PlayStation celebrates in style
THE console many gamers have grown up playing is celebrating its silver anniversary and, although 25 years have passed, the start-up sounds of older consoles still send players back to their childhood … just try not to feel too old now.
With the 25th birthday of the original PlayStation coinciding with the 2019 PlayStation Awards, and with the Game Awards 2019 just around the corner, gamers the world over are eagerly anticipating a new announcement about the PlayStation 5.
The video game industry has certainly come a long way since the launch of the PlayStation on December 3, 1994 — from advancements in graphics and animations to changing console and controller hardware, the rise of online multiplayer gaming and more ambitious game storytelling.
The original PlayStation cemented itself as one of the best consoles of the era, becoming the first to sell more than 100 million units.
It featured arguably some of the best games of all time, including the likes of Spyro the Dragon, Crash Bandicoot, Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil 2, Tomb Raider, Tekken 3 and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2.
Sony has officially confirmed PlayStation 5 will be released in the holiday period of 2020 so we should expect the new console between October and December next year.
One of the biggest pieces of news is that PlayStation 5 will support backwards compatibility with PS4 games.
Wilson Smith
BEING able to control almost every facet of your home using your voice or your phone is no longer science fiction.
In recent years, smart and connected home technology have advanced beyond the incredibly expensive and involved custom integration of the past and entered the mainstream.
Among the best smart home solutions currently on the market is smart lighting, which is an easy way to make your home smarter while saving money on electricity bills.
The majority use energyefficient LED bulbs and give you more control and options to create the mood you want. Some are limited to simple on/ off and dim controls through an attached app, while others can be activated by voice.
Not everyone’s on board with the idea of giving Google, Amazon or anyone else a microphone in their home, but for those willing to trust the tech giants, smart speakers are a good way to stream music throughout your home, get weather and commute information, and control your other smart devices.
If you’re going to invest heavily in a smart home set-up you’re going to want to protect it too. Home security has received a tech upgrade in recent years with sophisticated and hi-tech solutions now affordable. Smart security locks are a great alternative to traditional deadbolts. Not only do they eliminate the need for keys, some let you set up multiple codes you can give out, in case you need a tradie to come by when you’re not home.
Jack Gramenz