Details Of A PS5 Pro Leaked Spell Trouble For Industry Rival Microsoft
Playstation 5 Release
News of another new Playstation began to spread like wildfire after insider information leaked inside the gaming community this week. The PS5 Pro could be a game changer in the rivalry between industry giants Sony and Microsoft.
As if 2020 hasn't been a big enough year for the video game industry, news that Japan based electronics company Sony has plans in the works to make a hulk size version of their Playstation console, called the PS5 Pro, certainly made a big splash in the tight-knit gaming community.
If the leaded reports are true the PS5 Pro will come with not one GPU, but TWO GPU's, a development that would be a monumental upgrade to its current system (which already contains the latest and best technology). For those of you not familiar with what that means, let's cover it quickly so you can understand how big of a change it would be!
What Is a GPU?
In the computer industry a GPU is what is known as a "Graphics Processing Unit, which is a processor that has been specifically produced to help computers accelerate the process of rendering graphics on screen. Its ability to simultaneously process large amounts of data has made it a crucial tool in devices meant for design as well as video editing and in the case of Sony, video game applications.
Currently, the PS5, Sony's latest and greatest gaming console comes with one GPU. Rival company Microsoft just released their own brand new console the XBOX Series X with one GPU, in an attempt to stay relevant in its long standing rivalry with Sony. Despite the PS5 being one of the hottest items to find this holiday season, gaming experts have come to the conclusion that Microsoft has distinguished itself as the winner between the two with their Xbox Series X.
While a lot of gaming connoisseurs have expressed glee and awe at the proposed specifications of this supposed PS5 Pro, there were many others that complained of being left having a bad taste in their mouth. Why? Well, for one, the PS5 has broken its record for biggest console launch in Sony's history and it is next to impossible for people to get their hands on one.
Despite a pre-order process that began in September, coupled with large scale launch day events at Gamestops all over the country as well as online, and then several weeks of console releases at every major retailer in America, people still can't find one for themselves.
Why Is PS5 So Popular?
This is a much more complex question that it seems for a lot of reasons. The most obvious being that the difference in technology between the PS4 and PS5 is enormous and a lot of people have been using the PS4 for almost seven years now.
Some of the upgrades that have gamers going crazy over the new console are its 120Hz refresh rate (while this is advertised by Sony, users have found few available games to be able to take advantage of this feature) and ability to display 4k resolution. Specifically concerning the standard edition ($499), which comes with a 4k BluRay player, players will find that the graphics and display are advanced leagues ahead of its predecessor, the PS4.
What Are the Specs Of the PS5?
The PS5 contains an 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU and an AMD Radeon RDNA 2 GPU, all in all, this is technology that will allow the console to produce up to 10 Teraflops of power in the graphics department. While it may seem like a bit of word salad, the translation is that the PS5 is almost a completely different device in the way it is built, operates, and performance it provides to gamers lucky enough to be able to own one this holiday season.
In addition to it being a graphics powerhouse, the PS5 also comes with a sizable amount of storage, clocking in at over 800gbs of available space after the completion of the installation process. Despite this being a pretty serious upgrade, there are some people critical of Sony's decision not to make it bigger or allow immediate expansion with a third party card.
The reason that some people feel it does not have the storage it should is because AAA games being released today can be require up to 350gb of space at installation. Interestingly, Microsoft decided to go with a full 1TB SSD, and while it may only provide approximately 150gm more space, it could mean a big difference when people make the decision on what console to take home.
The Future Of Gaming
Even though it barely gets any press, Sony simultaneously released a cheaper version of the PS5, called the PS5 Digital edition ($399), which comes with similar specs minus the BluRay disc drive. In order for gamers to take advantage of the digital edition they will need to purchase and download any desired games and content directly from the Sony store.
One of the reasons Sony made the digital edition is because it represents the future of Gaming the world. As companies test and begin to move towards cloud based gaming, the need for physical discs becomes less and less. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depends on who you ask) this could also spell the end of brick and mortar video game sales. Sorry Gamestop!
If I was forced to make a bet on it, I would say that the PS5 will be the last generation of consoles to come with a disc drive as non cloud based gaming is phased out of the norm.
When To Expect the PS5 Pro
Before you get all excited I should tell you that there is no indication that Sony has even seriously began working on the PS5, past ideas and thought. The reason the world even knows about the potential of a pro version is because Sony filed a patent for another console which led to this epiphany. At a minimum, it will be several years before we have to start worrying about to get our hands on the PS5 Pro.
How Can I Find A PS5?
If you are one of the millions of people in the world still looking to get a coveted PS5 console in time for the holiday, here is some advice I can give you now. Think long and hard about how important this system is to you and be realistic about how much time and effort you are willing to put into getting one. Between scalpers buying thousands of units for enormous markups, people sleeping in parking lots over Thanksgiving, and seemingly impossible online releases of the PS5, it is a daunting task and one that will definitely be the subject of future console releases. both here in America and world wide.
Check out FindKarma for the rest of our next-gen gaming content as well as in depth tutorials on how to find yourself a PS5 or Xbox Series X today!
Home garden and porch
As anyone who has ever sold a house will tell you, you must prioritize curb appeal. Before a potential buyer even considers looking inside your house, they notice the outside first. Does it attract the right kind of attention? Does it take away from the feel you're going for? If you plan to sell sometime soon, you must think about these things. Here are some landscaping options to increase your home's curb appeal, so you can get the best price on your home.
Extensive Plants and Greenery
A barren front yard won't get you the price you want on your home. So, invest in at least a little bit of greenery to keep the surrounding area from looking too dead. Shrubs and bushes tie the house to the lawn that precedes it, and flower beds bring a pop of color to an otherwise drab structure. You can also strategically plant some trees to improve the overall feel of your home's exterior.
Lawn Care
As we mentioned, your lawn is one of the most prominent features of your home's exterior. A patchy, dried-up lawn will quickly drive your home's price way down. Some of the best landscaping options for your home's curb appeal involve improving your lawn for the next inhabitant. Overall fertilization, ground aeration, underbrush removal, proper mowing—all of these lawn care tasks contribute to a greener and more lively area that invites people to see your house, rather than stay away from it.
Paved Pathways
There's nothing like a broken and disheveled pathway to make someone think twice about buying a property. Just as you want the entryway in your house to be welcoming, so too should the pathway leading up to the house be inviting. The pathway from the street to your front door provides plenty of real estate to get creative with. You don't have to settle for a boring concrete pathway. Consider something more eye catching, like a cobblestone path or intermittent brick patterns, as a way to better welcome potential buyers.
Usable Outdoor Furniture
Landscaping doesn't just involve the ground you walk on; also included are the items you use as extras to the overall look. Outdoor furniture is one such extra that you don't necessarily need but can look quite attractive if done correctly. Staging is important with outdoor furniture. Old, broken-down pieces will only look like more work to the potential buyer. A few comfortable chairs, a bench, or a table with an umbrella really go a long way to improving your outdoor aesthetics.
A good tip for deciding on curb appeal items is to decide what you personally would want to see as a part of a welcoming home's exterior. You don't need to go overboard, but a little bit of forethought could net you quite a lot of extra cash in the sale.
Unfortunately, giving back can sometimes go haywire. If you're ready to make a donation, first consider common mistakes made when giving back.
Many people strive to support their community by donating their time or their money. When you find a meaningful cause, you might be quick to cut a donation check. Though it's admirable to be quick to act charitably, you should be wary of several common mistakes made when giving to charity. Being mindful of these mistakes and learning tips for making informed charitable choices can help you make the most out of your generous check.
Acting Quickly Out of Emotion
Mission statements are meant to be compelling. If you're an emotionally driven individual, it's natural to pull out your wallet at the sight of a sad puppy on TV or when informed about food insecurity over the phone. Unfortunately, not all charities are as effective or official as they may seem.
Take your passion for helping others one step further by making sure your chosen charity is legit. Speaking with a representative, reviewing their website and social media accounts, and looking at testaments online can give you a better idea of whether the organization is worth your donation.
Forgetting to Keep Record of the Donation
Don't forget that you can reap some financial perks from giving back! With the proper documentation of your donation, you can acquire a better tax deductible.
If you donate more than $12,400 as a single filer or $24,800 as one of two joint filers, you're eligible to deduct that amount from your taxes. So, when a charity asks if you'd like a receipt of donation, always answer yes.
Donating Unusable Materials
Most charities can utilize a monetary donation—it's the physical donations that usually cause some issues. Providing a local nonprofit with irrelevant materials or gifting them with unusable products are surprisingly common mistakes made when giving to charity.
Always check your intended charity's website for a list of things they do and do not accept. The majority of places will provide a guideline to donating or offer contact information to clarify any questions.
Strictly Giving at Year's End
As more and more people get into the holiday spirit at the end of the year, nonprofit organizations see an influx of donations. While it's great to spread holiday cheer via a monetary donation, it's important to keep that spirit going year-round.
With regular donations, charities can more effectively allocate their annual budget. Setting up an automatic monthly donation with the charity of your choosing can maximize your impact. You can account for a monthly donation by foregoing a costly coffee every once in a while.
Knowing how much you should spend on home maintenance each year is hard to figure out and may be preventing you from buying your first home. The types of costs you'll incur depend on the house you buy and its location. The one certainty is that you should start saving now. Read on to figure out how much to start setting aside based on the home you own.
The Age of Your House
Consider several factors when budgeting for home repairs. If you've purchased a new home, your house likely won't require as much maintenance for a few years. Homes built 20 or more years ago are likely to require more maintenance, including replacing and keeping your windows clean. Further, depending on your home's location, weather can cause additional strain over time, so you may need to budget for more repairs.
The One-Percent Rule
An easy way to budget for home repairs is to follow the one-percent rule. Set aside one percent of your home's purchase price each year to cover maintenance costs. For instance, if you paid $200,000 for your home, you would set aside $2,000 each year. This plan is not foolproof. If you bought your home for a good deal during a buyer's market, your home could require more repairs than you've budgeted for.
The Square-Foot Rule
Easy to calculate, you can also budget for home maintenance by saving one dollar for every square foot of your home. This pricing method is more consistent than pricing it by how much you paid because the rate relies on the objective size of your home. Unfortunately, it does not consider inflation for the area where you live, so make sure you also budget for increased taxes and labor costs if you live in or near a city.
The Mix and Match Method
Since there is no infallible rule for how much you should spend on home maintenance, you can combine both methods to get an idea for a budget. Average your results from the square-foot rule and the one-percent rule to arrive at a budget that works for you. You should also increase your savings by 10 percent for each risk factor that affects your home, such as weather and age.
Holding on to savings is easier in theory than practice. Once you know how much you should spend on home maintenance, you'll know what to aim for and be more prepared for an emergency. If you are having trouble securing funds for home repairs, consider taking out a home equity loan, borrowing money from friends or family, or applying for funds through a home repair program through your local government for low-income individuals.
