Sony's upcoming PlayStation Portal hand-held console, which will allow gamers to enjoy PS5 titles on the go, is now available for pre-order at the PlayStation Direct online store.
The console, originally called Project Q, is being described as a “remote player”. Here's what else we know so far:
Design
The PlayStation Portal takes a lot of its cues from Nintendo’s successful hand-held console the Switch.
Consisting of a PlayStation 5 controller split in half with a screen in the middle, the design will suit those who find the controller comfortable to use.
The console features an 8-inch LCD screen capable of 1080p resolution at 60fps, which is a decent replication of the experience the PlayStation 5 provides when played on a TV.
Essentially, it functions as an extension of the PlayStation 5. It cannot function without owning a full PlayStation 5, as its primary use is to transmit games from that console to the hand-held device through Wi-Fi.
Sony says the new console is “the perfect device for gamers in households where they might need to share their living room TV or simply want to play PS5 games in another room of the house”.
The console can also support play on the PSVR2, with the use of Sony’s VR headset.
Games
The hand-held console will be able to play everything the PlayStation 5 can play. With a strong Wi-Fi connection, a one-to-one gaming experience can theoretically be replicated on the go.
Gamers can also tap into the PlayStation's large library of games through a PlayStation Plus subscription. Some titles will require a download while others can be streamed through the internet.
Price and release date
The new console will cost gamers a hefty $199.99, which is the same price as Nintendo’s Switch Lite.
Sony says the PlayStation Portable will be out on November 15.
Initial impressions
Sony’s previous forays into hand-held gaming range from the successful PlayStation Portable, better known as the PSP, to the underwhelming PS Vita.
The PSP was certainly ahead of its time in terms of options and capabilities, being able to play decent games – as well as the option of full-length films – on the go.
Since then, Sony has taken a back seat to Nintendo as a contender in the market.
While the PlayStation Portal remote player looks like an exciting idea, it is still hindered by having to be tethered to a PlayStation 5.
At best, it is an extra screen that allows for more flexible gameplay at home or on the go, and at worst it is an appendage to the powerful PlayStation 5, relying on it to do the heavy lifting.
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
