Because each individual day of 2019 felt like it stretched on for 100 years, you would absolutely be forgiven for forgetting that the largest technology show of the year immediately follows the start of the new year. But folks, the Consumer Electronics Show is happening—mere days from now, in fact—which means that the Gizmodo staff will be heading to Sin City to cover the conference’s most innovative, peculiar, and covetable tech at the event.
If you’ve missed some of the news and rumors leading up to this year’s event, we’ve got you covered. From this year’s oddball appearances to wearables to sex tech, here’s what you can look forward to hearing about during this year’s consumer tech showcase in Las Vegas.
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Foldables
One of last year’s CES highlights was the FlexPai, a foldable phone from Royole—and while neat, it also sucked. But it did kick off a big year for foldable tech. Then, in mid-2019, Lenovo showed off a concept laptop with a flexible OLED display but didn’t reveal anything about price, specs, or even an official name, which makes CES a perfect time for Lenovo to follow up with new developments.
And with Microsoft having surprised everyone with multiple dual-screen gadgets last fall, we’re expecting even more dual-screen systems from other laptop makers, especially following releases like the Omen X 2S and ZenBook Pro Duo from HP and Asus back in the fall. Like it or not, there’s a big wave of dual-screen notebooks on the way.
Mountains More Wireless Earbuds
The sea of options for a truly wireless earbud grows steadily by the day, meaning no one is really forced to contend with Apple’s one size—and one very high price!—fits all AirPods (even the AirPods Pro buds with their silicon tips aren’t for everyone). In 2019 we reviewed several veritable AirPods competitors in the Jaybird Vista, the Master & Dynamic MW07, and Powerbeats Pro. But everyone’s looking to muscle their way into the space. Hell, even Amazon is looking to get into wireless earbuds. In other words, expect quite a few of them to crop up at CES.
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Apple
Well, well, well! Look who decided to show up at this year’s hottest tech party after publicly shaming its competitors during last year’s event!
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That’s right, Apple’s senior director of global privacy Jane Horvath is set to speak alongside other tech giant moguls during a Chief Privacy Officer Roundtable on Tuesday. (The panel will also, ironically, include an appearance by an executive for privacy bastion and known protector of the people Facebook.) Apple will also promote its HomeKit, and Bloomberg reported this week that the company is “likely to roll out new software capabilities.” But don’t expect new hardware.
We Have the Meats
As someone with an absolutely shameless enthusiasm for plant-based meats, I’m thrilled to share with you, reader, that CES once again has the (faux) meats. Impossible Foods, maker of the dumb delicious Impossible Burger, will be at the conference again this year to reveal some presumably new and almost assuredly delicious news. Trust that you’ll be the first to know when we find out what that is.
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8K Expansions
CES is home to impressive debuts of masterclass displays (if not highly, highly expensive ones). Samsung, Sony, and LG will all be expanding their 8K lineups, so expect to hear plenty on this front at this year’s event. Perhaps some rollable TVs to look forward to?
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Wearable and Pleasure Tech
Remember all that hubbub last year when the Consumer Technology Association, which puts on CES, revoked an award it had given to a sex toy while at the same time calling it “immoral, obscene, indecent, [or] profane”? Well, CES fucks now. Following last year’s fiasco and the ensuing public relations nightmare, the conference announced that it would permit sex tech under its Health and Wellness category but that it must “be innovative and include new or emerging tech to qualify.”
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Elsewhere, as always, expect more wearables in the wellness category. Many of the changes to tech in this category may be iterative, but expect to see hybrid devices and advances in medical applications and wellness tracking.
Politics
Technology and innovation are inherently political, from security and privacy to social responsibility to manufacturing to lobbying efforts and foreign trade. But politics aren’t necessarily always front-of-mind at a consumer trade show. This year, CES is ensuring they will be.
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The conference is hosting a “fireside chat” with Ivanka Trump and CTA chief Gary Shapiro for a discussion about “how the administration is advocating for employer-led strategies that invest in reskilling workers, create apprenticeships and develop K-12 STEM education programs.” In a highly controversial move, the trade show named her a keynote speaker. This, coupled with the ongoing Huawei mess, and a trade war with China that’s focused on technology ensures that no one will be escaping the politics of tech at this year’s event.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should give you a good of the scale of announcements we’re expecting to be announced in the coming week as news trickles out of the conference. We’ll be on the ground keeping tabs on all the highlights, so be sure to check back with us to make sure you don’t miss a beat.
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Additional reporting by Sam Rutherford.
We’re live from Las Vegas at CES 2020! Click here to read our complete coverage.
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.
