Content producers are churning out data in unprecedented volumes, with high-definition images and 4K/8K video content consuming an enormous amount of storage space. Creators typically need to store several versions of their projects, including the initial raw files, edited versions, and the published format.
Catering to this need, Western Digital has launched a new external SSD, the SanDisk Desk Drive, which comes in 4 and 8TB capacities.
External SSDs can operate at incredibly high speeds compared to their HDD counterparts, which means that content creators can not only store, but also edit their photos and videos directly from the drive itself, decreasing the time spent on transferring files, accelerating work efficiency while ensuring that the data is securely stored.
16TB versions planned
“As digital content creation continues to soar, there is an increasing need for high-performing and high-capacity storage solutions to help manage and preserve it. Expanding our SSD portfolio is the first step in offering creators backup solutions that deliver the speed and flexibility they need to unlock their creativity,” says Susan Park, Vice President, Consumer Solutions, Western Digital.
The SanDisk Desk Drive boasts read speeds up to 1000 MB/s, and fast backup capabilities using Apple Time Machine or the included downloadable Acronis True Image for Western Digital backup software. The device also sports a modern Red Dot award-winning design.
Retailing at $379.99/£359.99 and $699.99/£663.99 for the 4TB and 8TB versions respectively, these devices can be purchased now from the Western Digital Store and other retailers.
Western Digital doesn’t intend to stop at 8TB however. Susan Park says, “By next year, we expect to double the capacity of the SanDisk Desk Drive from 8TB to 16TB on a single desktop SSD.”
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Apple is all over the place today on the hardware side of things, having just . However, some of Apple’s most beloved software is also getting some love. There’s a Final Cut Pro for tablets that brings plenty of long-requested features.
The big news for video editors? Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 (actual name) now supports external drives. Video editing projects are typically gigantic when you consider all of that raw footage. It’s easy to fill up all of the available space of an iPad with footage from one or two scenes, let alone an entire project. This fixes a major barrier of entry for those curious about editing on a tablet. It also makes it easier to hand off footage to another editor or import footage to Final Cut Pro for Mac.
The software is even bringing live multicam recording to iPads. This lets creators capture up to four different angles of a single scene spread across multiple devices. Everything connects wirelessly via a new app called Final Cut Camera, which gives a real-time “director’s view” on four iPhones or iPads. Each feed has its own settings that can be adjusted, like focus, zoom and more. Editable preview clips immediately get passed on to Final Cut Pro for editing.
As for customization options, Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 brings 12 new color-grading presets, eight basic text tiles, 20 new soundtracks and more dynamic backgrounds. These will be especially useful when creating title sequences and the like.
Apple
The Mac version of Final Cut Pro is also getting a fairly substantial update, with a focus on AI. The software leverages Apple silicon’s Neural Engine to bring a bit of AI flourish to basic editing tasks. The update allows users to change up colors, color balance, contrast and brightness all at the same time. There’s also something called Smooth Slo-Mo that pairs with AI, in which “frames of video are intelligently generated and blended together, providing the highest-quality movement.” The timeline has also been refreshed and looks a bit more intuitive.
Finally, there’s an update to , with a new session player feature and a stem splitter tool. The updates for Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad are available for free to current users and cost $5 per month for new users, which is the same pricing model as last year when . Final Cut Pro for Mac costs $300 for new users, but the update is free for pre-existing users. All of these updates drop later this spring.
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A Dell curved 4K monitor — especially a big 40-incher — can make an excellent external display, if today’s featured MacBook Air and MacBook Pro setup is any indication. The user put the dramatic display together with a 27-inch 4K monitor after trying two other configurations.
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40-inch Dell curved 4K monitor serves M2 and M3 MacBooks
So now he runs two powerful Apple laptops. His personal one is a 15-inch M2 MacBook Air with 24GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD. And his work provided him with a 16-inch M3 Max MacBook Pro with a whopping 95GB of memory and a 1TB SSD.
He uses the two slick laptops with two fine 4K displays. First, his own is a big 40-inch Dell UltraSharp U4025QW curved 4K display he got after trying two other configurations. And second, his work provided him with a 27-inch LG UltraFine 4K monitor.
Then he rounds out his setup with a bunch of other good gear — Logitech C920 webcam, a Keychron Q3 Pro custom mechanical keyboard, a Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse, a Blue Yeti USB microphone and an Elgato Stream Deck.
Work laptop trumps personal laptop, but reverse it true of displays
What MacBook Air owner would object to their work handing them a killer laptop like an M3 Max MacBook Pro packed with memory and a nice 4K display like the LG? But as far as the displays go, it’s Chris’ personal one, the 40-inch Dell U4025QW, that caught our attention, along with commenters on the post.
“How’s the 4025 working out for you?” a commenter asked. “Happy with it?”
“It only arrived on Wednesday and I haven’t spent any long sessions with it yet,” Chris replied. “Text clarity is amazing vs the old Dell 38-inch I had. No complaints.”
Another commenter asked about whether the Dell and LG would be too wide if both were in landscape mode (LG is in portrait). Chris’s reply made the LG display out to be essentially an unnecessary add-on.
“It’s for Slack, Spotify and terminal, really,” he said of the LG display. “I would say its nice to have but not critical. Don’t really notice the difference between 120Hz and 60Hz to be honest. I don’t game. If you can get old u4021qw on a deal, may be worth it.”
Why ditch dual 32-inch displays?
Another person looked to Chris’s previous display configuration with two 32-inch Dell displays.
“Why didn’t you like the 2x 32s from v2? I’m in the same boat and about to do v3 with a 32-inch main work monitor and a vertical as well, so just curious of your rationale,” they asked.
“I did — i used that for close to three years,” Chris replied. “I just didn’t use all of the screens. Had to run DisplayLink adapters to use my MacBook Air. Moving jobs game me new budget to try something new.”
“How Is the Dell 40-inch with a Mac?” a commenter asked. “I’m afraid of the scaling issues.”
“Zero issues with this one,” Chris replied. “The old 38 [-inch Dell] was terrible.”
And if you like the desktop wallpaper showing on the big display, you can find it here.
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Adding high-speed plug-in storage capacity to your computer is so easy it’s something every Mac user should consider. Here are some of the best consumer-oriented external SSDs that are designed for portability.
Today is World Backup Day, which seems a good opportunity to explore external storage options. Especially as there are deals on some of the best SSDs available.
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External storage offers advantages
Apple charges an arm and a leg for additional built-in storage capacity. Configuring a MacBook Air with an additional 256GB costs a whopping $200, for instance. An external SSD it’s a lot more affordable — you can add terabytes of storage for that same amount.
True, the plug-in accessory isn’t quite as convenient, but it’s close. And it’s the better option for Time Machine backups because you can leave the drive at home where it’s not at risk.
To make a a “best of” list, any portable SSD has to include USB-C. That means you can use it with multiple Macs but also your iPad and maybe even your iPhone.
Plus, think about the future. When you switch to a newer computer in a couple of years, the portable SSD you buy now is still useful. Built-in storage goes with the Mac.
Table of contents:
Samsung T9
The Samsung T9 SSD is small but holds terabytes of data. Photo: Samsung
The best external SSD I’ve tested is the Samsung T9. The solid-state drive is small enough and tough enough to go almost anywhere. And it’s available in capacities up to 4 terabytes.
It’s 3.5 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.6 inches, and covered in a layer of rubber. That allows it to survive drops up to 9.8 feet (3 meters), and it’s much less slick than aluminum.
For Mac or iPad users, the external SSD supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 over its USB-C port. Using this standard, it offers speeds of up to 10 Gb/s.
Don’t miss my Samsung T9 review, and also don’t miss the Amazon sale on the accessory going on now.
Buy it on sale:
Kingston XS1000 or XS2000
Add up to 2TB of storage to your Mac or iPad with this pocket-size SSD. Photo: Kingston
Two more of the best SSDs on the market are the Kingston XS1000 and XS2000. Each is about the size of pack of gum.
The XS1000 holds up to 2 terabytes of data, and is 2.75 inches by 1.3 inches by 0.5 inches. It has a plastic exterior, and Kingston makes no promises about drop survivability. The Cult of Mac review goes into more detail.
The Kingston XS2000 comes in capacities up to 4TB. It is about the same size as its sister model, but comes bundled with a removable sleeve for drop protection.
The 1TB version is $114.99, and some capacities are currently on sale.
On either version, the USB-C port supports USB 3.2 Gen 2, so Mac and iPad users can move data at up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write.
Kingston DataTraveler Max
The high-speed Kingston DataTraveler flash drive comes in sizes up to 1TB. Photo: Kingston
Those who need a bit less storage capacity can appreciate the Kingston DataTraveler Max. It’s the smallest option on this “Best SSD” list, and the only one to come with a built-in USB-C connector so it plugs directly into a Mac or iPad, no cable necessary.
It tops out at 1TB of capacity, and offers USB 3.2 Gen 2.
The Samsung T9 and the Kingston’s XS2000 support USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, which means they can transfer data at up to 20 Gb/s . However, Macs and iPads do not currently support the standard. Apple’s focus is more on Thunderbolt, which is up to twice as fast.
Because Apple users get no benefits from USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, it’s not highlighted on this list. But it’s worth a mention for anyone who’ll use either of the drives with a Windows PC that does support it.
If you love downloading loads of titles from Xbox Game Pass, then investing in a spacious external hard disk drive (HDD) can be the perfect way to dramatically increase your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S storage capacity without breaking the bank.
Available for just $161.52 at Amazon (was $219.99), the Seagate Game Drive Hub for Xbox offers 8TB of plug-and-play storage in an attractive Xbox-inspired shell complete with LED lighting. With a saving of just over $58, this is the lowest-ever price that we have ever seen on this configuration that smashes the previous record of $174.99 back in April last year.
Not in the US? Scroll down for the best deals in your region, while you can also find more deals in our full Amazon Spring Sale hub.
Today’s best external HDD deal for Xbox
A cheaper alternative to an official Xbox Storage Expansion Card, external HDDs offer fantastic value – but there’s a catch. While you can play any backwards compatible titles freely, any current-generation games must be copied over to the internal storage in order to be played.
While this might be a deal-breaker for some, transferring a game is a speedy process and could be the perfect solution if you want to dip into Xbox Game Pass titles while avoiding time-consuming downloads or completely filling up your internal drive.
Few Xbox storage solutions offer quite as much value as this mammoth external HDD. With 2TB of storage space, this HDD could hold more than 75 separate installations of Forza Horizon 5 at the same time. While you will need to copy some of the latest games to your internal storage in order to play them, this is still a great way to keep an expansive library saved locally. For more on using on external HDD with Xbox, read our detailed comparison of the Xbox expansion card vs external hard drive to see which option would be best for you.
If you’re currently outside of the US, be sure to check out some of the best Seagate Game Drive Hub for Xbox 8TB prices in your region as found by our dedicated deal-finding robots below:
Scroll down for more Amazon Spring sale deals in the US and UK.
Apple was recently denied an appeal in the Apple vs Epic trial, and now Apple is making some changes to the App Store in the UJSA to comply with the original ruling from 2021, Apple will now allow alternative purchase links in the app store.
Previously any sign-ups for anything or purchases had to be through Apple and their app store, developers only had the option to use this as a payment method, now Apple is also allows external links as payment methods, more details below.
In addition to using Apple’s convenient, safe, and secure in-app purchase system, apps on the App Store in the United States that offer in-app purchases can also use the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement (US) to include a link to the developer’s website that informs users of other ways to purchase digital goods or services. To use the entitlement, you’ll need to submit a request, enable the entitlement in Xcode, and use the required StoreKit APIs. Apple will review your app to ensure it complies with the terms and conditions of the entitlement, as well as the App Store Review Guidelines and the Apple Developer Program License Agreement.
You can find out more details about the changes coming to the Apple App Store and the payment options that will be available over at Apple’s developer website at the link below, Apple will apparently still charge developers a commission, although exactly how this will be done is not known as yet.
Source Apple, 9 to 5 Mac
Image Credit: James Yarema
Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News
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The ANX Duo stands as an innovative solution addressing the modern-day challenges of power needs and data storage. This versatile device, boasting a 16000mAh/60Wh power bank and up to 4TB of storage capacity, is designed to meet the diverse requirements of today’s digital landscape.
The ANX Duo is a portable and foldable power and data bank, designed with the needs of the modern user in mind. It is an all-in-one solution, providing both power and data storage in a single, compact device. The device houses a 16000mAh/60Wh power bank, capable of charging multiple devices simultaneously. This feature is especially beneficial for those who often find themselves in need of an extra power boost while on the go.
Early bird backing offers are now available for the ground-breaking project from roughly $66 or £56 (depending on current exchange rates), offering a considerable discount of approximately 30% off the retail price, while the Kickstarter crowd funding is under way.
One of the standout features of the ANX Duo is its two wireless charging pads. This feature allows users to charge their devices without the need for tangled cables and adapters. The convenience of wireless charging is further enhanced by the device’s portability. Whether you are in the office, at a coffee shop, enjoying the outdoors, or even in a moving car, the ANX Duo ensures your devices stay powered up.
External storage
Beyond its charging capabilities, the ANX Duo also serves as a portable hard drive, offering up to 4TB of storage capacity. This feature makes it an ideal solution for those who require extensive data storage on the go. Whether it’s for memory expansion, data backup, or file storage, the ANX Duo provides ample space to safely store your data.
The ANX Duo is not just a device; it is a solution designed to adapt to various environments and user needs. Its versatility makes it suitable for use in a variety of settings, including offices, coffee shops, outdoor locations, and moving vehicles. This adaptability, combined with its power and storage capabilities, makes the ANX Duo a reliable companion for digital users.
If the ANX Duo campaign successfully raises its required pledge goal and production progresses smoothly, worldwide shipping is expected to take place sometime around February 2024. To learn more about the ANX Duo portable power bank and external storage project watch the promotional video below.
Portable power bank
The ANX Duo Portable Power and Data Bank is a revolutionary device that effectively combines power and storage solutions. Its 16000mAh/60Wh power bank and dual wireless charging pads ensure your devices are always charged, while its up to 4TB storage capacity provides a secure space for your data. Whether you’re in an office or on the move, the ANX Duo stands ready to meet your power and data needs.
For a complete list of all available campaign pledges, stretch goals, extra media and technical requirements for the portable power bank and external storage, jump over to the official ANX Duo crowd funding campaign page by proceeding to the link below.
Source : Kickstarter
Disclaimer: Participating in Kickstarter campaigns involves inherent risks. While many projects successfully meet their goals, others may fail to deliver due to numerous challenges. Always conduct thorough research and exercise caution when pledging your hard-earned money.
Filed Under: Gadgets News
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If you’re a professional dealing with large video files, complex databases, or extensive software applications, you understand the importance of having a reliable and fast storage solution. The OWC Express 1M2 USB4 drive enclosure is designed to meet these needs, offering impressive speed and flexibility for your data management tasks. The Express 1M2 is available for purchase with or without an SSD, with prices starting at $119.99.
This latest storage offering from Other World Computing (OWC) is their fastest single blade NVMe enclosure to date, boasting transfer speeds of up to 3151 MB/s. Such swift performance is essential for tasks like video editing and scientific computing, where efficiency is key.
The Express 1M2’s compatibility is extensive, supporting not only the latest USB4-equipped Macs and PCs but also a wide array of Thunderbolt and USB-C devices. This versatility ensures that you can connect the drive to both new and older technology, providing a smooth transition and broad usability. The enclosure also offers the convenience of customization. You can choose to use OWC’s Aura SSDs or install your preferred NVMe M.2 SSDs. With support for various SSD sizes, you can select a storage capacity of up to 8 TB, allowing the Express 1M2 to grow with your storage needs.
OWC Express 1M2 high-speed external SSD
The Express 1M2 is the fastest single blade NVMe enclosure offered by OWC, with speeds up to 3151 MB/s.
It is compatible with USB4-equipped Macs and PCs and also supports a wide range of existing Thunderbolt and USB-C devices.
Users can populate the enclosure with OWC’s Aura SSDs or install their own NVMe M.2 SSDs of various sizes.
The compact design of the Express 1M2 makes it a portable option for expanding storage or repurposing existing drives.
USB4 compatibility ensures the device can connect with a broad spectrum of past, present, and future devices, offering improved speed and connectivity.
The enclosure features a solid aluminium heat sink design for efficient heat dissipation and consistent performance without thermal throttling.
OWC’s MacDrive software enables cross-platform functionality, allowing the Express 1M2 to work with both Macs and PCs.
The product is built with a focus on data reliability and long-term performance.
The Express 1M2 is available for purchase with or without an SSD, with prices starting at $119.99 and options ranging up to 8 TB of capacity.
For those who are always on the go, the portability of the Express 1M2 is a significant advantage. Its compact design makes it an ideal solution for expanding storage while traveling or for repurposing existing drives. With this device, you can ensure that your critical files are always within reach, no matter where your work takes you.
OWC has designed the Express 1M2 external SSD with a solid aluminum heat sink to optimize heat dissipation. This feature is crucial for maintaining consistent performance and preventing thermal throttling, which can occur during heavy data transfers or long periods of use. Additionally, for those working in environments with both Macs and PCs, OWC’s MacDrive software allows the Express 1M2 to integrate smoothly with both operating systems. This cross-platform functionality is invaluable for professionals who need to transfer data between different systems.
Data reliability and longevity are at the heart of the Express 1M2’s design. OWC understands the importance of your data and has built the enclosure to protect and preserve it over time. This makes the Express 1M2 not just a solution for your current needs but also a long-term component of your data management strategy.
Whether you’re looking to expand your current setup or starting from scratch, the Express 1M2 external SSD offers a range of capacities to meet your specific requirements. This high-performance, versatile, and dependable storage solution is an excellent investment for anyone looking to enhance their data management efficiency.
Filed Under: Top News
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ADATA has unveiled its latest innovation in the form of the SD810 external SSD or solid state drive. The new product is poised to redefine the boundaries of portable storage with its advanced features, impeccable performance, and robust protection against environmental challenges.
The SD810 external SSD is equipped with a myriad of features that are designed to meet the demanding needs of modern users. At the heart of the drive is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 x2 transmission interface that ensures high-speed data transfers with a read/write speed of up to 2000 MB/s. This makes it an ideal choice for professionals such as photographers and video creators who require fast and reliable storage solutions.
Military grade drop testing
In addition to its impressive speed, the SD810 stands out for its robust protection. The drive is designed with triple IP68 waterproof, dustproof, and MIL-STD shockproof protection, making it a reliable ally for those who work in challenging outdoor conditions. The robustness of the drive is further enhanced by its body, which is made from aluminum alloy. This not only makes it sturdy but also improves heat dissipation, thereby maintaining stable transfer performance during continuous operation.
Xbox and PS5 external SSD
Despite its robust features, the SD810 is compact in design, smaller than a credit card. This makes it lightweight, space-saving, and convenient to carry, adding to its appeal as a portable storage solution. The compact design does not compromise its capacity, though. The drive is available in four capacities: 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB, catering to different storage needs.
Specifications and features
Supports USB 3.2 Gen2 x2 high-speed transmission
2000MB/s high-speed read/write
IP68 water resistance, dust resistance, and drop resistance
Supports latest generation game consoles
Supports multiple operating systems
The versatility of the SD810 extends to its compatibility as well. The drive can connect to different operating systems, computer platforms, and game consoles such as Android, macOS, and Windows. In addition, it supports the latest iPhone 15 series and can connect to the latest generation game consoles, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of users.
The SD810 is now available globally in two colors: obsidian black and meteorite silver. All variants come with a global three-year limited warranty, underlining ADATA Technology’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
The launch of the SD810 external rugged solid state drive marks a significant milestone for ADATA Technology. With its advanced features, robust protection, high-speed transmission interface, and compact design, the SD810 is poised to set a new standard in the realm of external storage solutions. Its compatibility with multiple platforms and devices, along with its available variants and warranty, further reinforce its position as a leading choice for professionals and casual users alike.
Filed Under: Playstation, Xbox
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If you have been using Resolve, as a filmmaker, you know the importance of a smooth editing process, especially when it comes to playback. There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with choppy footage when you’re trying to perfect your project. You might think that the only solutions are either to invest in a pricey new computer or to constantly juggle files on your internal storage. But there’s a third option that could make a big difference in your workflow: using an external SSD for caching. This method can significantly boost your playback speed in DaVinci Resolve, and it’s easier to set up than you might think.
Make your workflow smoother and more responsive
When you’re editing high-resolution video, your computer’s internal storage can fill up fast. This can slow down DaVinci Resolve’s caching system, which is designed to make playback faster by temporarily storing video files for quick access. If your internal drive is full, the caching system can’t do its job properly, and you’ll notice a drop in playback performance.
You might consider upgrading your computer’s hardware to improve playback speed, but that can be expensive. On the other hand, managing your disk space by deleting files and optimizing storage is time-consuming and needs to be done regularly. It’s a constant balancing act between having enough space for caching to ensure smooth playback and maintaining enough storage capacity for everything else.
Using an external SSD with DaVinciResolve 18
Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of AI video editing :
If you’re someone who works on multiple computers, relying on internal storage for caching can be even more problematic. Each computer will have different storage capacities and performance levels, which can interrupt your editing flow and slow you down.
That’s where an external SSD comes in. These drives are faster and more reliable than traditional mechanical hard drives, and they’re more affordable than buying a new computer. By using an external SSD for caching, you can give your playback speed a serious boost without breaking the bank.
Configuration and settings
Setting up DaVinci Resolve to use an external SSD for caching is simple. First, connect your external SSD to your computer. Then, open DaVinci Resolve and go to the “Preferences” menu. In the “Media Storage” section, add your external SSD as a location for cache files. Finally, set this new location as the default for your current project. It’s that easy!
Once you’ve configured your external SSD as the cache location, DaVinci Resolve will start saving proxy files, optimized media, and render cache files to the SSD. This means that the software can access these files quickly during editing, leading to smoother playback.
It’s also a good idea to set the external SSD as the default cache location for new projects in Resolve. This way, all cache files will automatically be saved to the SSD, freeing up your internal storage for other uses.
If you run into any issues, like an error message saying the SSD isn’t connected, make sure the drive is properly plugged in and recognized by your computer. Once you’ve fixed the connection, the error should go away.
And if you’re looking to expand your filmmaking tools, keep an eye out for a limited-time discount on a comprehensive filmmaking bundle. It’s a great opportunity to get more gear at a great price.
Using an external SSD for caching in DaVinci Resolve is a smart, cost-effective way to improve your playback speed without the need for expensive hardware upgrades. By following the steps outlined here, you can optimize your system for better performance, so you can focus on what you love most: creating amazing films.
Filed Under: Camera News, Guides
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