Simon Walsh

These days the Bluetooth speaker market can feel overcrowded. This has caused many manufacturers to add lots of gimmicky features that may catch attention at first, but don’t actually matter in the long run. That’s why I was refreshed by the thought of Tribit’s latest portable Bluetooth speaker, StormBox 2. It focuses on the basics and not much else. This is what I’ve loved about the StormBox Micro that I purchased four years ago. It has delivered solid battery life and a surprising amount of power despite its compact form factor. So when Tribit offered to send a review unit of StormBox 2, I was thrilled to accept. Continue reading to get my hands-on impressions as part of the latest entry to the Tested with 9to5Toys series.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Here at 9to5Toys, many of our readers as well as our writers are huge fans of innovative charging solutions. This ranges from Anker’s powerful 167.5W car charger to UGREEN’s new 2-in-1 MagSafe charging station, among a bunch of others. That’s why the recently-released Baseus detachable power strip caught my attention. I typically take an overnight trip around once a month and it’s always a bit cumbersome to pull together all of my charging gear. I thought that one of latest releases from Baseus could help alleviate this, and it turns out that my suspicions were correct. Keep on reading to get my hands-on impressions as part of the latest entry to the Tested with 9to5Toys series.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

It doesn’t matter if you’re after gear for your smartphone, tablet, or just some helpful accessories for around the office or on the go, this is the place to find all of the best markdowns leading up to July 4th. From MagSafe power banks to 3-in-1 chargers, Mac keyboards, and Siri-enabled smart fans, there’s bound to be something in there that catches your eye. So keep on reading to find the very best July 4th deals we’ve spotted so far.

If you have a couple of pets running around your home like I do, once you clean floors, it doesn’t take very long for hair and small messes to build back up. This is why daily robot vacuum cleanings have been a game changer for me. Rarely do I even get to see a mess appear, let alone stick around and get worse over subsequent days. After reviewing one of ECOVACS’ best robot vacuum cleaners, it was time to have a look at what its sub-brand, Yeedi, could do. Continue reading to learn about unboxing, performance, and some of the quirks I have run into while reviewing this unit.

There are a lot premium brands out there in the charging space. Anker and Belkin are a couple of our favorites here at 9to5Toys, for example. It’s important to remember that these brands had to start somewhere, and by churning out one great product after another, they slowly made a name for themselves. This keeps us always on the lookout for which brands could be next innovator in the space, and UGREEN keeps catching our eye. One of the most recent examples of this was the new UGREEN 2-in-1 Charging Station. It features a compact, MagSafe-ready charging design paired with an integrated pad for charging AirPods, and an addition USB-C port along the side. Keep on reading to get my hands-on impressions as part of the latest entry to the Tested with 9to5Toys series.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

I’ve had the pleasure of using quite a few Bluetooth speakers over the years, with some of my recent favorites being the Marshall Kilburn II and Tribit StormBox Micro. So when JBL offered to let me review its new PartyBox 320, I was interested, but not necessarily ecstatic. That started to change once I began digging into the specifications and realized just how monstrous and powerful this speaker could wind up being. My suspicions were confirmed when this 36-pound monster arrived in the mail.

While unboxing the JBL PartyBox Stage 320, I couldn’t help but smile. Looking back, I think it’s because I knew that the size and heft meant that this thing was going to pack a punch. Seeing the actual speaker helped seal the deal too, with loads of easy-to-access controls, plenty of inputs around back, and wheels along the base paired with a handle up top that make it easier to roll it from one place to another. I couldn’t wait to start trying it out, so keep on reading to hear about my experience unboxing, pairing, and using this powerful speaker.

I bought my first smart light bulb well over a decade ago now. Over time, I’ve tried countless brands of smart bulbs, smart plugs to control lamps, and have even swapped out light switches for smart ones. Now my home has a mixture of all those things, and I would have it no other way. I’ve generally leaned on Philips Hue for smart bulbs because they’re one of the most platform-agnostic solutions out there, but the arrival of Matter has changed the game. This paved the way for me to eventually try out a 4-pack of Linkind Matter-enabled smart light bulbs at an incredibly low price. Continue reading for my hands-on impressions as part of the latest entry to the Tested with 9to5Toys series.

I’ve made a living using computers day-in and day-out for well over a decade now. Within a mere hour or two of starting work each day, I have been consistently plagued by neck and shoulder aches and pains. I’ve tried working in a mobile manner using a MacBook and iPad to at a desk with monitors mounted at the recommended level for the best ergonomics. Nothing has ever worked, until now, and it’s all thanks to FlexiSpot’s OC4-V2 ergonomic office chair. It’s a new release that’s only been listed on Amazon for a couple of weeks now. I’ve been using it day after day for a week or so and now I’d like to share my hands-on impressions as a part of the latest entry to the Tested with 9to5Toys series.

Dads that love tech can be hard to shop for, especially when you don’t have the time to keep up on the latest and greatest releases. So we’re here to help with a bunch of great charging tech suggestions that just about every Dad can benefit from having each and every day. Everything in this list tops out at around $60, with prices that kick off from just $12. We’ve carefully chosen options that are great for home, commuting, and overnight travel so you can easily hone in on the perfect pick. So strap yourself in, because we’re about to get started below.

Right now over at Amazon you can score the Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-MAN Countercade for $149.99 shipped. Usually sold for $180, this discount takes $30 off the amount you’d usually need to spend. While we have seen this offering go for as low as $100 in the past, it’s been a while. In fact, today’s deal is a match for the best price we’ve seen in all of 2024. While officially wielding a Ms. PAC-MAN theme, this arcade unit actually has a total of five playable games on it: Ms. PAC-MAN, SUPER PAC-MAN, GALAXIAN, KING & BALOON, and ROMPERS. It’s outfitted with an 8-inch color LCD screen and a clear deck protector aims to keep this unit in great condition even after a multitude of gaming sessions. The full dimensions span 18.5 by 11.25 by 12.25 inches and it weighs in at 11.57 pounds. Continue reading find another PAC-MAN arcade available at a lower price point.

One of my favorite features of iPhone is MagSafe. The way it allows a wide variety of products to seamlessly connect with iPhone using magnets is right up my alley. I also love multipurpose products that feature a compact form factor. UGREEN’s new 2-in-1 charging station appears to nail both of these things, with photos making me an immediate fan. When not in use, it’s a lightweight and pocketable square that you can quickly expand to create a magnetic charging stand for iPhone and also reveal a Qi charging pad that’s perfect for AirPods. Continue reading for more.

Anker’s latest product just popped up on Amazon and it’s made with road warriors in mind. In the product listing the company touts it’s new car charger as being “extremely compact” while having enough power to refuel any MacBook model at up to 100W. This is in addition to a couple of other devices that divvy up the remaining 67.5W of energy. Best of all, the pricing is quite reasonable given the fact that Anker has become one of our most trusted brands here at 9to5Toys and is widely available at major retailers. Keep on reading to learn all of the details.

With what feels like a never ending list of robotic vacuums on the market, it’s actually quite difficult to find something that fully automates the manual labor involved in cleaning floors. Face it, there aren’t very many physical day-to-day activities that robots can actually do for us (yet), but cleaning floors is an area where there is arguably the most hope, thanks to countless companies innovating year after year.

Having spent some time with the new ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo, I am more convinced than ever that we’re headed in the right direction in this product category. ECOVACS really has thought of everything with this lineup, from a robot that can vacuum and mop, to the inclusion of a powerful handheld vacuum for one-off situations, it’s incredibly versatile and ready for just about anything. I’ve tested all sorts of settings on this vacuum, and down below I’ll detail unboxing, the setup experience, app features, and overall performance of the unit.

The official UGREEN storefront over at Amazon is now offering its 10Gb/s USB-C NVMe SSD Enclosure for $16.98 Prime shipped. Don’t have Prime? No worries, just check out with $35 or more in your cart to score free shipping. Generally speaking, you’d have to fork over $25 for this enclosure, but today’s deal takes 32% off. In fact, this price is not far off from the best Amazon discount to date, which fell somewhere between $15-$16. There are loads of portable solid-state drives on the market, but if you want to build your own, it is a straightforward process that paves the way for upgradability and swapping drives, as needed. Once you’ve slid an NVMe drive inside, you’ll be able to plug this enclosure into a USB-A or Type-C port and achieve up to 10Gb/s speeds or 1.25GB/s when converting gigabits (Gb) to gigabytes (GB). Both USB-A and Type-C cables are included with your purchase. Keep reading to find an NVMe drive on sale that could pair nicely with today’s purchase.

We’re seeing some new Amazon lows on a few Govee smart fans now up to $47 off courtesy of the brand’s official Amazon storefront. Our favorite happens to be this GoveeLife 36-inch Smart Tower Fan for $67.49 shipped once the on-page 20% off coupon has been clipped and code 6FFDEVJT is applied at checkout. Typically sold at $90, this is the very first time it has fallen to this low of a price. For further comparison, the best offer until now has been $70. With support for Siri Shortcuts, Alexa, Google Assistant, and more, this Govee offering paves the way towards an even smarter home. With it you’ll be able to circulate air with either a couple of taps or using your voice with a compatible smart speaker. The motor can achieve 1,500 RPM which circulates air at up to 25 feet per second. There’s also support for 75-degree oscillation, ensuring a large area can benefit from its capabilities. Keep on reading to find yet a discounted Govee smart switch on sale that can control this fan and more.

This year has been a transformative one for my office. I almost entirely switched from laptop to desktop computing, which meant that for the first time in years, I had an excuse to build out a dedicated setup – a place where I could effectively work during the day and play games at night. This also led me to a couple pieces of gear that would make trips out of the house simpler. So if you have someone on your holiday gift list that works at a desk, plays video games, or just wants to be a bit more organized at home or when out and about, this gift guide could make holiday shopping a bit easier for you.

Two months after LG unleashed its UltraGear Gaming Speaker, the brand is now giving us a sneak peek of what’s to come in 2022, and the future of its home theater technology is looking bright. Not only has it unveiled two stunning and innovative Lifestyle TVs – Objet and StanbyME – the company has also announced a powerful 810W 9.1.5-channel LG Soundbar. While some may think this new audio offering will be overshadowed by Samsung’s existing 11.1.4-channel offering, LG’s latest packs 810W of power and is “the world’s first center up-firing speaker.” Continue reading to learn more.

Having a second display can be a real timesaver when referencing data or for keeping a few apps visible and easily accessible at all times. Since lugging around a traditional monitor is less than ideal, the new ASUS ZenScreen is here to bolster mobile productivity. It provides a 15.6-inch anti-glare display that is powered using a single USB-C cable. It even supports automatic rotation when plugged into a Windows PC. Other notable features include being flicker-free and having reduced levels of blue light. Continue reading to learn more.

While brands like Govee and Philips Hue have ushered in some truly unique lighting solutions, there are other companies out there that can shake things up as well. Urban Shop’s new Sunset Projector Lamp is a prime example of this, with the ability to bring a “warm and pleasant appearance to any room you desire.” The color emitted by the lamp will shift depending on how its 90-degree rotating head has been angled. When it comes to appearance, Urban Shop has opted for a modern look that should blend well in just about any space. Continue reading to learn more.

Yet another Spigen product is up for grabs following the launch of its recent Siri Remote AirTag cover. This time around it comes in the form of the iPod Shuffle-inspired AirPods 3 case. It’s officially called Spigen Classic Shuffle, and it’s available in several different colorways. elago generally leads the charge when it comes to retro AirPods cases, but Spigen has been known to release some of its own in the past as well, making today’s launch nothing that is too out of the ordinary. Continue reading to learn more.

Now that Christmas is just under two weeks away, each day that goes by will make it increasingly difficult to secure the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Last-minute shopping becomes even more problematic when factoring in any potential shipping delays. Technology is arguably one of the hardest-hit sectors, making it even more difficult to shop for this type of gear. Fear not, however, because this tech gift guide provides six suggestions that will be a pleasant surprise for just about any gadget lover out there. Continue reading to find a list of gear priced as low as $12.

With the first-generation Siri Remote finally in the rearview mirror, it may be time to pick up a new case for the next-generation remote. From slim to retro, there are all sorts of options on the market, and now Spigen is offering an AirTag Siri Remote Case. It’s not the only case that makes room for an Apple AirTag, but it does happen to be the first that is made by Spigen. As usual, Spigen’s marketing photos are aesthetically pleasing and show off exactly what owners should expect. Continue reading to learn more.

If you’re still on the hunt for a product that will streamline iPhone navigation and charging in your vehicle, the new UGREEN Magnetic Wireless Car Charger could be just the thing for you. It attaches to a vent and features a MagSafe-compatible design that allows iPhone 12 and 13 devices to easily snap into place. A USB-C port sends power to an integrated Qi charging pad that can fully refuel an iPhone from 0% to 100% in 3.3 hours. Continue reading to learn more.

Most will agree that the latest smartphone games look impossibly good given the constraints they need to overcome. Since mobile devices rely on passive cooling instead of fans, there are thermal limitations that undoubtedly prevent games from looking and performing even better than they already do. Unsurprisingly, Razer is out with an aftermarket smartphone fan that’s ready to “defeat the heat” while emanating colorful lighting that is produced by 12 customizable RGB LEDs. Razer Phone Cooler Chroma pairs a heat sink with a seven-blade fan to produce “maximum airflow with minimal noise.” Continue reading to learn more.

Batteries have forever changed the game. We no longer need to be tethered to a stationary electrical outlet but can instead continue to work and play when we go out. This portability comes with a bit of risk, though, as many of us have come across news stories that show how fragile batteries can sometimes be. Thankfully, Anker has teamed up with Amazon to deliver a new rugged power bank that can “withstand bumps and drops.” It is also marketed specifically for Amazon’s Fire tablet lineup. Continue reading to learn more.

Bluetooth keyboards have become an overwhelmingly popular tablet accessory these days, but most designs lack an integrated trackpad. This is part of what differentiates Fintie’s new Fire Tablet Keyboard from most of the rest. The company touts that its new keyboard can “easily convert your tablet to a mini-laptop” thanks to a “built-in touchpad [that] allows multi-gesture controls.” Made with Amazon’s kid-friendly tablets in mind, this new keyboard features a shock-absorbent design that’s paired with a detachable case for additional protection. Continue reading to learn more.

Even though this past Thursday was Thanksgiving Day, that didn’t stop Govee from launching yet another new product. This time around, an all-new Govee Smart Air Purifier is up for grabs, and it’s more than twice as powerful as the company’s other unit. According to a launch video that was released on YouTube, this offering is able to refresh a 918-square-foot room in just 30 minutes. When given an hour to work, it can purify a 527-square-foot space five times. To celebrate the launch, Govee is offering early adopters $60 off. Continue reading to learn more.

With the majority of technology companies doubling down their efforts in audio, the speaker market has never sounded better. Now that Black Friday is just around the corner, this is a great time to refresh any gear that has started to show its age. This guide aims to serve up the best Black Friday speaker deals we’ve come across. Below you’ll find a breakdown of our favorite home theater and smart solutions. Bear in mind that some deals are live now, and other sale prices will launch some time between now and Black Friday. Continue reading for more details.

Believe it or not, Black Friday 2021 has nearly arrived. With roughly one week left, many retailers have already started to discount televisions. This list aims to make your hunt as easy as possible while confirming that you are getting good value. As you would expect, a lot of retailers are vying for your attention and prices are competitive. Options from Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Best Buy, and many others have made the cut, and you’ll find that brands range from LG to Samsung, Element, VIZIO, and the list goes on. Continue reading to find our top picks.

elago has added yet another aftermarket Google accessory to its vast catalog of gear. It comes in the form of the elago Google Nest Video Doorbell Mount – a product that aims to block exposed wiring and holes that could remain visible after doorbell installation. This is far from the only cover the company makes to solve this sort of problem, with other offerings made for thermostats and the like. There are five variants to pick from – all of which are identical in shape, but differ in color. Continue reading to learn more.

Proud owners of either the Xbox Series X or S can now have a compromise-free Mandalorian-themed controller at their fingertips. This is thanks to the launch of a refreshed Razer Mandalorian Beskar controller that fully adopts the design found in Microsoft’s latest controller. Instead of AAs, this unit is fueled by a rechargeable battery that is topped off using a magnetic charging stand. The design of both the controller and stand are inspired by Mando’s signature Beskar armor. Continue reading to learn more.

Amazon launched its very own batch of smart light switches earlier today. The new Amazon Basics Smart Switch lineup consists of four models: two that support dimming and two that do not. Unsurprisingly, every option bears a simplistic design that largely mimics what we’ve come to expect from the vast array of Amazon Basics products. Each switch works with Alexa and bears “Certified for Humans” branding. Both single pole and 3-way models are available for order. Continue reading to learn more.

JVC has unveiled a new gaming headset with a lightweight design that undercuts much of the competition. The new JVC Ultralight Gaming Headset has both wired and wireless variants, each of which weigh in at 199 and 209 grams, respectively. For comparison, the Razer Kraken X is generally considered to be a lightweight headset and still clocks in at 250 grams. In addition to a lightweight design, JVC’s new headsets also wield 40mm drivers and a microphone that the company refers to as offering “clear performance.” Continue reading to learn more.

Sceptre has unleashed a new UltraWide monitor just ahead of the holiday season. It’s the latest to join the Sceptre Nebula series and is headlined by a 34-inch display, 1000R curvature, USB-C connectivity, and more. Buyers can also expect a brightness level of 600 nits, an integrated ambient light sensor, in addition to a colorful LED light across the back. Its 3440 x 1440 resolution is paired with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1 millisecond response time. Continue reading for more details.

Today we discovered that Acer has added another monitor to vast portfolio of displays. This time around the company has opted to release an 29.5-inch UltraWide with an up to 200Hz refresh rate. The release belongs to the Acer Nitro XZ6 series, a refreshingly simplistic title given how complicated naming conventions tend to be in this product category. Standout features include a white frame, 21:9 aspect ratio, 1500R curvature, and support for AMD FreeSync Premium. Continue reading to learn more.

MagSafe for iPhone is one of those features that just about every user can appreciate. It has paved the way for all sorts of accessories that range from wallets to power banks. While it is built into all iPhone 12 and 13 devices, folks that use a case have needed to find a MagSafe-friendly offering in order to keep the magnetic features alive. Thankfully, Spigen has launched a new accessory that allows users to add MagSafe compatibility to one of their existing cases. It’s called Spigen OneTap Ring, and it ships with an auto-alignment tool for “effortless installation.” The company has also unleashed an accessory that allows a smartphone to be attached to a lanyard.

Shure is out with a new pair of true wireless earphones that are said to deliver “big sound in a small package.” This release comes in the form of AONIC FREE and debuts not long after Shure’s second-generation AONIC 215 earbuds. According to the company’s official press release, this is its first take on true wireless earphones. AONIC FREE is headlined by a secure fit that “comfortably blocks up to 37 decibels” of external sound. This is thanks to a “foam sleeve and ergonomically angled design” that delivers a “distortion-free” listening experience. Continue reading to learn more.

Last year, we reviewed HORI Split Pad Pro. Back then, we dubbed it as “a portable Nintendo Switch Pro Controller,” an opinion that I still think holds true. Since its initial release, Split Pad Pro has received several coats of paint and even a Monster Hunter edition. While all of those look great, a new Mega Man-themed offering has arrived, and it may very well be the best-looking iteration yet. The HORI Nintendo Switch Gaming Headset Pro has also been unveiled. Continue reading to learn more.

This week, Optoma has unleashed a new 4K laser projector. The company highlights “high brightness, brilliant color, rich blacks, and endless connectivity options” as some of its major selling points, but an up to 240Hz refresh rate when used in 1080p also makes it a viable solution for high-refresh-rate gaming. The latest Optoma 4K projector runs Android and emits just 26 decibels of noise. With three HDMI ports and several other connection types, the Optoma UHZ50 has plenty of I/O to accommodate game consoles, streaming media players, and more. Continue reading for additional details.

Back in October, Xbox and Adidas announced a 20th anniversary Xbox footwear campaign. Xbox 20th Forum Tech was the first pair of shoes to be unveiled, but today another release has been announced. This time around, it’s Xbox 360 Forum Mid, with a classic Adidas look that’s paired with Xbox 360 branding. The news broke via Xbox Wire a few hours ago, and a listing for Xbox 360 Forum Mid is already live. To give average buyers a better chance at snatching up a pair before they go out of stock, Adidas will not begin selling the sneakers until tomorrow morning, and buyers will need to enter “the waiting room.” Continue reading to more details.

Earlier today, Razer unveiled its next-generation Productivity Suite. This follows the launch of its office-friendly Razer Book 13 and several other pieces of gaming-inspired gear that are specifically made with work in mind. The new Razer Productivity Suite consists of Pro Click Mini, Pro Type Ultra, and Pro Glide XXL. Marketing lingo aside, the latest from Razer includes a mouse, keyboard, and desk mat. Each offering bears white and gray coloring, and both peripherals are said to operate in silence, thanks to quiet mechanical switches. Continue reading to learn more.

Govee has been firing on all cylinders over the last several months with a new space heater, RGB floor lamp, wall sconces, and more. Well, it’s clearly not finished yet as it has now unleashed the new Govee Smart Air Purifier. It can be controlled using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it operable even when you aren’t connected to a network. When you don’t have the Govee Home app at your fingertips, the new Govee Smart Air Purifier can also be tweaked using Alexa, Google Assistant, and even IFTTT. Continue reading to learn more.

Following the launch of several USB-C charging accessories one month ago, Belkin has announced a new docking station that’s made specifically with Chromebooks in mind. The new Belkin 14-Port USB-C Docking Station turns a single USB-C port into 13 various connection types. Even better, it supports up to two 4K monitors at 60Hz and three 1080p displays at 60Hz using various HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. Other I/O includes dual USB-C, five USB-A, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio port. Continue reading to learn more.

Given the collectible nature of board games, trading cards, and the like, it’s no wonder game mats exist. They provide a simple way to enjoy games while reducing the chance of potential damage to cards and more. While simplistic options exist, a batch of colorful new Gamegenic Marvel Champions Game Mats will arguably make it much more difficult to go that route. There are eight mats in total, each of which is officially licensed character artwork ranging from Thor to Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Widow, and several others. Continue reading to learn more.

Earlier today, Amazon unveiled several new styles of Echo Frames. The releases include Quartz Gray and Pacific Blue, but there are also a couple of new Modern Tortoise variants as well. Each of the new designs come in the form of sunglasses or with lenses that filter blue light. They can also be purchased with clear lenses that allow you to benefit from having Alexa, even if you don’t usually wear glasses. As with styles that preceded today’s launch, clear lenses can easily be popped out and replaced with a prescription. New and existing Echo Frames users will also benefit from features packed into a free software update. Continue reading to learn more.