Tech
Top stories of 2019: Q1 – GSMArena.com news – GSMArena.com
As the year winds down it’s a great time to reflect on the top stories of the past 12 months. This is the first of four installments where we look at the stories that shaped this year.
The first quarter of the year is a very important one. It hosts the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where we usually see a lot of the flagship phones that will shape the mobile landscape until the summer.
But this year we got more than the usual square slabs of premium tech. MWC gave us our much-anticipated glimpse of the first foldable phones!
Samsung and Huawei showed off, initially at a distance, the Galaxy Fold and the Mate X. We were present at both events and came away giddy with excitement – something of a rarity for seasoned techies such as ourselves.
Samsung had the upper hand on Huawei as it was able to release units to the press for preliminary reviews. However those promptly uncovered a few hardware issues – the hinge behind the folding screen would accumulate dirt and debris, which would ultimately destroy the device. There was a thin film over the display, which some mistook for a screen protector and attempted to peel it off, resulting in damage to the screen.
This led to Samsung recalling all Galaxy Fold devices in the field and cancelling all pre-orders of the device. At the time it wasn’t clear if and when Samsung would resolve the issues, but we now know that it took it months to do so. Samsung officially re-launched the Galaxy Fold in September with a number of improvements and seemingly no critical flaws.
Meanwhile Huawei’s Mate X wasn’t ready for release until late November but it only got a limited release due to Huawei’s issues with the US goverment.
Some of the most important devices of early 2018 was the Galaxy S10 lineup (consisting of vanilla, plus, e and 5G models). There were a number of high-profile leaks before the Galaxy S10 quartet eventually arrived on February 20.
We learned most of the specs through a leak, which we ourselves delivered first. The 12GB/1TB variant of the Galaxy S10+ leaked and we learned that the Galaxy S10e won’t be called Galaxy S10 Lite.
When Samsung announced its Galaxy S10 lineup it brought the first HDR10+ screens, first ultrasonic under-display scanners, a new triple camera among other things.
Another big MWC announcement was the Nokia 9 PureView. The penta-cam phone was long in the making and captured the attention of everyone.
It promised to deliver the ultimate dynamic range on a smartphone camera but it failed to win the fans over. It lacked an ultrawide or telephoto camera, nor did it have great battery life and was already behind the curve with its Snapdraon 845 chipset. But it did impress us with its incredible bokeh rendition in macro and portrait photos.
Another big announcement during the MWC was the Sony Xperia 1. Initially rumored as the Xperia XZ4, the Xperia 1 redefined Sony’s flagship and brought another name change.
But the Xperia 1 was much more than just a name. It’s the only flagship with a 21:9 4K OLED screen on the market and its 12MP regular + 12MP tele + 12MP ultrawide camera combo proved to be among the best in the market.
In March Huawei unveiled its P30 and P30 Pro to compete with Samsung’s Galaxy S10 and S10+ head on. The Huawei P30 Pro’s secret weapon was the 5x periscope telephoto camera. It wasn’t great for video and it was subpar in low light but damn that baby could zoom.
Samsung’s new Galaxy M series launched at the end of January and proved quite popular. The Galaxy M10 and M20 were aggressively priced and brought dual cameras, Infinity-V displays and capable Exynos chips. The Galaxy M20 had a 5,000mAh with 15W charging.
Xiaomi showed off a foldable design but it failed to materialize into a device in 2019. However the company released one of the most popular phones of the year in the Redmi Note 7. It brought the right blend of great price and good specs. This was one of the first 48MP cameras on the market and non-coincidentally one of the most successful phones of the year.
And Xiaomi’s novel ad campaign which saw the Redmi Note 7 mash watermelons, smashing walnuts and being used as a cutting board was quite enjoyable.
Meizu unveiled the Zero prototype with no physical buttons and not even a speaker or charging port. It was an interesting concept but remained just that – a concept. Meizu couldn’t pull off the crowdfunding needed to take the Zero off the ground.
And while we’re on that sentiment, Windows Phone received its official final call in January 2018. Microsoft will continue to support Windows Phone until the January 2020, but then it’s officially dead.
That’s it for our Q1 recap. Stay tuned for Q2.
Xiaomi’s interesting ad campaign, showcasing the durability of the new affordable device continues with even more silly videos.
We received an exclusive inside look at the Galaxy S10, S10+ and S10e specs sheet.
DSLR photos used once again.
The 6.47″ AMOLED screen gets next-gen in-display FP reader as well as acoustic display tech. Kirin 980 and 40W charging round off this flagship.
The Exynos 9280 is a beast of a chipset.
The phone will be powered by Snapdragon 660 and will come with 4,000 mAh battery.
The first-ever smartphone penta-camera is also the first smartphone camera to use the Light computational photography system.
All the battery you could ever want, but probably not the battery you actually need.
Android Q Developer Preview incoming.
The wide notch of the original was not everyone’s favorite feature, so what if it’s replaced by a more palatable waterdrop notch?
It is powered by Snapdragon 855 SoC with up to 12 GB RAM.
All three models will launch on March 8 release with 3.5mm audio jacks.
Dynamic AMOLED replaces Super AMOLED. The S10 phones also feature faster wireless charging and PowerShare.
The 3.5mm audio jack is here to stay.
It has a 4.6″ phone screen, 7.3″ tablet screen and six cameras dotted all over. The Fold will be available on April 26.
Samsung hopes to resolve the screen issues as soon as possible.
The Nokia 9 PureView could potentially have the best scene depth-sensing around as our first camera samples show.
HMD has brought us a true PureView successor – the Nokia 9 with its five 12MP snappers and a ToF camera at the back.
The smartphones will become official in India on January 28.
The Galaxy M20 has a 5,000mAh battery Exynos 7904 chipset and a 6.3″ screen.
This is the “Beyond 1″, aka the 6.1” curved screen model. The S10 series will not have gradient color paint jobs, says another rumor.
The Xperia XZ4 will be announced next month at the MWC.
This is a successor to the Xperia XZ Premium phones and not an “XZ4”. There’s no Compact version.
A device with a typical Android One codename was spotted in the Pie-based Xiaomi software.
This is so far the only device with two folds. The screen remains on the outside.
The Redmi Note 7 appeared in India with a lower price tag and a downgraded 12 MP camera.
Meizu announces the first phone with no ports or buttons.
The Galaxy Unpacked event will take place in San Francisco, United States.
This is the end of a beloved smartphone platform as Microsoft shifts efforts to support its services on the two majority platforms.
The new device is the fastest and slimmest foldable smartphone.
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.
Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.
The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.
Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.
The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.
In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.
To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.
Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.
The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.
In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.
Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.
Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.
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