make things light-hearted and enjoyable, but things really went over the top with the nice touch of a “Hi, I’m Mat” doormat.
In the kitchen, a few more commands are given by your group of six including chilling a bottle of champagne in a connected fridge, making rice with an Instant Pot, running a food processor, and even using one of those connected water faucets. Finally, the Bacon and Brussels Burrata di Bufala Risotto Burrito is ready, and the dining room table flips over to reveal the dish just in time for Jen, “your” friend through this journey to show up on a Nest Hello at the front door.
While the lengthy wait for Google’s Assistant journey probably won’t be worth the wait for everyone, it’s a fun few minutes of chuckles and, frankly, some clever tech demos. It’d actually be really cool if Google made this sort of experience available at pop-up shops in the future, because this sort of thing would be much more impactful on the general public versus the tech-savvy crowd of CES.
At the back of the Google CES 2020 booth, there’s a huge, very fun slide that leads into a ball pit, but we’ll have more to say on that soon…
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.
