Latest news with #RoadtoZero
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Millions of PS5 fans receive new console button that instantly saves them money – but think twice before switching it on
2 MILLIONS of PS5 fans are to receive a mysterious new console button that instantly saves them money – but there's a catch. Sony is introducing the setting, which is rolling out in the next PS5 System Beta, in a soft launch. Advertisement 2 Sony bosses revealed the new option in a blog post Credit: Getty Power Saver, a new Sony bosses revealed the new option on their website this week. However, it won't actually be available even in beta, at least publicly. Games magazine IGN said the announcement looks to be "more of an acknowledgment that the feature is being worked on, then, ahead of it being spotted by users". Advertisement READ MORE IN TECH In a blog post, PlayStation's VP of Product Management Shuzo Kikuchi said he was delighted to announce the launch. "With this update, you may notice a new option in your settings menu called Power Saver," he said. "While this feature won't be available during the beta phase, once it officially launches, supported PS5 games will scale back performance and will allow your PS5 to reduce its power consumption when the feature is enabled optionally by gamers. "If not enabled, or if games do not support the feature, the performance will not be scaled back and power consumption will not be reduced." Sony did not release any further details of Power Saver other than to also confirm that Power Saver will not be compatible with the console's VR mode Advertisement Most read in Tech That will affect any customer who has bought a Sony said more details on which games will support Power Saver, and how game performance will be degraded should you choose to turn it on, will be announced in the future. "We'll share more details on this new option as we get closer to launch," Kikuchi concluded, "including supported PS5 games and estimated impact, so stay tuned!" Get an inside look at the new PS5 30th anniversary edition Why is Sony doing this? In its blog post, the company highlighted its "Road to Zero" environmental plan that includes a target for the company to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2040. Advertisement The post added:" At [Sony Interactive Entertainment], we are committed to Sony's 'Road to Zero' environmental plan , launched in 2010, which includes achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040. " We are always exploring how we can contribute to these goals through our products and services. " But the option has also been linked to the continuing rumours that Sony is once again planning a PlayStation handheld device. "The ability for Sony to get some of its PS5 games running at a lower spec on its main home console would be a useful test for a more lightweight handheld," IGN reported. Advertisement "Whatever the reason, and whether Sony end up launching a PlayStation handheld or not, it's going to be fascinating to compare the performance of PS5 games running with Power Saver enabled, especially with Xbox Series X, and the already lower-power Xbox Series S." Four PS Plus games to be axed – download NOW Four games will be axed from PlayStation Plus as part of a huge shake-up to the digital library. Sony warned gamers that the titles will be removed in days - leaving millions of subscribers with a fast-approaching deadline to download or lose out. Fans have until August 6 to claim this month's PS Plus Essential games before they're replaced. The titles getting the boot are: Boarderlands 3 NHL 24 Among Us Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (Next-Level Edition)
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Millions of PS5 fans receive new console button that instantly saves them money – but think twice before switching it on
Switch is linked to PlayStation's drive for Net Zero by 2040 POWER UP Millions of PS5 fans receive new console button that instantly saves them money – but think twice before switching it on Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 2 MILLIONS of PS5 fans are to receive a mysterious new console button that instantly saves them money – but there's a catch. Sony is introducing the setting, which is rolling out in the next PS5 System Beta, in a soft launch. 2 Sony bosses revealed the new option in a blog post Credit: Getty Power Saver, a new PlayStation 5 game setting will reduce your console's overall power consumption – but users are being warned it will also "scale back performance" of supported games. Sony bosses revealed the new option on their website this week. However, it won't actually be available even in beta, at least publicly. Games magazine IGN said the announcement looks to be "more of an acknowledgment that the feature is being worked on, then, ahead of it being spotted by users". In a blog post, PlayStation's VP of Product Management Shuzo Kikuchi said he was delighted to announce the launch. "With this update, you may notice a new option in your settings menu called Power Saver," he said. "While this feature won't be available during the beta phase, once it officially launches, supported PS5 games will scale back performance and will allow your PS5 to reduce its power consumption when the feature is enabled optionally by gamers. "If not enabled, or if games do not support the feature, the performance will not be scaled back and power consumption will not be reduced." Sony did not release any further details of Power Saver other than to also confirm that Power Saver will not be compatible with the console's VR mode That will affect any customer who has bought a PlayStation VR2 headset. Sony said more details on which games will support Power Saver, and how game performance will be degraded should you choose to turn it on, will be announced in the future. "We'll share more details on this new option as we get closer to launch," Kikuchi concluded, "including supported PS5 games and estimated impact, so stay tuned!" Get an inside look at the new PS5 30th anniversary edition Why is Sony doing this? In its blog post, the company highlighted its "Road to Zero" environmental plan that includes a target for the company to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2040. The post added:"At [Sony Interactive Entertainment], we are committed to Sony's 'Road to Zero' environmental plan, launched in 2010, which includes achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040. " We are always exploring how we can contribute to these goals through our products and services." But the option has also been linked to the continuing rumours that Sony is once again planning a PlayStation handheld device. "The ability for Sony to get some of its PS5 games running at a lower spec on its main home console would be a useful test for a more lightweight handheld," IGN reported. "Whatever the reason, and whether Sony end up launching a PlayStation handheld or not, it's going to be fascinating to compare the performance of PS5 games running with Power Saver enabled, especially with Xbox Series X, and the already lower-power Xbox Series S."
Mint
7 days ago
- Mint
Sony's answer to climate change is PS5 Power Saver Mode: Will you sacrifice performance to save the planet?
Sony has announced a new Power Saver mode coming soon to the PlayStation 5. This feature will allow the console to use less electricity by lowering performance in supported games. The move comes amid growing global attention on reducing energy consumption in the face of climate change. Power Saver mode aims to reduce the PS5's power consumption while gaming. When turned on, the console will scale back its performance in supported titles. This means the game might run at lower frame rates or graphics quality. PlayStation VR will also be disabled in this mode. Some other gameplay features might not work, depending on the game but precise details have not been fully disclosed. This feature is part of Sony's broader 'Road to Zero' environmental programme. The initiative was launched in 2010 and focuses on reducing the company's carbon footprint and creating more sustainable products. Lowering home console power use is one step Sony is taking toward this goal. While the Power Saver mode will save electricity, its impact should be viewed with perspective. Gaming consoles vary widely in power consumption but many are used for several hours daily worldwide. Even a small reduction across millions of devices could add up to noticeable energy savings and fewer carbon emissions over time. Sony's move provides gamers with a choice to prioritise energy efficiency over peak performance. This approach might slowly influence consumer habits toward more sustainable use of electronics, or not - only time will tell. On the other hand, the feature could be seen as more of a green marketing tactic than a major environmental breakthrough. Gamers generally buy a PS5 expecting high performance and visually rich experiences. The fallback of lower graphics and disabled VR might discourage widespread adoption in the future, considering that PS5 has a considerable monopoly in the console market at the moment. Also, since only supported games will use the mode, many players may never experience it or turn it on regularly. Sony's announcement lacks detailed information on exactly how much energy will be saved in everyday use, making it hard to assess the real-world benefits. Thus, while positive, the Power Saver mode may have only limited effect unless used extensively. But at least it'll look good in their quarterly reports, right? This feature stands out when compared with industries like smartphones and laptops, where new versions are released each year with minimal changes. That cycle fuels unnecessary consumption, resource extraction, pollution, and electronic waste. Consumers often replace fully functional devices mainly to get the 'latest model' as part of a consumerist craze. These frequent refreshes make a far larger environmental impact than modest power savings from a single product. Sony's Power Saver mode signals a focus on extending the utility and energy efficiency of existing hardware, rather than pushing constant new purchases. Even if small, this is a more responsible approach to the life cycle of consumer electronics.
Otago Daily Times
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Speeding towards a sign of the travel times
Are you on the left or right-hand side of the road on the contentious speed limit changes of 2022? The Tackling Unsafe Speeds Programme gradually introduced reductions, lowering many single-carriage roads from 100kmh to 80kmh as part of the Road to Zero goal. However, the present government reversed lots of these. For many, the slower speeds were long overdue — a practical measure to save lives. Reduced speeds decrease both the frequency and severity of crashes while also lowering emissions. Additional travel time lost would be minimal. Critics argued blanket speed reductions unfairly penalised responsible drivers for the actions of a few, reflecting nanny-state overreach. They contended lower speeds unnecessarily restricted personal freedom and driving enjoyment, particularly in rural areas where traffic was sparse. Longer travel times would disproportionately affect freight companies and rural commuters, while safety gains remain minimal. Support for reductions tends to be strongest among the educated, influential, and elite left and centre-left. Thirty-eight sections of state highways are being reinstated to the 100kmh limit, though none of these are in Otago and Southland. The deadline for implementation is the end of this month. Forty-nine other highway sections underwent public consultation in February and March, so "local communities could have their say". Ultimately, only six sections will retain their lower speed limits owing to strong public support (more than 50% in favour), including from the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. These changes are also set to take effect by the end of the month. Just as with the overuse of cones, Civis remains in the middle of the road on this issue. It's easy to become over-zealous about speed limits. After all, it's sometimes said that if we were truly determined to eliminate safety hazards, all private driving would be banned. Some highway segments, such as SH1 south of Oamaru, have had an 80kmh limit for years. Given the bends, undulations and proximity to houses and businesses near the road, this feels right. Civis also supports 80kmh for crossing the Waitaki Bridge, a matter of controversy. Traversing the bridge by bike must be daunting, as highlighted in a recent ODT letter to the editor. Waitaki Bridge residents argued the change in 2020 to 80kmh along the 2.6km strip from Glenavy to Waitaki Village should be retained. During formal consultation, of the 1200 responses, 646 strongly opposed the lower limit, while 56 slightly opposed it. Meanwhile, 480 strongly supported the 80kmh limit, with another 28 slightly supporting it. A further 26 were neutral. Tension often arises between the preferences of local residents and those from further afield. In the Waitaki consultation, of the 102 responses from the local community, 83 strongly supported the lower figure. Speed limits will, as they should, continue to be debated in the news. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ In contrast, the phasing out of Limited Speed Zones (LSZ) in the early 2000s stirred little controversy. They quietly disappeared from roadsides, becoming a matter of curiosity rather than debate. Current regulations sensibly require speed signs to display specific numerical limits, rendering older open road signs – the white disc with a black diagonal stripe — also obsolete. LSZ signs allowed too much leeway. Drivers were expected to slow down in adverse conditions but could legally travel up to 100kmh when conditions permitted. A surviving LSZ sign was recently spotted in west Wanaka — the area beyond Glendhu Bay and across the Matukituki River. You're unlikely to want to drive 100kmh on that dusty road. civis@
