Huawei’s mission is to enable what it calls a ‘seamless AI life’ encompassing health and fitness, travel, smart offices, entertainment and smart homes. The company’s activity at Mobile World Congress (MWC) is focused on the smart office — particularly ‘boundless creation’ and ‘seamless communication’. Essentially this means well-featured Huawei devices connecting easily to one another, supported by an ecosystem of Huawei software and services: buy into the devices and the ecosystem, and you get extra functionality. It’s a familiar story from big tech companies, although Huawei’s is somewhat clouded by the Chinese firm’s well-documented difficulties with accessing US technology, particularly for its smartphones.
Huawei’s term for this confluence of devices and software-plus-services is the Super Device — a ‘better together’ concept akin to that of the superorganism in biology. In its pre-MWC briefings, Huawei highlighted examples of screen sharing and drag-and-drop file transfer involving phones, PCs, tablets and monitors in mainstream productivity, collaboration and creative scenarios. Huawei’s Super Device update for its PCs will launch on 27 February with the latest version of its PC Manager software.
Turning to the mobile ecosystem, Huawei claims 5.4 million developers and 580 million active users for its AppGallery and 187,000 apps integrated into HMS Core. New outside the Chinese market is the ability to run smartphone (Android) apps on Huawei PCs via the Huawei Mobile App Engine. The first batch of MateBook PCs will get an updated version of the Mobile App Engine starting on 27 February.
New Huawei devices
MateBook X Pro 2022
Images: Huawei
The 2022 model of Huawei’s Intel-based MateBook X Pro sees the screen size increase from 13.9 inches to 14.2 inches, with the weight remaining much the same (1.3kg vs 1.33kg) and the redesigned all-metal chassis tapering to 5.4mm at its thinnest point.
The 14.2in. screen has a 90Hz refresh rate, 3K resolution (3120 x 2080, 264ppi), 500 nits brightness and support for 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut with high accuracy (delta E <1). Hardware-level 3D Lut calibration results in a 100% colour accuracy improvement compared to the 2021 model, Huawei says.
Despite slim bezels resulting in a claimed screen-to-body ratio of 92.5%, room has been found in the 6mm top bezel for HD webcam – a welcome move from the much-criticised pop-up in-keyboard webcam of previous models, with its unflattering camera angle.
A new cooling system increases airflow by 60% and heat dissipation by 100%, allowing the 11th-generation Intel Core processor to deliver its best performance. Elsewhere, Free Touch gestures allow you to adjust screen brightness and speaker volume (the laptop’s audio system has six speakers) via the touchpad, and take screenshots by knocking twice on the touch screen. The supplied 90W charger weighs just 180g and delivers three hours of charge in 15 minutes, Huawei says. The laptop will also charge your smartphone at 50W via one of its four USB-C ports.
Matebook E 2022
Images: Huawei
The fourth generation of Huawei’s MateBook E series is an Intel-based 12.6-inch tablet with an add-on keyboard case/stand that turns it into a 2-in-1 device capable of competing with Microsoft’s Surface Pro 8 and its imitators.
The MateBook E has a magnesium alloy frame, yet is thin (7.9mm) and light (709g) — the Surface Pro 8, by comparison, is 9.3mm thick and weighs 891g. It’s Huawei’s first tablet/laptop with an OLED display, offering a high contrast ratio, 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, high colour accuracy (delta E <1), and a claimed 90% screen to body ratio.
Powered by an 11th-generation Intel Core processor with temperature controlled by a ‘3D’ cooling system, the MateBook E offers Thunderbolt 4 support, a fingerprint sensor built into the power button, 65W fast charging and ‘intuitive’ on-screen finger gestures. It comes with a second-generation M-Pencil stylus with 2ms latency, 4,096 pressure levels, magnetic attachment to the tablet and wireless charging.
The standard Smart Magnetic Keyboard has 1.3mm key travel and props up the tablet with a conventional stand mechanism. There’s another option, the backlit Glide Keyboard, that provides a much more ‘lappable’ experience.
MateStation X
Images: Huawei
Launched in China in 2021, Huawei’s iMac-like MateStation X all-in-one (AIO) PC is now becoming available worldwide. The MateStation X’s 28.2-inch 10-point touch screen, which has a 5-layer anti-reflection coating, sits in an elegant stand reminiscent of the MateView monitor, although the back panel is free of ports. The resolution is ‘4K+’ (3840 x 2560, 164ppi, 3:2 aspect ratio) and minimal bezels result in a claimed screen-to-body ratio of 92%. The stand incorporates three speakers (co-engineered with Devialet) and four microphones with 5-metre pickup range and AI-assisted noise cancellation.
The MateStation X is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5000H-series mobile processor with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
MatePad Paper
One of the most interesting Huawei products launching at MWC is the MatePad Paper, a 10.3-inch E Ink tablet that delivers a non-reflective ‘paper-like’ reading experience even under strong sunlight, Huawei says. There are 32 levels of backlighting to cope with different ambient light conditions. The screen-to-body ratio claimed for the MatePad Paper is 86.3%. A Smart Refresh mode provides software-driven assistance to boost the inherently low refresh rate on E Ink displays. This is part of Huawei’s E Ink dipslay enhancement solution, which boosts greyscale support from 16 to 256, sharpening the edges of on-screen characters, for example.
Content for the MateBook Paper comes via Huawei Books and AppGallery, while M-Pencil support allows for use cases like document signing. A PMMA panel gives a realistic on-paper writing experience, Huawei says, while a split-screen mode (courtesy of Huawei’s HarmonyOS) allows you to do things like read a document and write notes simultaneously. Handwriting-to-text conversion is available, and you can make voice recordings with markers to pinpoint key moments that you can easily revisit. And courtesy of Super Device functionality, you can easily transfer content from a Huawei smartphone or PC to the MateBook Paper.
The MatePad Paper, which will be available in black, khaki and blue, weighs 360g, comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, and supports Wi-Fi 6+ for fast wireless data transfer. The battery will power the device, which has a fingerprint sensor in its power button, for four weeks on standby, Huawei says.
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.
