Tech

Texting between iPhones and Android devices will get better next year

Published

10 months ago

November 17, 2023

Grainy photos. No support for WiFi. Lingering doubts that someone actually saw your message.

Even in 2023, sending a text message from an iPhone to an Android device — and vice versa — feels bare-bones at best. But in a surprising change, Apple has agreed that should change in 2024.

On Thursday, Apple confirmed that it would build support for the Rich Communication Services messaging standard — otherwise known as “RCS” — into future software releases. That support will arrive “later next year,” a time frame that suggests it will be folded into an upcoming version of the company’s iOS, typically released in September.

When that finally happens, iPhone owners and Android users will be able to share media like photos and videos in messages at high quality. They’ll see read receipts and typing indicators as their conversations unfold, too, and Apple says users will be able to share their locations inside text threads.

That’s a welcome change for consumers on both sides of the iOS/Android divide, but Apple’s concession may also be meant to appeal to another audience: lawmakers in Europe. For months, the European Commission has been trying to determine whether Apple’s iMessage was big enough a platform to be regulated by the EU’s Digital Markets Act — a move that could force Apple to make iMessage compatible with rival messaging services.

No matter the reason for its about-face, Apple is late to the party. Nearly every reasonably popular messaging service out there had those features for years. (Of course, that includes iMessage.) So, why the delay?

The reason these features haven’t been available for iPhone users texting friends with Android phones — and vice versa — is that they’re just not possible under the decades-old technical standards that make SMS (a.k.a regular text messages) and MMS (or, multimedia messages) possible.

For years, Apple chose to flesh out its iMessage service with new features while relying on those aging formats to ferry text messages and pictures to and from non-iPhones. While that was happening, wireless carriers, device makers and even Google itself bought into the RCS standard, and have fleshed out the infrastructure to make it work.

Now, by embracing RCS, Apple is also embracing a more uniform kind of messaging experience — one that should feel pretty similar no matter what kind of phone you’re using.

“We believe the RCS Universal Profile will offer a better interoperability experience when compared to SMS or MMS,” the company said in a statement.

But none of this means Apple will roll out RCS support the same way some rivals have. Google technically stepped beyond the bounds of the technical standard to include end-to-end encryption for RCS messages — which means they’re indecipherable to the companies and networks they move through on their way from one phone to another — sent through its Google Messages app.

Apple says that’s not something the company plans to do by itself; instead, it wants to make the RCS standard itself more secure, a process that likely won’t happen immediately.

Apple’s announcement is also unlikely to herald the end of green-bubble-blue-bubble tension. iMessage isn’t going anywhere, and the company says messages shared between Android devices and iPhones will continue to be color-coded the way they are now.

RCS messaging “will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users,” said the company’s statement.

Short of buying an iPhone the way Tim Cook suggested to someone advocating for RCS at a conference, Android users weary of the green bubble stigma must turn to outside players working to bring iMessage to Android — or wait to see if Europe forces Apple to open the platform to everyone.

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Tech

United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Published

5 hours ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

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.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.