Between Microsoft and Sony, the drums of the next-gen console wars are sounding. After months of drip-feed reveals of design and features, we finally have a release date for Sony's PlayStation 5.
The next-gen console (well, consoles, but we’ll get to that later) will be launched on Thursday, November 12 in the US and a few other select markets before globally releasing a week later. So it's likely to hit shelves in the UAE around Thursday, November 19.
5 things to know about the PlayStation 5:
1. There are actually two versions
Needless to say, Sony’s next iteration of the popular video game console – with its custom eight-core processor and graphics engine – is the most powerful yet.
But there will actually be two versions of the console: one with a disc drive, and one without. And while the sculpted design is largely the same, the one without a disc drive, dubbed the Digital Edition, will have a slimmer base.
The Xbox recently unveiled two similar models – the Series X and the Series S – for its upcoming release. But while Xbox's Series S will not be able to match the visuals of its bigger (and bulkier) sibling, both editions of the PS5 will feature the ability to play 4K graphics at up to 120 frames per second.
2. They will be competitively priced
The PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition are priced similarly to their Microsoft counterparts.
The standard PS5 is set to retail for $500 (Dh1,836), whereas the Digital Edition will sell for $100 less, going for $400 (Dh1,470).
3. The PS5 will be compatible with PS4 games
One issue with upgrading your video game console means that your collection of older games are often rendered obsolete. This won’t be the case this time around.
According to Sony, your PS4 games will be perfectly usable on the PS5. You’ll be able to transfer most of your games to your new console and in most cases, enjoy an increased frame rate.
However, if you’re considering making use of your PS4 games, it's worth paying a bit more for the PS5 with the disc drive.
4. They will have 3D audio
As impressive as the 4K graphics of the upcoming PlayStation are going to be, the audio capabilities are no less exciting. Sony has previously claimed that the PS5’s new 3D audio engine will set a freshly high standard for video game audio.
Dubbed ‘The Tempest’, the engine, Sony says, will allow players to “hear individual raindrops” rather than just a constant sound of rainfall. How zen.
However, to make the most out of the feature, gamers might have to upload photos of their ears so the right Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF) setting is chosen.
But even if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, the PS5 will offer five different HRTF presets at launch for players to choose from. The presets were made based on data collected from about 100 people.
5. New DualSense Controller
The new wireless controller will be based on the current DualShock controller, but with a number of new modifications. Its adaptive triggers are equipped with haptic feedback that alter resistance based on what’s happening in the game, taking into account whether you’re driving a car through the mud or drawing an arrow from a bow.
The DualSense controller will also be equipped with a built-in microphone, allowing gamers to speak to each other without the need for a headset.
The DualShock’s share button has also been swapped out for a create button, which offers expanded functionality.
However, the added features will also mean a bump in the controller's price, which is reported to be going for $70 (Dh257).
Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
More on Quran memorisation:
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
Company profile
Name: One Good Thing
Founders: Bridgett Lau and Micheal Cooke
Based in: Dubai
Sector: e-commerce
Size: 5 employees
Stage: Looking for seed funding
Investors: Self-funded and seeking external investors
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Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
Medicus AI
Started: 2016
Founder(s): Dr Baher Al Hakim, Dr Nadine Nehme and Makram Saleh
Based: Vienna, Austria; started in Dubai
Sector: Health Tech
Staff: 119
Funding: €7.7 million (Dh31m)
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
Lewis Hamilton in 2018
Australia 2nd; Bahrain 3rd; China 4th; Azerbaijan 1st; Spain 1st; Monaco 3rd; Canada 5th; France 1st; Austria DNF; Britain 2nd; Germany 1st; Hungary 1st; Belgium 2nd; Italy 1st; Singapore 1st; Russia 1st; Japan 1st; United States 3rd; Mexico 4th
