Verizon may be launching its “nationwide” 5G network as soon as tomorrow, to sync up with the iPhone 12 launch event, according to new 5G tests we did in Chicago and posters on the Verizon subreddit.
Tomorrow’s iPhone 12 launch is anticipated to include up to four 5G phones, and Verizon is far behind AT&T and T-Mobile on 5G coverage. (That’s a render of one of the new iPhones, above.) According to our 26-city Fastest Mobile Networks tests, Verizon had 3.5 percent 5G availability earlier this summer, as opposed to 38.5 percent for AT&T and 54.2 percent for T-Mobile.
That’s because Verizon chose a fast, but hard-to-build 5G system, called high-band or millimeter-wave, which has very short range. In our tests, Verizon’s millimeter-wave system was much faster than the other two carriers’, but it didn’t carry.
Low-band 5G, on the other hand, lets carriers light up a “5G” icon on lots of phones but delivers essentially 4G performance. AT&T and T-Mobile both focused on low-band 5G to get that indicator lit up. In AT&T’s case, the carrier used a very narrow low-band channel, resulting in a 5G network that (according to our tests) was actually slower than its 4G network.
Verizon doesn’t want to lose the marketing game, though, so it plans to activate dynamic spectrum sharing, or DSS, which flips some of its 4G channels over to 5G to turn on that 5G icon for many people. If the capability is on enough of its low-band towers, Verizon’s 5G could quickly span the nation.
Testing Verizon 5G throughout Chicago on Oct. 11, we saw a “5G” icon appear on one of our phones, without the usual “UWB,” which signifies Verizon’s high-band 5G network. We ran speed tests when the “5G” icon appeared, within the Loop, in River North, along Lake Shore Drive, and on the North Side.
Here’s where we saw the ‘5G’ icon appear in Chicago.
According to posts on Reddit, the low-band 5G icon can appear on Verizon phones that have the Android 11 beta loaded. We have that loaded on some of our phones. Also according to a post on Reddit, the network uses frequency band n5. That’s the original 850Mhz cellular band which has been in use since the 1980s, and it has excellent range. AT&T is using the same band for its poorly-performing nationwide 5G.
Existing 5G phones released after February 2020 should have DSS capabilities. It’s unclear whether they’ll need an update to Android 11 to get them, though, which could delay its arrival on phones like the Samsung Galaxy S20 series. While Samsung said it intends to launch an Android 11 update for the Galaxy S20 series this year, that could be any time this year.
How Fast Is Verizon’s Nationwide 5G?
Pre-launch, DSS 5G isn’t impressive, but it doesn’t have the airwaves to pull it off. The chart below compares the DSS 5G speeds we got with the 4G and 5G speeds we found during the Chicago phase of our Fastest Mobile Networks tests earlier this summer.
5G DSS speeds from October 11; 4G and 5G mmWave speeds from late July.
I wouldn’t worry too much about the 5G being slower than 4G yet. This is pre-launch and either our devices or the network may not have been fully configured. But I think 5G being the same speed as 4G is more relevant, because DSS 5G is really just a shell game. You get faster speeds when you add spectrum to a carrier’s pool. The power of 5G comes from its ability to use wider channels than 4G—up to 100MHz each where 4G channels max out at 20MHz.
DSS simply shifts some existing 4G channels to 5G when they aren’t being used by 4G phones. So you’re going to end up with narrow odds and ends of airwaves that don’t expand the carrier’s portfolio any, but let it show a “5G” indicator for marketing purposes.
Why do DSS anyway? There are reasons to do it from a tech perspective. It pays off later in the game. It lets carriers more quickly achieve “standalone” 5G status where phones don’t have to attach to secondary 4G networks for coverage. That then activates new non-speed-related 5G features like super-low latency, network slicing for high reliability, and an increased number of devices per cell, which eliminates blocked connections. It also lets carriers manage their 4G-to-5G transitions much more easily than they could otherwise.
But most importantly, it lights up that icon.
We’ve contacted Verizon for comment and haven’t heard back yet. The new iPhones will launch at 1 p.m. ET on October 13.
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.
