The Canadian accessories brand Vitalyis taking its edgy hardware beyond the jewellery box. Known for contemporary styles with an industrial aesthetic, the brand has introduced a curated selection of home accessories available online and at its Toronto and Los Angeles stores. “We’ve known for a long time that we wanted to reimagine everyday household objects through our own design lens. During the pandemic, we all spent a lot of time in our houses thinking about the objects we were using daily to help keep us calm and grounded,” says Vitaly creative director Zack Vitiello. Meant to be displayed individually or together as a set, the collection includes an ashtray, incense holder, coaster and a joint holder, all made of aluminum. A handsome catchall with curved, molten edges does double-duty as a display for Vitaly’s chains, rings and bracelets.
Vitaly, 505 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-901-7467; 7716 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 323-879-9346, vitalydesign.com.
Trending
Parlour trick
As we rethink how we entertain at home, some designers say that the parlour room is making a comeback. Traditionally, this formal setting was reserved for receiving guests. Today, it’s more a multifunction space suitable for unwinding, from reading in the morning or having cocktails in the evening. “It’s a comfortable and beautiful place without the distraction of modern technology,” Atlanta-based interior designer Bradley Odom says. In fashioning your own parlour, Odom advises delineating it from the rest of the home. “I think it’s also ideal to create some separation from the rest of the house to really emphasize that it is a space to unwind and enjoy the company of others with less distraction from the banalities of daily life.” Looking to the gathering spaces in hotels for inspiration, Odom suggests adding ambient lighting, stocking a bar area and incorporating dark, rich tones. “In the best-case scenario, the room is really enveloping in its efforts to create the parlour effect,” he says.
Business
Big in Japan
Two firms have teamed up to bring a fresh new dining space to Banff. Designed in partnership of Frank Architecture (frankarchitecture.ca) and Little Giant Studio (littlegiant-studio.com), Hello Sunshine (hellosunshinebanff.com) is a retro-inspired Japanese restaurant and karaoke bar that juxtaposes Japanese psychedelia with a spaghetti western set in a mountain cabin. The result is a distinct design experience that brings the unexpected to Banff National Park.
Obsession
Hollywood feature
In Los Angeles, contemporary design gallery the Future Perfect (thefutureperfect.com) has curated the city’s first solo exhibition for Italian artist, industrial designer and architect Gaetano Pesce. Debuting during L.A. Art Week and open by appointment until the end this month, Dear Futurespans over five decades of Pesce’s designs including new works, historic pieces and contemporary re-editions. These include La Mamma, a curvaceous armchair designed in 1969, River Table, a rare work from 2012, and the debut of a new series called Multicolored Lamps with Rocks. The exhibition is housed in the Goldwyn House, the new Los Angeles flagship for the Future Perfect and former home of movie producer Samuel Goldwyn. Throughout the grand Hollywood Hills mansion, guests will discover the work of other designers in situ, including a dazzling disco chair by Rachel Shillander and a garden filled with of one-of-a-kind sculptures by Dan John Anderson.
Investment buy
Fresh cut
With the first day of spring just days away, gardeners across the country will be prepping to prune. At the Gardener’s Kit, which has stores in Vancouver and Victoria, owner Susanne Osmond says that a pair of Japanese secateurs selected for your hand size make for a comfortable experience, adding that these secateurs feature a locking mechanism that is easy to use, even with gloves on. “It never accidentally engages while you are working and you can lock them with one hand, if your other hand is full, by pushing them closed against your hip,” she says. For small- to medium-sized hands, Osmond recommends the Tobisho SR-1 Secateurs, a lightweight and well-balanced pair based on the traditional A-Type shape and constructed from one piece of Yasugi steel.
Tobisho SR-1 Secateurs, $145 at Gardener’s Kit (gardenerskit.com).
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.