Nuestra revisión del controlador inalámbrico Microsoft Xbox Elite Series 2 lo resume diciendo: “Te brindará la mejor experiencia de juego de Xbox disponible”. Aunque claramente se dirige a una audiencia más dedicada con esta consola premium, se garantiza que el precio más bajo atraerá no solo a los jugadores serios sino también a aquellos que buscan una segunda opción mejor.
La mejor oferta de consola Microsoft Xbox de hoy
El controlador Elite Series 2 funciona muy bien. Los tiempos de respuesta, el joystick ajustable y las tensiones del gatillo se combinan para lograr un rendimiento más ajustado, lo cual es crucial en juegos de ritmo rápido. El peso adicional garantiza una sensación excelente y cómoda en la mano.
El controlador realmente se destaca cuando se consideran las capacidades de asignación de botones posibles a través de la aplicación Accesorios de Xbox. Todo, desde la vibración, la sensibilidad y el brillo, se puede configurar para una experiencia de usuario personalizada perfecta.
Para ayudarle a encontrar el controlador Xbox perfecto para sus necesidades, visite nuestro sitio La mejor guía para consolas Xbox.. Tenemos opciones para todos los presupuestos y requerimientos. Si buscas accesorios para Xbox, los tenemos Serie Xbox Tiene un menú perfectamente curado.
Consulte nuestra próxima cobertura Ventas del Día de los Caídos Para obtener más recomendaciones sobre todo lo relacionado con la tecnología: computadoras portátiles, televisores, auriculares y otras categorías.
Did you know Mexico established an all-female police force decades ago? Well, now you do, thanks to the first look Apple dropped Friday for the Women in Blue crime series (aka Las Azules). The new Spanish-language, 10-part drama is set in 1970 against the backdrop of a serial killer’s spree.
Created by International Emmy Award winner Fernando Rovzar and featuring Ariel Award nominee Bárbara Mori, the show debuts July 31 on Apple TV+.
Women in Blue (Las Azules) crime drama series debuts on Apple TV+ July 31
So, based on real events, the new Women in Blue (Las Azules) crime-drama series tells the “thrilling true stories of Mexico’s first female police force.” In addition to Mori, it stars Ximena Sariñana, Natalia Téllez and Amorita Rasgado.
See the streamer’s more-detailed description below. It includes what underlied the country’s surprising move to create the force more than 50 years ago.
Set in 1970 and inspired by true events, Women in Blue tells the story of four women who defy the ultraconservative norms of the time and join Mexico’s first female police force. Only to discover that their squad is a publicity stunt to distract the media from a brutal serial killer.
As the body count grows, María (Bárbara Mori), whose determination to catch the killer becomes an obsession, Gabina (Amorita Rasgado), whose father is a renowned cop, Ángeles (Ximena Sariñana), a brilliant fingerprint analyst, and Valentina (Natalia Téllez), a young rebel, set up a secret investigation to achieve what no male officer has been able to do and bring the serial killer to justice.
That sounds intriguing. And if you can’t hang with dialogue in Spanish, turn on the subtitles. You might learn something.
All-Hispanic cast and crew
All members of the new show’s cast and crew are Hispanic. In addition to Mori (Perdidos en la noche, La Negociadora), the show stars Sariñana, Téllez, Rasgado, Miguel Rodarte, Leonardo Sbaraglia, Christian Tappan and Horacio García Rojas.
International Emmy Award-winning showrunner and director Fernando Rovzar (Monarca, Sr. Ávila) created the show with Pablo Aramendi (Tijuana, Los elegidos).
Lemon Studio produces the series for Apple TV+. Executive producers: Fernando Rovzar, Emmy Award nominee Wendy Riss (Yellowstone, The Killing), Erica Sánchez Su (Monarca, La Venganza de las Juanas), Sandra Solares (Point Break, Y tu mamá también) and International Emmy Award winner Billy Rovzar (Monarca, Control Z).
Watch dramas on Apple TV+
Women in Blue makes its debut with two episodes on Wednesday, July 31, on Apple TV+. One episode follows weekly through September 25. It joins a host of other dramatic films and shows.
The service is available by subscription for $9.99 with a seven-day free trial. You can also get it via any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.
After launching in November 2019, “Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 471 wins and 2,090 award nominations and counting,” the service said.
In addition to award-winning movies and TV shows (including breakout soccer comedy Ted Lasso), Apple TV+ offers a variety of documentaries, dramas, comedies, kids shows and more.
Samsung started rolling out One UI 6.1 to the company’s tablets in March with the Galaxy Tab S9 series. Now, almost one and a half months later, the South Korean tech giant is expanding the new UI to the Galaxy Tab S8 series. That’s right. Samsung has released One UI 6.1 for Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+, and Tab S8 Ultra.
Currently, Samsung is rolling out One UI 6.1 to the Galaxy Tab S8 series in Europe, and the company is pushing the update only to the Wi-Fi-only variants of the three tablets. The update carrying One UI 6.1 changes the firmware version of the Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+, and Tab S8 Ultra to X900XXU6CXE2, X800XXU6CXE2, and X700XXU6CXE2 respectively.
If you live in Europe but your Galaxy Tab S8 hasn’t notified you about the update, you can check for it manually by going to Settings » Software update » Download and install. If you don’t see an update, it means that the update hasn’t become available in your country or for your device yet and you’ll have to wait for a few more days for the update to arrive.
One UI 6.1 is based on Android 14 and it brings many new features, including Galaxy AI, which is a suite of AI-powered features that should come pretty handy to you in day-to-day usage, new image editing capabilities, and UI customization options. You can check out all the new features that One UI 6.1 offers in our video above.
If you’re increasingly wary of committing to a show for fear that it’ll join the ranks of Netflix‘s cancelled shows just as you’re getting hooked, you’re not alone. And a new show, the young-adult drama Penelope, is trying to do something about it.
Penelope stars Megan Stott from Little Fires Everywhere as a disaffected 16-year-old girl who leaves her family and her life behind to forge a new existence in the wilderness, learning to live off the land alone. It was written during the pandemic, but when the creators attempted to get it commissioned nobody chose to make it. So they decided to go the indie route instead. The show was a big hit at the Sundance festival, and Netflix has now snapped up the US distribution rights to the first eight-episode season.
The show is trying something that’s common in indie film-making but still relatively rare in streaming TV. Rather than get a big streamer such as Netflix to commission and pay for the show to be made, the show’s creators made the whole series themselves and then signed a short-term deal for Netflix to distribute it. That means if Netflix decides that season two isn’t right for the streamer, it shouldn’t prevent the second series from being made and shown elsewhere.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, co-creator Mark Duplass explained: “we brought it [to streamers] and everybody was like, this is so beautiful and unique, so deeply connected to something that I’ve lost.”
And then they said that they couldn’t make it. So Duplass and director Mel Eslyn made it instead.
Why this kind of distribution deal could help cancel the cancel curse
The problem with getting streamers to pay for your programs is that all of your show’s eggs are in a single streamer’s basket. And that’s why we’re all familiar with the disappointment of a successful show’s “will they won’t they” drama when it ends without a new season being already confirmed. Netflix especially hasastronghistoryofdisappointingcancellations.
According to Duplass, Penelope is breaking new ground here. “From taking out the show and figuring out how we’re going to sell it or making the deals with our actors, no one knows how to do it… So there was actually this childlike fun. We were just making up new deal structures as we were going along.”
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By taking what they call a “piece by piece” model the creators can sell different streaming rights to different services in different parts of the world rather than trying to persuade Netflix that they can make a global hit. “We’ve basically absolved [them] of the responsibility to make us their flagship show,” Duplass says.
That’s particularly important when it comes to future seasons, because the show isn’t dependent on the priorities or spreadsheets of a single streaming provider. If Netflix passes on season two, there should be enough deals in place elsewhere to finance another season and to make it available to fans. So for example with this show the creators will retain the rights to the show everywhere but the US, including the rights for video on demand rentals.
“Ideally, we see how we do on Netflix,” Dupress explains. “In the event that it’s a blowout success, you might see a bigger scope for season two.” And if it’s quite successful rather than a mega-hit, “we might write it for a smaller scope, but at least we’re in the driver’s seat now as to whether we get to keep making this show.”
It also means that the showrunners have more control over their show: they don’t have to persuade a single provider that their show will be a big hit in multiple markets and potentially change it to make it more widely appealing. And Dupress is so convinced that the model is a good one that his studio has used it for three other shows: a documentary and two comedies.
Penelope is set to streaming this year on Netflix US, with other streamers to be confirmed in other countries.
CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics RAM: Up to 64GB Dual-channel DDR4-3200MHz Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD and up to 1TB M.2 2242 SSD SATA Rear Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 2x USB 4 Gen 3 Type-C (supports Power Delivery), 1x RJ45, 1x DC in Front Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x 3.5mm front stereo headset jack Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 Audio: 3.5mm front stereo headset jack Camera: N/A Size: 117 x 111 x 38.5 mm OS Installed: Windows 11 Pro Accessories: VESA mount included
Geekom is one of the big players in the mini PC field, and the XT12 highlights exactly why. Firstly, the small machine features an understated design with a high-quality metal surround topped with a matte white plate. It’s all incredibly small and neat and will suit any stylish office or home.
However, the internals are less discreet. They boast a powerful Intel Core 12th Gen Alder Lake i9-12900H CPU. Our review sample packs in 32GB of RAM and a 1TB ultra-fast SSD, with the option to boost this to a maximum of 64GB of RAM and 2TB of ultra-fast M.2 SSD storage. That’s not all; there’s also the option to install an additional M.2 2242 SSD SATA up to 1TB, which can be further complemented by external network or USB 4 storage options.
Out of the box, this compact machine can handle office software, multimedia, and creative apps without breaking a sweat, but where this small machine differs from some of the best mini PCs we’ve tested is the inclusion of USB 4 ports. This lets you expand on storage capacity as well as giving you the ability to link into a powerful eGPU. This means that if you are fully accessorized, you’ll essentially have a very compact and powerful machine that is a fraction of the size of most desktop machines. However, that optional eGPU will challenge desktop space.
eGPU and expansion options aside, the base unit’s overall performance is superb, even over extended periods of use when editing standard 4K video from the Sony A7 IV. The cooling system kicks in to keep things ticking over and running smoothly.
While as a standard mini PC, this machine is impressive, enabling Office, creative use, and moderate gaming, it’s when it’s plugged into an eGPU that you can really unlock its potential and extend its use.
As it stands, the XT12 Pro is without accessories and packs a great deal of power for its size and will suffice for all office applications, photo editing, and even running some of the best video editing software. If video editing gets more advanced, then the addition of an eGPU along with the ability to upgrade the RAM, main SSD, and a small additional 1TB M.2 2242 SSD SATA slot along with USB 4 expanded storage means that this Mini PC has serious potential and options for expansion.
Geekom XT Series XT12 Pro: Price & availability
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The Geekom ST Series XT12 Pro is widely available in the standard configuration, which consists of a Mini PC with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB HD. The machine is available for $699 directly from the Geekom website, most electronics stores, and Amazon.com.
Geekom XT Series XT12 Pro: Design & build
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Despite the small size, you can instantly tell that the Geekom XT Series XT12 Pro sits in the mid to premium range of Mini PCs. Firstly, the look of the machine is understated, with a metal surround featuring honeycomb cut-outs to enable plenty of air to flow through the system. Then, the plastic top is finished in a high-quality matte white but moulded into the ergonomic design of the casing.
That casing, with the venting and high-quality detail, all helps to ensure that the inner workings remain as cool as possible during operation and keep on top of the power of the Intel Core i9-12900H. Thankfully, unlike some other high-powered Mini PCs, Geekom has opted to go for the Intel CPU coupled with the Intel Iris Xe Graphics, which offers decent but not outstanding performance, enough for moderate gaming but definitely not to be pushed.
On the front are two Type-A USB ports, a 3.5mm headphone socket, and a power button. Around the back are the main HDMI, USB 4, USB Type-A, and DC power socket. While the layout is neat, it is quite cramped due to this Mini PC’s compact nature.
One of the big features of this small PC is the upgradability, and access to the inside is made by removing the four screws on the base of the machine. Once loosened, the bottom of the machine can be removed, and the top flipped over to reveal the RAM and SSD slots, adding a small M.2 2242 SSD up to 1TB in capacity.
The design of the XT12 Pro makes it a very powerful PC in its own right. Still, with the addition of the USB 4 ports, this also gives you the ability to make a lot more of this machine than many other Mini PCs as it firstly enables you to plug in high-speed and high-capacity external storage such as the OWC Thunderblade X8 or attach an eGPU to boost the graphics processing performance.
As a Mini PC, this is one of the smallest, but the build quality and weight highlight that this is something a little more than the usual compact computing solution.
Geekom XT Series XT12 Pro: Features
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The Geekom XT12 Pro Mini PC features a powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900H processor, with 14 cores and 20 threads, making it a great choice for heavy-duty tasks such as 4K video editing and 3D modeling software. The XT12 Pro comes with 32GB of RAM as standard and supports up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4-3200MHz RAM. Although this is the older DDR4 rather than DDR5, it should still ensure decent performance for multitasking and handling large files and applications. The XT12 Pro offers several storage expansion options beyond the 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD that comes pre-installed. This slot can be upgraded to a 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD and an additional 1TB M.2 SATA SSD slot for extra storage.
Display capabilities support office and creative work, with the possibility of attaching up to four 4K displays simultaneously or a single 8K display. Connectivity options include USB 4 Gen3 ports that support power delivery and external GPU connections, enhancing its use in gaming and professional video and modelling applications. The XT12 Pro also includes dual HDMI 2.0 ports and 2.5G Ethernet for high-speed networking.
The compact unibody aluminum chassis helps ensure that the XT12 Pro is not only aesthetic but also durable and resistant to scratches and fingerprints. Although it is heavier than many mini PCs at 546g, it’s still a viable comp[act alternative to the best business computers (or even the best business laptops). To ensure that everything stays cool, the XT12 Pro features the innovative IceBlast 1.0 cooling system, which employs copper pipes and a large silent fan to ensure the unit operates coolly and quietly under load.
Geekom XT Series XT12 Pro: Performance
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks
Crystal Disk Read: 5095.80MB/s Crystal Disk Write: 4406.81MB/s GeekBench CPU Single: 9925 GeekBench CPU Multi: 2300 GeekBench Compute: 14235 PC Mark: 5692 CineBench CPU Multi: 10132 CineBench CPU Single: 1714 Fire Strike Overall: 5031 Fire Strike Graphics: 5513 Fire Strike Physics: 21822 Fire Strike Combined: 1791 Time Spy Overall: 1793 Time Spy Graphics: 1573 Time Spy CPU: 8732 Wild Life: N/A Windows Experience: 8.3
The Geekom XT12 Pro mini PC delivers impressive performance through real-world tests with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, multimedia, and some moderate gaming. From the outset, the fast boot into Windows 11 Pro sets a precedent for the use of this machine. Benchmark tests show strong results, with a PC Mark score of 5692, reflecting how the XT12 Pro handles tasks from the outset.
Checking a few easy tasks to start, streaming 4K content through Netflix, Apple, and Amazon Prime is seamless and showcases the strength of its Wi-Fi connection. Checking the disk speed, the Crystal Disk Read and Write scores are 5095.80MB/s and 4406.81MB/s, respectively, more than enough for simple multimedia playback tasks. What this transfer rate highlights is the machine’s ability to handle large files for creative applications. However, while the XT12 Pro handles Photoshop and Lightroom Classic with ease, Adobe Bridge strains under high-resolution image scrolling, revealing the limitations of the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, reinforced by the GeekBench Compute score of 14235.
Video editing in DaVinci Resolve is manageable for 1080p and basic 4K projects. For more complex tasks involving RAW video, the system reaches its limits, corroborated by the Fire Strike Graphics score of 5513 and a Time Spy Overall score of 1793, indicating moderate graphical processing power. Gaming is feasible at 1080p for Red Dead Redemption II and Cyberpunk 2077, albeit with reduced settings necessary for smooth gameplay. For both video editing and gaming, connecting an eGPU can significantly enhance performance in both disciplines.
Overall, the XT12 Pro is versatile, handling a range of tasks from office work to creative projects and light to moderate gaming at lower resolutions. Its array of benchmark scores from GeekBench, CineBench, and 3D Mark highlights its capacity to balance performance across various uses, making it a suitable choice for professionals and creatives who require a compact computing solution.
Should you buy the Geekom XT Series XT12 Pro?
The Geekom XT12 Pro Mini PC offers robust performance, versatile connectivity, and strong upgrade potential, making it a great choice for professionals and creatives. Its Intel Core i9-12900H processor and dual storage options cater to demanding tasks, while its compact design does not compromise on power. With USB 4 ports for expansion and eGPU compatibility, it delivers excellent value for its price and is a scalable solution.
The Samsung HW-Q990D follows in the footsteps of one of the best soundbars in recent years, the Samsung HW-Q990C, but adds gaming features including 4K 120Hz and VRR pass-through, along with a more refined and controlled sound profile.
Filled to the brim with features, the Q990D offers plenty of settings for those who like to experiment. AI enhancements including Adaptive Sound and SpaceFit allow the Q990D to analyze sources and the viewing environment to create the best possible experience. Alongside these, the new gaming features enable users to get the most from their PS5 or Xbox Series X. And for those with a Samsung TV, there’s also Q-Symphony and a wireless Dolby Atmos option.
Carrying 22 speakers across four units, with an 11.1.4 channel configuration, the Q990D confirms Samsung’s continued domination of the soundbar market, especially when it comes to immersive Dolby Atmos sound. But, it’s not just immersive sound where it succeeds, as bass levels are punchy yet refined and trebles and mids can breathe easy over the bass. The Q990D also serves as an excellent music streaming option whether over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with its wide soundstage giving every aspect of a song the space it needs.
Although on the bulkier side, the Q990D feels every bit its premium price thanks to its solid build quality, and it has a sleek, modern look. The main soundbar’s size may be an issue for some and its front LED display is not the most user-friendly, but for many, it will beat the mess of cables you get with a wired home theater setup.
With a variety of control options including a supplied remote and the Samsung SmartThings app, the Q990D is easy to use and tailor settings to how you like. Initial setup is a breeze, making it simple to get great sound.
The Q990D may be a premium soundbar, and there are cheaper options such as last year’s Samsung Q990C and this year’s Samsung HW-Q930D, but neither of those carries the full range of features or the performance found in the Q990D. Although pricey, it delivers the best Dolby Atmos soundbar experience you can get today.
The Samsung HW-Q990D comprises a soundbar, subwoofer and two surrounds, with 11.1.4 channels across 22 speakers. (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Price & release date
Release date – March 2024
Price – $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995
The Samsung HW-Q990D is Samsung’s flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar for 2024. Released at $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995, the Q990D is a premium soundbar package.
For context, that’s roughly $400 more than the JBL Bar 1300X, an older soundbar that includes wireless rear speakers and a powerful subwoofer, but is roughly $500 more than the most widely available Sonos home theater package, which features the Sonos Arc, Sonos Sub (Gen 3) and a pair of Sonos Era 100s as rears.
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Specs
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Soundbar: 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm (51.3 x 23.4 x 10.9 in), Subwoofer: 220.0 x 413.0 x 410.0 mm (8.6 x 16.2 x 16.1 in), Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm (5 x 7.9 x 5.5 in)
Speaker channels
11.1.4
Connections:
1x HDMI out (with eARC), 2x HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
Yes/Yes
Sub included
Yes
Rear speakers included
Yes
Features
Q Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro, Tap Sound, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, HDMI 2.1 120Hz pass-through, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision pass-through, wireless Dolby Atmos
The Samsung HW-Q990D (connected to the Samsung S95D TV) now has gaming features including 120Hz and VRR. (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Features
11.1.4 speaker channels
HDMI 2.1 with 4K 120Hz support
Wireless Dolby Atmos
The Samsung Q990D has many of the same features as its impressive predecessor, the Samsung HW-Q990C, including 11.1.4 speaker channels and 22 speakers spread across the four units (soundbar, subwoofer and two rear speakers).
One new feature is HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming, with both HDMI inputs supporting 4K120Hz and VRR. Both HDMI ports also pass through HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR formats.
Supported sound formats include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, Dolby 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD.
The Q990D is stacked with sound-enhancing features including Adaptive Sound, which analyzes what you’re watching and intelligently adjusts audio levels; SpaceFit Sound Pro, which analyzes your environment and tunes the Q990D’s audio output for the space; and Game Mode Pro, which tailors directional sound to optimal levels when gaming.
Wi-Fi streaming on the Q990D supports hi-res audio formats including ALAC, FLAC and WAV and also Dolby Atmos music tracks found on streaming services such as Apple Music and Tidal. Speaking of streaming, there is also Spotify and Tidal Connect support.
There are some Samsung-exclusive enhancements alongside these features (meaning they only work with compatible Samsung TVs). The first is Q-Symphony, where the Q990D works with the speakers of a Samsung TV to boost sound even further. The next is wireless Dolby Atmos, where a Samsung TV can stream Dolby Atmos soundtracks – albeit a compressed version – to the Q990D.
Last is Tap Sound, where you tap your Samsung smartphone on the Q990D and it starts playing the music you’re streaming.
Control options include a hardware remote control and the Samsung SmartThings app. With the app, you can make EQ adjustments, activate voice and bass enhancement, and select Night Mode, which adjusts the sound to a suitable level for late-night viewing or listening. The app also isn’t just for the Q990D, but can control any compatible Samsung product.
The Samsung HW-Q990D main soundbar (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Performance
Exceptional immersive sound
Powerful, yet detailed audio
Impressive gaming performance
For years, Samsung’s flagship soundbars have continually impressed, serving as a pinnacle of what a soundbar-based home theater audio system is capable of, and the Q990D continues this trend.
With 22 speakers across the four units, including four height channels, in an 11.1.4 channel configuration, the Q990D creates an outstanding immersive experience, with expert reproduction of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks and real surround sound.
Watching Star Wars: A New Hope on Disney Plus, the final attack and ensuing space battle involving the Death Star was every bit as cinematic as it should be. As X-Wings and Tie Fighters shot across the screen from every angle, the direction of the soaring engines glided across the speakers impeccably and John Williams’ iconic score in the rear speakers kept the tension high without drowning out other effects. Dialogue was crisp and clear, cutting through the densely packed mix of engines, lasers and music. Watching this, I truly felt like I was in the cockpit, as the iconic screech of the Tie Fighter passed over my head.
Although immersive sound is where the Q990D succeeded the most, bass levels from the weighty subwoofer also impressed. The rumble of the Batmobile’s engine in The Batman during the Penguin car chase sounded meaty with plenty of low-end punch. On previous Q990 generations, the bass could get carried away on occasion, but the Q990D’s bass feels more nuanced and controlled – dynamic but without overwhelming the rest of the mix.
Even when watching movies with a stereo soundtrack such as The Amazing Spider-Man on DVD, the Q990D boosted the sound through upmixing and gave more oomph to every fight sequence and web swing through NYC.
Other parts of the audio mix are well-balanced on the Q990D. High notes come across without being too shrill whilst mids sit comfortably where they should in the mix, with everything combining to create a full, detailed sound.
Although it’s not as impressive with music as with movies, the Q990D is still a triumph. When I streamed tracks from Tidal and Spotify in uncompressed hi-res and compressed formats respectively, the Q990D did a good job of balancing instruments and handled every genre well. Listening to Tears for Fears’ Everybody Wants To Rule The World, the bass and drums sounded punchy, and the trebles of the synths and guitars sliced through evenly.
Listening to Dolby Atmos music tracks via Tidal, the Q990D again showed its prowess. Thelonius Monk’s Monk’s Dream (Take 8) spread out across the Q990D’s speakers, with every instrument given equal room to breathe – from the twinkling piano to the bright sax and the warm bass notes.
Sometimes the mix would sound forced on these Dolby Atmos tracks, with some instruments pushing a little too hard. But the Q990D generally continued to shine and even tracks streamed over lower quality Bluetooth sounded good.
The Q990D was connected to a Samsung S95D TV during my testing, with Samsung-centric features such as Q Symphony available. And while this did provide an extra layer to the sound, adding a greater sense of space and power, the Q990D gave a great cinematic experience without it.
As for gaming performance, when playing Battlefield V with an Xbox Series X, gaming was smooth, as switching between targets felt easy and the action suitably pacy.
The most surprising element of the Q990D’s gaming performance was the low 9.2ms input lag time, meaning its HDMI pass-through didn’t add any latency. For those needing 4K 120Hz, VRR and low input lag for their console, the Q990D can provide.
The Samsung HW-Q990D’s front display isn’t the easiest to read… (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Design
Solid, premium design
Front display isn’t easiest to read
Slightly wider than a 55-inch TV
The Q990D comprises four units: a soundbar, subwoofer and two rear speakers. The subwoofer is sizable and hefty, but its wireless connection allows it to be placed anywhere in the room (as long as there’s a mains socket nearby to plug in for power). The rear speakers, meanwhile, have a compact yet sleek design.
The soundbar itself measures 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm, making it slightly longer than a 55-inch TV (which roughly measures 1200mm). At 595mm, it isn’t the tallest soundbar, but could still cut off the bottom of a lot of TVs. The soundbar is also weighty, although that demonstrates its premium quality.
The soundbar and rear speakers sport a gray/navy matte finish that gives them a minimalist, modern appearance. A mesh grille on the soundbar’s front makes it quite difficult to see what input you’re using and other information provided on the front panel LED display, however.
The Samsung HW-Q990D can be controlled with the above supplied remote, the Samsung SmartThings app or your TV remote via HDMI-CEC. (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Setup & usability
HDMI eARC connection to TV
Wireless connection between units
Remote or SmartThings app for control
With four separate, wireless units, setting up the Q990D seems like it would be daunting, but the Q990D makes setup almost effortless. Once all units are plugged in and the soundbar is connected to the TV by HDMI eARC, the subwoofer and rear speakers connect by simply pressing a button on the back and you’re ready to go.
You can either use the supplied remote or the Samsung SmartThings app for control, with adjustments for boosting voice, bass and more. The Q990D can also be controlled via the TV remote using HDMI-CEC. Finally, there are control buttons and an LED display on top of the soundbar.
For those looking to optimize audio based on their room’s layout, there is also the SpaceFit Pro calibration system, which can be performed during initial setup or on the fly using the SmartThings app.
Setup & usability score: 4.5 / 5
The Samsung HW-Q990D is pricey, but you get an entire Atmos experience across four units. (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Value
Premium price
Best home theater soundbar option
Samsung Q990C still available
Priced at $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995, the Q990D is a premium soundbar. And although its features and excellent all-around performance justify the price, it is no doubt going to push some people’s budgets.
The Samsung HW-Q990C, the Q990D’s predecessor, is still available and sells at a reduced price that’s only going to fall further – I’ve seen it selling for roughly $400 / £600 cheaper than the Q990D. It does miss out on the Q990D’s gaming features, but if they’re not relevant to you, the Q990C is fine. Another option is the Samsung HW-Q930D, the step-down model from the Q990D which comes with fewer channels and features.
Still, in terms of features and performance, the Q990D offers a Dolby Atmos home theater experience no other soundbar can offer. To beat it, you’d need to look at full AV setups that don’t allow for the same tidy installation or ease of use.
Should I buy the Samsung HW-Q990D?
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Section
Notes
Score
Features
Already stacked with features, the Q990D introduces gaming features to offer a completel experience
5 / 5
Performance
Immersive spatial audio, power and dynamism – the Q990D is top of the class
5 / 5
Design
A premium design, but the front display could be clearer
4 / 5
Setup & usability
Easy setup and plenty of control via remote or SmarThings
4.5 / 5
Value
Worth its price, but still undoubtedly expensive
4 / 5
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Also consider
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Header Cell – Column 0
Samsung HW-Q990D
Samsung HW-Q990C
Sony HT-A7000
JBL Bar 1300X
Dimensions
Soundbar: 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm, Subwoofer: 220.0 x 413.0 x 410.0 mm , Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm
Main soundbar – 1309(w) x 595(h) x 277(d)mm; subwoofer – 220(w) x 413(h) x 277(d)mm; rears – 129.5(w) x 201.3(h) x 140.4(d)mm
Main soundbar – 1300(w) x 80(h) x 142(d)mm
39.4 x 2.4 x 5.5 inches (soundbar), 8 x 2.4 x 5.5 inches (surround speakers), 14.4 x 18.9 x 14.4 inches (subwoofer)
Speaker channels
11.1.4
11.1.4
7.1.2
16
Connections
Two HDMI 2.1 input, One HDMI output, optical output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Two HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with eARC support, digital optical audio input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Two HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with eARC support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
4 HDMI inputs (1 with eARC), optical digital audio, USB type-A
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes
How I tested the Samsung HW-Q990D
(Image credit: Future)
Connected to the Samsung S95D
Tested with variety of sources
Both surround sound and stereo sound tested
To test the Samsung HW-Q990D soundbar, I connected it to the Samsung S95D – the flagship 2024 OLED TV from Samsung. The majority of testing was done with Q-Symphony and any other Samsung-centric features turned off to see how the Q990D would fare if connected to sets from other brands.
After some run-in time, I selected reference scenes from both streaming and 4K Blu-ray to test spatial sound, mainly Dolby Atmos. I then used lower-resolution sources such as DVD to test the Q990D on its handling of non-surround movie audio. I analyzed the Q990D’s spatial sound but also bass, trebles, mids, and dialogue clarity.
After this, I streamed music through both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to test the Q990D’s music playback quality. I played hi-res audio and Atmos music tracks from Tidal and lossy quality tracks via Bluetooth from Spotify.
As we reach the end of another week, we’re looking back to see what tech deals popped up that are worth checking out. This coming Tuesday, Apple will almost certainly announce new iPads, which is probably why a slew of discounts have materialized for the company’s slabs. We didn’t highlight those here — even if you want an older model, it’s probably wise to wait a few days to see how the announcements affect pricing. Deals that are worth checking include sales on three flagship smartwatches: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Google Pixel 2. A couple of our favorite Anker power banks are on sale, with the USB-C Nano battery down to a new low. You can also save on one of our top gaming mice and our favorite dual-screen gaming laptop. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today.
Photo by Cherlynn Low / Engadget
The Apple Watch 9 is back down to $299 at Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart. That’s about $30 more than the lowest price we’ve tracked, when certain colorways went down to $269. Overall this current deal is $100 cheaper than paying full price and about $30 less than the sale prices lately. The deal applies to the 41mm case size with GPS and Bluetooth connectivity and is currently valid for all four colorways. If, like me, you prefer the larger 45mm case size so it’s easier to see the numbers on the display, you’ll have to pay the full $429 unless you want it in Starlight. Then it’s $100 off.
The Series 9 is the top pick in our guide to smartwatches and Engadget’s Cherlynn Low gave it a review score of 92 when it came out last September. It’s a great companion for an iPhone and the always on display makes it much easier to see things at a glance. The health and fitness tracking is comprehensive and the new Double Tap feature is handy (when it works) for answering calls and pausing timers.
We call Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 the best option for Android users in our guide to smartwatches. Walmart is now selling the wearable for $229, which is $70 off the list price. That’s not an all-time low, but still a decent savings if you’re looking for a wrist computer that plays nice with your Galaxy phone. The deal applies to the 40mm case size with Bluetooth connectivity in the Graphite colorway.
We gave the Galaxy Watch 6 a review score of 84 when it came out last September. It’s not a huge change from its predecessor, but that’s not a bad thing. The bezels are thinner and the screen is brighter, plus it gives you lots of health and fitness tracking features. The battery life is decent for a smartwatch, lasting more than a full day with the always-on display enabled. If you want a wearable that lasts even longer, you might be better off going with a fitness tracker. Our top pick in that category, the Fitbit Charge 6 is on sale for $140 directly from Fitbit.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 has dropped back down to $300 after a 14 percent discount at Amazon, Best Buy and directly from Google. Engadget’s Cherlynn Low gave the smartwatch a review score of 79 when the wearable came out last October. The design is beautiful, the stress management features are useful, and the health-focused sensors accurately produce helpful data. But software quirks, like the clunky integration of the Fitbit app for fitness tracking and some confusing presentations of your health data.
The Echo Dot, our favorite smart speaker under $50 is now down to $28 at Amazon after a 44 percent discount. That’s about $5 more than the lowest its ever sold for, which we saw during last year’s Black Friday sales. The Echo Dot puts out surprising sound for its size and lets you access the helpful skills and voice controls Alexa has to offer. It’s a good entry point into the world of smart home automation and can play music with decent audio when its not turning off your lights, telling you the weather or reminding you it’s trash night. If you’d rather buy from Target, the Echo Dot is the same price from that outlet.
The even smaller Echo Pop is also on sale and down to $20, or about $2 more than its all-time low. We haven’t tested this one yet, and wouldn’t expect the sound to be particularly robust, but if you’re just looking for another access point to Alexa’s abilities, this is one of the cheaper ways to go.
The unlocked Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is on sale for $1,100 at Amazon and Best Buy. Even with the discount, that’s still an expensive phone. The deal applies to the base 256GB model and takes $200 off the list price.
We named the S24 Ultra the “best premium” pick in our guide to the best Android phones. Samsung’s flagship has a speedy Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, a long battery life and a bright and clear 6.8-inch OLED display. The titanium frame feels premium and it comes with the pretty responsive S Pen built-into the handset. Plus you’ll get a full seven years of software updates out of Samsung.
Our top recommendation, Google’s Pixel 8 Pro, has a slightly better camera set and cleaner software (not to mention a much lower price as it’s currently on sale for $800 at Amazon and from Google).
The 6.7-inch Galaxy S24+ is back down to $850 as well. That’s a $150 discount and another all-time low for the unlocked model. We gave the S24 Ultra a score of 89 in our review earlier this year, while the S24+ earned a score of 87.
The Bluetooth tracker we recommend for anyone who uses a Galaxy phone is Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag2. And currently Amazon is selling a single tag for $21. If you’ve got multiple things to keep tabs on, you can get a four-pack from Best Buy for $77, which works out to $19.25 a pop.
The tags only work with Samsung phones, and use a similar approach to Apple’s AirTags in that the fobs anonymously ping nearby Samsung phones to help locate your lost items. In our tests we found the SmartTags2 to be loud and nearly as precise in their finding abilities as AirTags. Of all the tags out there, I thought these had the most attractive design with a smooth and rounded shape with a large eyelet. The left-behind feature wasn’t as quick and the ring-to-find wasn’t as loud as our top pick, the Chipolo One, but the SmartTag2 remains a good companion for Samsung phones.
The second generation Apple Pencil is back on sale for $79 at Target, Walmart and Best Buy. That’s a $35 discount off the full price and matches the lowest price yet for the stylus. While this is a deal we’ve seen a number of times before, it’s important to note this time that Apple will host a product launch event on May 7 and a new Pencil is likely to be part of the announcements. It might make sense to wait until then before you buy. That said, at $79, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to get your hands on a responsive stylus. It’s currently the top pick in our iPad accessories guide and pairs quickly and works well with the current generation iPad Air, Pro and Mini models.
When Engadget’s Sam Rutherford reviewed the ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16, he said, “the main factor preventing it from being a great mobile gaming battle station is its price.” Amazon is now selling the base model for $1,700, which is a 32 percent discount off the $2,500 list price. This configuration comes with a NVIDIA RTX 3060 GPU, 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
We named the Duo 16 the best gaming laptop with a dual screen in our guide because it’s powerful and the extra screen makes multitasking a lot easier. If you don’t love being without your extra monitor when you’re away from your main workstation setup, this is a decent mobile solution — though at five-and-a-half pounds and nearly an inch thick, this isn’t a lightweight portable by any means. But at least some heft has been removed from the price.
Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are $50 off and down to $249 at Amazon, Walmart and directly from Bose. That deal has surfaced quite a few times over the past year, and matches the buds’ lowest price.
Engadget’s Billy Steele gave the QC Ultra earbuds a score of 88 in his review, and they’re the top pick in our buying guide for best noise cancellation. If you want to shut out the world, these are the buds to get. The earpieces are on the large side but we found them comfortable. There’s no wireless charging or multi-device connectivity, however, and both the battery life and mic quality could be better.
Anker’s 20,000mAh Prime portable charger is down to $90 from its list price of $130. That’s a discount of 31 percent and matches a previous record low. It’s our pick for a premium power bank in our guide to the best power banks. It looks slick, has a built-in screen and offers one USB-A and two USB-C ports. It charged an iPhone 11 from near dead to full in about an hour and 45 minutes and did that three times, with enough left over for a 75 percent refill. Stick this in a pack (with a cable) and you won’t have to worry about a dead phone.
Another pick from our guide, the Anker Nano Battery with fold out USB-C connector is on sale for $16 with an on-page coupon, which is $14 off the device’s list price. That’s if you don’t mind getting it in white. Other colorways are $19. The fold out connection means you can leave the cables at home and its small size makes it easy to keep with you so you can give a partial refill to any phone with a USB-C port.
Wi-Fi dead zones are annoying, but if you’re not ready to step up to a full mesh system, an extender may be your best bet. TP-Link’s RE315 Wi-Fi extender is our pick for the best budget option in our buyer’s guide and right now, Amazon is selling it for $23, which is a 23 percent discount and the lowest price we’ve tracked.
It provides up to 867 Mbps speeds on the 5GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, and covers up to 1,500 square feet. That won’t cover a huge house and if you need lightning fast speeds or support for Wi-Fi 6, you may want to go with a more expensive model.
The Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite is down to $50 after a 38 percent discount, which is the lowest price we’ve seen since last year’s Black Friday sales. Engadget’s Jeff Dunn named it the best gaming mouse for MMOs thanks to its comfortable shape and 12 programmable side buttons. Those let you access several in-game actions with just a press, and some of the buttons are textured to help you tell them apart without looking. He does note, however, that Corsair’s iCue software to assign the keys is wildly unintuitive.
We recommend this mouse in our guide to work-from-home gear for new grads, but anyone will appreciate the ergonomic features of the Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed. Right now, Best Buy is selling it for $60, which is a mere $10 discount, but is within a dollar of the lowest price we’ve seen this year.
It’s marketed toward gamers, but the contoured shape and thumb rest make it comfortable for most right handed people, gamer or not. The mouse feels sturdy has a precise scroll wheel and lasts for hundreds of hours on a single AA battery.
The Litra Glow from Logitech is one of the things we recommend for anyone who’s just getting started on their game streaming journey. Right now, Amazon is selling it for $49.50, which is $10 off the list price, though its not the lowest price we’ve seen. It clips onto the top of a monitor and generates a clean, even glow to help you look better on camera.
JBL’s Flip 6 is on sale for $100 at Amazon, Target and directly from JBL. That’s a 23 percent discount off the $130 price tag and about $10 more than the all-time low it hit for Black Friday last year.
In our guide to Bluetooth speakers, the Flip 6 earns high marks for overall sound quality, durability and volume considering its size. The unique shape lets you stand it on its end or rest it on its side, depending on where you’re listening. Based on our guide’s recommendation, I went ahead and bought one and have been impressed with the easy pairing and clear audio — that I can easily take from room to room and out into the backyard.
If you want bigger sound and more battery life, go for the midrange JBL Charge 5. It’s on sale for $140 instead of $180 at Target and from JBL.
Another pick from our Bluetooth speaker guide, Bose’s SoundLink Flex, is back down to $119 at Target, Amazon and Bose which is a 20 percent discount and matches the all-time low we saw for last year’s Black Friday sale. It’s not a room filler, but the sound is bright and dynamic and the bass is impressive for its size. The outside feels nice with an exterior sheathed in soft-touch silicone, except for the powder-coated steel speaker grilles. It’s also IP67 rated so you can feel comfortable using it near a pool or at the beach, or just in the backyard where the hose might get it.
If you want bigger sound and don’t mind paying full price, Bose will soon offer a bigger version, the SoundLink Max, for $399.
Apple’s Studio Display is expensive at $1,600, but now Amazon is selling it for $1,300 after a 19 percent discount. That’s the lowest price we’ve tracked and beats the price it went for during Amazon’s October’s Prime Day sale. The deal applies to the tilt-adjustable stand, not the height and tilt stand. That version is also on sale, but is going for $400 more.
As we Engadget’s Devindra Hardawar said in his review, the display is really just for the Apple faithful, everyone else would be better served by another monitor. That said, the build is solid, the speakers are good, and the screen is bright and accurate. Plus the A13 Bionic chip inside make its webcam and mics a little more responsive.
One thing to note is that Apple is hosting its iPad event in a few days, though a new display is not one of the things we’re expecting (this model was introduced along with the iPhone 13 in 2022).
It’s a good day for folks who use one of Samsung’s flagship phones that launched back in 2022 and 2021. The company started rolling out the One UI 6.1 update to the Galaxy S22 series earlier today, and the update is out for the Galaxy S21 series as well!
Unlike the Galaxy S22 series, which is getting most Galaxy AI features from the Galaxy S24 with One UI 6.1, the Galaxy S21 lineup appears to only be getting the Circle to Search feature. This isn’t surprising, however, as Samsung had confirmed a few weeks back that flagship devices launched before 2022 will get a limited number of AI features.
Amazon today has the 40mm GPS Apple Watch SE for $189.00, down from $249.00. This is just $10 higher compared to the all-time low price on the wearable, and it’s available in the Silver, Midnight, and Starlight Aluminum Case options.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
You can also get the 44mm GPS Apple Watch SE on sale right now, available for $219.00 on Amazon, down from $279.00. This is another near all-time low price that’s just $10 away from the lowest price on the Apple Watch SE, and it’s available in Midnight and Starlight Aluminum options.
Additionally, both cellular models have hit record low prices this week on Amazon. The 40mm cellular Apple Watch SE is on sale for $239.00, down from $299.00, and the 44mm cellular model is on sale for $269.00, down from $329.00. You can find these all-time low prices available in multiple colors right now on Amazon.
This model of the Apple Watch SE launched in September 2022 and remains Apple’s most affordable Apple Watch. The Apple Watch SE lacks some of the upgraded features you’ll find in some Series 9 or Ultra 2 models, like temperature sensing and ECG functionality, but it will otherwise provide you with all key Apple Watch features, and at the cheapest price possible.
If you’re shopping for the Apple Watch Series 9, there are a few options on Amazon right now as well. You can get the 45mm GPS model for $329.00 in (PRODUCT)RED, down from $429.00. The 41mm cellular model is available for $399.00 and the 45mm cellular model is available for $429.00, both of which are $100 off and all-time low prices.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman outlined some of the new products he expects Apple to announce at its “Let Loose” event on May 7. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. First, Gurman now believes there is a “strong possibility” that the upcoming iPad Pro models will be equipped with Apple’s next-generation M4 chip, rather than the M3 chip that…
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman today said that iOS 18 will “overhaul” many of Apple’s built-in apps, including Notes, Mail, Photos, and Fitness. Gurman did not reveal any specific new features planned for these apps. It was previously rumored that the Notes app will gain support for displaying more math equations, and a built-in option to record voice memos, but this is the first time we have…
Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro models will feature “by far the best OLED tablet panels on the market,” according to Display Supply Chain Consultants. Set to be announced on May 7, the OLED iPad Pro models will feature LTPO (a more power efficient form of OLED), a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, and a tandem stack and glass thinning that will bring “ultra-thin and light displays” that support high…
Apple has announced it will be holding a special event on Tuesday, May 7 at 7 a.m. Pacific Time (10 a.m. Eastern Time), with a live stream to be available on Apple.com and on YouTube as usual. The event invitation has a tagline of “Let Loose” and shows an artistic render of an Apple Pencil, suggesting that iPads will be a focus of the event. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more …
Apple is set to unveil iOS 18 during its WWDC keynote on June 10, so the software update is a little over six weeks away from being announced. Below, we recap rumored features and changes planned for the iPhone with iOS 18. iOS 18 will reportedly be the “biggest” update in the iPhone’s history, with new ChatGPT-inspired generative AI features, a more customizable Home Screen, and much more….
New iPads are coming, and Apple is holding a virtual event to introduce them! While it appears likely to be a relatively short video event, we should be seeing new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, some new accessories, and perhaps some additional surprises. Other Apple news and rumors this week included word that Apple is FINALLY planning to introduce a native Calculator app for the iPad later…
For better or (mostly) worse, the only way to fully increase the storage of an Xbox Series X/S is to use a proprietary expansion card. Three and a half years into the consoles’ lives, there remain only two official solutions: Seagate’s Storage Expansion Card and the WD Black C50. It’s a limiting situation, but if you’re tired of deleting and reinstalling games to create space, versions of each card are at least a little cheaper than usual right now. The 1TB WD Black C50 is on sale for $125 at Amazon, while the 2TB Seagate Storage Expansion Card is down to $230 at Amazon and Best Buy.
WD
This is within $5 of the best price we’ve seen for WD’s Xbox storage card.
The former is $5 more than the lowest price we’ve ever seen, but it’s still $25 off the card’s usual street price. We’ll note that Seagate’s 1TB model has technically dropped as low as $90 a few times before, but those offers have typically sold out extremely fast; as of this writing, that drive costs $140. The discount on the 2TB Seagate card, meanwhile, matches the best price we’ve tracked. That one normally goes for $250. Since WD doesn’t sell a 2TB card, it’s also the highest-capacity option you can buy. Both of these discounts equal the prices we saw during Black Friday last year.
To reiterate, these aren’t great prices in the context of the wider storage market. Sony lets you upgrade the PlayStation 5 with a much wider range of traditional M.2 SSDs, almost all of which are available for significantly less per gigabyte. The top pick in our PS5 SSD buying guide, for instance, currently costs $90 for 1TB or $158 for 2TB. This is despite the fact that consumer SSD prices have generally increased over the past few months.
If you own a recent Xbox, though, you don’t have much choice. You can use a standard external drive to store Series X/S games or run backwards-compatible titles from the Xbox One and older consoles, but the only way to playcurrent-gen games is via internal storage or one of these official cards. That said, the cards themselves are just about as fast as that internal SSD, and setting them up is a breeze: You simply plug the tiny device into the Xbox’s expansion slot, and you’re good to go. The sticker shock is the one major negative, but these discounts should lighten the load somewhat.