Like every year, Samsung has announced that it’ll unveil its new S series smartphones at an Unpacked event. Unlike in previous years, however, Samsung is holding the event in January. When most things around the world are pushed back due to COVID-19, the top phone manufacturer in the world has managed to push up its timeline by a tad more than a month.
To be exact, Samsung will host the Unpacked event on January 14th at 10am ET/7am PT. The video will stream on the company’s website and likely YouTube.
We’re expecting to see the Galaxy S21 series of smartphones, the successor to the Galaxy Buds+ and a new Samsung-branded tracker.
Samsung Galaxy S21 series
The trio of devices will be the company’s newest flagships and potentially the best ‘Candybar’ handsets the tech-maker will release all year, as rumours indicate the South Korean manufacturer may ditch its Note brand.
The largest and greatest of the three phones will likely be the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. It’s expected to sport a Snapdragon 888 chipset, four rear-facing camera shooters, a large battery and come in two colour variants.
Here are the handset’s rumoured specs, leaked by WinFuture:
Snapdragon 888 chipset (Canada/U.S.)
12GB of RAM
Curved 6.8-inch WQHD+, Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Always-On display with Gorilla Glass 7, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,600 nits of brightness 515ppi pixel density
128GB/256GB/512GB of storage
108-megapixel (wide-angle lens, f/1.8, 79-degree field of view, OIS) + 12-megapixel (ultra-wide-angle lens, f/2.2, 120-degree, autofocus) + 10-megapixel (telephoto f/2.4, 35-degree field of view, OIS), 10-megapixel (telephoto f/4.9 10-degree field of view, 3x & 10x hybrid optical zoom)
40-megapixel front-facing camera (f/2.2, 80-degree field of view)
8K video recording at 30fps, 4K video recording at 30/60fps, etc.
For those who think they’ll miss the S-Pen with Samsung potentially ditching the Note series, the S21 Ultra works with the S-Pen. Unlike Note series smartphones, however, S21 Ultra won’t be capable of holding the stylus; instead, you’ll need to purchase a case.
If you want a powerhouse smartphone, the S21 Ultra is it, but it’ll also come at a high price as the handset is rumoured to cost 1,349€ (roughly $2,109 CAD). So, if you’re looking for a more affordable, high-quality device, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy S21+, another phone that Samsung will unveil at next week’s event.
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a handset that offers high-quality specs but isn’t over the top. You can expect three cameras on this device, a large 4,800mAh battery, but with less RAM and a screen quality that is by all means quite standard.
Here are the handset’s rumour specs, leaked by WinFuture:
Snapdragon 888 chipset (Canada/U.S.)
8GB of RAM
Flat 6.7-inch FullHD+, Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED Always-On display with Gorilla Glass Victus, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,300 nits of brightness 398ppi pixel density
12-megapixel (f/1.8 aperture, 26mm, 79-degree field of view, OIS) + 64-megapixel telephoto (f/2.0 aperture 76-degree field of view, OIS, 3x hybrid zoom, auto-focus) + 12-megapixel ultrawide (f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree field of view)
10-megapixel (f/2.2 aperture, 80-degree field of view)
8K video recording at 30fps, 4K video recording at 30/60fps, etc.
128GB/256GB of storage
5G, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, NFC,
4,800mAh battery with 25W charging, Qi Wireless charging and reverse charging
Personally, I’m excited to get my hands on the Phantom Purple or Phantom Silver versions of this handset. As with previous years, this phone has been leaked in several videos so that you can get a better look at the device. Check out YouTuber Random Stuff 2’s video to see more of the handset or wait for our official review later this month.
Next up is the smaller handset for those who think 6.7-inch or 6.8-inch smartphones are too large. The Samsung Galaxy S21 is mostly the same phone as the S21+, except it offers a 6.2-inch display paired with a smaller battery. It’s also worth mentioning the phone has a plastic back, this time around.
Here are the handset’s rumoured specs, leaked by WinFuture:
Snapdragon 888 chipset (Canada/U.S.)
8GB of RAM
Flat 6.2-inch FullHD+, Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED Always-On display with Gorilla Glass Victus, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,300 nits of brightness 421ppi pixel density
12-megapixel (f/1.8 aperture, 26mm, 79-degree field of view, OIS) + 64-megapixel telephoto (f/2.0 aperture 76-degree field of view, OIS, 3x hybrid zoom, auto-focus) + 12-megapixel ultrawide (f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree field of view)
10-megapixel (f/2.2 aperture, 80-degree field of view)
8K video recording at 30fps, 4K video recording at 30/60fps, etc.
128GB/256GB of storage
5G, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, NFC,
4,000mAh with 25W charging, Qi Wireless, and reverse charging,
While the phones alone are enough for an Unpacked event, rumours indicate that Samsung also has a pair of new earbuds up its sleeves.
Accidentally confirmed by Samsung Canada, the company will likely announce the Galaxy Buds Pro at its Unpacked event. Leaker Walking Cat has revealed quite a bit about the upcoming earbuds, indicating that the buds sport a 2-way speaker, noise-cancelling, three microphones, always-on Bixby and eight hours of battery.
The earbuds actually seem to be available to purchase from a seller on Facebook in the U.S. YouTuber Digital Slang was able to purchase the earbuds.
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In the video, he notes that the noise cancellation isn’t as good as Apple’s AirPods Pro, but the transparency mode is the best he’s heard from any other earbuds.
Finally, rumours are pointing to Samsung officially launching its Galaxy SmartTags, tile-like trackers — and beating Apple to the punch.
The Galaxy SmartTags were spotted on the Taiwanese NCC.
This IoT device reportedly uses Bluetooth to connect with nearby devices, according to 91mobiles. The SmartTag is powered by a standard button cell battery that’ll allow users to swap out the battery when it dies.
While we’ll see these above devices on January 14, Canadian pricing and availability are currently unclear.
What might be there:
We might see s new Galaxy Z Flip as well. Last year, Samsung revealed the Galaxy Z Flip alongside the Galaxy S series; however, it doesn’t seem likely the company will do so again this year. Rumours indicate that Samsung will launch the Z Flip 3 series sometime in the latter half of the year, near when it’ll launch the Z Fold 3. This is likely to make up for the lack of the Note handsets in 2021.
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.
