With Apple set to introduce its first 5G iPhones this coming Tuesday, U.S. consumers might have to make a big time decision about switching carriers after purchasing one of the new models. That’s because there are two different types of 5G signals. Sub-6GHz 5G is delivered over low and mid frequency bands, travels over long distances, and penetrates structures. The issue with Sub-6GHz is that it does not produce the blazing fast download data speeds that many consumers are looking forward to. Those speeds are available with the mmWave high-frequency bands. Unfortunately, mmWave airwaves do not travel long distances nor do they easily penetrate buildings.
Rural Americans might have to switch carriers to receive 5G service
According to New Street research, Verizon has the fastest 5G data speeds in the states thanks to its focus on mmWave signals. New Street estimates Verizon’s average 5G data speed at 500Mbps. But thanks to mmWave’s small footprint, Verizon’s fastest 5G coverage in the states is available in only 36 cities (.5% of the country). T-Mobile can deliver 300Mbps 5G to about 33% of the U.S. with 50 to 60 Mbps speeds elsewhere. And the research firm says that AT&T can deliver 60Mbps 5G speeds nationwide.
Some U.S. mobile customers might need to switch carriers in order to receive 5G service
We are in the early days of 5G in the states, and eventually all three major carriers will use some combination of low, mid-band, and high-band signals to give users the 5G experience that they have been hoping for. Thanks to the 2.5GHz mid-band spectrum it acquired in the Sprint transaction, many analysts see T-Mobile eventually becoming the 5G Speed King in the U.S. New Street’s Jonathan Chapli says, “It will take years for AT&T and Verizon to close the network performance gap with T-Mobile. At least two years, and maybe 4. That is a long time, in wireless land.
At this point, we don’t know for sure which iPhone 12 models, if any, will be compatible with mmWave 5G. Apple might limit mmWave support to the top-of-the-line iPhone 12 Pro Max. Those in rural areas of the U.S. who want 5G service could be forced to switch their account to T-Mobile. The aforementioned 2.5GHz spectrum T-Mobile picked up from Sprint is widely used by rural Americans and both AT&T and Verizon are not equipped to bring 5G to this area of the country.
Apple’s“Hi, Speed” virtual event will be held this coming Tuesday October 13th starting at 1 pm EDT (10 am PDT). Four 5G iPhone 12 models are expected to be introduced including the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini, the 6.1-inch iPhone 12, the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max. All four models will be powered by the 5nm A14 Bionic chipset and while the basic iPhone models will have 4GB of memory, the “Pro” models will feature 6GB of RAM. The “Pro” models will also have three cameras on the back along with the LiDAR Time-of-Flight depth sensor.
According to a tipster who posted the information on Weibo, the two iPhone models sporting a 6.1-inch screen, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, will be up for pre-orders on October 16th with a release date of October 23rd. The iPhone 12 mini, according to this tipster, will begin pre-orders on November 6th and launch on November 13th. And the iPhone 12 Pro Max will supposedly keep you waiting until November 13th before you can reserve a unit. The launch would then occur on November 20th.
It will be interesting to see whether U.S. consumers switch their wireless providers in order to align themselves with faster or more reliable 5G service. To reiterate, those who live in rural America might have to subscribe to T-Mobile in order to receive 5G service.
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.
