(Pocket-lint) – Samsung is expected to announce new smartwatches before the year is out and rumours have been in full swing, giving us an indication as to what we can expect from the successors to the Galaxy Watch Active 2 and Galaxy Watch 3.
We’ve covered off everything we have heard about the Galaxy Watch 4 – the Galaxy Watch Active 2’s successor – in a separate feature, but here we are looking at the more classic model and the Watch 3’s successor, which is expected to be called Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.
Release date and price
11 August 2021 announcement
27 August 2021 availability
From €470?
The original Samsung Galaxy Watch arrived in August 2018, followed by the Galaxy Watch 3 in 2020, with Samsung skipping over the Watch 2 name. In between these two devices, Samsung released the Galaxy Watch Active in March 2019, followed by the Galaxy Watch Active 2 in August 2019.
It’s thought Samsung will simply call the next generation sportier model the Galaxy Watch 4 this year, skipping over the Galaxy Watch Active 3 and dropping the Active name completely. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic – thought to be the successor to the Galaxy Watch 3 – is said to launch alongside the Galaxy Watch 4, which will be the first time the two smartwatch lines launch together.
Rumour has it Samsung will hold its next Galaxy Unpacked event on 11 August 2021. This is currently unconfirmed, but most leaks now suggest it to be the date, even though 3 August had also been mentioned previously. An on sale date of 27 August has also appeared in rumours.
In terms of price, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic will reportedly start between at €470 and €500, which roughly converts to £400 to £430 in the UK and between $560 and $590 in the US.
Design
Rotating bezel
Three sizes – 42, 44, 46mm
Two colours – Silver, Black
There have been several leaks surrounding the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, including what appear to be official press images, and a video showing the smartwatch off from all angles, leaving very little left to the imagination.
Android Headlines
The Watch 4 Classic shares a similar design DNA to the Galaxy Watch 3, including the rotating bezel that fans have come to know and love – though it does appear to be slimmer on the new model.
There seem to be two case colour options – silver and black – with the silver model coming with a white or grey silicone strap and buckle fastening and the black model coming with a black strap. Three case sizes have been claimed for the Watch 4 Classic, with 42mm, 44mm and 46mm options.
The casing on the Watch 4 Classic has a square edge and it looks like the function buttons on the right of the case are larger and wider than the Galaxy Watch 3.
Evan Blass
Other design details are said to include water resistance, MIL-STD 810G durability and Gorilla Glass 4 for display protection.
Hardware and features
5nm chip
Heart rate monitoring, built-in GPS
Blood glucose monitoring?
There haven’t been a huge number of rumours relating to the hardware and specifications inside the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 as yet, though a heart rate monitor is expected, along with standard features for Samsung smartwatches, such as built-in GPS.
For now, it is not known what chipset will be under the hood of the Galaxy Watch 4 – though a rumour did suggest we might see a 5nm chip – nor what the battery capacity will be like. Given the Galaxy Watch 3 delivered good things in these departments, we have high expectations for its successor, especially in terms of battery life.
In terms of other sensors, there has been some talk of non-invasive blood glucose monitoring on the Watch 4 Classic. This would make it the first smartwatch to do so, and represent a big landmark for the industry.
It comes after a report from CNET regarding Samsung’s Advanced Institute of Technology, which has developed a technique called “Raman spectroscopy” that leverages lasers to track glucose levels with enough accuracy to help users avoid pricking their fingers.
As we say, such a move would be a true gamechanger in the space, but we’re not necessarily sold on it debuting this year, despite progress certainly suggesting the fabled, non-invasive tracking is closer than ever.
Software and features
One UI Watch
We know Samsung’s next smartwatches will run on the new One UI Watch platform that was designed as a unified interface by Google and Samsung, combining the best of Wear OS and Tizen OS in one.
The platform was first announced by Google at Google I/O in May, though Samsung offered some more details on what we could expect during a virtual event at the end of June by previewing the software on stage.
You can read more about the One UI Watch platform in our separate story, but some of the things users can expect is better native support for Google apps, wider eSIM support, seamless interaction with the Google Play Store, parity between the settings menu on your watch and your phone and more exciting watch faces too.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 rumours: What’s happened so far?
Here is everything we have heard so far about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.
6 July 2021: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic revealed from every angle
Evan Blass posted several short videos to his Twitter channel, revealing the Galaxy Watch 4 from every angle.
Evan Blass
5 July 2021: Samsung Galaxy 4 prices leak
A wide range of prices for the two expected Samsung smartwatches surfaced in a report, indicating that the Classic model won’t come cheap.
5 July 2021: Samsung officially confirms date of Galaxy Unpacked 2021
Samsung confirmed the date for its Galaxy Unpacked event to a Korean news outlet, with claims saying it will take place on 11 August.
What appears to be official press images have leaked, giving us a very clear look at the design, name and UI of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Classic.
Android Headlines
30 June 2021: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2021 could take place on 11 August
Some renders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 had 11 August as a date on the display, suggesting Unpacked could take place then.
Best Apple Watch apps 2021: 43 apps to download that actually do something
By Britta O’Boyle
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7 July 2021
28 June 2021: Samsung officially teases next Galaxy Watch, launching “this summer”
Samsung held a virtual MWC event at the end of June, where it not only revealed more details surrounding its One UI Watch platform that it has created in partnership with Google, but it also officially teased its next Galaxy Watches.
11 June 2021: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 with WearOS could be revealed on 28 June
Samsung has a virtual event called “Galaxy Ecosystem/New Watch Experience/Mobile Security” scheduled for Monday 28 June, starting at 19:15 CEST. Following the announcement of the new WearOS, this event could see a new watch appear, but nothing is confirmed as yet.
18 May 2021: Google redesigns Wear OS with Samsung and Fitbit
Renowned leaker Ice Universe delivers a succinct hint via Twitter at when the next Samsung wearables will launch, indicating that both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Active 4 will launch in Q2 2021.
19 February 2021: Leaker hints at Wear OS replacing Tizen
The oft-rumoured switch from Tizen to Wear OS is suggested by reliable tipster Ice Universe via Twitter, suggesting that Samsung’s new watch will drop its own OS for “Android”.
19 February 2021: Model names for two smartwatches appear
As reported by Galaxy Club, Samsung is developing two watches for release in 2021 – with the model numbers being SM-R86x and SM-R87x.
25 January 2021: Blood glucose monitoring may debut
Korean outlet ET News suggests that Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 will be the first to feature non-invasive blood glucose tracking.
Writing by Britta O’Boyle. Originally published on 6 July 2021.
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.
