Do you miss the days when Motorolas could be styled with real wood backs? The new Motorola Edge 50 Ultra has a real wood option along with two vegan leather colorways – Forest Grey and Peach Fuzz (Pantone’s Color of the Year 2024).
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Nordic Wood
There was no Ultra model last year, so this isn’t a sequel but rather an upgrade over the Edge 50 Pro that was unveiled a couple of weeks ago. The Ultra brings more processing power and a better camera setup compared to the Pro.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Forest Gray and Peach Fuzz
It is based on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a huge step up from the 7 Gen 3 chip inside the Pro. You get more RAM too, 12GB or 16GB (LPDDR5X) with more available via RAM boost. The storage is 512GB or 1TB (UFS 4.0).
The camera upgrades start with the main module, which is equipped with a 50MP 1/1.3” sensor – large enough to have 1.2µm pixels before quad pixel binning comes into play. It has omni-directional autofocus and OIS for the f/1.6 lens.
The standout camera is the 3x 72mm periscope, which is equipped with a 64MP sensors (0.7µm pixels) and a bright f/2.4 aperture. Next up is the 50MP ultra wide camera (0.64µm pixels), its f/2.0 lens has 122° field of view and autofocus for macro shots. The cameras use a laser autofocus system and a 3-in-1 sensor that helps with exposure, auto white balance and flicker detection.
The front camera has a 50MP sensor (0.64µm) with an f/1.9 lens with autofocus. All three cameras can record 4K video at 60fps. The main cam on the back and the selfie also have slow-mo modes at 1080p (120fps on the front, up to 960fps on the back).
Since 2024 is the year of AI, artificial smarts have been employed to help the camera. AI automatically adjusts the shutter speed and level of stabilization based on the scene. It also handles auto focus tracking. The new Photo Enhancement Engine optimizes the images for detail in the highlights and shadows, clarity, color and bokeh.
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is built around a curved 6.7” P-OLED display with 2,712 x 1,220px resolution (20:9). It runs at 144Hz and has a touch sampling rate of up to 360Hz (in gaming mode). The display peaks at 2,500 nits and uses DC dimming. The 10-bit color rendering gives it HDR10+ support and a certification for HD streaming from Netflix and Amazon.
Pantone is responsible for the Peach Fuzz colorway, but the color specialists also tested the display and certified it as Pantone Validated and Pantone Skintone Validated. The camera system is validated by Pantone as well.
The Ultra is built around an aluminum frame, the front features Gorilla Glass Victus with an anti-fingerprint coating. It is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 • 50W wireless charging • Gorilla Glass Victus
Like the Pro, it has a 4,500mAh battery with 125W TurboPower charging over USB and 50W wireless. Motorola says that plugging in for 4 minutes is enough to last you the rest of the day. Wired and wireless power sharing is available too.
The phone is available as single-SIM (SIM or eSIM) and dual-SIM (SIM and eSIM). It supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth 5.4, as well as Ultra Wide Band (UWB). The latter offers accurate distance and angle readings relative to other UWB-enabled devices like your friend’s phone or a UWB tag. Additionally, the USB-C port offers both USB 3.2 and DisplayPort 1.4 connectivity.
The phone comes with stereo speakers with tuning by Dolby Atmos, plus Dolby Head Tracking is also supported (Motorola just happened to also unveil new earbuds today).
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra will go on sale in select European countries in the coming weeks. The base model will have a price of €1,000. Additionally, the phone will be available in Asia, Latin America and Oceania. Check out our hands-on review for more on the phone.
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.
