The Casual Dork Weekly #25

TECH

The PS5 Pro Is Here

gaming on playstation just got 67% better?

The PS5 Pro launched last week, and everyone in the tech and gaming community has had mixed feelings and reviews.

Let’s look at what we’re getting with this mid-generation console upgrade:

It includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed in every PS5 Pro purchase. PS5 Pro is a disc-less console for $700 (that’s a bit steep), with the option to purchase the currently available Disc Drive for PS5 separately.

$700 is around R12 500 but local retailers are selling it for R19 500 and this is to be expected when it comes to local pricing as everyone wants a piece of the pie, but let’s see what the next few months hold.

Spec-wise it’s looking pretty juicy as well:

Upgraded GPU: With PS5 Pro, they are upgrading to a GPU that has 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5 console and 28% faster memory. Overall, this enables up to 45% faster rendering for gameplay, making the experience much smoother.

Advanced Ray Tracing: They’ve added even more powerful ray tracing that provides more dynamic reflection and refraction of light. This allows the rays to be cast at double, and at times triple, the speeds of the current PS5 console.

AI-Driven Upscaling: They’re also introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. This AI-driven upscaling uses machine learning-based technology to provide super-sharp image clarity by adding an extraordinary amount of detail.

Let’s look at what some reviewers are saying:

IGN

Linus Tech Tips

Open Surprise

MUSIC

2002 Was A Great Year For Music

one of the best in the last few decades…

The year 2002, a vibrant tapestry of musical flavours, unfurled with a diverse array of sounds captivating listeners worldwide. Here's an unfiltered glimpse into the music scene:

The early 2000s marked a time when pop music reigned supreme, blending seamlessly with R&B influences. Britney Spears, a pop icon, and her contemporary Christina Aguilera ruled the airwaves with catchy tunes that defined the era. NSYNC's harmonious vocals and dance routines left an indelible mark on pop culture. Eminem, a lyrical genius, transcended genres, blending rap with pop and dominating the charts with his unapologetic style. This era's pop scene was a fusion of electronic beats and anthemic choruses, creating an infectious energy.

The music landscape was diverse, with many artists leaving their mark. Jennifer Lopez's (Ashanti’s voice lol) anthemic pop and Nelly's unique Southern style were crowd favourites. Pink's powerful vocals resonated with many, while the rise of Avril Lavigne and her punk-inspired anthems gave voice to a new generation. Ashanti's collaboration with Ja Rule topped the charts, and veteran artists like Madonna and Mariah Carey continued to enchant fans.

The hip-hop realm witnessed the rise of 50 Cent, whose debut album, a year later in 2003, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," became an instant classic. Jay-Z, a lyrical master, and Nas, with his thought-provoking narratives, solidified their status as hip-hop legends.

Rock music thrived with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Creed leading the charge. The emo and pop-punk scene emerged from the shadows, with Good Charlotte and Sum 41 becoming anthems for the youth. Electronic music evolved into a global phenomenon, with DJs like Paul Oakenfold and Tiësto spinning tracks that united dance floors worldwide. The year 2002 was a melting pot of genres, where artists pushed boundaries, and listeners embraced the ever-evolving musical journey, unbound by genre constraints.

Listen to this compilation of hits from the early 2000s:

CROSSWORD #15

Top Artists Of The Early 2000s

MEME OF THE WEEK

Just Because You Can Do It

doesn’t always mean you should…

This has to be one of the wildest threads I have read in a long time. It just gets increasingly worse tweet by tweet.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you…