montage that name-dropped Oscar-winning celebrities, but the star of this show was Apple silicon. In debuting additions across its three champion platform lines:
iPhone
,
iPad
, and Mac–the A-series and M-series played a range of supporting to leading roles.
revamp both updates 2020’s model and becomes a de facto replacement for the iPhone mini. Like the latter, the SE enters the market with the same A15 Bionic processor used in Apple’s more expensive models. Apple noted this means that the SE will receive OS upgrades for years to come; indeed, Apple has an excellent track record of supporting older iPhones with new system software. It also means that developers have a broader baseline when it comes to developing leading-edge apps. The marquee addition, though, is (sub-6 GHz) 5G, which has become a connectivity pillar for iPhones and in successive iPad generations like the revamped iPad Air line that also debuted at the event.
The tradeoffs include a smaller display, which could be a more attractive option for some, and a simple single-camera system that nonetheless should be aided by the phone’s powerful chip and Apple’s tuned algorithms. The new iPhone SE comes in at $429, a bit higher than the expected $399. Furthermore, Apple did not heed advice to keep the 2020 iPhone SE in the lineup as a replacement for the flagging iPod touch, so there’s still an option out there for fans of the headphone jack. Overall, the new iPhone SE maintains the focus of the previous iPhone SE as a mid-range option for those who value Apple’s ecosystem more than they value the many extra features one would find in a similarly priced Android device and not something designed as an entry-level market share grab.
The Apple playbook was also put to use in the revision to the
iPad Air
. Here, Apple silicon played a more pronounced role as Apple continued to bring performance and features from the iPad Pro line down to the iPad Air line. With the iPad Air now getting the M1, the iPad line is now split between more powerful M-series and more efficient A-series processors, with the former gaining ground fast. That’s not surprising given that Apple has really stepped up its comparison of the iPad to Windows laptops as opposed to large Android tablets scrambling to steal from its dominant tablet share. The upshot is that the iPad line, with its larger screens, larger batteries, and more intermittent usage, has shifted closer to the Mac than the iPhone despite iPadOS and iOS having more in common from the user interface side; the A-series may soon become more exclusive to the iPhone.
But, of course, the M1 Ultra, two M1 Max chips joined by a breakthrough interconnect dubbed UltraFusion, stole the show. It captured the kind of sneaky excitement once reserved for “One more thing…” announcements at Apple events, except that the One More Thing slipped through in the debut of the M1 Max. In the Mac Studio, the M1 Ultra will power the debut of in the first new Mac model line since the debut of the Mac Pro 15 years ago. My fellow ZDNet contributor and Mac mini aficionado David Gewirtz discusses what a game-changer the high-rise, high-performance mini desktop is for the most demanding users, particularly compared to previous Mac Pros.
Indeed, the introduction of the M1 Ultra seemed to be a run-up to a new
Mac Pro
, which Apple noted is still in the wings. But the
Mac Studio
raises several questions about what has long been Apple’s most powerful Mac, particularly given that the company shared that the Ultra is the last variant of the M1. The Mac Pro could be the launch platform for the M2; beyond that, there are two major related questions: What subset of creative pros, long the target market for the Mac Pro, would need something more powerful than a loaded Mac Studio? And how would Apple court them? Mac Pros have long been defined by their internal expandability, particularly for discrete GPU cards. Discrediting their advantages, Apple has relentlessly touted the performance of the M-series’ integrated GPUs but could surpass the Mac Studio’s performance with a homegrown discrete GPU.
In any case, the Apple silicon-based Mac Pro will represent the completion of the Mac’s third processor transition. It has not only far surpassed the previous transitions to PowerPC and Intel but has put more distance between the Mac and other PCs than anything since the launch of the first Macintosh.
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.
