Apple’s iOS 16 has been revealed, and it comes with a bunch of stunning new features that help boost iPhone security and privacy—as well as being extremely useful of course.
Revealed at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), iOS 16 hasn’t hit the online ad world—namely Facebook—with any major moves yet. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be anything coming. It had been suggested that Private Relay may become available to all iPhone users by default, and that could still happen.
The soon-to-launch iOS 16 operating system comes with some features people have been wanting for some time and at its heart, carries on the Apple ethos of giving you more control over the data on your iPhone. On the security side, Apple wants iPhone users to be secure by default, and some of the new iOS 16 features are aimed at doing just that.
Here’s what you’ve got to look forward to when iOS 16 arrives this Fall.
Unsend Messages
This one is big—and a feature many Apple fans have been requesting for some time. Apple has now given you the ability to edit and unsend messages on iMessage on your iPhone. That means any late night texts you regret, or any embarrassing work DMs can be deleted in the blink of an eye.
It’s easy to do, you simply recall the message via the Undo Send tool. If you’ve edited the message, the only give-away to the person receiving the iMessage will be a tiny “edited” under the text. Apple’s playing catch up with this iPhone feature, but the wait won’t be long to finally be able to use it.
Passkeys
Passwords suck. They can often be guessed, they get exposed in breaches, and many people repeat them across services. I’m often promoting the benefits of password managers, but there’s something even better on the horizon—Apple’s Passkeys in iOS 16 aim to get rid of passwords altogether.
Passkeys aren’t just an Apple thing—they are promoted by the FIDO Alliance which Apple is a member of alongside Google and Microsoft. Based on the WebAuthn standard, Passkeys use public key cryptography to secure your accounts, removing the need for passwords altogether. In a nutshell, using Passkeys in iOS 16, Apple will authenticate you in the background, and the only thing you need to do is use Face ID or Touch ID, rather than a password. Cool huh?
Safety Check
A new privacy feature called Safety Check will arrive in iOS 16, which is aimed at helping protect people from abusive partners. The feature allows you to stop location sharing and revoke all access to accounts you might have previously granted, including an emergency reset feature to quickly sign you out of iCloud and reset your privacy permissions. This ensures that only the device you are using at the time receives messages. The iOS 16 feature is useful more broadly too—you can use Safety Check to see which people and apps have access to information.
And one more thing…
There may not have been any major ad-impacting iPhone features revealed so far, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be in later iOS 16 betas. Other brilliant new features include the ability to lock Hidden Photos and Deleted Photos by default to hide your private pictures, and on the security side, Wi-Fi passwords can now be accessed, and you’ll get important security patches on your iPhone by default.
It’s early days yet, but it’s clear iOS 16 will carry on Apple’s ethos of giving you more security, privacy and control on your iPhone. The exact date for launch isn’t yet known—but it’ll probably be September time alongside the launch of the latest iPhones.
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.
