Tech

How to Watch Samsung Unpacked—and What to Expect – Gizmodo

Published

3 years ago

February 9, 2022

Image: Samsung

Samsung’s first 2022 Unpacked event kicks off this week, and it might just be the most exciting one of the year. That’s because we’re expecting new versions of the Korean tech giant’s most popular flagship products, including Galaxy S22 series smartphones and Galaxy Tab S8 tablets. As some of the first flagship mobile products of the new year, these will set an early benchmark against which subsequent releases from other companies will be compared.

Samsung has done a rather poor job of keeping things under wraps, with multiple leaks outing the soon-to-be-revealed product lineups. While we have a good idea of what to expect, there is always a chance for a surprise reveal. Even if we don’t get one, Samsung will show these phones off in the flesh and potentially demo some of their best features on stage.

With that said, here is how you can watch the Unpacked live stream and what you can expect at the event.

How to Watch Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked Event

Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked kicks off on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 7 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET. The virtual event will be live-streamed on various platforms, including Samsung’s website, YouTube, and even (sorry, but I must say the word) in the metaverse.

Perhaps the most familiar method is to find the live stream on Samsung’s YouTube page. It should go up well before the event so it’s never too early to check for the clip. You can also view the event directly on Samsung’s Unpacked webpage where there is currently a download link to add the event to your calendar.

And finally, I regret to inform you that Samsung is also hosting the event in a virtual world that the company is calling a “metaverse.” Those eager to learn about the company’s upcoming products can watch the event at Samsung 837X, a digital recreation of the company’s flagship New York store located in a browser-based virtual reality world called Decentraland (warning: it’s all very crypto and NFT-heavy).

Now let’s dive into what we expect to see.

Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra

Like clockwork, Samsung debuts its flagship Galaxy S-model smartphones in the first few months of each year—typically in either February or March. This time around is no different. At Unpacked, we will almost certainly see the launch of Galaxy S22 series smartphones, and this year, the lineup is expected to consist of a Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Before we get going, let’s put this upcoming release into context. For one, Samsung is set to finally kill its Galaxy Note “phablet” and fold its features into the S-series phones to create a “one phone fits all” device. At the same time, the company faces renewed competition from Google’s Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, a pair of commercially and critically acclaimed devices. For these reasons, it feels as if there’s a bit more at stake going into this Unpacked.

Fortunately, leaks and rumors suggest Samsung has some worthy upgrades coming to the Galaxy S22 series. In terms of the design, the biggest change we’re expecting is a flatter shape on the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which will mimic the look of previous Galaxy Note devices. As the spiritual successor to the Note, the S22 Ultra is said to house an S Pen stylus for jotting notes or tapping through web pages. Samsung even left us a clever little hint about the change, teasing the announcement of the “most noteworthy S series ever.” The Ultra is also tipped to use more durable materials, including Gorilla Glass Victus Plus and Samsung’s Armor Aluminum.

Samsung Galaxy S8 — Image: WinFuture (Other)

The other two phones, the S22 and S22+, will adopt the curvy, rounded design of their predecessors. Leaked images via WinFuture show a flat screen with a hole-punch selfie cam centered at the top. On the rear, these two standard models will have a shallow camera bump housing three lenses while the Galaxy S22 Ultra appears to nix the camera bump altogether and seamlessly integrate multiple cameras on the rear. In terms of colors, since-removed images posted by leaker Evan Blass showed four hues for each phone: black, white, and green on all three along with pink on the S22 and S22+ and purple on the S22 Ultra.

As for specs, these phones will likely be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chips in North America and Samsung’s Exynos 2200—the first SoC with an AMD-based GPU—in other markets. Rumors point to the S22 and S22+ being equipped with 8GB of RAM and 256GB storage while the S22 Ultra will have multiple configurations: 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage.

According to WinFuture, the Galaxy S22 will have a 6.1-inch OLED (2340 x 1080) display while the Galaxy S22+ will measure 6.6 inches (2340 x 1080)—both of which are a 0.1-inch reduction from last year. They will supposedly have a higher peak brightness reaching 1,500 and 1,750 nits, respectively. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is the largest in this trio with a 6.8-inch (3080 x 1440) OLED display. Each display will have a refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

Much attention will be paid to the cameras, and it seems like the standard models are getting more of an update than the Ultra. The S22 and S22+ will supposedly have a trio of lenses consisting of an upgraded 50-megapixel main camera, a 10MP telephoto for 3x zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The S22 Ultra will stick with a familiar setup, with a 108MP main camera, two 10MP telephoto (3x and 10x), and a 12-megapixel ultrawide.

When it comes to pricing, the S22 will reportedly start at €849, or around $958, while the S22+ raises the price to €1,049 (around $1,183). The Galaxy S22 Ultra could be priced at around $1,400.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, S8+, and S8 Ultra

Mirroring these new flagship smartphones are Samsung’s next wave of flagship tablets: the Galaxy Tab S8, Galaxy Tab S8+, and Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. Those two former models are successors to last year’s devices while the “Ultra” edition would be the first of its kind.

Again, Samsung has done a poor job of preventing leakers from spoiling the surprise. Heck, what is allegedly the official press release (from Blass’s Substack) for these devices was posted online a few days before the event, revealing their features and specs in full.

The highlight, and what is sure to attract headlines, is the “Ultra” model, which will be one of the largest tablets on the market when it debuts. The tablet supposedly has a 14.6-inch (2960 x 1848) display, a screen that would dwarf even the larger iPad Pro. In comparison, the Tab S8 is said to be the smallest of the bunch at 11 inches (2560 x 1600) while the Tab S8+ has a 12.4-inch (2800 x 1752) screen. The S8 Ultra and S8+ flaunt OLED panels while the standard edition is stuck with an LCD screen.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 — Image: Evan Blass/Twitter (Other)

Alleged marketing materials leaked by Evan Blass spill even more details, showing how the Ultra model can be equipped with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage while the other versions top out at 12GB and 256GB. The processor is vaguely listed as a 4-nanometer chip but we can assume it’s the same one found in the Galaxy S22 devices.

Other interesting tidbits include support for a new S Pen that “uses a prediction algorithm for ultra-low latency,” and renders of the slates show the stylus can be docked on a rear magnet, much like the previous models. Samsung will also offer covers and keyboards for these tablets.

The leaked press release says the tablets will be available for preorder on Feb 9, but doesn’t contain pricing details.

Any Surprises?

I doubt it—unless Samsung somehow has a surprise in store that it miraculously kept secret, something it is clearly incapable of doing. And remember, the products described above are the company’s flagship models, so any other reveal would likely be overshadowed.

If Samsung does pull something out of the hat, my guess would be a pair of earbuds. The Korean tech giant has so many models that it’s hard to keep track of them all. The most likely candidates to get a refresh are the Galaxy Buds Plus, Galaxy Buds Live, or Buds Pro 2. I wouldn’t place any bets on it, but then who knows—it’s not like I predicted the Bengals going to the Super Bowl.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.