If rumors are to be believed, the Samsung Galaxy S20 is set to be one of the most impressive devices of the year, with incredible specs in the camera, hardware, battery and design departments. There’s one feature that hasn’t been mentioned, though, and it’s something I’m eager to see, because while it was present but flawed in the Galaxy S10, if Samsung can make it useful then the Galaxy S20 could be a true game-changer.
This feature is wireless power sharing (or ‘Bilateral Charging’ as some call it), which lets you turn your smartphone into its own wireless charging mat to power up other devices, like phones, certain wearables, or earbuds.
It’s a feature that we first saw in the Samsung Galaxy S10, and it also came in the Galaxy Note 10 and Huawei P30 Pro, but there’s still a lot of work to be done before it’s truly useful.
On the Samsung Galaxy S10, the feature was disappointingly limited, so much so that you were generally best off ignoring it, as all the potential this feature brings was squandered with a few big issues.
If the Samsung Galaxy S20 wants to be a great phone in real life, and not just on paper (as it seems so far), it really needs to improve this feature – here’s why.
What’s wrong with the Samsung Galaxy S10 wireless power sharing?
When I was at a concert with a few co-workers, one of them needed to charge their Samsung Galaxy Note 10, so I offered my fully-charged Samsung Galaxy S10 5G with its reverse wireless charging to give the Note a boost.
That turned out to be a bad idea. From roughly 15% charge, the Galaxy Note informed us it would take almost four hours to charge fully – we let it run for around 30 minutes, in which time the S10 5G lost around 20% charge while the Note only gained 2%, both handsets got really warm, and the phones were out of action for the whole time.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 (Image credit: TechRadar)
We had to hold the phones together at the same time (there’s nowhere to put a phone down at a concert, after all), and you need to hold them at the perfect angle to make sure the Qi chargers in the device align.
It’s possible we didn’t hold them in precisely the right way at times, since the devices are both so slippery that it took conscious effort to line them up just right. Still, a feature meant to be used by consumers should ideally be easy to use, and charging speeds were painfully slow even when we were sure the phones were aligned.
In the end, the co-worker decided it would be easier to just turn off their phone and not use it for the remainder of the concert.
Not only was the power inefficiency threatening to take the Galaxy S10 5G out of action while failing to save the Note 10, but it was just annoying having to hold the two phones together in exactly the right way to let the Note 10 charge.
Of course, this example is very anecdotal, and different people’s experiences with the feature may vary, but I’d be very surprised if many people had truly positive experiences with Bilateral Chargng.
Why Samsung Galaxy S20 needs improved wireless power share
In theory, wireless power share is a really useful feature – in the previous example, it would have been an addition that changed my co-worker’s experience with the phone, had it worked. However in its current state, being inefficient and slow, it’s not really worth using.
If Samsung were to find a way to improve the feature in the Galaxy S20, it would make the device a genuinely great way to charge other phones, the Samsung Galaxy Buds, and anything else that powers up wirelessly.
Since we’re expecting the Galaxy S20 to come with improved wireless charging, it’s also possible it could come with better reverse power sharing too, with a higher wattage to let it power things up much quicker.
Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus charging up another device (Image credit: TechRadar)
That wouldn’t solve the power inefficiency problem though, and that’s more important – generally, when something is power inefficient, most of the energy is lost as heat, and that speaks to the fact the phones in my example got pretty hot. In theory, it’s possible the phones could get damaged if they got too hot (although it’s probable the company has failsafes to protect against that).
Samsung needs to find a way to ensure wireless power charging in the Galaxy S20 series isn’t as inefficient as it was in the S10 devices, both to keep it a useful option for phone users and to protect the handset as much as possible.
One other way of reducing battery drain in the Galaxy S20 while using power sharing is to bump up the battery on the device, and according to the latest leaks (as of writing) all the S20 devices will have power backs with at least 4,000mAh capacity, so it looks like Samsung is going in this direction anyway.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 looks set to have a slew of impressive features – well, at least on paper, as the rumored specs sheet looks like nothing we’ve seen before. However a phone isn’t just a list of specs but a tool we use every day, and if those specs don’t translate into useful features, they may as well not exist in the first place.
Hopefully, then, the Galaxy S20 can pack reverse wireless power sharing that’s actually useful, so it can fix one of the Galaxy S10’s biggest problems.
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.
