Tech

Menu for Canadian astronauts includes maple cookies – CTV News

Published

7 months ago

February 27, 2024

Canadian astronauts will have a taste of home in their upcoming space missions to the moon and the International Space Station.

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has selected five Canadian food products to add to the menu for the crew of the 10-day Artemis II and the six-month Starliner-1 International Space Station missions. NASA is responsible for creating the full menu, including three meals and a snack every day.

The Artemis II mission is set to launch in September 2025, with CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen set to be the first Canadian to fly around the moon. The International Space Station mission will begin at the start of 2025 at the earliest. Astronaut Joshua Kutryk will be the first CSA astronaut to do this mission under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

The CSA selected food that is dehydrated and would make minimal food waste, said Natalie Hirsch, project manager of operational space medicine with the Canadian Space Agency. She notes that the Orion capsule for Artemis II has a small liveable space of only cubic nine metres.

Both missions include the following five Canadian items on the menu, which are available commercially in stores in Canada, Hirsch said.

Strawberry lavender superseed cereal

The strawberry lavender superseed cereal comes from an Ontario company, Hirsch said, and includes chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, buckwheat and hemp that are mixed with water.

It will have a strawberry and lavender flavour, though the packaging for space will be different than the one on Earth, she pointed out. For space, it will have packaging designed to connect it to a water dispenser.

This allows the astronaut to keep the food contained and avoid opening the package since water would float, rather than flow, in space because of microgravity, or when the pull of gravity is weak, NASA says.

“You can knead the package to make the water mix with the cereal and wait for it to hydrate, and you can cut open the package to eat it,” Hirsch said in a phone interview with CTVNews.ca. “Once water is mixed, it’s sticky and mushy. You won’t worry about little pieces of seeds or food floating.”

Shrimp curry and rice

Astronauts will get shrimp curry and rice for their meals courtesy of a Quebec company. This dish, using real shrimp, also requires water to be added, meaning it will also be connected to a water dispenser. The sauce will allow pieces of rice to stick together and avoid them from floating away, Hirsch said.

She said this product is made for camping and can be found in outdoor equipment stores in Canada.

Smoked salmon

Little cubes of smoked salmon from the West Coast will be another option for the space crew. Astronauts can cut open the package and eat the salmon directly.

Maple cream cookies

Hirsch said the traditional maple cream cookies from Quebec will probably be repackaged into smaller packages instead of a box to decrease the chance of crumbs floating around. It will have the familiar biscuit on the outside and cream filling.

“Because everything floats, it’s easier to get into their eyes or for them to breathe it in and get it into their lungs, and also it can get into some of the equipment or hardware that’s in the vehicle,” she explained.

Maple syrup

The maple syrup from Quebec will be in a plastic tube, which Hirsch said makes it easier to use in space.

She said the top can be flipped open and the product squeezed out, which is more manageable than opening a bottle in microgravity.

Drinks

For drinks, the astronauts will primarily have water, which will be in a pouch that connects to a dispenser and has a straw with a clip to seal it. There may also be coffee, tea and fruit drinks.

How eating is different in space

When in space, humans won’t have the same force pulling all fluid toward the feet like on Earth, so they will feel like they have a cold or stuffy nose and can’t taste food that well.

“The longer you are in space, the more the body adapts to microgravity,” Hirsch said, noting it could take one or two weeks to adjust. “They usually find, because of that congestion while they’re still adapting to microgravity, they like products that are a bit spicier because I guess they can taste it more.”

That’s why people who initially spend time in space have puffy faces and slimmer legs since they have more fluid in their head, but eventually the body gets used to the environment, she said.

Criteria for choosing food

CSA chooses products that have a long shelf life, don’t create a lot of crumbs, and are easy to eat and prepare in space, Hirsch said.

Food shouldn’t easily spoil, so the CSA often uses dehydrated products.

“When it comes to food, there’s no refrigerator or freezer, so all food we send has to stay good and healthy and safe to eat without going in the fridge or freezer,” she said.

They also need time to transport it to Florida’s Kennedy Space Center where the capsule will launch. “In the end, we look for products with a shelf life of about (a) year and a half to ensure enough time to ship to the States.”

Staff at the CSA taste test each product and evaluate it on a scale of 1 to 10. Products ranked 7 or more on average will be presented to astronauts, who will taste and rate them before CSA selects the products for the mission.

Astronauts can also bring their favourite food – even junk food – to space as long as it meets the criteria.

“Having (a) taste of home is really helpful for mental health, like being able to eat something you love at home,” Hirsch adds.

She said CSA helps astronauts meet their nutritional requirements and address the changes the body goes through in microgravity.

The crew will get most of its vitamins and minerals through the dehydrated vegetables and fruit in the menu items since there is no fridge or freezer. At the International Space Station, crew members will sometimes get fresh fruit or vegetables but they have to eat it quickly, Hirsch added. Vitamin D supplements are provided for crew members since they don’t get ultraviolet light from the sun while in space.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

2 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

2 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.