Microsoft’s platform-agnostic gaming future has taken another step forward, bringing its Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming platform to Amazon’s Fire TV devices.
While hardware still remains part of Microsoft’s vision, led by the Xbox Series X console, streaming games to other devices is growing in possibilities. In Australia, an Xbox app will come to some Fire TV devices starting this July.
For now, it will only be the 2023 Fire TV 4K Max and Fire TV Stick 4K devices getting the app. The open-ended wording of the announcement teases further compatibility in the future. In reality, it’s likely that future Amazon devices will support Xbox cloud streaming.
When the app drops, playing Xbox games will require a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a Bluetooth controller. Some free-to-play games, like Fortnite, even support cloud streaming without a paid subscription. The main drawcard is that the cumulative cost of a Fire TV stick, subscription, and controller is cheaper than buying a console outright.
Image: Amazon / Microsoft.
Xbox already supports cloud streaming on various non-Microsoft platforms, including Samsung TVs, PCs, and phones. Fire TV compatibility adds yet another way to play games without buying a new TV or other expensive hardware.
The only catch is that it relies on a stable internet connection. A wired connection with at least 20Mbps download speeds is recommended. Alternatively, a 5GHz Wi-Fi network band is the next best thing.
When is the Fire TV Xbox app coming?
Other than a July window, there’s no set date yet. When the app arrives, setting it up will be as simple as logging into your Microsoft account, connecting a Bluetooth controller, and streaming to your heart’s content.
“For those who don’t own an Xbox console, this provides an affordable and convenient way to get started,” said Ashley McKissick, Corporate Vice President, Xbox Experiences and Platforms Engineering.
“With the Xbox app coming to select Fire TV devices, customers can enjoy access to a vast library of high-quality games, allowing them to play amazing titles without the need for a console,” added Patrick Walker, Country Manager, Amazon Devices, Australia & New Zealand.
Most of Xbox’s biggest games support cloud streaming. Forza, Halo, and Starfield are among those included with the subscription service, as are the Fallout games – another drawcard following Amazon’s popular TV series based on the post-apocalyptic franchise.
When you choose caravan gadgets, you want things that last and stand up to the varied conditions you encounter on the road. It’s rare that tech reviewers get to test out gear long-term, as we usually have to send loan devices back after a few weeks. So, it’s been a good opportunity to try out various devices in real-world conditions while caravanning across Australia.
In my recent travels, I’ve spent a lot of time with the devices I’ve reviewed. It’s given me more time to road-test how they go over a longer period. After three months of living with these caravan communication gadgets full-time on the road, here’s how I feel about them and whether you should get them for your road trip.
Recommended caravan communication gadgets
In some sense, it is sad that we want to be connected all the time, and this means fewer people chat with their fellow travellers. In another sense, communication is critical as it allows people like my wife and me to work from the road, communicate with family and friends, watch TV, socialise, book and research destinations, and seek help, whether from YouTube or an expert.
These are the communications-based caravan gadgets I’ve tested recently:
Each product falls into three categories: satellite, mobile phone, and radio. Satellite technology will provide 100% coverage of Australia. Mobile phone coverage will work in most towns and major highways but only 27% of the Australian landmass. A UHF radio will transmit and receive anywhere but only at a range of around 20km. I explain these technologies in more detail in my guide to caravan internet connectivity.
To get the most out of this guide, I recommend you read the reviews of the products you are interested in.
Starlink for internet anywhere in Australia
Starlink is by far the biggest game-changer from a communication perspective of all the products I have reviewed. When powered on, it provides fast broadband anywhere in Australia you can see the southern sky without obstacles. It is portable and affordable, bringing internet to the outback.
Starlink dish sitting on the roof of a car. Image: Angus Jones.
The pros are that we have an internet download speed that is, on average, six times faster than we do at home in Sydney. You can use it in conjunction with Wi-Fi calling on your smartphone to make and receive phone calls and SMS anywhere. The setup is easy. I power my unit via a Bluetti portable power station, which I can turn the Starlink on or off via the Bluetti App on my smartphone.
On the negative side, Starlink is power-hungry, and mine consumes between 80 and 120 watts per hour for booting to general operation. This is a lot of battery power if you always leave it on, which is why I like that I can turn it off at night from bed.
Setup may be simple, which entails setting up the dish facing south, but compared to a mobile phone or my 5G mobile router, which has zero setup after the first install, it does take a few minutes each time we move. Having mine in our car means that it happens a lot. Many people set up their Starlink from their caravan, reducing the number of times it must be set up.
More people are starting to permanently install their Starlink dish flat on their vehicle or caravan, which is more convenient, but at the end of the day, it is easier to move a dish and cable to avoid an obstruction like a tree branch than a caravan.
Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro (MR6550) mobile 5G router
This small router is permanently mounted in my dual cab ute. Whenever there is mobile phone coverage, it provides a Wi-Fi network that any of my devices can connect to, from phones to PCs to the Garmin navigator.
Image: Angus Jones.
Our Starlink plan does not include internet on the move as that service is too expensive. Instead, we use the Netgear router. Indeed, we have the router connected by Ethernet to Starlink, so the internet is provided on the same Netgear network when Starlink is powered. This makes it super easy and means we have just one network to connect with when in range of the car. The Netgear draws around 5 watts of power an hour via a USB cable from our Bluetti, so it has minimal power draw.
The only downside of this product is that when there is no mobile reception, there is no internet. The network still runs, enabling us to access any network device like the battery monitor in the caravan.
RFI Hi-Gain 5G antenna
In previous tests, this product, when connected to the Netgear mobile router, has extended our range and increased our speeds. The RFI antenna is directional, which means it must be pointed at the nearest mobile phone tower, which means this solution can only be used when you are stationary. I have it in the caravan as part of my array of gadgets, and I see many people using it, but with Starlink, we have not used it.
My advice is that if you do not have Starlink, definitely invest in this technology. You will be connected in many more places where others cannot get coverage.
Boost Mobile SIM
Telstra has the widest mobile phone coverage of the three core carriers. The new alliance between Optus and Vodaphone will improve things, but Telstra is still the best. However, Telstra plans are the most expensive.
Of all the resellers of the Telstra network, only Boost Mobile has identical coverage. Others only have a subset. I use a Boost Mobile 12-month SIM in our Netgear router, ensuring the best coverage at the best price. If you run out of data, you can recharge it or buy another SIM. We do not use any included unlimited voice as the SIM is only used in the Wi-Fi router.
We do have separate SIMs in our mobiles, in our case Woolworths, that entitles us to a 10% grocery discount once a month for each SIM. While on the road, we will most likely be out of the inferior Woolworths coverage. However, Wi-Fi calling through the Boost Mobile SIM in the Netgear router means we stay in touch.
Cel-Fi mobile booster
To further enhance our mobile coverage on the move, we have a Cel-Fi mobile booster. This product uses a high-gain omnidirectional antenna (it looks like a UHF antenna) that we have mounted on our roof rack. This means it has the best chance of picking up a phone tower signal. The signal is then boosted and retransmitted in a small radius around our car. This means our smartphones and 5G modem will use this improved signal.
RFI Cel-Fi antenna mounted on a roof rack. Image: Angus Jones.
If there is no mobile tower in range, it does not work, but if there is, it will provide a signal for your devices long after the device itself loses coverage with the phone tower.
We find this product excellent, especially when trying to maintain a call on an outback road. However, our smartphones tend to hunt for a weak cell phone signal rather than connect to the Cel-Fi. This can be overcome by using the My-Wave app, which encourages your phone to use the Cel-Fi. You need to remember to use the app.
Uniden Xtrak 80 UHF radio
Breaker, breaker: I can talk to trucks. Caravans travel slower in most cases than trucks. Having a UHF radio means you can communicate with other vehicles, including trucks, assuming they also have one. UHF is also great for communicating with mates in a convoy.
Channel 40 is the common channel, and it is so much safer when you can communicate with a 130-foot road train if they want to pass you or you want to pass them. You also often encounter wide loads with pilot vehicles. They use the radio to warn you of their presence so you can move off the road to pass safely.
Image: Angus Jones.
A UHF will not provide long-range communication but can be used to call for help if others are in range. Overall, the Xtrak just works and gives us extra peace of mind on the outback roads. Its replay function is great when you miss a radio transmission.
Uniden MHS157 Dual Band VHF/UHF 2-way radio
For those travelling with a boat, this combined UHF/VHF handheld radio means you can talk at both road and marine frequencies with one device. We use this handheld for communication when backing the caravan, with my wife issuing the appropriate instructions from outside the van.
The unit comes with a 12-volt cigarette charger, so it is easy to keep the battery topped up. We also use the handheld in the car to listen to other channels, such as Ch18, the caravaners’ hail channel. If we had a boat, we could then use it to log our trips with marine rescue stations.
GME Personal Locator Beacon
I hope I never have to use this device, but it accompanies us on every hike. A PLB, or Personal Locator Beacon, is an emergency transponder that sends your location to emergency services. You would only activate this device in an emergency.
The unit is lightweight. The battery lasts for years, ensuring help can be contacted via satellites anywhere in the world. Image: Angus Jones.
Garmin Tread navigator
The Garmin Tread is an 8-inch tablet-like device we normally use in our car for navigation. This product features a satellite communicator through the Garmin inReach offering. This system allows an SOS message to be sent, as well as position updates, weather, and basic two-way text communication.
This service is via subscription, and because we have other alternatives, we do not use this service, but if you do not have Starlink or a PLB, then this solution can be a cost-effective way to ensure you get help and can communicate anywhere in Australia.
Top caravan communication gadgets you should take
If you are planning a big lap of Australia or simply a week-long road trip, I recommend you take these devices in order:
UHF radio for inexpensive communication on the road.
A Telstra or Boost mobile SIM in your phone or mobile router to maximise phone and internet coverage.
A PLB if you are a hiker or plan to take the less travelled roads.
Starlink: If you plan to work on the road, you want always to be connected or cannot miss your TV programs, then Starlink is a game-changer, provided you can afford the upfront and monthly fees.
A Cel-Fi will benefit the road warrior who wants to maximise their phone coverage. It boosts the signal and keeps you talking.
Stay tuned for more recommendations for caravan gadgets while venturing the roads less travelled.
Mark your calendars, because Samsung has locked in 10 July for its next Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris, with the 2024 Galaxy Z foldable devices expected to feature.
The event will focus on Galaxy AI features across Samsung’s ecosystem, a set of generative AI tools that debuted with the Galaxy S24 range. “The next frontier of Galaxy AI is coming,” Samsung’s announcement claims, accompanied by the footnote “fees may apply to certain AI Features at the end of 2025”.
Aside from software features, it’s highly likely that Samsung will reveal successors to the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Fold 5 phones. Samsung’s confirmation of the Unpacked event comes just hours after Motorola announced its latest foldable, the Razr 50 Ultra.
Tablets also formed a part of Samsung’s July 2023 device launches. Alongside the foldable phones and wearables, three Galaxy Tab S9 models arrived. Retailers have recently been heavily discounting last year’s models, perhaps indicating an imminent 2024 refresh.
Streaming live on Samsung’s YouTube channel, here’s when you can tune into the Unpacked event in Australia:
AEST: 10 July 2024 at 11 PM
ACST: 10 July 2024 at 10:30 PM
AWST: 10 July 2024 at 9:00 PM
Between now and then, expect to see more snippets of information from Samsung as the event gets closer. Whatever the 2024 Galaxy Z range has in store, AI features will undoubtedly play a big role.
Motorola has announced its latest flip phone in Australia, the Razr 50 Ultra, with a bigger external display, better durability, and an upgraded camera array.
Squeezing even more real estate out of the external screen, the Razr 50 Ultra extends the 3.6-inch size of its predecessor out to four inches, the largest of any current foldable in Australia. On the inside, the phone wields a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, which should produce faster processing speeds overall.
Motorola also gave the Razr 50 Ultra a photography boost, upgrading the main lens to 50MP, including larger pixels for better light sensitivity. Instead of the 13MP wide-angle and macro lens of the Razr 40 Ultra, the 2024 model gets a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. On the front of the main display, you get a 32MP selfie camera.
Battery life is one area foldables haven’t yet matched conventional designs. In an effort to bridge the gap, the Razr 50 Ultra fits in a 4,000mAh battery, up from last year’s 3,800mAh capacity. It also charges faster, hitting 45W wired speeds with the included 68W charger, and 15W wirelessly via Qi1 technology.
Motorola is also joining the AI trend, supporting Google’s Gemini platform out of the box. This includes many of the generative AI text and image production features we’ve seen across the Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel range. In a post-launch update, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra will get Moto AI, a set of context-specific features that’ll answer queries based on photos and messages on your device.
We dubbed last year’s flagship foldable from Motorola the “king of the flips” thanks to its great configuration, smart software, and thin design. This year’s model appears to be an improvement on all fronts.
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra price and release date
Costing $1,699 in Australia, pre-orders for Moto’s latest flip phone start on 2 July ahead of its 17 July launch date. Anyone who pre-orders between 2-16 July also gets a set of Moto Buds+ valued at $249.
This year’s range comes in three colours: Midnight Blue, Spring Green, and Peach Fuzz – 2024’s Pantone Colour of the Year.
Overseas, Motorola also revealed a non-Ultra version of the Razr 50, and the Moto Tag tracking device, neither of which have been confirmed for Australia yet. Last year, Motorola brought both the standard Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra models locally, so an announcement may come in the future.
Bringing the latest and greatest wireless technology to a more affordable price point, the Netgear Nighthawk RS300 Wi-Fi 7 router takes advantage of upcoming hardware.
At less than half the price of Netgear’s Nighthawk RS700S router, the new model is one of the cheapest Wi-Fi 7 routers available. Building on the 6GHz network band introduced by Wi-Fi 6E, the newer technology doubles channel width to 320Hz, enabling more data to be sent at the same time.
Another big benefit of Wi-Fi 7 is Multi-Link Operation (MLO). It lets devices access multiple network bands simultaneously, like 5GHz and 6GHz, so there are no dropouts when moving out of range of one and into another.
Reflecting its lower price, the Netgear Nighthawk RS300 wields a total bandwidth of 9.3Gbps, compared to the RS700S’ 19Gbps. It also doesn’t have any 10Gbps Ethernet ports, instead offering two 2.5Gbps and two 1Gbps ports. For the overwhelming majority of Australians, that’s still plenty, considering that multi-gigabit residential internet isn’t here yet.
Netgear advertises its newest router as covering up to 230 square metres and supporting up to 100 concurrent device connections. Again, that should be fine for most Aussie households. Data from NBN Co claims that the average home has 22 simultaneously connected devices at any time.
You can also use the router as a media-sharing server via its USB port, set up guest networks and so on – all standard router stuff in 2024.
Netgear Nighthawk RS300 price and release date
Available now in Australia, the cheaper Wi-Fi 7 router costs $649 via retailers and Netgear’s official store. Meanwhile, the higher spec RS700S model costs a hefty $1,499 at retail. The router comes with a 30-day subscription to Netgear Armor, adding various security features and in-depth parental controls. Afterwards, it costs $10.99 a month or $99 a year.
Wi-Fi 7 isn’t cheap, largely a result of how new the technology is. Official certification of Wi-Fi 7 devices only started earlier this year, and not many devices have been able to take advantage of the higher bandwidth.
That’s about to change, with next-gen laptops from Intel, AMD, and Microsoft set to support Wi-Fi 7 networking. Netgear’s Nighthawk RS300 is a signal that Wi-Fi 7 is about to enter the mainstream, accompanied by more attainable prices.
We haven’t even escaped EOFY season yet, and Amazon has just announced that its 2024 Prime Day sales in Australia will be its longest yet.
Thousands of products will be discounted during the sale, including tech from Apple, Samsung, and Sony. Expect to see dropped prices across the entire storefront, encompassing clothing, toys, and kitchenware, but tech is what we’re most interested in.
As the name suggests, many of the deals are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. 30-day free trials are available to new subscribers, which then costs $9.99 a month or $79 for an annual subscription.
Taking place globally, Amazon sells many of its listed products at discounted prices. Alongside the likes of Black Friday and Click Frenzy, it’s one of the biggest online retail events in Australia.
As mentioned earlier, Amazon Prime members get the most benefits from the sale, including free express shipping. However, there are plenty of discounts on offer for non-members too.
Echo Show smart speaker. Image: Amazon.
This year’s Amazon Prime Day is expected to be a big one in Australia for shoppers keen to sort out Christmas gifts early. Research from Amazon Australia found that more than 70% of Aussies consider buying gifts for the December holiday months in advance if the price is right.
Tech and home appliances are among the most popular sale items, with four in five Australians saying they wait for discounts before buying.
When is Amazon Prime Day in Australia?
In Australia, this year’s Amazon Prime Day sale starts on 16 July 2024 at 00:01 AM AEST on the dot, continuing through to 21 July. It’s the longest Prime Day to date, with previous sales spanning two or three days.
Last year’s sale took place on 11 and 12 July 2023, officially lasting two days. Those of us in Australia also got access to overseas discounts across different time zones, effectively making it three days.
Amazon also holds various other promotional sale events throughout the year. In March, there was the Big Smile sale, which wasn’t as big as Prime Day, but it provided another suite of discounts outside of the retailer’s main sale.
What will be on sale?
This year’s Amazon Prime Day sale will include discounts across the following tech and home appliance brands:
Apple
Bose
de’Longhi
Dyson
Instant Pot
Meta
Miele
Panasonic
Philips
Samsung
Sony
It’s a non-exhaustive list, with many other brands expected to discount products in Australia as part of Amazon Prime Day.
Before the sale officially starts in Australia, Amazon has several early deals on its subscription services. From now until 21 July, eligible Prime members can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free. The same promotion also applies to Audible, with the offer open until 29 July.
Prime Day is often a good chance to score big discounts on wireless headphones. Image: Bose.
You’ll also be able to rent various movies on Prime Video for $2.99 between 9-21 July and subscribe to select channels for an introductory $0.99 price.
Some of last year’s highlights included big discounts on robot vacuums, phones, gaming gear, and Amazon devices:
Some telcos have already confirmed they will pass the increased costs onto consumers. Telstra, Optus, and Aussie Broadband are among those increasing prices, most notably on NBN 50 plans, Australia’s most popular residential internet speed.
In most cases, the price increase of affected plans is roughly $5 per month. WhistleOut Australia has a comprehensive overview of the changes, with more expected once the revised wholesale pricing kicks in on 1 July.
It makes shopping for the cheapest NBN plans even more important as the cost of goods and services continues to rise. NBN 100 plans from some retailers will also be more costly, but faster tiers like NBN 250 and NBN 1000 plans are getting more affordable.
Although the price increases will impact many Australian households, there’s a silver lining on the horizon. NBN Co intends to boost download speeds that have traditionally lagged behind other countries. As part of this, NBN 100 plans could jump to 500Mbps, and 2Gbps consultation is currently underway.
Now’s the best time to shop around for a deal, with many retailers offering six-month introductory discounts. Here are some of the best deals currently live:
In a world cluttered with mid-range gaming headsets, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 emerges as a good-value contender. Its wide platform support and simplicity accompany the signature SteelSeries level of quality to good effect.
Without a doubt in my mind, SteelSeries is king when it comes to gaming peripherals. I still consider the Arctis Nova Pro one of the best headsets ever made. But where does that put the Nova 5?
Sitting smack-dab in the middle of the brand’s main range of gaming headsets, the Arctis Nova 5 is a reasonably-priced option that retains a decent suite of features. It’s not as effortlessly easy to connect between devices due to a litany of dongle attachments, but – most importantly – it sounds great.
For less than $300, this headset works with pretty much any modern gaming device. It’s more than what some pricier sets of headphones can claim, which already puts it ahead of the mid-range pack.
Even though I’ve labelled the Nova 5 as simple, it’s not quite as easy as turning it on and playing. To use its 2.4GHz wireless connectivity (the higher quality format), you need to use an included dongle. Depending on the version you get (my review unit was Xbox-specific), the dongle houses a switch to toggle between “Xbox” and “PC” modes, the latter of which is an umbrella term for any non-Xbox platform.
Simple, yeah? Well, the dongle is USB-C, so you need to use a USB-A adapter to plug into the likes of an Xbox or PlayStation. Fortunately, SteelSeries includes all the adapters you need in the box – plus cable extenders – but it adds up to a messy collection of cables and plugs to keep track of.
Image: Chris Button.
I don’t blame SteelSeries for this slightly convoluted cacophony of connectivity. Different platforms, like Xbox and PlayStation, use various proprietary wireless protocols, so any multi-platform peripheral is gonna have a tough time.
I also wasn’t jazzed about the idea of downloading yet another companion app to my phone. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 uses a standalone app to control EQ settings and audio mixing. Despite my reservations, the app is a nifty, streamlined way of managing headset settings. It sure beats fiddling around with on-device controls.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 specifications
Drivers
40mm Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
20–22,000 Hz frequency
360-degree Spatial Audio
Microphone
ClearCast Gen 2.X – Fully Retractable Boom
100-10,000 Hz @ 32kHz/16bit frequency
Battery
Up to 60 hours
Size
265g
Compatibility
Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
PlayStation 5 and 4
PC
Mac
Nintendo Switch
Mobile
As far as gaming headsets go, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 err on the side of understated. You could comfortably get away with wearing them out in public without attracting bemused stares from passersby. The Xbox version features a snazzy green design on the inner headband – the only splash of colour on an otherwise subtle finish.
I was pleasantly surprised by the breathable fabric used by the earcups. Usually, I prefer a leatherette feel, likely due to experiences with cheaper headsets using uncomfortably scratchy materials.
Finding the right fit, an integral part of using any headphones, was tricky. You can slide the connection between the headband and the ears to extend or retract as needed, but I found it quite stiff to manipulate. The inner headband is also adjustable, albeit to three specific points, changing how much tension the headset applies to the top of your head.
Here, the dongle blocks other ports on a laptop. Image: Chris Button.
I spent longer trying to get a comfortable fit with the SteelSeries Nova 5 than what felt necessary because of the slightly inflexible process. Once I finally secured a fit I was happy with, they’re a pretty comfy and lightweight set of headphones.
The included 2.4GHz dongle warrants a closer examination. It’s not overly bulky, but it is wide. This isn’t much of an issue when connected to a game console via one of the USB cable adapters. On PC, however, is a different story.
Whether plugged directly into a laptop, a desktop PC, or a docking station, the dongle blocks access to other ports. Yes, you can work around this by using one of the included cables, but this adds yet another item you need to carry with you or find storage space. At least you can swap to Bluetooth in a pinch.
On-device controls
In better news, I really liked the on-device controls. There’s a good combination of buttons and dials that offer just enough functionality without being overwhelming. On the left ear, you’ll find a mic mute button and a master volume wheel.
Image: Chris Button.
It’s a little more crowded on the right ear, with a USB-C charging port, a mixer wheel, and two small buttons for power and connectivity modes. The inclusion of the mixer wheel is a good one, giving you quick control over game audio versus chat audio. Can’t hear your friends over the in-game action? Simply nudge the wheel to make the team chat louder and game audio quieter.
These on-device buttons also double as multimedia controls when connected to a phone. Various presses and double-presses can skip tracks and answer calls as needed. Each button is easy to find while wearing the headset, too.
Audio quality
Quirky design frustrations fade from view the minute you start gaming. The audio comes through clearly and with satisfying details. Most of my time testing the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 was spent between playing Fortnite on Xbox, and Hades 2 while reviewing the Dell XPS 14.
In Fortnite, I enjoyed good-quality directional audio, picking up the booms of distant explosions and the footsteps of nearby opponents. Did it help me play better? Not in the slightest. My aim remained lacklustre (at best), although I felt I had greater situational awareness while playing.
My teammates heard me loudly and clearly, with no one reporting any complaints about microphone quality. It’s worth noting that while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 has a retractable mic, it doesn’t automatically mute. Instead, you need to press the mute button located on the left ear. I’d sometimes extend the mic to start a session and start talking, only to realise I was on mute – getting out of the flip-to-mute habit was tough to break.
While playing Hades 2, I was most impressed by the quality of Darren Korb’s soundtrack. Some gaming headsets can make music sound a bit muddy, which was certainly not the case here. In between the hectic hack-and-slash action, the music sounded just as good, especially the game’s moody basslines during quieter moments.
Companion app
For someone who enjoys good audio but doesn’t know much about EQ settings, the companion app excelled at its singular purpose. Instead of giving you a bunch of tools to figure out, it contains a big list of presets to choose from. There are generic settings like Flat and Bass Boost, alongside game-specific mixes for games like Fortnite and Baldur’s Gate 3.
For the most part, I stuck with the default EQ settings, but cycling through some of the options really does highlight the benefit of a good audio mix. For single-player games, you can afford to enjoy a more bass-heavy EQ option, replicating a cinematic experience. However, for competitive online games, you want a less cluttered mix so you can focus on smaller details like the movements of your opponents.
Screenshots: Chris Button.
SteelSeries also includes a range of music and movie-specific EQ presets on the app, so you can quickly swap to the best settings for different types of media. Unnecessary companion apps are annoying, but this one genuinely unlocks the Arctis Nova 5’s versatility. Listening to music on a gaming preset doesn’t sound great, and you can actually hear the difference in real-time when selecting a music preset.
Powering the ability to make these real-time tweaks is the headset’s Bluetooth connection. You can listen to audio via the 2.4GHz dongle while using the app via Bluetooth. However, the catch is that you can’t use both connection types to listen to two different audio sources simultaneously. In other words, you can’t chat on the phone while gaming on an Xbox – taking a call stops the game audio coming through.
Who is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 for?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 ensures you enjoy good-quality audio, no matter your platform preference. Its dongle is occasionally a little awkward to use, which is a minor concession to get multi-platform connectivity from a sub-$300 wireless gaming headset.
SteelSeries has even provided a strong blueprint for a no-frills companion app experience. With plenty of premade EQ settings to choose from, choosing the right settings doesn’t require in-depth expertise.
Other than that, this is just a really nice headset, plain and simple.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Well-priced and accompanied by an actually useful companion app, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is a good mid-range wireless gaming headset.
