Simon Walsh

The Amazon Smart Soap Dispenser is the latest Alexa-compatible device to be released by the company. While it may not be exactly what anyone expected, it’s actually got quite a few tricks up its sleeve that could make it a worthwhile addition to your smart home. The device’s headlining feature is a group of LEDs along the top that serve as a 20-second countdown while you lather soap in your hands. Like other many other dispensers made by simplehuman and competing brands, this unit is automatic, so you won’t need to press any buttons. It can be paired with Echo devices and can even sense how far away your hand is in order to dispense more or less soap.

Smart lighting has become a very competitive market. The number of options out there continues to increase rapidly, and a fresh partnership between Nokia and Smartlabs has led to five new products that now make up the Nokia Smart Lighting product lineup. These solutions include Paddle, Dial, Keypad, Outlet, and Bridge. Each offering features a minimalist aesthetic, touted as being able to “complement any style of home.” Continue reading to learn more.

A couple of new Belkin Always-On Laptop Sleeves have surfaced both at Amazon and on the company’s website. One model targets 11- to 12-inch laptops, while the other will accommodate 13- to 14-inch devices. Instead of surrounding a notebook only when being taken from one place to another, these Belkin’s new sleeves hold MacBooks, Chromebooks, and other laptops in place, even when in use. Twelve South SuitCase takes a similar approach, but doesn’t physically hold the laptop in any way. Continue reading to learn more.

Amazon has unveiled an all-new way to get your reading fix, and it’s called Kindle Vella. The new take on reading delivers serialized stories that seem very similar to what we’ve seen in the TV sector for quite some time. Best of all, the first three episodes of each series are completely free, allowing you to try until you find a perfect read. This new attempt by Amazon brings a level of transparency to book purchases that could prove to be a breath of fresh air for those who bought books to find out they weren’t a good fit after all. Continue reading to learn more.

Following a technical preview launch of end-to-end encryption in the United States earlier this year, Ring has announced that the full rollout of the feature kicks off today. Not only is it being taken out of technical preview, but it will also make its way across the globe, thanks to the company’s decision to make this an international feature. The feature ensures that only approved devices can watch videos, which prevents any unauthorized party (including Amazon or Ring) from being able to do so. Continue reading to learn more.

Today, Sony unveiled an all-new Bluetooth speaker. Given just how competitive the Bluetooth speaker market has become, it’s no surprise that this offering attempts to set itself apart with a glass design, integrated lamp, and more. Believe it or not, this is not Sony’s first glass speaker but, instead, a follow-up to its pricier predecessor. Despite having a lower price tag, the new LSPX-S3 model boasts an internal speaker that’s roughly 32% larger. Both lamp and speaker functionality are powered by an internal battery that can last for up to eight hours on a single charge. Continue reading to learn more.

Seven new Funko POP! TMNT characters have joined Funko’s massive portfolio of pop culture-inspired collectibles. These models are inspired by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secret of The Ooze and are slated to officially launch later this year, but pre-orders are open now. Standouts include Super Shredder, Rahzar, and Tokka, but you’ll also find Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. These are perfect for both avid and passive fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle superheroes. Continue reading to see photos and learn more.

If you can’t make it out to a golf course as frequently as you’d like, Garmin has your back. The all-new Garmin Approach R10 is touted as a device that can “bring the course to you.” The portable launch monitor is the latest addition to the company’s Approach lineup and can be used at home, the driving range, and more. There are over 42,000 courses that you and up to three other golfers can virtually play through, but an annual or monthly Garmin Golf membership will be required. Metrics ranging from club head speed to ball speed, spin, launch angle, launch direction, smash factor, and more are captured and reported for each shot you take. Continue reading to learn more.

When it comes to UHD displays, Sceptre offers some of the most affordable on the market. This rings true for an all-new Sceptre 4K monitor that has recently surfaced at Amazon. It’s priced at just under $280 and boasts an up to 70Hz refresh rate. This beats out many of its UHD competitors with similar pricing, which have a tendency to top out at 60Hz when used in 4K. Other notable features include integrated speakers, four inputs, Blue Light Shift, and a VESA mount-ready design. Continue reading to learn more.

Update: Now available for pre-order at Amazon.

Sony is doubling down on the wearable speaker market by adding yet another release to its portfolio. In photos, it does not appear to be as bulky as its predecessor, which we reviewed early last year. Upward-firing speakers, 20-hour battery life, dual beamforming microphones, and what Sony touts as a comfortable design all work together to deliver what the company touts as the “ultimate work-from-home companion.” It’s pitched as great for taking conference calls and listening to music while being able to “walk around in total comfort.” Continue reading to learn more.

Working from home has caused many of us to become very creative in the realm of productivity. Since clear audio and video is something everyone can appreciate, the last year has caused many folks to upgrade their webcam, microphone, and more. For anyone that has yet to do this, an upcoming 4K document camera from IPEVO could be the perfect way to address several issues. In addition to scanning documents, IPEVO V4K Pro also functions as a dedicated webcam with an onboard microphone. It is upheld by an adjustable aluminum arm, ensuring you can find a great viewing angle for meetings, document captures, and more.

If you’re a fan of the wearable speakers we’ve seen from Bose and Sony, the new Hori Gaming Neckset could be just the thing to upgrade your PlayStation or PC gameplay experience. This unit wraps around the back of your neck, rests on top of your shoulders, and fires audio upward. It plugs directly into a DualSense, DualShock 4, or PC using an included 3.5mm AUX cable and can be refueled using USB-C. Users can choose from two sound modes that range from balanced audio to an FPS-focused alternative that “heightens even the faintest noises.” Continue reading to learn more.

The world of MagSafe accessories just got a little bit larger now that STM has thrown its hat into the ring. Three standout iPhone 12 add-ons have turned up so far, and they include MagArm, MagLoop, and MagPod. MagArm props your iPhone next to a laptop screen, MagLoop is a PopSocket-like offering that behaves as a finger loop, bottle opener, and stand while MagPod is a sleek-looking tripod that acts as a stylish smartphone mount. Continue reading to learn more.

If you’re an iPhone owner and have always liked the look of Nokia Lumia smartphones, the new Case-Mate BLOX case series has you covered. It lays rounded corners to rest and gives iPhone 12/Pro/Max a more box-like aesthetic. Not only does the BLOX series dramatically change the look of Apple’s latest batch of smartphones, but it also adds some serious protection. Case-Mate touts safety when dropped from heights of up to 10 feet. There are seven styles made up of flat, vibrant, and patterned colorways. Continue reading to learn more.

Keeping tabs on runaway pets just got a little bit easier now that Case-Mate PET has arrived. It’s an AirTag collar mount that slips around an Apple tracker so it can be used to more quickly locate a canine, feline, and many other pets. There are two styles to choose from, and one of them even glows in the dark. No matter which style you opt for, Case-Mate touts the design as having a “durable outer shell” that’s able to securely hold an AirTag. Continue reading to learn more.

It’s only been a few weeks or so since we last stumbled upon a batch of Star Wars-inspired Funko POP! culture collectibles. This time around we’ve got two new offerings that join the Concept Series: Han Solo and Snowtrooper. As we’ve come to expect, each model looks fantastic and is overflowing with detail. While these may not be quite as cute as Mando holding Grogu, it’s hard to throw shade at either of the new additions to the Funko POP! Star Wars Concept Series. Continue reading to learn more.

Just yesterday we covered a new gaming-focused display from Monoprice, but today we’re shifting our attention toward a new LG 4K monitor that’s geared toward professionals. It wields a 32-inch display that’s paired with USB-C connectivity and 96-watt Power Delivery. This paves the way for driving a 4K display while also providing enough juice to adequately refuel a wide variety of MacBooks, Chromebooks, and PC laptops. Even better, there are two USB-A ports, allowing this display to also function as a hub. Continue reading to learn more.

The world of gaming monitors is packed with what can feel like a never-ending list of options. Commonly used resolutions range from 1080p to 4K, but many agree that 2K (or QHD) is the sweet spot as processing too many pixels often leads to sluggish performance. This is precisely where the latest Monoprice Zero-G monitor lands while also wielding a 144Hz refresh rate, 1500R curvature, HDR support, and Adaptive Sync. Pricing for this unit is quite competitive, undercutting other displays with similar specifications by around $40 or so. Continue reading to learn more.

Despite having well over 30 smart devices throughout my home, visitors often cannot tell that light switches, outlets, TVs, and many other pieces of my technology can be controlled using Alexa or Siri. This is because I go to painstaking lengths to blend technology within my space and even hide it whenever possible. Thankfully, IKEA and Sonos are attempting to make home audio disappear with the release of its new SYMFONISK Picture Frame Speaker. Outside of having a power cord, this piece of technology tries to mirror a piece of art while still wielding support for AirPlay 2. Continue reading to learn more.

While there’s no shortage of laptop stands currently on the market, there aren’t very many that sport a similar design to the new Cooler Master ErgoStand Air. Instead of embracing bulky style, this offering chases a fold-flat form factor that’s comprised of premium materials including both aluminum and rubber. It’s sold in silver and black colorways, allowing it to pair nicely with MacBooks, Chromebooks, PCs, and more. Continue reading to for additional information.

Jaybird is doing what it does best once again and has released a new pair of truly wireless earbuds. The new Jaybird Vista 2 earbuds feature active noise cancellation, a truly wireless design, 24-hour battery life, and perhaps most notably, a military-grade construction. A tough design aims to keep these earbuds protected from water, sweat, in addition to being dropped or even crushed. Unsurprisingly, Vista 2 also wields a Find My Case feature as well. Continue reading to learn more.

ARM-powered laptops that run Windows 10 are rarely seen in the wild, but the new Samsung Galaxy Book Go could change things. Similar to M1 MacBooks, this notebook bypasses Intel and similar processors in favor of ARM. While there will arguably be some downsides of choosing this laptop, the benefits will likely outweigh them, thanks to a very low price tag, long battery life, and the list goes on. Priced from $350, the latest Samsung laptop goes head-to-head with Chromebooks and significantly undercuts the cost of MacBooks. Continue reading to learn more.

Garmin is probably best-known for GPS units, but the company has diversified into a wide variety of other product categories. Examples include smartwatches, range finders, fitness equipment, and even backup cameras. Dash cameras is yet another arena that the company has been competing in, and today it has unveiled four upgraded models. Each unit can be controlled using voice, and saved videos are automatically saved to Garmin’s secure online Vault to simplify viewing and sharing your favorite clips. Continue reading to learn more.

Bad posture paves the way for all sorts of aches and pains. This is a large reason why there is an overwhelming list of competing ergonomic laptop, tablet, and monitor stands on the market. Their goal is to reduce neck and shoulder pain by bringing the top of your display up to eye level. While an ergonomic desk setup is very important, it will only help when working in your office. The new Upright GO S helps perfect your posture by simply tapping you on the back whenever you slide into a slouching position. Continue reading to learn more.

A new wave of consoles tends to lead to a bunch of new accessories, and a couple of new Hori offerings are now available for pre-order. There’s a new Hori DualSense Dual Charger and a 3D Surround Gaming Neckset that works with Xbox Series X|S. While the former tries to go head-to-head with Sony’s first-party DualSense charging dock, the same cannot be said about Hori’s gaming-focused Neckset. Wearable speakers have been made by Sony, Bose, and others, but none of those were specifically made with game consoles in mind. Continue reading to learn more.

There are plenty of streaming microphones on the market, but when it comes to premium solutions that look fantastic, the list shrinks considerably. Just last week we covered ROCCAT Torch, but now EPOS B20 tries to steal the spotlight with a solid aluminum shell, USB-C connectivity, studio-quality audio, and more. The product debuts after 115 years of experience in the audio engineering business. Continue reading to learn more.

After roughly two years of leaks, rumors, and speculation, AirTags are finally among us and companion accessories continue to roll out. Case-Mate has joined the crew with three new offerings of its own that are comprised of AirTags Sticker, Clip Ring, and Tough Sport. Unlike Apple, pricing is rather reasonable with options started from $10 each. While Clip Ring and Tough Sport go toe-to-toe with many options from big brands currently on the market, the new AirTags Sticker is sort of a different story. Continue reading to learn more.

It doesn’t matter if you prefer a traditional motorcycle or an electric model — the new Sena Outrush R Bluetooth Smart Helmet is here and ready to upgrade your ride. It packs Bluetooth 5, integrated speakers, a microphone, a retractable sun visor, and the list goes on. This Sena helmet aims to make it easy to play your favorite audiobooks, podcasts, music, and more without needing to blare it for the entire neighborhood to hear. There’s even a four-way intercom system that makes it a cinch to communicate with others. Continue reading to learn more.

Sabrent has added another product to its lineup, and this time around, it takes full advantage of Thunderbolt 3 with up to 40Gb/s throughput. Unlike many other hubs, the Sabrent Thunderbolt Travel Dock boasts a compact design that’s “ideal for backpacks and travel.” The integrated HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs can power two displays at once, one at 4K and another at 8K. Best of all, 60Hz refresh rates (and higher) are supported. Other ports include Ethernet, USB 3.2 Type-A, and SD. Continue reading to learn more.

Just because Apple Watch has become the world’s best-selling watch, this doesn’t mean it’s the nicest to look at. Arguably the appearance of most smartwatches currently on the market cannot hold a candle to the standout looks of traditional timepieces. This rings especially true for five new Diesel watches that are slated to ship over the next week. From Armbar to Crusher and Caged to Chopped, there’s bound to be at least one style that will catch your eye. Continue reading to see photos and learn more.

Many have tried to compete in the E-reader space, and most have failed when going head-to-head with Kindle. While there are many reasons why the Amazon Kindle lineup continues to pull ahead of the competition, a nice level of quality, support, and variety found across the portfolio is certainly part of the equation. Since there are several models to choose from, many folks could have a hard time picking the perfect device to suit their needs. Thankfully, this guide is here to help clarify the features that distinguish each model in order to make your decision a much easier one.

While ROCCAT may not be as well-known as Logitech G or Blue Microphones, the company has been cranking out reputable computer accessories since it was founded in 2006. The latest offering to join the company’s portfolio is ROCCAT Torch. It’s touted as being a studio-grade microphone with 24-bit audio that’s paired with cardioid, stereo, and whisper pick-up patterns. Users will also benefit from contactless mute, which is activated by lightly waving your hand over the top of this microphone. RGB lighting and boom arm compatibility are a couple of other notable features. Continue reading to learn more.

Most of us that grew up in the ’90s remember owning a Tamagotchi or envying someone that did. Loads of kids (and adults) were quickly overtaken by these gadgets and couldn’t wait to have a virtual pet of their own. Once you got one, the work began with hatching your character and caring for it from then on. This is precisely the kind of interaction we can anticipate from two new Flower Gingham and Candy Swirl Tamagotchis. While both models have a new look, these still function just like the originals, allowing us to tap into some nostalgia and maybe even pass some of that on to the next generation. Continue reading to learn more.

With years of MacBooks, Chromebooks, and PC laptops adopting USB-C, it should come as no surprise that there’s a plethora of hubs on the market. This is great for consumers who can easily find an ideal solution that taps into all of the flexibility the port offers, but so many options can also make the shopping experience somewhat daunting. A new entry in the Belkin USB-C hub lineup aims to inject a trustworthy product into a sea of questionable ones. It offers up seven ports, wields support for up to 100-watt passthrough charging, can power a 4K display, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

Another day, another batch of new and exciting Funko POP! characters. This time around we’ve spotted seven new Star Wars models. The latest additions include Boba Fett, Ahsoka, a Dark Trooper Battle Droid, and probably the most notable, Mando holding Grogu without his helmet on. It’s pretty clear that this group of Star Wars Funko POP! releases is heavily influenced by season 2 of The Mandalorian. This makes sense as it encompasses the latest batch of episodes currently available. Continue reading to see photos and learn more.

New MagSafe-friendly accessories are popping up left and right. The latest of which is a RAVPower MagSafe-compatible power bank with a 5000mAh capacity. It will arguably become a direct competitor to Anker and others. Unlike a bunch of the competition that’s currently available, RAVPower is one of few brands to enter the MagSafe power bank arena with a long track record of delivering reliable smartphone accessories. This upcoming product features a slim design that’s compatible with all iPhone 12 models. Continue reading to learn more.

Roughly six months after Amazon made Echo Frames available to the public, the company has now expanded the lineup of offerings. Before today, Amazon’s Alexa-enabled glasses were only available with clear lenses and folks could add their own prescription. Now Amazon will also ship two styles of Echo sunglasses in addition to a blue-light-filtering solution. This move allows Echo Frames to go head-to-head with the likes of Bose and Razer. Continue reading to learn more.

Every new iPhone 12 wields MagSafe. A magnetic plate that paves the way for easily attaching all sorts of handy accessories to your smartphone. It doesn’t stop there, though. Several companies have released MagSafe-friendly mounts that can prop your beloved iPhone 12 up in a clutter-free fashion. A couple of OtterBox MagSafe car mounts are the latest to show up on our radar, and each looks quite promising. One is a vent-based solution that mimics what we’ve already seen from Belkin, while another fastens to a windshield or dashboard for even more versatility. Continue reading to learn more.

While console gaming is alive and well right now, it’s difficult to argue that mobile devices haven’t managed to scoop up a portion of the market. Some games work incredibly well within the constraints of a touchscreen, but more complex and competitive titles can prove to be more daunting. For this reason, GameSir has unleashed a new Android and iPhone game controller in addition to a tablet-friendly solution. Both GameSir X2 Bluetooth and F7 Claw rely on internal batteries, which are easily refueled using USB-C. Continue reading to learn more.

Few games achieve the longstanding popularity that Minecraft has garnered. It was officially released in 2011 and became so popular that Microsoft decided to buy it for $2.5 billion roughly three years later. Fast forward to today, and it’s available on even more platforms and is popular pretty much everywhere it is sold. To keep the game fresh, quite a bit of Minecraft DLC has debuted over the years. This trend continues with both Minecraft and Minecraft Dungeons getting more new and exciting content. Continue reading to learn more.

Much like Apple AirTag, Apple Pencil was a product that came along and largely decimated much of the competition. Adonit is a company that has continued to deliver all sorts of Apple Pencil alternatives, but the latest takes things even further. Not only does Adonit AI-Vocal tap into iPad palm-rejection technology like Logitech Crayon and others, it sports a secondary mode that lets it also behave as an iPhone stylus. An even more notable addition is the built-in voice recorder, which has enough internal storage to hold nine hours of audio. Continue reading to learn more.

Just six months after the Samsung Smart Monitor portfolio made its original debut, the company appears to already have yet another model lined up for release. Not only does it come in a new size, but it also features some small, yet notable design changes. Until now, Samsung Smart Monitors were available in 27- and 32-inch sizes, but today’s discovery shows that the company will soon offer a smaller 24-inch solution. An image of the remote showcases that it will not only have a slightly different shape but also a dedicated microphone button. Continue reading to learn more.

Apple and many other players in the smartwatch industry tend to create solutions that appeal to the masses. Garmin does this too, but it’s also made a name for itself by developing a burgeoning list of tailor-made smartwatches that can handle specific hobbies that others cannot. The new Descent MK2S is made specifically with hardcore water-related activities in mind and can even handle scuba diving. While there’s no arguing that this Garmin diving smartwatch will ever lead the market, it’s one of the only options our there that can handle 100-meter depths. Continue reading to learn more.

Bosch has become a well-respected brand in the tool market. This tends to take some time, and with a founding date of 1886, the company has certainly put in the effort. The latest product to receive an upgrade is Bosch Blaze. So what features does then second generation have in store? It can capture 11 different types of measurements, including length, area, volume and more. Owners will also garner haptic feedback, a range of 165 feet, and 67% faster performance. Continue reading to learn more.

It’s hard to beat NOMAD’s portable grill and smoker, but Cusinart is not going down without a fight. Unlike NOMAD, Cuisinart’s latest foldable grill has a built-in stand that elevates it to a comfortable cooking level. When compared with its previous model, this unit offers more cooking space, a higher BTU count, and trades many of the lower-quality materials for stainless steel throughout. Folks will be able to more easily grill on-the-go or simply free up space at home when it is not in use. Continue reading to learn more.