Samsung is preparing to reveal its newest top-of-the-line smartphones at the much-awaited Samsung Unpacked event, which is just a few days away. The event is scheduled for January 17 at 1 pm ET (11.30 pm IST) in San Jose, California. The event would see the reveal of the Galaxy S24 series and a bunch of new ‘Galaxy AI‘ features coming with these new phones, and there could be a few more things coming that day.Here’s a quick rundown of what we know and what we expect at the Galaxy Unpacked next week.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is expected to come with some significant upgrades. It is rumoured to have a 6.8-inch QHD+ flat display instead of a curved one, which is said to be brighter and snappier than before. And this year’s Ultra models could have a titanium chassis instead of aluminium, making it lighter and more robust. The Galaxy S24 Ultra could come in four colours — Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, Onyx Black, and Amber Yellow. In addition to these colours, there are rumored exclusive ones, which include Orange, Light Blue, and Light Green, will be available at Samsung’s online store. Powering the Galaxy S24 Ultra could be Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The Galaxy S24 Ultra may have faster charging at 65W, which will be a welcome increase since Samsung has not changed its charging speeds for years. The smartphone is rumoured to feature a 200MP camera, which features some improvements. Then, the 10x periscope zoom camera is said to be replaced with a 5x periscope unit, but the 100x Space Zoom feature will remain. Samsung is shaking up the camera setup on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The 10X periscope camera is said to be replaced with a 5X telephoto camera, allowing for highly close 5X portraits. Additionally, the 5x telephoto might support 8K video recording. Samsung is also said to be improving image post-processing software. The smartphone is also rumoured to be able to record 120fps video at 4K resolution.
Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+ are said to come in the exact sizes as their predecessors, featuring a 6.2-inch and 6.5-inch LTPO panel, respectively. The two smartphones are said to have dynamic refresh rates that can vary their refresh rates between 1Hz and 120Hz. The Galaxy S24+ is expected to have a QHD+ resolution, while the S24 will stick with FHD+. The Galaxy S24 and S24+ will feature a new version of Armor Aluminum and come in four standard colours, including Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, and Amber Yellow. The Galaxy S24 and S24+ will likely come in two chipset options – Exynos 2400 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The Snapdragon-powered models are said to be exclusive to the US, while the Exynos ones’ will be sold in the rest of the markets. The RAM capacity of the S24+ will be increased to 12GB, while the S24 will continue to have 8GB. Both models will have slightly larger batteries than their predecessors, but their charging speeds will remain the same. The cameras of both models will remain the same, with no hardware updates. The primary sensor is 50MP, and the ultra-wide and telephoto modules are also unchanged. Samsung could introduce an in-sensor 2x zoom on the two smartphones. The front-facing camera will retain the same 12MP sensor as last year.
Galaxy AI
Samsung has been heavily teasing the “Galaxy AI,” setting up the theme for the Galaxy Unpacked event, which could feature more on the theme of AI rather than hardware improvements coming to the new smartphones. With the new Galaxy S24 series, Samsung is touting the “Galaxy AI,” a suite of AI-powered features for the upcoming smartphones. Rumors suggest that the features of Galaxy AI will include AI wallpaper, real-time phone call translation, a Magic Editor-like photo enhancement tool, and AI-powered zoom-in. In addition, the keyboard will offer users five conversational tones and the ability to a AI-infused Notes app. Samsung’s Gauss AI powers the system and encompasses language, image, and code generators, offering local and cloud-based functionalities. What more can we expect at Galaxy Unpacked Samsung has already announced its new series of laptops with Intel Core Ultra processors, making it unlikely that more laptops will be announced at the Galaxy Unpacked event. Rumours have it that Samsung could announce a new fitness band, the Galaxy Fit 3, alongside the Galaxy S24 series at the Unpacked. The upgraded fitness tracker is said to have a wider AMOLED display and larger battery than the Fit2. There may also be new flagship earbuds, but they are unlikely to launch during the Unpacked event.
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.
