The reason why most of us haven’t adopted solar energy is because it sounds easier than it is. You need to factor in the square-footage for solar panels, connect them to a battery system, hook the batteries to a generator/power station that can effectively switch between the grid and solar power, and most importantly, make sure all the aforementioned gadgets are compatible with each other. It’s a lot like buying computers back in the day. Buy a motherboard, which graphics card and CPU are compatible, figure out which RAMs to use, make sure you’ve got enough slots for expansions, install a hard drive or SSD, and then just make sure all the pieces work together in unison. What if, however, there was a simpler way? A simpler way to install a solar-energy set-up on your house that was as simple as choosing specs on a website and having a readymade desktop or laptop ship to your door? It’s an idea that not many companies have worked on, and it seems like Tesla has abandoned the solar panel and battery-powered home idea almost entirely, but it’s a future that BLUETTI is working towards. The company just announced the EP900, a simple, convenient, hassle-free, and modular setup comprising of a power station, and a stackable battery system that lets you connect solar panels to your grid to harness, store, or even sell solar energy.
What makes the EP900 so remarkable is how easily the pieces fall into place. It starts with the EP900’s modular design, featuring a power station on top and modular battery packs below. Supporting the company’s B500 battery packs, the EP900 lets you go all the way up to 39kWh of power by stacking up to four 9.9kWh battery packs one upon another. In this configuration, the EP900 gives you a maximum output of 9kW, enough to power your entire home with all your appliances almost fully on battery power. Hook the EP900 to a set of BLUETTI’s solar panels and you can even run your home entirely on solar power 24×7, getting you through power outages, emergencies, and natural calamities that affect the area’s power supply.
The EP900 power station and B500 battery modules come with a design best described as cutting-edge. The power station and battery packs have a slick, metallic design reminiscent of something from a Silicon Valley company, and stack wonderfully one on another, creating a vertical tower that sits right beside your power box. Made for both outdoor as well as indoor use, the setup is IP65 water-resistant, and the LiFePO4 battery cells are weather-resistant too. In the hot months, they can resist high temperatures, functioning seamlessly without any danger, and in low weather, they have a self-warming protocol that keeps the setup from freezing and shutting down.
In fact, the B500 battery modules are some of BLUETTI’s top-of-the-line modules, being compatible with their other flagship power stations too. The batteries use EV-grade LiFePO4 cells that retain their capacity even after years of usage, and come with a 10-year warranty to drive the point home. An intelligent BMS (battery management system) helps protect your EP900 setup from surges, overcharging, overheating, or voltage fluctuation, and BLUETTI’s smartphone app gives you a comprehensive overview on your energy consumption, battery levels, and overall battery health.
So how would one, in theory, set up the EP900? Well, the EP900 works with new as well as existing solar panels, although BLUETTI makes some of the most energy-efficient ones on the market. Determine how many battery modules you need based on your home size and power consumption, and add an extra battery pack just for emergencies. You can even sell your excess power back to the electrical company for subsidies on your bills or a cashback! However, the real-life payouts are much more rewarding. The EP900 makes switching to solar power, or switching power stations to better harness your solar energy, much simpler.
The device is absolutely effortless to install, with batteries and power stations stacking upon each other like LEGO bricks, and helps you get through the tough, unpredictable times in your life, whether it’s a random power outage or something a little more serious.
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.
