The Mars House features a open-plan concept with glass walls drenched in hues of blue, juxtaposed against the fiery landscape of MarsPhoto by Krista Kim/Instagram
Article content
It’s a warm afternoon on the surface of Mars. You’re lazily stretched out on a red glass reclining chair by the pool on your patio. As its reflective waters lap at your feet, you glance up at the fiery Martian landscape, with towering mountains, red skies and blazing clouds.
There is no other human in sight, but you hear the thrum of peaceful music as you get up and walk through the glass doors of your house, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a minimalist design. The Italian glass furniture is painted in colourful hues and arranged with plenty of space to lounge or entertain guests.
All of a sudden, your stomach rumbles, signalling its time for lunch. You have no choice but to exit your dreamscape, shut down your laptop and head to your real kitchen for a bite to eat.
But soon, you’ll be back to Mars House.
That’s what Toronto designer Krista Kim has named her latest creation, a digital house that is meant to be explored in virtual reality, or, perhaps eventually, augmented reality.
“I want people to experience the light, the movement of the light. I want people to experience the healing qualities of the house through the light installation. That is the purpose of the house,” Kim said in an interview with the National Post.
The 3D file sold last week for over $650,000 as an NFT, or non-fungible token. NFTs are verified by blockchain technology, which is also used by cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, and they act as a certificate of authenticity, allowing artists to encrypt their signatures on digital artworks and designs.
Advertisement
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Kim said she designed the digital NFT house, described as the first of its kind in the world, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was locked in their homes.
“I meditate twice a day. So my art is really a meditative experience,” she said. “And I thought, why not create a house that heals.”
The addition of a scorched Martian landscape, she said, was to bring a futuristic element to her design.
“I really wanted to put across that this is a breakthrough new concept,” she said. “It’s kind of a revolutionary concept, harnessing technology and integrating into tech architecture, for wellness and healing.”
The new owner of the artwork, an anonymous internet collector, paid Kim 288 Ether — a cryptocurrency that was worth $662,874.85 in Canadian dollars on March 29 — for the virtual real estate.
The artwork was initially valued at 33 Ether ($75,895.85).
“The collector and I, we started a dialogue,” Kim said, during which he emphasized his desire to invest in art in a manner that benefits the community as a whole, rather than just the artist.
Advertisement
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
He agreed to use the sale of Mars House to finance a world tour of healing light and sound installations by Kim and Jeff Schroeder, who created the soundtrack for her house, as part of an initiative by the Continuum Foundation.
Selling the house as an NFT was especially advantageous, Kim said, as it removed the need for an intermediary between the artist and the collector, eliminating commission fees.
Mars House is the first-ever digital NFT house to be sold.Photo by Krista KIm/Instagram
The collector, who will receive a 3D file directly from Kim, plans to upload the digital house to a Metaverse — a platform where one can experience virtual real estate as an avatar — and open it for viewing to the public.
“He wants to share Mars House with the world. And I’m obviously very pleased that he would want to do that,” Kim said.
Existing technology does not allow the house to be experienced in augmented reality, but Kim remains hopeful.
“There is an app called SuperWorld that is very early, but within two years will become the augmented reality interface of the world,” she said. On this app, users could buy virtual real estate and populate their land with 3D assets that are programmable.
Advertisement
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“It’s going to revolutionize the NFT market,” she said.
Living an augmented reality life could allow people a host of avenues in which they can express their own creativity without being limited by the physical world.
For example, in the near future, with the right technology, one could purchase their choice of digital fashion and overlay it on their clothes. People could even purchase a digital pet or tattoo. The possibilities are endless, according to Kim.
Global interaction would become easier.
“Artists will collaborate to beautify public spaces. Parks will be more interactive. There will be children playing with other children around the world. You don’t have to be from Toronto or Japan but now you could actually travel to Japan and play with other kids there.
“We are now entering a future civilization of decentralization,” she said.
“I think this is going to be the greatest transcendent experience of human civilization…. Beyond geographical, political, religious, or any barriers.”
Share this article in your social network
Advertisement
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Posted Newsletter
Sign up to receive the daily top stories from the National Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don’t see it please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Posted Newsletter will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
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.
