Tech

Xbox’s Games Showcase was its strangest show yet – Video Games Chronicle

Published

4 years ago

July 24, 2020

A drop of mercury falls onto a hot plate, splits apart, then congeals into a single, silver ball. Compelled by heat, magnetism, or some other force yet to be understood by 21st century scientists, it tilts forward into a forge, where it’s compressed into a sheet of armour – a gauntlet, the last piece to be fitted into Master Chief’s exosuit.

After a week in which Xbox” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/platforms/xbox/”>Xbox insisted that its Showcase would focus solely on software, not hardware, opening on a view of a factory was a bold move. But the image came with a fitting message: “Liquid crystal cannot rise on its own. It all means nothing until you step inside.”

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Yes, the Series X may be imminent, and important. But Xbox is no longer all about a single piece of machinery. It’s about serving players where they are, whether that’s on Series X, Xbox One” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/platforms/xbox/xb1/”>Xbox One, or the PC” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/platforms/pc/”>PC. Xbox is no longer a console, but a subscription, and its name is Game Pass. It’s a future we were told was coming – that the industry would soon transition from selling discs to interactive Netflix” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/companies/netflix/”>Netflix.

But Xbox Game Studios (Microsoft)” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/companies/microsoft/”>Microsoft has been unique among the current crop of platform holders in committing totally to that vision. Every one of the games shown yesterday will launch in Game Pass, or otherwise be free to play. If you own a gaming PC, you’ll be able to access them all for under a tenner a month, without buying any Xbox hardware at all.

Every game Xbox showed will launch on Game Pass.

It’s a pretty extraordinary value proposition, and one that recalls the approach of Silicon Valley companies like Twitter – only seeking financial return once they’ve got as many people through the door as possible.

10 million and counting use Game Pass. Yet right from the beginning, the Showcase also highlighted the sacrifices Microsoft has had to make in its pledge to the subscription service. On any other new console, Halo Infinite” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/games/halo/halo-infinite/”>Halo Infinite would be the killer app, the launch title. Microsoft, however, is releasing 343’s soft reboot as an Xbox One game, and frankly, it looks like one.

Even accounting for Halo” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/games/halo/”>Halo’s art style, which forefronts bare, modular buildings and undetailed monoliths, there was little on show to suggest the game had benefitted from a generational shift in hardware, despite talk of “vistas”. Infinite will sell subscriptions, there’s no doubt about that. But will it sell the Series X? Not if it fails to show the benefit of the extra investment.

“10 million and counting use Game Pass. Yet right from the beginning, the Showcase also highlighted the sacrifices Microsoft has had to make in its pledge to the subscription service.”

Perhaps it’s itchiness over this fact that led Microsoft to announce a flurry of first-party Series X exclusives yesterday, too. That’s in stark contrast to its previously discussed cross-gen release strategy; earlier this month, in fact, Phil Spencer said that generational exclusives were “completely counter to what gaming is about”. But key draws like the new Fable and the next Forza apparently won’t come to the Xbox One.

More likely, the about-face doesn’t come from Microsoft itself. It could be that developers aren’t so keen to stunt their own technological growth in the name of Game Pass, preferring to make full use of the super fast SSD, ray tracing, and other potentially game-changing features buried in the Series X.

Spencer has said that Microsoft would be “very supportive” of devs who wanted to dedicate themselves solely to the new console; the fact that some first-party teams are already doing so may be a sign that cross-gen has left Microsoft at cross-purposes with its studios.

If that’s true, it’s clear that Microsoft’s new acquisitions are also reaping the benefits of bigger budgets. Just two years ago, Obsidian Entertainment” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/companies/microsoft/obsidian-entertainment/”>Obsidian was licking its wounds after the commercial failure of Pillars of Eternity II. Now, it’s funnelling all of that worldbuilding into Avowed, a much more expensive-sounding Elder Scrolls competitor set in the Pillars universe, Eora.

Psychonauts 2″ href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/games/psychonauts-2/”>Psychonauts 2, meanwhile, has been pushed back to 2021, a delay that would surely have been much harder to justify were Double Fine” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/companies/microsoft/double-fine/”>Double Fine still an independent, living project-to-project.

Ninja Theory” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/companies/microsoft/ninja-theory/”>Ninja Theory seems to have blown its in-house expenses on field trips to Iceland for Hellblade II. The country has proven such a popular source of inspiration for contemporary gamemakers that gaming archeologists will be able to use its landscapes to date their finds; if they step out over a blasted, black earth, they’ll know they’re playing a game made at the turn of the 2020s.

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Then there’s Rare” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/companies/microsoft/rare/”>Rare, the oldest Xbox acquisition still standing. Executive producer Louise O’Connor” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/people/louise-oconnor/”>Louise O’Connor made an appearance to tell fans that Everwild” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/games/everwild/”>Everwild was “a place to be eternal”. Which, well, they’d like that wouldn’t they? Service games could keep you subscribed to Game Pass forever.

But as a final salvo of uprezzed Xbox One titles made clear, the games that make Xbox a success in the next generation need not be new. It might not be Everwild, but the still-expanding Sea of Thieves” href=”https://www.videogameschronicle.com/games/sea-of-thieves/”>Sea of Thieves, that drives subs to Game Pass. In that sense, this was the strangest Xbox show yet – one in which the new and shiny seemed less important than the familiar and established.

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Tech

United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Published

23 hours ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

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.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

4 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

4 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.