Apple Introduces New Collections for Both Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2
During today’s big media event, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 2, with an emphasis on the wearable’s swimproof and activity tracking features. To a lesser degree, the company mentioned the casing materials — aluminum, stainless steel, and now ceramic — and detailed new versions of its bands created with collaborator Hermès.
Interestingly, it didn’t divulge any of the new versions of its own first-party bands and collections, of which there are quite a few. Below we’ll list out each new collection of the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 by case type. Unless specifically designated, each collection has both 38mm and 42mm sizes.
Aluminum Cases
For aluminum, the pricing structure is as follows: $269 (38mm) and $299 (42mm) for Series 1 models, and $369 (38mm) and $399 (42mm) for Series 2 models.
Series 1 and Series 2 collections:
– Silver Aluminum Case with White Sport Band
– Gold Aluminum Case with Concrete Sport Band (38mm only)
– Gold Aluminum Case with Cocoa Sport Band (42mm only)
– Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Pink Sand Sport Band (38mm only)
– Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Midnight Blue Sport Band (42mm only)
– Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band
Series 2 collections:
– Silver Aluminum Case with Pearl Woven Nylon
– Gold Aluminum Case with Yellow/Light Gray Woven Nylon (38mm only)
– Gold Aluminum Case with Toasted Coffee/Caramel Woven Nylon (42mm only)
– Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Pink/Midnight Blue Woven Nylon (38mm only)
– Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Space Orange/Anthracite Woven Nylon (42mm only)
– Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Woven Nylon
– Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black/Volt Nike Sport Band
– Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black/Cool Gray Nike Sport Band
– Silver Aluminum Case with Flat Silver/Volt Nike Sport Band
– Silver aluminum Case with Flat Silver/White Nike Sport Band
Stainless Steel Cases
Given the various bands included with stainless steel cases in these collections, pricing is more varied than the aluminum models. The collections start at $549 (Sport Band), $649 (Classic Buckle and Milanese Loop), $699 (Leather Loop and Space Black Milanese Loop), $749 (Modern Buckle), $949 (Link Bracelet), and $1049 (Space Black Link Bracelet).
Series 2 collections:
– Stainless Steel Case with White Sport Band
– Space Black Stainless Steel Case with Black Sport Band
– Stainless Steel Case with Saddle Brown Classic Buckle
– Stainless Steel Case with Midnight Blue Modern Buckle (38mm only)
– Stainless Steel Case with Midnight Blue Leather Loop (42mm only)
– Stainless Steel Case with Milanese Loop
– Stainless Steel Case with Link Bracelet
– Space Black Stainless Steel Case with Space Black Milanese Loop
– Space Black Stainless Steel Case with Space Black Link Bracelet
– Stainless Steel Case with Hermès Etoupe Swift Leather Double Buckle Cuff (38mm only)
– Stainless Steel Case with Hermès Rose Jaipur Epsom Leather Single Tour (38mm only)
– Stainless Steel Case with Hermès Fauve Barenia Leather Single Tour
– Stainless Steel Case with Hermès Feu Epsom Leather Single Tour (42mm only)
– Stainless Steel Case with Hermès Fauve Barenia Leather Single Tour Deployment Buckle (42mm only)
– Stainless Steel Case with Hermès Etoupe Swift Leather Double Tour (38mm only)
– Stainless Steel Case with Hermès Fauve Barenia Leather Double Tour (38mm only)
Ceramic Case
Only available in one collection, the ceramic collection is available for $1249 (38mm) and $1299 (42mm).
– White Ceramic Case with Cloud Sport Band
The Apple Watch Series 2, as well as the upgraded Series 1, will go on pre-order this Friday, September 9. After that, the wearable device will launch in more than 25 countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada — on September 16.
Check out the MacRumors event recap post for every piece of news from today’s media event, including articles on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, as well as details on the Apple Watch Series 2.
Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 2, watchOS 3
Tag: September 2016 event
Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)
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Apple Watch Series 2 is Fine for Swimming, but Scuba Diving and Waterskiing Not Recommended
One of the key new features of the Apple Watch Series 2 is an improved water resistance rating of up to 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010, which by definition means the watch can be used for shallow-water activities such as swimming in a pool or ocean, white water rafting, and fishing without risking water damage.
These activities are in addition to the previous IPX7 splash resistance that allows for the Apple Watch, including first-generation models, to be worn while washing your hands or jogging in the rain. Many original Apple Watch owners also routinely shower and swim with the device, although Apple never officially recommended such activities.
However, while the Apple Watch Series 2 has improved water and dust resistance, fine print on Apple’s website says the device should not be used while scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth, presumably including jet skiing and deep water snorkeling.
Apple Watch Series 2 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that it may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Series 2 should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.
Apple Watch Series 2 models are priced from $369 and will be available starting Friday, September 16 in the U.S. and select other launch countries.
Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 2, watchOS 3
Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)
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iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are IP67 Water Resistant, But Water Damage Isn’t Covered Under Warranty
Apple’s latest iPhones, the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, are the company’s first iPhones that have been advertised as “water and dust resistant” with an official IP67 rating under International Electrotechnical Standards, a uniform way of determining water and resistance ratings across a wide range of devices.
IP67 is actually two numbers, one that refers to the dust resistance rating and one that refers to water resistance. IP6x is the highest dust resistance rating, indicating the iPhone 7 is completely protected against dust.
IPx7, the water resistance rating, means the iPhone 7 can withstand immersion in water to one meter (3.3 feet) for 30 minutes, tested in laboratory conditions. IPx7 is the second-highest rating, below IP8, which indicates an ability to withstand long periods of immersion under pressure. Samsung’s devices, by the way, are rated at IP68, suggesting better overall water resistance.
Apple describes the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus as “splash, water, and dust resistant,” and it should hold up to accidental drops in the pool, bathtub, or shower or light splashing. It shouldn’t be used in high-pressure water conditions, such as in direct shower water, and it shouldn’t be kept under water for extended periods of time.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are splash, water, and dust resistant and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529. Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
Apple warns against attempting to charge a wet iPhone, which could result in damage to the device, and it specifies that any liquid damage to the device is not covered under warranty, so it’s best to use caution when exposing the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus to water.
Related Roundup: iPhone 7
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Removal of iPhone 7 Headphone Jack Was Essential for Water Resistance, New Camera System
Apple removed the headphone jack in the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, a controversial decision that’s upset some iPhone fans. On stage at today’s media event, Apple executives explained that it had been done to save space and to usher in improvements in wireless headphone technology, but in an interview with BuzzFeed, Apple’s Greg Joswiak, Dan Riccio, and Phil Schiller explained in much greater detail why the decision was made to move away from the 3.5mm headphone jack.
The idea for the removal of the headphone jack was raised during the development of the iPhone 7. In a nutshell, the “driver ledge” for the display and backlight, traditionally placed near the camera, was interfering with the new camera systems in the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, leading Apple to explore other placement options. It was moved near the audio jack, but it also caused interference with various components, including the audio jack itself, so Apple engineers toyed with the elimination of the jack altogether.
When the headphone jack was removed, Apple realized it was easier to install the new Taptic Engine for the pressure-sensitive Home button, implement a bigger battery, and reach an IP7 water resistance rating, so the elimination of the headphone jack became essential for all of the other features in the iPhone 7.
Apple executives also believe the headphone jack is outdated technology that needed to go to make room for new advancements. According to Dan Riccio, it was holding Apple back “from a number of things” the company wanted to add to the iPhone, taking up space that could be used for camera improvements, battery, and processors.
“The audio connector is more than 100 years old,” Joswiak says. “It had its last big innovation about 50 years ago. You know what that was? They made it smaller. It hasn’t been touched since then. It’s a dinosaur. It’s time to move on.” […]
For Dan Riccio, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, the iPhone’s 3.5-millimeter audio jack has felt something like the last months of an ill-fated if amicable relationship: familiar and comfortable, but ultimately an impediment to a better life ahead. “We’ve got this 50-year-old connector — just a hole filled with air — and it’s just sitting there taking up space, really valuable space,” he says.
According to Apple’s Phil Schiller, there’s no ulterior motive behind the move away from the 3.5mm headphone jack. “We are removing the audio jack because we have developed a better way to deliver audio. It has nothing to do with content management or DRM — that’s pure, paranoid conspiracy theory,” he said.
To ease the transition away from the 3.5mm headphone jack, Apple is including a 3.5mm to Lightning adapter with every iPhone 7 and it is also offering EarPods with a Lightning connector. Apple’s new AirPods, which are fully wireless and are priced at $159, will also make it easier for customers to adapt to a device without a jack.
On the subject of Apple’s new AirPods, Apple’s Schiller says the earbuds, which are “as advanced a project as Apple Pencil,” have been in development since the Apple Watch was conceived. “We knew we needed a great wireless solution for audio,” he said. “What if you could design what the future of headphones should look like?’ That’s we asked the team to do.”
The full explanation for the removal of the headphone jack, which is well worth reading, is available over at BuzzFeed.
Related Roundup: iPhone 7
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Sony PlayStation 4 Slim Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
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Sony’s shrink ray has done it again. The PlayStation 4 has officially been miniaturized to become the PlayStation 4 Slim. It’s coming September 15 for $299 (£259, no price for Australia yet), the same price the original version costs right now.
Basically, it’s the same PlayStation 4 game console you know and love (or hate?), only an estimated 30 percent smaller than before, according to measurements taken by people who managed to buy the system ahead of launch.
That’s a notable drop: the original PS4 stood two inches high, while the new slimmer version measures more like an inch and a half tall.
Pricing for the new PlayStation 4 Slim.
Other than the obvious size difference, there’s not a heck of a lot to say about the new PlayStation 4 Slim. It still plays all the same games the exact same way with the exact same internal hardware — with only minor functional differences.
For instance, reports suggest it’s a little bit easier to install a new hard drive now (500GB comes standard, with a 1TB version as well), and a slightly tweaked DualShock 4 controller can be directly connected to the console with a USB cable to improve response times in intense games.
According to those reports, there’s also no longer an optical audio jack on the back of the system, and the Slim runs cooler and quieter thanks to improved cooling and a redesigned fan.
Sony says the new slimmer PS4 is 25 percent lighter than the original, and 34 percent more power efficient.
Otherwise, you’ll looking at cosmetic differences like a little light strip that helps you find the power button, another light strip on top of the controller to get your attention, PlayStation symbols peppering the bottom panel, and front USB 3.0 ports that are a little bit further apart.
Sony’s new, slimmer PlayStation 4.
Sony
But the PlayStation 4 Slim doesn’t need to be a big upgrade, because it’ll replace the existing PlayStation 4 in stores. If you’re looking for some more power in your PlayStation, you’ll want to look at the PS4 Pro, the new high-end 4K-ready console that Sony’s announcing as well!
Or if you just happen to like cute, shrunk-down game consoles, check out the Xbox One S and the NES Classic Mini.
Apple Watch 2 Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
The Apple Watch 2 is official, and it’s waterproof.
The second-generation model, which is officially called Apple Watch Series 2, adds a faster dual-core processor, improved graphics and GPS, which can be used to measure pace, distance and speed when running and biking. But the highlight feature will be the added waterproofing. The new model is waterproof up to 50 meters (164 feet) and can be worn while showering and even swimming.
Check out Scott Stein’s hands-on video from the Apple event in San Francisco below:
The Series 2 looks exactly like last year’s Apple Watch. Some people may not be thrilled with that, but the improvements are all in performance, and we weren’t able to test those in our brief hands-on with the watch. What I was really hoping for was some new watch faces via some sort of watch face store, but that never materialized.
Apple has said that the faster processor and the WatchOS 3 software, which arrives on older Apple Watch models on September 13, should improve app performance and navigating through the interface. The display on the new watch has also been updated and is now two times brighter than the original Apple Watch. In fact, Apple said that it is the “brightest display Apple has ever shipped.”
James Martin/CNET
More from Apple’s event
- Apple’s iPhone 7 is a familiar phone for unfamiliar challenges
- Goodbye, headphone jack: Apple iPhone 7 ships with Lightning headphones and dongle
- Full coverage of Apple’s event
Despite some rumors, Apple decided not to include cellular functionality. That means you must still be connected to an iPhone to use a majority of the watch’s features (aside from those that use GPS, of course). This is different from the Samsung Gear S3, which includes LTE and can be used independently of your smartphone.
Oddly enough, Apple chose not to discuss battery life, which was an area of frequent criticism on the original model. The inclusion of GPS will affect battery life, and it remains unclear how long the watch will last between charges. The original Apple Watch lasted about a day to a day and a half.
James Martin/CNET
The Apple Watch Series 2 will be available for $369 in aluminum and stainless steel. There’s also a slick new ceramic model, which is said to be four times harder than stainless steel. Like its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 2 will be available in two sizes: 38mm and 42mm.
But that’s not it. Apple also announced a partnership with Nike for a special Apple Watch Nike+ edition that is designed for runners. It features an aluminum case and a funky silicon strap that makes the watch feel like a Nike FuelBand and Apple Watch had a little baby. There are some built-in Nike running features, but for the most part it’s a normal Series 2 watch. The Nike+ model will be available for $369 in October.
The original Apple Watch is gone, but Apple did announce the Apple Watch Series 1. This is essentially the original Apple Watch, but with the faster processor from the Series 2 model. Apple has said the new processor should make the Series 1 up to 50 percent faster than the original model. The Apple Watch Series 1 will be available for $269.
Preorders start on September 9. Both the Series 2 and Series 1 watches will be available on Sept 16.
You can see full pricing below:
Apple Watch pricing
| 38mm Sport | $269 | £269 | AU$399 |
| 42mm Sport | $299 | £299 | AU$449 |
| 38mm Aluminum | $369 | £369 | AU$529 |
| 38mm Steel | $549* | £549* | AU$799* |
| 38mm Ceramic | $1,249 | £1,249 | AU$ 1,799 |
| 42mm Aluminum | $399 | £399 | AU$579 |
| 42mm Steel | $599** | £599** | AU879** |
| 42mm Ceramic | $1,299 | £1,299 | AU$1,899 |
*Hermes versions for the 38mm Steel model go up to $1,299, £1,299, AU$2,029
**Hermes versions for the 42mm Steel model go up to $1,399, £1,399, AU$2,189
Updated 1:40 p.m. PT with hands-on video. Check out all of today’s Apple news.
Apple iPhone 7 Plus Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
The new pair of Apple flagships have finally been announced.
During a San Francisco event today held at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, the tech giant unveiled the iPhone 7, the 7 Plus and the company’s second wearable, the Apple Watch Series 2. The device will start at $769 for 32GB, but 128GB and 256GB variants will be available. Pre-orders begin September 9 and units will ship out September 16.
The 7 Plus shares many attributes as its 7 counterpart, including its new dust- and water-resistant design, stereo speakers and a lack of a headphone jack. But as Apple’s slightly more premium handset, the device is equipped with a bigger display and three cameras total (including a 12-megapixel telephoto lens).
iPhone 7 Plus in photos: Your first look…
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The Plus looks just like the older iPhone 6S Plus, which isn’t much of a surprise. However, the dual lenses do steal the show and are the most compelling feature about the phone. They show notable improvements in the speed of snapping photos during our brief time with the handset.
The rest of the Plus is really about its internal specs, including performance and battery life. As such, these upgrades are invisible, and any improvements we anticipate will have to be tested and included in our review at a later date. For now, what we can see immediately (other than the two cameras) is that the headphone jack really is gone. And the new home button takes getting used to: the click is gone, and it’s now replaced with a haptic buzz.
Other features include:
iPhone 7 Plus’ two rear cameras.
James Martin/CNET
Design
- A 5.5-inch Retina HD display with 1,080-pixel resolution and 401 pixels per inch
- 5 color variations pink, gold, silver, black and the new jet black
- Satisfies IP67 standards for splash, water and dust resistance
- Single Lightning port (includes headphone dongle)
- Pressure sensitive home button
Camera
- Two 12-megapixel cameras: a wide-angle 28mm lens and a 56mm telephoto lens
- 4K video recording
- Optical image stabilization
- A 7-megapixel FaceTime HD front-facing camera
Hardware and software
- 64-bit, quad-core A10 Fusion processor
- Increased battery capacity (up to one hour longer than the 6S Plus)
- Running iOS 10 at launch
Pricing
Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus pricing
| 32GB | $649 | £599 | AU$1,079 |
| 128GB | $749 | £699 | AU$1,229 |
| 256GB | $849 | £799 | AU$1,379 |
| 32GB | $769 | £719 | AU$1,269 |
| 128GB | $869 | £819 | AU$1,419 |
| 256GB | $969 | £919 | AU$1,569 |
*Jet black only comes in the 128GB and 256GB sizes.
Apple Watch Series 1 Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
Along with the new Apple Watch Series 2, the company has rebranded the original smartwatch to be called the Series 1.
But it’s not just a name change — it’s also getting an upgraded dual-core processor chip for faster performance speeds and a cheaper price tag.
More from Apple’s event
- Apple’s iPhone 7 is a familiar phone for unfamiliar challenges
- Goodbye, headphone jack: Apple iPhone 7 ships with Lightning headphones and dongle
- Full coverage of Apple’s event
The Apple Watch Series 1 is priced at $269 (£269, AU$399) for the 38mm Sport and $299 (£299, AU$449) for the 42mm Sport edition.
Apple Watch Series 2 unwrapped at iPhone…
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Apple iPhone 7 Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
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iPhone 7 packed with new features
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After months of rumors, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are here in the flesh! Apple announced both today at its launch event in San Francisco.
Here are the most important things you need to know:
- Size and feel: The iPhone 7 feels pretty much the same as the iPhone 6S, with the same 4.7-inch screen. Apple says the “HD Retina display” is 25 percent brighter than last year’s model. It includes the pressure-sensitive 3D Touch layer that buzzes slightly when you press and hold the screen.
- Static home button: The home button is now solid state, which means you can’t physically press or click it in — kind of like the Motorola Moto Z and OnePlus 3. It’s pressure-sensitive, including “taptic feedback”, which just means that apps can give you three levels of pressure and haptic feedback, like a light or strong buzz. It doesn’t feel like a button and definitely takes getting used to, but so far it seems to get the job done.
Apple iPhone 7 has everything but the headphone…
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- Water-resistant: Yes, Virginia, it will be water-resistant (IP67), like several Samsung and Sony phones (IP68). Cannonballlll!
- No headphone jack: It’s gone. Really. Instead, Apple’s new EarPods headphones will connect through the Lightning connector port; you’ll also get an adaptor in the box. Apple’s also pushing new, funky-looking AirPods headset connects wirelessly through auto-pairing. These worked pretty well, actually, and sounded pretty good in a the loud demo room.
- New camera: The iPhone 7 keeps the 12-megapixel camera, but adds a larger aperture and — this is a big deal — optical image stabilization that keeps images steadier. We do notice that the camera sticks out more from the back. (The iPhone 7 Plus gets a second, 56mm telephoto lens on the back that works like a built-in zoom feature. Phones like the LG V20, Huawei P9 and Huawei Honor 8 have two cameras, too.) We have lots more detail below.
That home button doesn’t click in.
James Martin/CNET
- New front-facing camera: The iPhone 7’s 7-megapixel front-facing camera leaps up from 5 megapixels on the iPhone 6S, and includes auto-image stabilization (but not optical image stabilization).
- Stereo speakers: A second speaker joins the iPhone to give you stereo speakers. There’s now one at the bottom and one at the top (this is brand-new for Apple).
- Longer battery life: Greater battery capacity for longer battery life. Apple estimates 12 hours of LTE browsing (the iPhone 7 Plus should clock about two more hours). Apple notoriously never tells us what the capacity is.
- Faster processor: The iPhone 7’s new A10 Fusion chip is a 64-bit, quad-core processor that Apple says is 40 percent faster than last year’s A9 processor. Two cores are high-performance, the other two are “high efficiency,” which means they’ll conserve battery while handling tasks. Take-away message: deeper visual graphics, especially with gaming. (Did we mention that Super Mario is coming to the iPhone?!?!)
- More storage!: 32GB, 128GB, 256GB capacities
- Colors: Glossy jet black, matte black, gold, silver, rose gold (P.S. Jet black is only available in 128 and 256GB models).
Everything you need to see from Apple’s iPhone…
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How much will the iPhone 7 cost and when can you preorder?
The 32GB capacity iPhone 7 starts at $649 full retail, which converts to £487 and AU$846. You’re looking at $32.41 per month with the iPhone Upgrade Program for the base model. We’ll update with more pricing details soon.
iPhone 7 prices
| 128GB | $749 | £699 | AU$1,229 |
| 256GB | $849 | £799 | AU$1,379 |
| 128GB | $869 | £819 | AU$1,419 |
| 256GB | $969 | £919 | AU$1,569 |
If you signed up for the iPhone Upgrade plan, you’re eligible for the new phone as part of the program. Good news for people living in the UK and China: you’ll now be able to sign up, too (it was previously US-only).
You can preorder both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus this Friday, September 9 and phones will ship on September 16. (P.S. iOS 10 becomes available on September 13 for everyone else who’s ready to upgrade.)
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iPhone 7: So long, headphone jack; hello, AirPods
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More about that new camera
Although Apple keeps the megapixel size steady at 12 megapixels, the increased aperture, now f1.8, lens promises to let in 50 percent more light through the six-element lens. That’s better for all photos, and also low-light photography, which Apple emphasized. Low-light is one of the most important battlegrounds for mobile photography, especially as phone owners increasingly take to social networks like Instagram to post pictures from every environment.
More from Apple’s event
- Jet black Apple iPhone 7 is here with a water-resistant body, better cameras — and no headphone jack
- Super Mario is coming to iPhone at last
- Goodbye, headphone jack: Apple iPhone 7 ships with Lightning headphones and dongle
- Apple event live blog: Join us as everything is unveiled
- Full coverage of Apple’s event
Add to this a new image processing chip and faster photo-taking will help Apple step up to high-end Samsung, Sony, LG and Huawei phones that boast brighter low-light photos and much more manual control.
Optical image stabilization, or OIS, is also huge here. Last year’s iPhone 6S Plus was the only phone to have it. This time Apple blesses the iPhone 7 with OIS, which should make for crisper images even if your hands jiggle a bit while you’re taking it.
Finally, a new quad-LED flash (up from a dual-LED flash) will make flash brighter, but hopefully with more natural tones that don’t blow out the scene. The iPhone 7 still supports Live Photos (basically a 3-second video clip) and introduces RAW image support (thanks, iOS 10).
Stay tuned for our hands-on photos and first impressions — we’ll have those up as soon as we can. Meanwhile, check out all of today’s Apple news.
Sony PlayStation 4 Pro Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
Sarah Tew/CNET
The most advanced PlayStation console yet is coming. It’s got 4K resolution and high dynamic range (HDR) gaming, but it won’t play 4K Blu-ray discs.
First teased at the E3 gaming conference in June under codename Neo, Sony has made the box official today. It will be called PlayStation 4 Pro, and will be available November 10 for $399 (£349).
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Sony unveils PlayStation 4 Pro
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Separately, Sony announced that the new non-Pro Playstation 4, a.k.a. PlayStation 4 Slim, will cost $299 when it becomes available September 15. The two consoles will co-exist in Sony’s line and be fully interoperable. In other words, all PS4 games will be playable on both consoles.
The Pro has double the graphics power of the standard PS4, which Sony says can improve the look of new and existing games. It also has a 1TB hard drive, double the capacity of the existing version, and a faster processor.
The PS4 Pro (right) is thicker than the new, standard PS4.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Unlike the current PS4, the Pro will support 4K resolution. It will have 4K-capable Netflix and YouTube apps for streaming 4K video at launch, the former with HDR capability. No mention was made of support for Sony’s Ultra 4K streaming app, however. Sony demonstrated games that take advantage of its higher resolution (although it didn’t specifically say any of them were actually in 4K).
One thing it won’t do, however, is play 4K Blu-ray discs. That’s an unexpected development given that Sony Pictures is a big purveyor of the discs, and that the rival (and significantly cheaper) Xbox One S can play them. The news is sure to be disappointing to PlayStation fans looking for the kind of all-in-one video and gaming device that the PS3 represented.
To demonstrate the new console, Sony showed scenes from a variety of games including Watchdogs 2, Deux Ex: Mankind Divided and Killing Floor 2, using a 4K-capable display. It also showed the impact of HDR gaming with a demo of Days Gone and Infamous: First Light. The highly-anticipated title Mass Effect: Andromeda got an extended demo as well, complete with a dark, geometric alien cave-scape.
A demo of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided on the PS4 Pro
Sarah Tew/CNET
Sony says current and older games can also be patched with something it calls Forward Compatibility, enabling graphical improvements tailored to the Pro’s improved hardware. It showed a comparison of how the new console can improve existing games like Paragon, Shadow of Mordor and For Honor with standard 1080p TVs. It said a half-dozen such patches are currently in the works.
Another demo showed off the improved ability of the Pro to deliver VR gaming in conjunction with the PlayStation VR, coming next month.
The company also says that existing PS4 consoles will get HDR capability with the help of a forthcoming firmware update sometime the week of September 12. Since the current PS4 has only 1080p resolution (not 4K), and no non-4K TVs support HDR, we’re guessing the update is mainly intended to cater to owners of 4K HDR TVs who want HDR gaming without having to buy a Pro. From that perspective, Sony seems to be pushing HDR gaming harder than its rivals.
We’ll hand more hands-on impressions and updates soon, and a full review when the console is released.
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