The team-up between Google and Samsung might be what finally knocks the Apple Watch Series off its throne.
Samsung has been busy recently, with the launch of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3, alongside other items like the Galaxy Air Buds 2, the company has been working hard on a lot of new projects.
Samsung’s latest wearable, the Galaxy Watch 4, comes from a team-up between Google and Samsung, bringing Wear OS to the Android smartwatch.
We asked some experts what they thought about the latest Galaxy Watch and how it could help Samsung and Google finally get a leg up on Apple’s wearable line.
Did Samsung and Google do enough to give Wear OS a fighting chance against the Apple Watch?
“It is too early to say. But it is a win-win situation for both Samsung and Google. Samsung’s smartwatches have struggled with developer and app support and Google has that in abundance. Google has struggled with hardware. A partnership gives Samsung the app support that comes with Google and gives Google the hardware expertise of Samsung,” Anisha Bhatia, Senior Analyst at GolbalData told Trusted Reviews.
“Collaboration also allows them access to non-Apple customers that was denied to them due to Android fragmentation. Volumes will bring in scale, cost efficiencies and more developers, which is what both Google and Samsung need to become viable competitors to Apple.”
Other experts agree that while it is too early to say for sure, the team-up between Samsung and Google should be a good thing for the future of the Galaxy Watch 4.
“If we look at the Apple Watch’s success, it’s built on seamless interoperability with the iPhone, giving users the knowledge that their smartwatch will just work with their phone, with no hassle. In contrast, Samsung and Google are trying to appeal to a wider base,” Leo Gebbie, principal analyst, Connected Devices at CCS Insight revealed to Trusted Reviews.
“For example, will using the Watch4 with a non-Samsung smartphone deliver a premium experience? Will people with other Android-powered smartphones – for instance, OnePlus – be aware of the benefits of a Wear OS device as opposed to a OnePlus watch?
“It’s a far trickier message for Google and Samsung to pitch to customers, and until Wear OS becomes more widespread and consistent, it will likely remain hard to communicate.”
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It is assumed that the team-up will also mean that the Galaxy Watch 4 could be the Apple equivalent but for Android.
“Regarding software, third-party apps have been a challenge for almost all smartwatch makers aside from Apple. Samsung is looking to have cracked this with the reignition of their partnership with Goggle, providing users with a wealth of familiar apps from Google Play,” Jack Hamlin, Global Client Manager at Kantar Worldpanel told Trusted Reviews.
“This development makes Samsung Galaxy Watch an extremely compelling choice for Android smartphone owners, in many ways making it the ‘Apple Watch’ of the Android world.”
How do you see Wear OS devices doing in the next year?
“We have seen increased sales and engagement in the wearables category following Covid. Wear OS devices’ sleek design and third-party app support will stand them in good stead for success in the coming year,” Hamlin continued to say.
“However competition is set to intensify, Google’s acquisition of Fitbit has sparked rumours of a possible Pixel watch, which would directly compete with the Wear OS series.”
While the experts agree Samsung’s newest wearable will do well, it will have to overcome strong competition from Apple’s wearables, such as the Apple Watch 6.
“This year, I expect the Galaxy Watch 4 to perform well. However, it’s very difficult to say how other Wear OS devices will perform, because we still don’t know exactly what devices will use it,” Gebbie went on to say.
“Google has confirmed that some Mobvoi TicWatch and Fossil watches will support the new software, but these are fairly small players in terms of shipments. I’m also expecting to see new Fitbit devices running Wear OS but little is known about these right now.
“Ultimately, I think it could take some time before we’ll have any indication of the level of success that the new Wear OS has achieved, but Google and Samsung have invested heavily and are certainly in it for the long haul.”
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.
