With bots andconsole resellers snatching away many people’s chance to directly purchase a PlayStation 5 or a new OLED Switch, virtual reality headsets were a popular gift during the holiday season. The Meta (Oculus) Quest 2 in particular experienced a surge in corresponding app downloads heading into the new year.
Whether you’re finished slashing through Beat Saber’s Lady Gaga music pack or need a break from the Horizon Workroom, VR headset owners can take the time to kick back and stream a movie. (That Supernatural workout can roll over to tomorrow, you’ve earned this.)
Outside of a few experiences, watching a movie with a VR headset does not mean you are immersed in the action. When streaming in VR, your avatar is often placed in a virtual room or cinema with a 2D viewing screen.
Streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video have native apps for the Quest that are easy to download. Video-on-demand rentals through YouTube or Bigscreen require a couple more steps, but the process is straightforward. Other movies can be accessed on VR browsers or downloaded to the headset.
Although setting up a Remote Desktop Client through Bigscreen takes a few minutes, the process is worth it for those who have video files saved to their computer and mainly use a headset at home. Our guide to VR movie watching is primarily focused on the Quest 2, but some suggestions are applicable to the HTC Vive and Valve Index.
How to Stream Netflix Movies and More
From Don’t Look Up to Twilight, you just need to download the Netflix app to watch the streaming service’s movies in VR. After the app downloads, active members can sign in and new members can sign up for Netflix. (Personally, I recommend watching the Fear Street trilogy of movies for a bit of spooky, bloody fun.)
Amazon Prime members can stream movies in VR through the Prime Video app. All you need to do is download the app and log into your profile to start watching movies like Alien, The Big Sick, and Jennifer’s Body.
Any Showtime subscribers out there? The service is fairly niche, but the Showtime app lets you experience Moonlight and other award-winning movies with a VR headset.
How to Rent Movies
If you want to rent recent movies to watch in VR, the YouTube app offers a sizable catalog of films at various price points. Free Guy is available to rent for $6, while Dune costs a whopping $25. Additional YouTube rental highlights include: Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar($6), No Time to Die ($6), and Spencer ($5). After renting a movie from YouTube, you are given one month to begin streaming and 48 hours to finish the film.
Another essential app for watching movies on your VR headset is Bigscreen. It’s basically a virtual movie theater where you enter different environments and stream movies alone or with other people. The selection of rentals is not as extensive as on YouTube, but popular movies like Arrival ($4), Top Gun ($5), and Titanic ($5) are available. Unlike in the physical world, if you’re streaming a rental with friends in VR, you all have to pay the fee.
Do the VR Browser Workaround
What about all the streaming services without a native app? HBO Max, Hulu, and Paramount Plus may not have VR apps, but headset owners can open the websites in a browser as a basic workaround. The Firefox Reality app is on Oculus and works more consistently for videos than other VR browsers.
Open Firefox in VR and visit the website for the streaming service you’re interested in viewing. Use your member information to log in and start watching movies. This method is a little clunky and less reliable than streaming from a dedicated app. If any issues arise, you can troubleshoot by toggling between mobile mode and desktop mode in Firefox.
Watch Movies From Your Computer
The Bigscreen app can be used for a lot more than just movie rentals. Any movies available on your PC can be streamed in VR. It’s possible to load movies onto your Quest 2 for offline viewing by plugging the headset with the charging cable into a PC. Put on the headset and allow data access for the connected device.
Once this is completed, the Quest 2 should appear as a device within the This PC tab. Load any entertainment you would like to watch in the Movies folder of the Quest 2. Restart Bigscreen on your headset, and in the Watch section choose Videoplayer and then Local Video Files to access the downloads.
OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.
In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.
“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.
“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”
The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.
In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.
However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.
The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.
“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
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.
