The most satisfying thing about the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra having S Pen functionality is that I’m not shackled to the spindly, miniaturized stylus of the Note. The difference between the full-sized S pen from the Galaxy Tab series and the fun-size stylus in the Note is night and day.
I often have an oddly visceral reaction to flimsy technology or anything that looks suspiciously like it will be the subject of several warranty emails to the manufacturer. This isn’t necessarily the Note stylus, but it’s close.
I understand the design compromises that had to be made to fit a digital pen into a phone, and I commend Samsung for ever having the audacity to even try that, but the full-sized S Pen feels like a proper stylus.
The S Pen I borrowed from my Galaxy Tab S7+ makes that clear. The extra length and wider diameter removes the feeling of compromise in use, which is an important step for convincing your subconscious to remember to use it. And use it I have.
The Note S Pen (right) doesn’t feel as sturdy as the full-sized version.
Janhoi McGregor
The 120Hz, QHD+ display on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra combines well with the low latency (9ms) S Pen, which results in an exceptionally smooth drawing experience. The soft nib glides nicely across the screen and registers your strokes almost instantly. You can see this is an area Samsung is experienced in.
Although I’m not necessarily convinced that super high resolutions and increasing pixel density is obviously visible on displays of this size, there’s no denying the artist experience on this phone looks excellent. If some of the big display numbers Samsung likes to boast about aren’t actually visible to the human eye, at least we know the device is delivering the best possible screen experience our eyes can handle.
The low latency makes drawing on the S21 Ultra fun.
Janhoi McGregor
Drawing is the clear beneficiary of the low latency and high specification display. I’m not good at sketching and I get little joy from an hour-long activity that only reminds me of my lack of ability. But the quality of the tools made the activity fun. I’ve spent a good few hours on Samsung’s Pen Up app (which helps amateurs learn to draw) picking up some skills and enjoying the process.
Pen Up’s live drawing feature lets you gradually trace other people’s artwork in order to learn about pen strokes and dexterity. Here’s my attempt at a crab (right) next to the professional version (left). Disclaimer: I have a shellfish allergy which is why my picture of a crab is bad.
Mario Crab Vs. Wario Crab (my attempt on the right).
Janhoi McGregor
What works well here is the palm rejection technology, which means I can get in close and rest my palm on the screen without giving the phone confusing signals. The magnify option in the Air Commands menu–that enhances any portion of the screen the pen is hovering over–really helps with seeing how bad my free-hand straight lines are. It’s reasonably seamless too. When the phone recognizes the Pen is within pointing range, a translucent Air Commands menu appears and offers several quick S Pen functionality options.
Where the S Pen really shines, though, is with Adobe Lightroom. I now realize it’s not possible to use Lightroom in any meaningful way without the precision and dexterity of a pen tip because picture editing deals in specifics.
Adjusting the highlights, shadows and tilting the image slightly all requires exact precision that can’t be achieved with your fingertip. This is one of the main reasons I dodge any serious picture editing on my phone (aside from a lack of ability), but the stylus enhances the experience to the point it’s a clear necessity.
Adobe Lightroom is much easier to use with a stylus.
Janhoi McGregor
The downside is how fiddly this all is. The big expansive canvas of a tablet is truly suited to digital pen use, whereas a phone feels cramped and unsteady. You need a table, a big screen and somewhere to rest your elbow to get the most out of creating with a digital pen.
Sitting on the sofa and stabbing a small screen just isn’t the same. Note taking is a casualty of this. Predictive text will always be faster than trying to minimize your handwriting to fit on a small screen, particularly if you’re in a rush. If you’ve ever had to sign for a delivery on a digital surface with your finger, and just ended up scribbling some nonsense, then you’ll know what I’m talking about. Note taking with a stylus isn’t much different. It’s just as wild and erratic.
Air Actions from the Note 10 and Galaxy Tab series, which lets users control their phone by swiping in the air with the S Pen, isn’t available because it requires a Bluetooth connection, nor is using the S Pen as a remote button that can be mapped for things like taking pictures. However, there will be an S Pen pro that adds this functionality at some point in the future. The option to map the button to switching brushes, or whatever creative tool you need, would be welcome.
Precise actions required in editing apps, drawing and drawing-adjacent activities (annotating screenshots for example) is where the S Pen on the Galaxy S21 Ultra shines for me. This is aided by a larger stylus, which is why I’m happy to have a larger pen-holding case rather than a special port inside the phone to hold a miniaturized digital pen. If you’re going to do the whole stylus thing, do it properly.
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.
