### TV Audio Quality: The Demand for Superior Sound

The quality of TV audio has seen remarkable advancements over time, yet modern slim displays often compromise speaker quality for aesthetic appeal, leading to a tinny sound that detracts from the viewing experience. In apartments or smaller living spaces, it can be difficult to accommodate full surround sound systems, as bulky speakers and subwoofers typically do not have the required space.

### Presenting the Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Sonos has established itself as a leader in providing high-quality audio in compact formats. The Beam (Gen 2) fulfills the soundbar requirements of space-limited homes without sacrificing performance. Now priced at $369 on Amazon, reduced from its original price of $499, this Dolby Atmos soundbar is offered at its lowest price ever for one of the most esteemed brands in home audio.

#### A Compact Design with Immersive Sound

The support for Dolby Atmos creates sound environments that are three-dimensional, positioning sounds above, around, and alongside you rather than simply in front. This feature significantly enriches audio depth that standard stereo soundbars cannot achieve. Height channels reflect sound off the ceiling, crafting realistic audio experiences, such as the sensation of helicopters passing or rain falling overhead. This effect is best realized in rooms with flat ceilings under 10 feet high. While it does not compare to dedicated ceiling speakers, the virtual height improves the perceived audio landscape.

A common critique of TV audio is that voices can often be drowned out by music and sound effects. The Beam (Gen 2) delivers exceptionally clear dialogue through a dedicated center channel processing system that hones in on vocal frequencies, ensuring every word is clear without the constant need for volume tweaks. Moreover, the Speech Enhancement mode boosts dialogue clarity, particularly beneficial during programs with strong accents or intricate lines.

#### Robust Output and Compact Form

With a peak output of 200 watts, the Beam (Gen 2) can effortlessly fill medium to large rooms without any distortion, preserving clarity even at high volumes where lower-quality soundbars may falter. Its frequency response descends to 50.4Hz, offering adequate bass presence in action sequences and bass-heavy tracks without necessitating a subwoofer. While the soundbar produces impressive low-end performance, bass aficionados may choose to pair it with Sonos’ dedicated Sub for even deeper low frequencies.

At just 25.6 inches wide, the Beam (Gen 2) fits snugly beneath most TVs without obstructing screens or taking up unnecessary space in entertainment centers.

#### Trueplay Tuning Innovation

The Trueplay tuning innovation utilizes the microphone on your iPhone or iPad to evaluate how sound travels within your space. This technology automatically fine-tunes the soundbar’s output for the best audio quality. By playing test tones while moving throughout the room, the app analyzes how sound interacts with walls, furniture, and ceilings to create a tailored EQ profile. This calibration mitigates acoustic challenges that may arise from placing speakers in corners or against bare walls, ensuring consistent audio quality regardless of the room’s layout.

#### Effortless Setup with HDMI eARC

Setting up the Beam (Gen 2) is incredibly straightforward, requiring only two cables: an HDMI eARC cable to connect to your TV for audio and a power cable for power. With the HDMI connection, all audio from the TV can be transmitted through a single cable, removing the hassle of multiple connections to the soundbar. The Beam (Gen 2) turns on automatically when the TV is switched on and can be operated with your existing TV remote, making it simple and convenient.

### Conclusion

Priced at $369, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is an exceptional value, marking the lowest price ever for this model. It merges high-quality audio engineering with a compact design, making premium sound accessible to a broader audience. With the holiday season approaching, now is the perfect time to elevate your home audio experience.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/5728/)

Professional gaming requires accuracy and personalization that typical controllers fall short of, and the DualSense Edge meets these demands with hardware-level modifications that competitive gamers have sought for years. This high-end controller enhances all the great features of the standard DualSense by incorporating swappable parts, remappable buttons, and adjustable sensitivity curves that permit fine-tuning performance for particular games or play styles.

The Midnight Black version is currently available for $169 on Amazon, reduced from its usual price of $199, representing an all-time low for Sony’s professional-grade controller just in time for Christmas with assured holiday delivery. This 15% price cut makes advanced gaming hardware more approachable for dedicated players seeking every conceivable edge without breaking the bank like they would with an Xbox Elite controller.

## Customization That Suits Your Play Style

You can now assign back buttons to the underside of the controller, significantly altering your gaming experience. You can designate frequently used actions to these buttons, such as jump, crouch, or reload. This feature allows you to maintain your thumbs on the analog sticks while simultaneously pressing face buttons, enhancing aim in shooters and camera control in fast-paced action titles.

The interchangeable stick modules address the common problem of analog stick drift that often affects controllers after prolonged use. Instead of buying an entirely new controller when the sticks wear out, you can simply swap out the worn components at a lower expense. These modules can be replaced easily without tools, and Sony offers separate replacements, ensuring ongoing usability.

You can modify stick sensitivity and dead zones, enabling you to customize response curves to meet your gaming requirements. Higher sensitivity settings are advantageous in fast-paced shooters that demand rapid camera movements, while lower settings benefit long-range shooting that requires greater precision. Adjusting the dead zone eliminates unwanted movements from looser sticks, improving control in competitive environments.

The stick caps included with the Edge come in three heights and two shapes, letting you select the ones that best accommodate your hand size and grip preferences. Taller sticks offer enhanced control by increasing the thumb’s travel distance for the same input, ideal for precise aiming in tactical shooters. Conversely, shorter sticks enable quicker movements with minimal thumb travel, ideal for aggressive play styles.

The trigger stops on the DualSense Edge reduce the distance that L2 and R2 can move, allowing for a faster firing response in shooters. The adjustable stops click into place at various points, enabling you to tailor each trigger according to the game—full travel is preferable for racing games, while minimal travel is suitable for fast-paced shooters.

The Midnight Black finish lends the Edge a distinct look while upholding PlayStation’s elegant design. The matte texture resists fingerprints better than glossy plastics, and the overall construction feels sturdy. However, due to the additional electronics implemented for customization, the battery life is shorter compared to standard DualSense controllers, generally lasting 5 to 7 hours depending on the features in use. Therefore, it’s wise to keep the charging cable handy for extended gaming sessions.

Securing the DualSense Edge for $169 is an outstanding bargain as it represents the lowest price this controller has ever been offered on Amazon, allowing for customization that meets professional gaming benchmarks. This competitive pricing makes premium gaming features attainable for serious gamers looking to enhance their performance.

### The Significance of Portable Power Stations During Winter Storms

As winter storms arrive, the risk of power outages becomes a major concern. Portable power stations are vital tools for maintaining heating, supporting medical equipment, and ensuring connectivity in emergencies. The **Anker Solix C1000 (Gen 2)** corrects important flaws found in previous portable power stations by providing faster charging and enhanced power output.

Presently, this model can be purchased for **$371 on Amazon**, a notable reduction from its standard price of **$549**, making it a compelling choice just before the winter season when power outages frequently happen. This **32% discount** makes reliable backup power accessible without the complications and costs of installing whole-home generators.

#### Rapid Charging: A Revolutionary Feature

The Anker Solix C1000 (Gen 2) incorporates **HyperFlash technology**, enabling it to fully recharge its **1,024Wh battery in only 49 minutes**. This significantly changes how portable power stations are utilized during extended outages, where older models may require **6 to 8 hours** for a full recharge. The swift recharge capability allows users to refresh their power supply during short interruptions, ensuring vital devices stay functional in crucial moments.

Boasting a **continuous output of 2,000W** and a **surge capacity of 3,000W**, the Solix C1000 can effortlessly power a diverse range of household appliances and tools. It includes **10 ports**, comprising AC outlets, USB-A ports, USB-C ports, and a car outlet, permitting the simultaneous use of multiple devices like refrigerators, space heaters, coffee makers, and phone chargers. The **3,000W surge capacity** adeptly handles the power needs of devices during startup.

#### Sturdiness and Dependability

Featuring **LiFePO4 battery technology**, the Solix C1000 can endure **4,000 charge cycles** before seeing a reduction to **80% capacity**. This durability supports regular use for around **10 years** with minimal decline in efficiency. Additionally, lithium iron phosphate batteries thrive in extreme conditions, delivering dependable performance even in the summer heat or winter chill—situations where typical lithium-ion batteries might struggle.

In a power outage scenario, the device’s **sub-10ms UPS switchover time** guarantees that sensitive electronics, including CPAP machines, computers, and networking gear, remain uninterrupted. Unlike conventional power stations that can take several hundred milliseconds to transition to battery power—potentially leading to disruptions such as computer restarts or medical alarms—the Solix C1000 ensures continuous operation.

### Conclusion

Purchasing the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 for **$371** presents a significant opportunity to obtain superior charging features and substantial power storage at nearly half the cost. This timely discount before the winter storm season makes it a cost-effective option for families in search of reliable backup power or off-grid alternatives. Take advantage of this remarkable holiday offer, aimed at ensuring your preparedness for winter emergencies.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/4782/)