Simon Walsh

Backwards compatibility is something that felt ultimately necessary in both of Sony and Microsoft’s latest batch of consoles. But unlike PCs, console game settings typically cannot be configured to take advantage of better hardware once it comes out. Developers must get their hands dirty and hope that an update to the game will encourage enough sales to cover their investment of time, resources, etc. Some know that this effort is simply not worth their time, but Microsoft has their back with a new Xbox FPS Boost feature. Continue reading to learn more.

Loads of new and innovative product ideas are out there but never make it to production. Kickstarter and Indiegogo have attempted to create an easier path, but a lot more goes into the development of a product than simply finding backers. Today, Amazon Build It was unveiled, a new program that aims to motivate employees to come up with the next big thing. Enough Amazon shoppers will need to back a Day 1 edition product in order for it to be manufactured. Three new Alexa-enabled products were unveiled today. Continue reading to find out precisely what they do.

If you get your gaming fix on Xbox or PC, Microsoft has a brand-new headset for you. An all-new Xbox Wireless Headset with a sleek design is now available for pre-order. Microsoft touts this offering as having “best-in-class audio and chat performance,” features that can prove to be a big deal for every gamer. Wearers will benefit from industry-leading spatial sound technologies like Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone: X. Another great feature is that the microphone can detect when a player is not talking and automatically mute itself to keep background noise to a minimum. Continue reading to learn more.

If you’re like me, you love when video games feature a built-in co-op mode. It allows players to work together instead of competing against each other, something that can cause non-gamers to dip their toe into the world of video games. Overcooked! All You Can Eat aims to ace this with flying colors. The latest Overcooked update will merge both the original and second game into one while managing to add a plethora of new features. Standout examples include new kitchens, chefs, online multiplayer for all kitchens, and the promise of cross-play. Continue reading to learn more.

Split-screen Stardew Valley co-op has arrived on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles as a part of a massive version 1.5 update. Until now, each player would need to have their own console in order to enjoy the game together. While this is already a big update in and of itself, ConcernedApe hasn’t stopped there. In addition to split-screen Stardew Valley co-op, players will also gain access to an entirely new region called Ginger Island. You’ll also find new NPCs, dialogue, events, minigames, and much more in this update. Continue reading to learn more.

It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I finally began to try out the PlayStation ecosystem. I grew up on NES and SNES consoles, and arguably Super Mario All-Stars was one of my favorite cartridges. Naturally, I was roped in by Ratchet & Clank on PlayStation 2, as it was a lighthearted game much like Mario. Fast-forward to today, and Sony has now released three updated consoles since PlayStation 2. Several new Ratchet & Clank games have also debuted since then, and Rift Apart will be the next. Today, Sony has opened pre-orders for the game and has also unveiled a release date. Continue reading to learn more.

Every major console out there has an online subscription of some kind. Microsoft has Xbox Live Gold, for Sony it is PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo’s take is called Switch Online. Each puts their own spin on it, but a selection of bundled games is one of the perks found on every platform. Unlike Microsoft or Sony, Nintendo doesn’t offer recently released titles, but instead leans into the magic of nostalgia with an ever-growing list of NES and SNES games to pick from. February’s Nintendo Switch Online expansion will include one NES title alongside three SNES games. Continue reading to learn more.

Brightness is an area where televisions tend to win when pitted against projectors. This is thanks to an array of backlights or LEDs that can easily illuminate a display. Since projectors have to beam light several feet, the result is often a dimly-lit image that pales in comparison. That being said, remarkably-bright projectors have begun to show up lately, and one example includes NEC’s 5,000-lumen unit. An even more impressive Optoma laser projector has now been unveiled, and it takes things even further with a brightness of 7,000 lumens. Continue reading to learn more.

TAG Heuer has expanded its watch lineup this week thanks to an official collaboration with Porsche. The result is TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph, a premium watch that’s made to mirror the interior of Porsche vehicles. The stitching on its “luxurious calf leather” band is one example where TAG Heuer specifically calls out a specific resemblance. This week’s release is one of several new and notable TAG Heuer offerings that have debuted over the last couple of years. It’s even begun to take smartwatches seriously with Connected, a Wear OS-based solution that’s already received several updates despite still being in its infancy. Continue reading to learn more.

When it comes to the world of Bluetooth speakers, there’s an overwhelming number of options out there. As with many things, the landscape clears up quite a bit once you begin to explore premium solutions. This is where Bang & Olufsen’s all-new Beosound Level throws its hat into the ring. With AirPlay 2, Google Assistant, and Apple Watch-like charging, it’s a standout offering, to say the least. As we’ve come to expect from B&O, the price tag starts staggeringly high, putting it in a league without many contenders that it can go head-to-head with. Continue reading to learn more.

Fall Guys enthusiasts rejoice – a mid-season update has arrived. It’s outfitted with a variety of features, content additions, and bug fixes, helping make the game more enjoyable to play. One standout feature of the Fall Guys update includes the new Fall Feed. It’s described as “live on-screen updates of events that happen during the round,” providing more insight into how the game is progressing. Perhaps the most exciting portion of this update is the addition of a new Snowball Survival level alongside “more than 40 variations added for existing rounds.” Continue reading to learn more.

The last year has made a variety of activities rough, but arguably, travel is one of the categories that has been hit the hardest. Every country and state has taken a differing approach to the pandemic, which has made the thought of traveling an overwhelming situation, to say the least. Thankfully we could start to see the beginning of a return to some form of normalcy in the coming months. The folks at Airstream are clearly on the same page and have just unveiled an all-new trailer floor plan. It’s a part of the Airstream Flying Cloud family and celebrates remote work with an office-focused layout. Continue reading to learn more.

In September 2020, Amazon introduced a new biometric technology called Amazon One. It aimed to provide a “contactless way for people to use their palm to make everyday activities like paying at a store.” This sort of technology certainly has its perks in the midst of a pandemic and can also help prevent the general spread of illness. At launch, Amazon One was installed at two Amazon Go stores in Seattle, but as promised, the company is now expanding the system out to several more locations. Continue reading to learn more.

While there are several smartwatches on the market that target a more feminine design, much of the time they are merely shrunk-down versions of their more masculine-focused comparisons. Additional colorways are also sprinkled in to help broaden appeal, but many would agree that something is still missing. Garmin Lily takes aim at this issue by being the “first-of-its-kind smartwatch” with a design that’s “feminine, sophisticated and rooted in fashion.” Continue reading to learn more.

Roughly two years ago Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft finalized and released The Division 2. It remains popular to this day, and next-generation console owners will soon have more of a reason to dive in. According to one of the game’s Community Developers, this title is slated to garner support for 4K resolution with 60fps performance next week. Considering that the number of compelling next-generation games remains small at the moment, this sort of update is arguably what will help drive enthusiasm and sales of both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Continue reading to learn more.

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.