One of the things I love about Android phones is how much control you get over finer settings to make the phone look and feel the way you want it to.
Out of the box, the Samsung Galaxy S20 is a great smartphone, but it’s not the greatest it could be. Surprisingly, some of Samsung’s default settings don’t make the most of some of the device’s hardware, like its new 120Hz screen. That’s one of the first few things you should change.
Otherwise, there are a bunch of little tweaks you can make to make the Galaxy S20your phone and work the way you like it.
Check out the first 10 things I did when I received the Galaxy S20 Ultra review unit, and note that all these tweaks are available on all Galaxy S20 models:
The Galaxy S20 has a sharp WQHD 1440p display, but it’s set to FHD 1080p by default. Don’t change that — it’s better for your battery life, and FHD still looks great.
Foto: Source: Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
When you first start up the Galaxy S20, its display resolution is set to FHD 1080p by default.
The temptation is strong to set the display resolution to its full WQHD 1440p option for the crispiest, sharpest look for Android, your apps, photos, and videos.
I hardly noticed a difference between the default FHD 1080p mode and the WQHD 1440p option. And keeping it to FHD resolution will help extend your battery life, as the Galaxy S10’s processor won’t need to work as hard to render items on the display at a sharper resolution.
The Galaxy S20’s screen is also capable of giving you a smoother experience while you swipe around the phone. You have to actively enable that feature.
Foto: Source: Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
By default, the Galaxy S20’s screen is set to the standard 60Hz refresh rate, which gives a familiar look and feel to the phone.
But you can set the screen to 120Hz for a faster and smoother overall experience, and it’s absolutely worth it. It might reduce battery life a little bit, but I have no complaints so far on the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Battery life is still among the best I’ve ever experienced on a smartphone.
To change the screen from 60Hz to 120Hz, head to Settings > Display > Motion smoothness > tap High refresh rate (120 Hz) > then tap Apply.
Also note that the 120Hz option is only available for the FHD 1080p resolution.
Turn on Dark Mode to give your Galaxy S20 a sleeker look. It’s also easier on the eyes at night.
Foto: Source: Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
Not only is dark mode easier on the eyes – especially at night – but it looks sleeker, in my opinion. Setting whatever you can to a dark or night mode will also help with battery life, as the Galaxy S20 won’t be using up battery power to light up the default white color theme.
To enable Night Mode, swipe down the notifications shade > swipe down again > swipe left > tap Dark mode.
Use the latest Android navigation mode with swipes instead of the traditional buttons on the bottom of the screen. Not only are they more useful, but it gives your phone a cleaner look, too.
Foto: Source: Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
By default, you get the standard Android navigation buttons on the bottom of the screen, including the multi-task button, the home button, and the back button.
You can clean up Android’s look on the Galaxy S20 by switching to gestures instead of buttons, which removes the navigation bar at the bottom. I kept the Gesture hints option turned on to serve as a guide for where to swipe.
To do this, go to Settings > Display > Navigation bar > select Full screen gestures.
Swipe down from anywhere on the home screen to pull down the notifications shade.
Out of the box, swiping down on the Galaxy S20’s home screen will bring up the Android app drawer where all your apps can be found. The thing is, swiping up already does that. So I decided to set the swipe-down gesture for something more useful – bringing down the android notifications shade.
Doing this makes it easier to pull down the Android notifications shade, as you don’t need to reach up to the top of the screen to swipe the shade down. You can swipe down the notifications shade from the middle of the home screen, or even close to the bottom, if you want.
To do this, go to Settings > Display > Home screen > tap Quick-open notification panel.
Change the way Samsung’s One UI interface looks to make it less cartoon-y.
Foto: Source: Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
The icons are set to look large by default on the Galaxy S20, and it looks a little cartoon-y, which doesn’t match the Galaxy S20’s sleek aesthetic.
To remedy this, I made the home screen icon grid more compact, which made the icons smaller and let me add more apps to the home screen.
To do this, go to Settings > Display > Home screen > Home screen grid > tap 5×6,or whichever grid style you like.
Do the same for the „Apps screen grid“ option in the Home screen menu.
Change the way the edge lighting looks and works on the Galaxy S20.
Foto:
I’m a big fan of the Galaxy S20’s edge lighting when a notification shows up, but I was underwhelmed by the default blue color. I set the edge lighting’s color to be white and made it thicker to be more noticeable, which creates a more impressive effect when you get a notification.
Below is the edge lighting on the Galaxy S10, but it’s almost identical on the Galaxy S20, except you get more options with Samsung’s latest device:
Set the side button to do something useful for you.
Foto: Source: Crystal Cox/Business Insider
Instead of summoning the Bixby virtual assistant with the Galaxy S20’s side button, you can set it to act as a shortcut for your favorite app, or even back to a power button!
To do this, head to Settings > Advanced Features > Side Key > select what you want the side button to do.
Change the keyboard to Google’s Gboard.
Foto: Source: Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
Samsung’s default keyboard is fine, but I’ve always preferred Google’s own Gboard. The keys are wider, which makes it easier and faster to type more accurately. It’s also a cleaner keyboard compared to the cluttered Samsung keyboard. You can also customize Gboard more than you can Samsung’s keyboard.
Just install the Gboard app from the Google Play Store and follow the instructions. Then, you can customize Gboard to your preferred themes and settings.
Make the Galaxy S20 feel faster.
Foto: Source: Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
You can reduce the superfluous animations when navigating around the Android operating system, which lets you get back to your home screen and close or open apps more quickly. It gives the Galaxy S20 feel faster overall.
With animations switched on by default, it always felt like I was waiting for the animations to finish before I could go on to do what I wanted to do next.
To get rid of them, go to Settings > Advanced features > tap Reduce animations.
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.
