An interesting study of Apple iPhone users across all carriers in the states has discovered that 49% of them believe that their handset is rocking 5G connectivity right now. However, as most of you know, no current iPhone model supports the next generation of wireless connectivity. The survey was conducted by Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) and it showed that it isn’t just iPhone owners who aren’t sure about whether their phone is 5G enabled or not.
Nearly half of iPhone users taking part in a survey think that their phone supports 5G
29% of all smartphone users who took part in the survey said that they didn’t know whether their phone could access a 5G signal. Narrowing the field down to only those who purchased a new smartphone this year, 24% are unsure whether or not their handset connects to a 5G network. And speaking about 5G networks, 38% of the 5,000 consumers who were questioned do not know whether or not the wireless carrier they subscribe to offers 5G service where they live.
Apple will introduce the 5G iPhone 12 series this coming Tuesday
With download data speeds 10 times faster than 4G, consumers with 5G will be able to download movies in seconds instead of minutes. New businesses and industries will be created and the faster download and latency speeds will lead to self-driving vehicles and more. But for many, it is hard at the moment to see the benefits that 5G will bring to the public. That could be due to the fact that the faster data speeds available from mmWave 5G signals do not travel long distances. As a result, both T-Mobile and AT&T are using long-traveling low-band 5G spectrum for the foundation of their 5G networks. The only issue with these so-called sub-6GHz airwaves is that they do not deliver the super-fast 5G speeds as mmWave signals do.
Of the three major U.S. carriers, T-Mobile is using a “layer cake” 5G build consisting of 600MHz low-band spectrum at the bottom to provide depth of coverage throughout the states. The 2.5GHz mid-band spectrum acquired in the Sprint transaction will be deployed in rural areas of the country to make sure that Americans who live in this neck of the woods are able to access the faster data speeds. T-Mobile will eventually add more mmWave spectrum giving its 5G layer cake some sweet icing. Verizon, on the other hand, has been pretty much sticking to mmWave spectrum; the shorter distances that such high-band airwaves travel is responsible for the slower 5G build out that Verizon customers have been dealing with. Before the end of the year, Verizon will introduce its own low-band nationwide 5G network joining both T-Mobile and AT&T.
Those answering the survey say that they are most excited about the faster data speeds expected from 5G with that feature capturing the attention of 54% of the respondents. 16% said that they are excited about the improved HD video calling/conferencing with 13% pumped about the video streaming quality that should take place with 5G. And 8% can’t wait to play video games with the better gaming experience that 5G brings.
Apple will be unveiling its first 5G iPhone models this coming Tuesday and the fact that these are the first handsets from Apple that support 5G is going to be a shock for the 49% of survey respondents who think that their iPhone already works with 5G.
The big payoff for consumers won’t take place until the faster 5G signals are more readily available. Consumers say smart cities will be the biggest beneficiary of 5G. A majority of those taking the survey (54%) say that the timeline for 5G deployment should be sped up because of the public health crisis that Americans face today with the pandemic.
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.
