Every year in January, together with the new year, there are many predictions about what awaits us.
This year, device fatigue is rampant, smart consumers are not affected by novelty and the so-called “techlash” against major tech companies such as Facebook and Google is fully in force. And with climate change and increasing natural disasters, people are starting to question the CO2 footprint of devices and data.
Plus, 2020 is not just a “decade.” We have officially introduced ‘the future’, a fact that becomes clear when you consider that some of the most famous science fiction films are now taking place in the past; the rainy, neon-lit dystopian world of Blade Runner took place in November 2019 and Stanley Kubrick’s 2010: A Space Odyssey a full decade ago.
So what does that mean for this year?
Of course there are flashy wearables, new smartphone models and efforts to bring virtual reality mainstream. But the real innovations and trends to look at are the ones that you may have to see a little harder to see.
The struggle for balance
Our smartphones don’t seem to be going anywhere, but our relationship with them is clearly changing. In recent years, just as people have talked about technological innovations, they have also begun to talk about the pretentious grasp of those tools, from screen time issues to concerns about smartphone addiction.
Avery Swartz, author of the upcoming book See You on the Internet, says we should expect a continuous dialogue in 2020 about how we integrate technology into our lives in a healthy and thoughtful way.
Instagram has hidden like counts from users in various countries, including Canada. (Kate Bueckert / CBC)
Swartz predicts further changes in hardware and apps, following the example of Instagram’s ongoing experiments with removing the “like” count on messages from users in different markets around the world. She also expects movements from major technology companies such as Apple and Google to provide users with time control and greater insight into their personal device usage.
Sustainable practices
Madeline Ashby, a futurist and science fiction novelist, says that in addition to efforts to curb “digital addiction” such as “digital detoxes” and “digital sabbaticals”, we will see more of a push toward minimalism, and noted that consumers are becoming more ecological set.
Ashby calls this “ethical consumption” (note that the term can be contradictory), where consumers make social and political choices when purchasing, or the lack thereof. She says the trend will grow as the prosperity gap increases and the effects of climate change increase.
In light of recurring climate disasters, there is indeed a sharp and relatively sudden desire on the part of consumers to find out more about the carbon footprint of their devices, says Katina Michael, a professor at the School for the Future of Innovation at Society in Arizona State University.
She witnessed koalas begging people for water, the sky turned red and the sand turned black as they returned home to the Australian bushfire crisis during the holidays. practices.
“Nothing threatens innovation and progress such as catastrophe, but nothing drives innovation such as the loss of humans or wildlife,” says Michael.
“If we are without power, access to an ATM, access to mobile phones or even the internet, we become particularly innovative.”
LEO satellites
As for the coming year (literally) on the horizon, a lot of techExperts agree that LEO (low earth orbit) satellites have the most potential to be a game changer, especially in Northern Canada.
Most satellites float above the equator, and while “that’s great for TV,” says Duncan Stewart, director of technology, media and telecommunications research at Deloitte Canada, “if you want to use a satellite for internet data, that’s too far away, which means there will be a delay. ”
Satellites that are placed closer to Earth have low latency and constellations formed by hundreds of these LEO satellites are scheduled to have full service in parts of Canada by the end of the year, now that OneWeb and SpaceX have launched of it.
Seen here, the track of nearly 60 satellites was recorded by Marco Langbroek. The Starlink satellites were launched on top of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on May 23, 2019. (Marco Langbroek)
Nuvujaq Inc. develops next-generation satellite and “edge” computer networks. With edge computing, data storage and processing takes place closer to where it is used or accessed, to reduce latency.
Co-founder Madeline Redfern says that although LEO satellite networks make high-quality internet possible around the world, there are still many questions about their financial and technological viability. She expects the real potential of this technology to become clearer in 2020.
“In places like Nunavut, LEOs will enable us to do things that the rest of the country takes for granted,” says Redfern. “Videoconferencing will finally work, allowing friends and family to stay connected and potentially revolutionize health and education services.”
Shifting global superpowers
In 2019, the rising international popularity of the Chinese social media app TikTok posed a threat to the supremacy of Silicon Valley.
“China is shaping the world order as it sees fit and exports its technologies and surveillance systems to other countries around the world,” said Amy Webb, professor at the Stern School of Business at New York University and the founder and CEO of the Future Today Institute .
China has talked openly about its plans for cyber sovereignty, that is, controlling all internet activities within its borders, and “is rising rapidly to global supremacy,” Webb says.
Webb says that when China expands to African countries, Southeast Asia and Latin America, it will also begin to refrain from operating systems, technologies and infrastructure built by the West. She says that China has already announced that it will no longer use American computers and software.
All in all, 2020 is ready for a big year for technology. But it probably won’t be because of a murderous app or a shiny new device. In fact, you are skipping all the great product launches and press releases this year. The most exciting things are harder to see, but can have a lasting impact when it comes to how we deal with technology, with each other and with the world around us.
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.
