Microsoft is launching the latest iteration of the ubiquitous Windows operating system this week with Windows 11. I am a child of the 80’s and a fan of the movie This Is Spinal Tap—so I can’t resist the opportunity to quote Nigel Tufnel (played by actor Christopher Guest) in the iconic discussion about the amplifiers: “These go to 11.”
Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer for Windows + Devices for Microsoft, shared in a blog post, “Today marks an exciting milestone in the history of Windows. As the day becomes October 5 in each time zone around the world, availability of Windows 11 begins through a free upgrade on eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs pre-installed with Windows 11 that can be purchased beginning today.”
As you should expect with a new version of the operating system, there are a variety of new features and capabilities. Some are minor cosmetic tweaks, and some are game-changing features that dramatically improve the Windows computing experience. Let’s take a deeper dive on a few of the ones that stand out for me.
Task Bar and Start Menu
Windows 11 Start Screen is the nerve center of the operating system.
Microsoft
One of the things you will notice immediately when logging in to a Windows 11 PC is that the icons on the Task Bar are centered by default. I don’t know if Microsoft was influenced by MacOS and I doubt they would admit it if they were, but it reminds me of the default layout of icons when using a MacOS computer. You can go into the Task Bar settings and move them back to the left if you prefer, but in theory having them centered keeps them front and center as you’re working with Windows, which should streamline things and help you function more efficiently.
Widgets
Keep tabs on everything at-a-glance with Widgets.
Microsoft
You will also notice a few additional icons enabled by default on the Task Bar—Task View, Chat, and Widgets. Each of them can be disabled in the Task Bar settings if you would prefer not to have it displayed.
Widgets are a pretty cool way for you to have at-a-glance access to everything that is important or interesting to you. You can customize and mix-and-match the widgets that are shown so you have easy access to the information you want: weather, traffic, news, sports scores, your Outlook calendar or a to-do list. The overall experience is not fundamentally different than what you could accomplish by configuring the Start Menu in Windows 10. I recommend you give Widgets a try. Set it up the way that works best for you and it will quickly become your go-to for staying on top of things.
Chat
The Chat feature in Windows 11 lets you communicate with anyone—even on MacOS, Android, or iOS … [+] devices.
Microsoft
It seems like the major players are embracing—or at least attempting to embrace—the idea of cross-platform communication. With the launch of iOS 15, Apple recently expanded the capabilities of FaceTime to allow iOS users to invite people to join in FaceTime communications even if they use Android or Microsoft Windows. For Microsoft’s part, they added the Chat feature as a default icon on the Task Bar—-which includes the ability to chat, voice, or video call with people regardless of the platform they’re on—Windows, MacOS, Android, or iOS.
Snap Layouts
Easily snap your application windows into a configuration that lets you maximize productivity.
Microsoft
I have been a fan of the ability to snap a window to one side or the other of the display since Microsoft introduced the feature—but Snap Layouts in Windows 11 is a significant upgrade. When you hover over the maximize icon at the top of an application, Windows 11 will display various layout options you can choose from to snap your applications. I spend most of my time in Windows with all of my applications snapped to the left or right half of the display in a 50/50 split, but I can see getting a lot of use out of some of these other setups. For example, I have an ultrawide monitor, so I can comfortably fit three applications across the display—each taking up exactly one-third of the display. Or, I can use the middle 50% for my main application, and have applications open on either side that take up just 25% each for reference.
Windows 11 and Free Ice Cream
These are just a few of the new features and capabilities in Windows 11. Microsoft also enhanced the operating system for accessibility, improved gaming on Windows 11 with features like Auto HDR, and improved security features to keep your Windows 11 PC protected in our new hybrid work-from-home world.
Microsoft will begin rolling out Windows 11 as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs beginning tomorrow, October 5. Panay outlines all of the various ways you can get Windows 11 in his blog post.
I am nowhere near New York, personally. But if you are you also have a chance to celebrate the arrival of Windows 11 with some free ice cream. Microsoft teamed up with New York City-based ice creamery Mikey Likes It to create a limited-edition flavor called “Bloomberry.” Mikey Likes It will be handing out free scoops of Bloomberry ice cream on October 5 while supplies last.
If you are using a Windows PC, I recommend you take a look at what the new version has to offer. To paraphrase Nigel Tufnel, this one goes to 11.
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.
