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The best video doorbells for every budgetWhether you want to deter thieves, greet guests while you’re away, or just play a prank on the cat that likes to chill on your stoop, our guide to the top video doorbells of 2024 has a solution for every need.
Best overall value
Ario’s second-generation 2K Wi-Fi doorbell delivers excellent bang for your buck. It has all the features you’d expect, including motion detection alerts (handy for tracking deliveries) and two-way audio so you can vet visitors, then sneaks in some perks, like a siren to scare away prowlers. Plus, you have the option to power it by either electrical wire or battery.
Pros
2K resolution makes it easy to identify guests and see important details in security events.
Visitor messaging lets guests record a voice message for you if you’re not available.
Night vision mode provides clear imaging even with the porch light turned off.
Cons
Requires a subscription to make use of recording and storage features you’ll very likely want, such as AI-powered activity zones.
At nearly 13cm tall and more than 2cm deep, it’s not exactly a model of minimalism.
Best Google Home integration
If you’ve bought into Google’s smart home ecosystem, this is the doorbell you want. It integrates seamlessly with Google Home, and the subscription fee you’re likely already paying for other devices covers Google’s doorbell, too. It might be worth considering even if you aren’t a Google devotee, since it offers three hours of event history with no need for monthly fees.
Pros
Facial recognition means your camera can tell the difference between friends and strangers.
Compatible with Google Assistant (and Amazon Alexa) for voice command controls.
Motion sensors use AI to discern whether a package, person, or pet has come into view.
Cons
No option for battery power, so you’ll either need to bone up on electrical wiring or hire an electrician to install it.
The image sensor is 1.3MP, which is fine for tracking deliveries but could be better for security purposes.
Best feature set
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a tad pricier than its competitors, but you get what you pay for. Like a radar-powered bird’s-eye view that tracks the paths of visitors through your yard on an aerial map. Seriously. And if you get a Ring Protect Plan subscription (essential if you want to view more than just live video) you’ll gain access to Alexa Greetings, a voice recording that greets and provides directions to visitors and delivery people.
Pros
A subscription gives you a whopping 180 days of recording that can be saved and shared as you like.
Excellent HD+ video and crisp audio make interactions with visitors feel like video calls.
Notifications sent to your device include a photo, reducing the need to open the app to see what happened.
Cons
No battery option, though at least it comes with easy-to-follow instructions for DIYers.
Pricier than most video doorbells, and a subscription will add $6 to the expense column of your monthly budget.
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Best package monitoring
If package delivery is your top priority, Eufy’s dual camera doorbell is worth investigating. A front-facing 2K camera provides a nice crisp view of your visitor, while a floor facing camera is focused squarely on what delivery folks leave by your door. Better yet, there’s no subscription needed. The doorbell has 8GB of local storage, which can be expanded up to 128GB with a microSD card.
Pros
The rechargeable battery lasts 180 days between charges.
The Eufy app is available for iOS and Android devices, and supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice commands.
Comes with a WiFi doorbell chime for a traditional ding-dong sound when you’re at home.
Cons
To take full advantage of local storage you’ll need to buy a 128GB memory card and manage clips yourself.
Requires a Euphy Homebase (sold separately) for enhanced storage and optimal Wi-Fi stability.
Best price
Does spending hundreds of dollars on a doorbell (even one with video) seem crazy to you? Then let’s look at Amazon’s Blink. It’s as plain jane as a video doorbell gets, but it’s cheap, reliable, and easy to use. It’s powered via a pair of rechargeable lithium ion batteries (included), so you can set it up yourself in just minutes, and it has all the basics you want in a doorbell, including live view and the ability to chat with visitors.
Pros
It’s optimized to work with Amazon’s own Alexa ecosystem of products (such as the Blink Mini camera, which can be used as a chime).
Infrared night video lets you see who’s come calling after the sun goes down.
You can choose between a storage subscription or store video locally via the included Sync Module and a USB drive (sold separately).
Cons
Its resolution tops out at 1080p, and its field of vision is just 145 degrees, but keep in mind you’re only recording visitors, not Brad Pitt.
No AI features means it can’t tell a package from a person from a pet.
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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.
