Simon Walsh

Whether it be a board, console, or computer game, we all have a specific title that delivers a sense of nostalgia whenever mentioned. For many, Age of Empires is at or near the top of the list (myself included). Thankfully, a large fanbase has allowed Age of Empires II to still receive updates more than 21 years after the original version was released. A new Lords of the West expansion has dropped and it shakes up the game by adding two civilizations, three fully voiced campaigns, 16 new achievements, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

When mirrorless cameras first debuted, they arguably weren’t aimed at professionals. Full-blown DSLRs were the way to go as specifications often dwarfed what was possible in mirrorless alternatives. Fast-forward to today and you’ll find Sony Alpha a1, a full-frame mirrorless camera that’s able to shoot 8K video, snap 50.1-megapixel photos, and checks most, if not all of a professional’s checkboxes. An all-new BIONZ XR processor is responsible for many of the next-level upgrades found in Sony Alpha a1, boasting eight times the power when compared with its predecessor, BIONZX. Continue reading to learn more.

From a recent Pokémon collaboration to last year’s NASA-inspired timepiece, Casio rapidly continues to crank out new G-SHOCK timepieces. Today you will find three new smartwatch styles dubbed as the G-SHOCK Vital Series. These serve as an expansion to the company’s lineup of GBD-100 offerings. Each unit pairs with a smartphone using the G-SHOCK Move app. For those unfamiliar, G-SHOCK Move debuted in April as Casio’s first smartwatch with heart-rate tracking abilities. Notable features found in the Vital Series include step tracking, Bluetooth-powered GPS, and more. Continue reading to learn more.

Like it or not, smartphone manufacturers are dead-set on replacing dedicated cameras for average consumers. It could be argued that this is already the case. While full-blown cameras take better photos, the differences become more negligible over time. So how can the industry remain relevant and successful? By doubling-down on features and designs that continue to captivate their most dedicated fans. Leica does a tremendous job of this by routinely shelling out new special-edition models, the latest of which is armed with Kevlar and dubbed the Leica M10-P Reporter. Continue reading to learn more.

While Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 have arguably stolen the show for gaming over the last few months, PC gamers have every reason to double down on their investment. This is because outside of storage, consoles cannot be upgraded. Internals will pale in comparison as PC gamers tend to always have something new to trick out their battlestation with. The latest example of this is Razer Naga X. This RGB-enabled mouse boasts 16 programmable buttons that far outpaces the capabilities often found with consoles. Continue reading to learn more.

With a sea of smart locks, it can be hard to feel confident when buying anything out there. Factors like price, connectivity, and security play a large role with these categories ranking higher on the totem pole than others. The latest eufy Smart Lock tries to adequately juggle features in order to deliver a well-balanced product. It can be unlocked using a passcode, fingerprint, and smartphone app. Unlike preceding Anker solutions, this offering boasts both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, propelling the range of direct connections to 650 feet. Continue reading to learn more.

Update 1/20: Samsung has lowered official pricing and this article has been updated accordingly.

When it comes to solid-state storage, Samsung has a knack for building some of the best solutions out there. Back in September it unveiled an NVMe solution with 7,000MB/s performance, and a couple months before that the company took the wraps off a 2.5-inch offering with an 8TB capacity. Today the Samsung 870 EVO has been unwrapped and it boasts “up to 38% higher performance speeds.” Continue reading to learn more.

As technology marches on, it becomes clearer and clearer which pieces of hardware are slated to be up next on the chopping block. Now that Samsung Blade Bezel has been officially shown off, it’s obvious that bezels and visible cameras may be it. A minute-long video has been published by Samsung and it signals what could be a massive leap forward in the technology hardware department. Some of the first feature-related words to appear in its demonstration video include “invisible camera hole” and “93% screen-to-body ratio.” Continue reading to learn more.

Love it or hate it, video calling has gained a lot of momentum over the last year. While in-person communication is slated to rebound later this year, there’s no question that many will continue to embrace remote work even after we’ve made our way through the COVID-19 pandemic. Logitech has already made this calculation, and that’s arguably why it’s launched a bunch of new video conferencing equipment today. Think of these offerings as business-grade Logitech webcam devices. Instead of trying to capture a single person, these 4K units are made with entire conference rooms in mind. Continue reading to learn more.

Despite the launch of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the PC gaming arena shows no signs of letting up. Tons of companies have invested in PC gaming peripherals, with even Amazon attempting to cash in. More capable desk, monitor, and chair releases continue to surface alongside even more unique accessories like Hachi’s touchscreen projector. Bearing all this in mind, Razer came into CES 2021 with a bunch of exciting new gear, including Razer Project Brooklyn. This concept gaming chair includes a 60-inch OLED display, modular armrests, and more.

LOCKLY has set itself apart from many competing smart locks in the past by implementing PIN Genie, a passcode unlock system that is arguably more secure than others. Instead of keeping all numbers in the same place, the company’s offerings shuffle where digits appear. With the release of LOCKLY Duo and Guard, it aims to take both residential and commercial security even further. Duo boasts a 2-in-1 latch and deadbolt design while Guard aims to level up security on sliding and swing-style doors. Continue reading to learn more.

With a sea of Apple Watch competitors out there, it can prove difficult to find the most value-packed one. Huami has a knack for serving up solutions with compelling price points. In September the company began selling Amazfit Band 5 for $45. Despite having such a low price, Huami managed to integrate a blood oxygen sensor.

Fast forward to today and we’ve got a new release from the company, Amazfit GTR 2e. Huami’s latest smartwatch is affordable and features “an ultra-thin and fashionable design” that supports Apple Health alongside heart-rate and blood-oxygen saturation monitoring. Continue reading to learn more.

With game streaming and Apple Arcade continuing to gain momentum, mobile developers are likely to feel pressured when it comes to quality. There’s been a huge push for controller support in games, a lacking feature in many titles that has arguably kept loads of console players away from mobile. Thankfully, a new batch of OtterBox mobile gaming accessories should not only help make the case for console-grade titles on iPhone and Android devices. The company has unveiled several new offerings during CES 2021, which include a gaming clip, controller grip, protective carrying case, and more. Continue reading to find photos and additional details.

Amazon has led the charge in regards to online shopping, but many could argue that the company still falls short when it comes to the grocery department. It tried to tackle this with the launch of Prime Pantry back in 2014, but the service never seemed to truly catch on. As a result, Amazon will shutter Prime Pantry and try to tackle this tough area of the market in other ways. Mentions of the service can still be found throughout the site, like the “Pantry Staples” category, but most appearances have disappeared. Continue reading to learn more.

As folks continue to get their hands on the latest Xbox and PlayStation consoles, many are bound to find themselves in the market for a new display to get the most out of their purchase. While a lot of 4K monitors are out there, there aren’t many that can achieve the high refresh rates required to take full advantage of 120 frame-per-second performance. Today Acer detailed three upcoming display releases, one of which is squarely aimed at “the latest gaming consoles.” Not only does it feature a 4K resolution, but also a 144Hz refresh rate, making it an ideal PlayStation 5 monitor. Continue reading to learn more.

Despite having some standout units in its vacuum lineup, LG is arguably not as popular or as well-known as Dyson. This could shift as LG CordZero offerings continue to innovate in the space. The latest unit has been unveiled as a part of CES 2021 and is called LG CordZero A9 Kompressor+. It’s an upgraded A9 model that sets itself apart by automatically cleaning the dustbin after use. Continue reading to learn more.

Despite the fact that Amazon already dominates the online shopping arena, there’s no sign the company intends to take its foot off the gas. In fact, the company unveiled earlier today that it has expanded its transportation fleet by purchasing its very own Boeing 767-300 aircraft. While Amazon Air has been a thing for a while now, the online merchant has leased instead of buying. This move signals that Amazon foresees continued growth. Continue reading to learn more.

Over the last year, many of us have had to find ways to fill large amounts of spare time. This has arguably led some of us to dust off old projects in an attempt to finally get them up and running. Most aging endeavors past a few years old are often forgotten, but this was not the case for Magic Castle. It was originally developed and pitched to several publishers like Sony, but that was back in 1998. Fast forward to today and the this PlayStation 1 game is finally finished and available to the public. Continue reading to learn more.

There’s a lot of copycats in the realm of luxury merchandise. This arguably makes it very difficult for online shoppers to buy with confidence with so many sneaky and deceptive sellers seeing this arena as a high-profit opportunity. When it comes to the world of shoes, a new eBay Sneaker Authenticity Guarantee aims to put customer and honorable seller concerns to bed. When a seller lists a pair of eligible shoes, eBay will show an on-page “blue check mark badge.” Once sold, one of eBay’s authenticators will verify the sneakers and then forward genuine shoes to the buyer with an an NFC tag that will showcase all the authenticity details when activated. Continue reading to learn more.

After countless attempts to get their hands on a PlayStation 5, many still have nothing to show for their efforts. Both of Sony and Microsoft’s new consoles have been back in stock several times since launch, but supply never seems to last very long. Only folks who are at the right place at the right time get to take advantage of this approach. Thankfully, PlayStation 5 fans will soon have another way to score a brand-new console, the Fortnite Generations Cup. PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 players go head-to-head in solo matches with the winner of each match winning Sony’s latest console. Continue reading to learn more.

It’s a wonderful thing to have clothes that fit like a glove. Unfortunately, sizing can be inconsistent from brand to brand and even when buying the same two matching articles of clothing. While waist and shoulder measurements can be similar across several individuals, the same cannot be said for necklines, leg sizing, and the list goes on. Thankfully Amazon Fashion is here to save the day with a new Made for You service that delivers tailored shirts using modern technology. 3D scanning allows shoppers to share a couple of photos, select a few preferences, and that’s it. Continue reading to learn more.

It wasn’t long ago that we covered the debut EA Play for Xbox Game Pass on console. At that point we cited a planned December 15 launch for PC subscribers, but at the last minute Microsoft has announced an EA Play delay. With many arguably looking forward to today’s launch, taking so long to share this unfortunate news is bound to be both frustrating and disappointing. Being in the midst of a pandemic is likely part of the reason for a delay, but Microsoft hasn’t come out and said as much, perhaps because spending more time at home is the very reason many subscribers could be very excited for this update. Continue reading to learn more.

Hyper today announced the launch of a hybrid USB-C hub that aims to satisfy the charging and external display needs of Nintendo Switch, MacBook, and iPad users. The new HyperDrive Power Hub wields four ports made up of USB-A, Type-C, and HDMI. Using a single USB-C cable, it can both deliver 60 watts of power and output to an external 4K display at 60 frames per second. This technology fits in a package, which Hyper touts as being “smaller than a deck of cards.” Today’s release joins an ever-growing list of Hyper products. Continue reading to learn more.

With Christmas less than two weeks away, time is of the essence when it comes to gift shopping. While you may have already checked most of the people off list, the few that remain may be left over because they are the most difficult to shop for. Technology lovers can often fall into that category. So what do you give someone that loves and already owns a bunch of gear? Space-saving tech that allows them to enjoy it no matter where they’re headed. Continue reading to find my top recommendations, each of which I personally own.

After spending 38 years of releases on PC, Microsoft Flight Simulator will finally make its way onto game consoles — Microsoft’s latest Xbox Series X/S units, to be exact. The company announced these plans last night, and one could argue this move may help sell consoles to gamers and non-gamers alike. While this experience is unlikely to rival the graphical capabilities that gaming PCs are able to pull off, many are bound to agree that Flight Simulator on Xbox is going to look great on the big screen. Continue reading to learn more.

Next-generation consoles have officially debuted, and many would agree that it was unclear which manufacturer would win the highest market share this time around. While PlayStation 4 won last time around, Xbox 360 was more pervasive the time before that. Pairing this game of leapfrog with odd behavior from Sony in the realm of crossplay, a lower entry price for Xbox Series S, alongside Microsoft services like xCloud or Xbox Game Pass, and it wouldn’t seem far-fetched to anticipate a potential loss for PlayStation 5. Surprisingly, it seems like the exact opposite could be the case if the PS5 resale market can serve as an indicator. Continue reading to learn more.

Amazon has taken the wraps off an all-new Fire TV update. The company is touting the overhaul as a redesigned experience that aims to make usage “more personal, faster, and easier.” Overarching changes include a streamlined main menu with quick access to search, profile switching, and more. Amazon touts this update as its biggest yet, and best of all, it’s free and will be supported across new and many existing Fire TV devices. Continue reading to learn more.

Folks intrigued by the thought of tiny homes have yet another option to choose from now that GoSun Dream is up for grabs. The new tiny house touts a solar-powered design that’s ready to go off-grid, hook up at an RV resort, become your permanent household, and the list goes on. It boasts a modern style that’s outfitted with many of GoSun’s tried-and-true essentials. Examples include GoSun Fusion Solar Oven and GoSun Chill, among many others. Continue reading to learn more.

HP has taken the wraps off its latest laptops today. PC shoppers will have several more options to choose from now that the HP EliteBook 800 series and ZBook Firefly G8 have debuted. All configurations are powered by Intel’s 11th generation processors. A couple of standout features happen to be support for up to 64GB or RAM and integrated Tile support. HP is aiming these new devices at remote workers, product designers, creative professionals, data scientists, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

For quite a while now, we’ve seen loads of big technology brands target the home audio space, and this year is no exception. Amazon revamped a majority of its Echo lineup, Apple unveiled HomePod mini, and Samsung expanded its soundbar product category. With arguably the best time to shop nearly upon us, this guide aims to serve up the best Black Friday speaker deals we’ve come across. Below you’ll find a breakdown of home theater and smart solutions. Bear in mind that some deals are live now and other sale prices will launch sometime between now and Black Friday.

Black Friday 2020 just about here. It’s arguably the deal hunter’s favorite holiday. Here you’ll find our favorite 2020 Black Friday TV deals, making it a one-stop-shop for your big screen needs. As you would expect, retailers are very competitive with pricing that paves the way for a serious upgrade to whatever you may currently have. Continue reading to find our top picks this year.

Competition is heating up in the smart glasses department following today’s public release of Echo Frames 2. Up to this point, the original Echo Frames were a Day 1 Edition product aimed at folks willing to test and provide feedback regarding bugs and the overall user experience. Echo Frames are not the only Amazon product to go through this release phase — Echo Ring did the same. Having received a bundle of user feedback on both items, Amazon has green-lighted and updated Echo Frames while deciding to sunset Echo Loop. Continue reading to learn more.

Despite the fact that Age of Empires IV is in the works, this hasn’t halted updates to the classics. Age of Empires II is often considered to be the best of the bunch, and its new update further solidifies this. An Age of Empires Battle Royale game mode is easily the biggest highlight of the update. It pits eight players against one to create a fast-paced, new and exciting way to play the game. Other features include Quick Play for faster matchmaking, an updated Civ Selection UI, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

If PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S aren’t doing it for you, here’s to hoping a new Bud Light console will. The team has launched an official system called BL6 and dubbed it as “the coolest* console ever.” It’s described as “½ koozie, ½ projector & ½ gaming console,” which doesn’t add up, but if we’re honest, there is not much of this launch that actually does. The unit comes with two controllers, a built-in projector, six games, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

Western Digital has historically delivered quite a few gamer-focused products. In fact, its WD_BLACK lineup is aimed squarely at them. This is further emphasized by the release of three special edition storage drives that debuted earlier today. P10, P50, and SN850 will receive the WD_BLACK Call of Duty treatment, providing a way for PC and console gamers alike to show off their love for the game. Today’s announcement comes three days after the debut of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Continue reading to learn more.

Earlier this year Tag Heuer released its own smartwatch and unlike some, the company has been working hard to keep things feeling fresh and exciting. Back in late spring, it unveiled a golf-focused addition to the lineup and shortly thereafter unveiled a summer collection of models and bands. Now that we’re heading into the holiday season, yet another Tag Heuer Connected refresh is upon us. Shoppers now have more bands to choose from in addition to a few new watch faces. Much of these releases are the result of a collaboration with HYPEMAKER. Continue reading to learn more.

After initially rolling out Amazon In-Garage Delivery to 50 cities around 18 months ago, the company announced today that it has drastically expanded coverage to more than 4,000 areas. Amazon touts that the upgrade will extend service to millions of Prime members. Additionally, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods grocery deliveries will also be eligible for the service, but you’ll have to opt for Walmart if you want workers to actually place items inside your refrigerator for you. Continue reading to learn more.

If the move to Apple Silicon has you eyeing one of the latest MacBooks, you may want to pair your purchase with a case of some sort. Thankfully a fresh Incase Slip Sleeve has dropped today and it features PerformaKnit fabric which is said to provide a “strong, protective barrier” between your shiny new MacBook and whatever it may accidentally come in contact with. There are a few styles to pick from and Incase’s new release works with Apple’s new and existing portable computers. Continue reading to learn more.

When working in an office building, printers are a piece of hardware that most take for granted. Thanks to 2020, at-home printing needs have arguably gone through the roof. This has made some need to revisit the printer shopping experience, something most of us head into with dread. For those of you that have been holding out, fresh HP printers are on the way and will debut alongside a new HP+ service. The company aims to deliver a seamless service that takes the hassle out of maintaining your printer. Continue reading to learn more.

The tiny house market is blowing up. Not only are there dedicated HGTV shows about it, but increasingly, more innovative models continue to pop up all over the place. Examples include Dark Horse, Minimaliste Ébène, the solar-powered Natura, Kabinka, and the list goes on. Most of these units are made by small builders, which can make some buyers feel uneasy about the process. However, an official IKEA tiny house arguably does lend a bunch of credibility to this very exciting, alternative way of living. Continue reading to learn more.

Coffeemakers from Nespresso, Keurig, and others have made it easier than ever to brew a cup of joe. Ease of use has allowed machines like this to become overwhelmingly popular. The success there has caused companies to consider what other types of food and drink could become as successful using a similar formula. LG SnowWhite serves as a notable example having made the rounds by taking the hassle out of ice cream making. Fast-forward to today and a somewhat-similar invention called Bartesian is ready to craft premium cocktails so you won’t have to worry about hailing a ride home. Continue reading to learn more.

With the debut of Xbox Series S/X just around the corner, now is a great time to stock up on all the accessories you might need. Thankfully, Razer has taken the wraps off Kaira and Kaira Pro. These new Xbox Series X headsets can boast connectivity options like AUX, Xbox Wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0. And that’s not all; Razer Book 13 has also been unveiled with the “world’s thinnest 13.4-inch display bezels,” a wide variety of I/O, all-day battery life, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

Philips has taken the wraps off two new portable projectors. They will join the Philips PicoPix family and boast modern features like USB-C connectivity, built-in batteries, and more. While the Philips brand is well-known, it’s unclear how each of its new units will fare, especially given how competitive the portable projector market has become. It has to compete with the likes of Anker, Epson, BenQ, and many others. Continue reading to learn more.

Love it or hate it, Fortnite is still a very popular game. Unsurprisingly, this means that Epic has been working to support both Xbox Series S/X and PlayStation 5. Today it was announced that the next-generation Fortnite update will be available on launch day of each console. Even better, there are many new features that will take advantage of the Microsoft and Sony’s leveled-up hardware. Continue reading to learn more.

Following 11 years of silence, the Seiko Voice Digital Watch is making a comeback. This news comes just two months after the company unveiled a limited edition Street Fighter V collection. The returning timepiece boasts an eye-catching style that is bound to stand out from the pack. Even better, there will be three styles to choose from. While the watch is made with accessibility in mind, the timepiece business is largely driven by new and unique styles, an area that these offerings ace with flying colors. Continue reading to learn more.