During an online-only keynote for Apple’s annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), the company launched iOS 14. The new iPhone OS is a follow-up to last year’s iOS 13, which initially had a rocky start with numerous software updates at its launch. The preview of iOS 14 includes a major redesign of the iPhone home screen, picture-in-picture video, better widgets, a new way to automatically organize your apps called App Library and a new Siri interface. These features come alongside a new Translation app and the ability to unlock your car with your iPhone.
Main features of the iOS 14 are largely focused on the home screen, the Today View and notifications. Interestingly enough, the very idea of an app is changing. Prior to iOS 14, there were already apps as well as widgets that are based on your installed apps and available on the Today View page. Now, there is a third form called App Clips for when you need the functionality of an app that you don’t have.
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A developer version of iOS 14 is currently available to download, with a public beta launching in July. A final version of iOS 14 will be released in the fall, likely alongside with the rumored iPhone 12, which will the first new iPhone since the iPhone SE launched in April. iOS 14 runs on the same iPhones that are supported in iOS 13 — specifically, the iPhone 6S and newer.
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iOS 14 App Library makes your iPhone’s home screen more manageable
Since it launched in 2007, the iPhone’s home screen has largely remained the same aside from aesthetic changes. In iOS 13, organizing and moving apps around can be quite tedious with the way the iPhone forces apps to fill in from the top-left side of the screen.
The App Library in iOS 14 is a new page on the home screen that automatically organizes all of your apps into one view. This is perhaps my personal favorite iOS 14 feature because it gives you several different ways to group and navigate your apps beyond the current magnetic app layout.
Smartly, the App Library bundles your apps into group apps by categorizing them. For example, apps like Facebook and Twitter would be grouped into a folder called social apps. If you’re not interested in using the App Library page, you still have access to the current way you have your apps organized. This solution feels like a “have your cake and eat it, too” answer to app organization.
Also worth noting: You will be able to hide pages of apps, which can be nice for grouping those apps that you use infrequently all into one place.
Widgets in iOS 14 can be pinned, resized and stacked
With iOS 14, Apple redesigned widgets currently found in the Today View on iOS 13. Now you can pin widgets on your home screen and resize them to your liking. This is something Android has had for a while, but in a typical Apple twist, iOS 14 can automatically creates a Smart Stack of widgets based on which apps you use frequently and during what time of day. You simply swipe the widget stack to bring different widgets to the top.
The new widget design definitely shows some influence from Apple WatchOS and its complications.
App Clips show a small part of an app for fast functionality
An incredibly well-thought-out addition to iOS 14 is App Clips. Let’s say you’re in a coffee shop and you want to use the rewards program from the shop’s app, but you don’t have it installed. Using a QR code or NFC at the shop’s register, a square card will pop up on the bottom of the screen (similar to when you have AirPods connected to your phone). The card gives you direct access to functionality chosen by the app’s developer. The idea is you don’t need to download an entire app to access a feature, especially if it’s a one-off kind of use.
App Clips don’t stay on your home screen and you have access to them for as long as you need them. Even better, App Clips can be connected to Apple Pay to provide you with a fast payment experience, too. This seems like an incredibly useful feature, and I’m excited to see it roll out with iOS 14 in the fall.
Set an app to be your default email and browser
With iOS 14, you can set a third‑party app as the default email or browser app systemwide. This means the Gmail app could be your default mail app, or Firefox can be your default internet browser on your phone. This feature has been in high demand from iPhone users for years.
Picture-in-Picture video comes to your iPhone home screen
Like iPadOS and MacOS, iOS 14 now lets users have picture-in-picture video on their home screen. This will allow you to watch a video while also interacting with everything else on your iPhone.
The feature even works when you’re on a phone call or FaceTime call. That said, if it’s like the version found on iPadOS 13, you won’t be able to have YouTube videos play (aside from the audio) on your home screen.
iOS 14 Messages lets you pin conversations
Similar to what you can do in other messaging clients like Slack and What’s App, you can specify a person in a group message thread by typing their name. You can even customize a group thread so that you only receive notifications when your name is mentioned. iOS 14 also lets you pin conversations at the top of the Messages app.
iOS 14 gives Siri an overhauled interface and knowledge
Currently when you trigger Siri, the entire screen goes black, hiding everything else. When you activate Siri in iOS 14, there is a small animation at the bottom of the screen that appears, minimizing any visual limitations.
According to Apple, Siri knows over 20 times more facts than it did just three years ago. Also the audio messages feature in the Messages app can be accessed directly from Siri.
Memoji get more customizations including a face mask
Memoji will get a slew of new customizations. Apple added 20 new hair and headwear options as well as new age options. There are three new Memoji sticker actions: hug, fist bump, and blush. One of the more telling additions is the ability to put a face mask on your Memoji. Quite relevant to our current times.
Siri can now translate text and dictation via the Translate app
One of the cooler features is a new app that lets you translate text or dictation. It’s similar to the Google Translate app. The Translate app in iOS 14 is designed for conversations and uses the iPhone’s onboard Neural Engine which means you don’t have to be online to use it and your privacy is protected.
You can trigger the app with Siri and have the app automatically detect the languages. There is a helpful conversation mode that turns on when you rotate your iPhone into landscape. Each side of the screen shows the translation from the other person, making a conversation easy to follow.
At launch the Translate app will support 11 languages:
English
Spanish
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Russian
Korean
Arabic
Portuguese
Mandarin Chinese
Cycling directions comes to Apple Maps
One missing feature from the Maps app in iOS 13 is the ability to get directions for cycling. iOS 14 can show you route options for bike lanes, paths and roads as well as give you heads up on elevation changes, busy streets and stairs.
Call notification windows get small
Similar to how iOS 14 now minimizes the Siri interface, incoming calls will no longer take up your entire iPhone screen. Instead, apps that can receive calls will have a petite notification window at the top of the screen.
iOS 14 and CarPlay get digital car keys
Think of this feature like an Apple Wallet for your car. You will be able to lock, unlock and start your car with your iPhone or Apple Watch instead of a physical key. The feature uses NFC and lets you share keys with friends or family. These digital car keys will be available next year.
iOS 14 app and feature potpourri
There are of course a bunch of other small, yet significant upgrades like:
The Home app now supports “adaptive lighting” that lets you change color temperature over the course of a day.
Sleep mode turns your iPhone into a Do Not Disturb alarm clock.
The Camera app has faster shot-to-shot performance and a new exposure compensation control, that lets you lock an exposure without adjusting the focus.
Voice Memos get audio enhancements.
Sleep in the Health app can help you track and attain goals for sleeping.
The app store will let you know what information and privacy practices an app has before downloading it. This is huge.
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.