14 DAY TRIAL // External optical drives aren't any rarer than external HDDs, not counting the portable storage market, so I can't say I'm all that shocked at Pioneer's new product release.
The company has launched the “versatile and slim” BDR-XS05 slot-loading external Blu-ray drive.
It's not just any Blu-ray drive though. The newcomer actually supports BDXL disk formats, those beasts that store 100 or 128 GB (multi-layer disks are great like that).
And that goes for both reading and writing, not just the former.
The BDR-XS05 is USB 3.0-powered and uses the PureRead2+ technology to dynamically adjust its optical playback settings. No clicking or popping sounds should be heard, even if the CD has fingerprints or scratches.
There's an auto quiet mode too (engages when watching a film off it, or listening to audio CDs).
Pioneer wants $149 / €149 in exchange for the BDR-XS05.