Nothing’s first product was a pair of wireless earbuds called the Ear (1) that managed to deliver on an impossible level of hype with excellent performance and solid features for $99. With the company’s equally hyped smartphone now out in the wild, Nothing is returning to earbuds once again with a follow-up called the Ear (stick) that, like Apple’s AirPods, are designed for those who prioritize comfort over blocking out the noise of the world.
As with any wireless earbud that comes with active noise cancellation, the original Ear (1) earbuds relied on swappable silicone tips designed to sit snugly in the ear canal to create a tight and soundproof seal. It’s an effective approach for those wanting silence, but often an uncomfortable one, particularly when the buds are worn for a long time. So the new Ear (stick) use a half in-ear design similar to the AirPods that rests in the folds of the ear while directing sound towards the ear canal. As a result, the new earbuds don’t offer active noise cancellation.
With a new 12.6-millimeter custom driver—larger than the 11-millimeter drivers in the Ear (1)—the new Ear (stick) will just try to drown out unwanted sounds with whatever you’re listening to. The half in-ear design does mean some sounds will inevitably escape, but Nothing promises to work around that limitation with a feature called Bass Lock Technology that uses the three mics on each earbud to measure the bass frequencies that leak out, and then compensate for the loss through automatic equalizer adjustments.
Most wireless earbud makers try to outdo each other with smaller and smaller charging cases that disappear into a pocket, but to date that hasn’t been Nothing’s approach. The original Ear (1) had a charging case with a dimple in the lid allowing it to be used as a make shift fidget spinner, but the charging case for the Ear (stick) looks more like a cylindrical stick of lipstick requiring the bottom to be twisted to access the buds inside.
Image: Nothing
For those who find themselves mindlessly flicking the lid of a charging case open and closed, twisting the Ear (stick)‘s case may serve as another activity to help burn off nervous energy. The case offers functional benefits too, however, particularly for those who are prone to accidentally dropping their devices. Unlike earbuds in a charging case with a hinged lid that can pop open on its own when dropped, sending the buds flying, the Ear (stick)‘s case keeps them securely protected at all times.
Nothing promises improved wireless connectivity with the Ear (stick) courtesy of a redesigned antenna in the stems that sits farther from the user’s face to help minimize blocked signals. The stems on the Ear (stick) also trade the touch sensitive strip that facilitated swipe gestures on the Ear (1) with press or squeeze controls instead that are supposed to be a more reliable way to control playback, take calls, or make volume adjustments.
Battery life is claimed to be up to seven hours with the earbuds alone, while the charging case provides an additional 22 hours of usage when you’re away from a power source. Fast charging is also available, with a 10 minute dock in the case promising an extra two hours of listening time. That’s slightly less than the Ear (1)‘s battery life, even with the added drain of ANC.
Image: Nothing
It probably comes as no surprise that the most seamless experience with the Ear (stick) comes with pairing the wireless earbuds to the Phone (1), with often used controls made easily available in the phone’s Quick Settings while the earbuds are paired. But all the same functionality will be made available through the new Nothing X app which will be available for iOS and Android devices soon.
Last week, Carl Pei announced on Twitter that Nothing was raising the price of the Ear (1) wireless earbuds to $149 and cited “an increase in costs” as the main reason. What probably played a bigger part in that price bump, which goes into effect today, is that the new Ear (stick) will now be Nothing’s entry-level wireless earbuds, taking over that $99 price point. If both options were priced the same, the version with ANC would be the obvious choice.
You’ll have to wait until November 4 to actually buy the new Nothing Ear (stick), which go on sale starting at 5:30am EST in 40 different countries.
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.
