The new Moto Razr. It’s got updated specs and a slightly different design.
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The inside looks mostly the same as the Razr 1.
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It still has that big notch at the top.
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Gesture navigation means you’ll have to swipe up from the bottom, but without hitting that big chin.
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The new Razr is 2mm thicker.
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The back. The Motorola logo is now a fingerprint reader.
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The front camera sticks out a bit.
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The front display. You can either see a text message or type, but not both at the same time.
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This is what typing looks like.
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You can see how the front screen works here. It’s not full Android, it’s a vertically scrolling notification view, kind of like a big smartwatch.
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A shot of the bottom, plus a bonus cutaway!
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The phone seems a bit rounder this time.
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The hinge mechanism seems to be the same as the previous model.
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Motorola is taking a second swing at a foldable reboot of the Moto Razr with what it’s calling the “new Razr.” It’s slightly faster, slightly cheaper, slightly different looking, and no longer a Verizon exclusive. We’re also hoping it’s a little more sturdy and viable than the original Razr reboot, which had atrocious build quality and was constantly out of stock, probably due to production issues. The original Moto Razr reboot hit stores February 6, 2020, so this sequel is pretty early.
First up: specs. The Razr 2 (we’re calling it that, deal with it) is $1,400 and has a Snapdragon 765G, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a tiny 2800mAh battery. That’s better than the Razr 1, which was $1,500 and had a Snapdragon 710 SoC, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and an even smaller 2510mAh battery. As usual, you get two screens that are pretty much the same as the Razr 1: the outside screen is a 2.7-inch, 792×600 OLED, while the inside screen is a foldable 6.2-inch, 2142×876 OLED. There’s also NFC on this version, so you can finally use tap-to-pay.
A major disappointment is that the Razr 2 screen is still 100-percent plastic. There’s no ultra-thin glass like you’d get on the Galaxy Z Flip. Samsung’s foldable displays are a plastic and glass sandwich, with the outside layer being plastic. While that’s nowhere near as nice as a normal glass display, the underlying layer of glass does help stiffen up the display surface and stop the squishy feel of other flexible displays. The old Razr display also had a ton of issues, which hopefully Motorola has worked out by now. On our store-purchased unit, the Razr 1 touchscreen stopped working after a single day, and numerous other display units and review units experienced failures.
The design of the Razr 2 is a bit different. First off, it’s thicker. Each thin half of the phone is 7.9mm while open; and closed up, the thickest point (presumably the bottom chin) is 16mm. The OG Razr reboot measured 6.9mm open and 14mm closed. The design of the single outside camera is different—and maybe a bit strange looking. It’s no longer centered on the front of the phone; instead, Motorola chose to place the flash LED next to the camera and center the two components on the front of the phone. The front fingerprint sensor is gone, too—on the OG Razr reboot, it was on the chin, but now the fingerprint reader is on the back of the phone, inside the Motorola logo. With no fingerprint sensor, the front chin seems a bit smaller than the Razr 1. The whole phone also seems a bit rounder compared to the Razr 1.
Motorola’s standard whooshy hype video set to an upbeat pop song.
The phone ships with Android 10, meaning this will be the first Razr to have access to gesture navigation, which is used in all the promo shots. I wonder how compatible the gesture navigation will be with the Razr’s hardware design. Gestures like swiping up from the bottom of the screen for home and recent apps might be a bit strange with the chunky chin that sticks out from the bottom of the Razr. Swiping in from the side of the screen to go back sounds a bit scary, since the Razr’s display is unsecured on the sides thanks to the sliding, folding hinge mechanism.
The new Razr reboot doesn’t seem hugely different from the old Razr reboot, but that’s also very on-brand for the Razr line. Back in the Razr’s heyday, there were a million slightly different variants that no one could keep track of. For a lot of people, the big deal here will be actually being able to buy the Razr, since it won’t just be a Verizon exclusive. Motorola says the new Razr will be available “universally unlocked” this fall (presumably that means it will support the big-three carriers) and will be available through AT&T and T-Mobile stores. Note that Verizon is not mentioned in Motorola’s blog post. It sounds like after dealing with the disastrous launch of the first Moto Razr, Verizon has had enough.
Internationally, Motorola says the Razr “will be available starting in China and select European markets, with other markets to follow this fall.” It also calls out eventual availability in “select markets across Latin America, Middle East, and Asia Pacific.”
Motorola rightly pitches the Razr as a “fashion symbol,” and that’s probably the best way to think of these new-age flip phones like the Razr and Galaxy Z Flip. Just like how people pay hundreds of dollars for a pair of “fashionable” ripped jeans, you’re paying a premium for the Razr because it folds in half and you presumably think that looks cool. The specs of the $1,400 new Razr are roughly equivalent to a $700 LG Velvet, and after our experience with the first Razr and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, we can say that folding a phone in half doesn’t add a lot to the experience. The phone sits differently in your pocket (if you carry a phone in a pocket), but once you open it, it’s basically a normal, mid-range smartphone. If you’re a smartphone power user who is purely concerned about ease of use, these new-age flip phones will actually slow you down. Instead of pulling a slab-style smartphone out of your pocket and having it be ready to use, you have to flip open your phone every time you use it. There will be a handful of functions available via the tiny front screen, but it’s not a real phone interface.
On the foldable tablet/smartphone hybrids like the Galaxy Z Flip 2, you have a more useful front screen that shouldn’t slow you down much when you’re on the go. With the tablet-like interior on a bigger foldable, there are some useability improvement arguments to make there. Flip phones are purely fashion objects, though. You should only buy a Razr if you think it looks cool and have money to burn. We’ve yet to see if there’s actually a market for this type of 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.
