Rikka Altland is the Editor-in-Chief of 9to5Toys. Having joined the team at the beginning of 2017, over the past six years she has gone on to specialize in being a mainstay in the LEGO news and rumors scene while also reviewing the latest iPhone accessories, earbuds, and home networking gear. Contact it directly at rikka@9to5mac.com for tips and pitches.
Today, Amazon is rolling out its latest selection of First Reads FREE eBooks now that a new month has arrived. Throughout all of June, anyone subscribed to Amazon’s Prime 2-day shipping service is now able to receive early access to new Kindle books for FREE (Reg. $6) before these titles are released. Head below for a look at this month’s freebies.
Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.
After getting a first look at the new LEGO Star Wars summer 2023 sets back at the start of May, today we’re getting official reveals of the new sets. Including a new 1,000-piece Yavin IV playset, the new 2023 Advent Calendar, and a closer look at the new 332nd Clone Trooper Battle Pack, four new kits have been showcased and are detailed below.
The summer is right around the corner, and that means one of the largest LEGO waves of the year is here. Debuting a collection of new LEGO sets for June 2023, this month has everything from the latest from stables in the catalog like Disney and DC kits to some other icons like PAC-MAN getting the brick-built treatment. The celebration also carries over to the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park, with a new wave of sets being joined by an assortment of builds from LEGO Ninjago and other themes. Head below for the full scoop on all of the new LEGO sets available for June 2023, which are now available for purchase.
Synology today is debuting a new budget-friendly addition to its popular stable of NAS. The new DiskStation DS423 arrives with a four-bay design and more entry-level spec sheet to help make this a notable option for those setting up their first NAS. It can be loaded with up to 72TB of storage while still clocking in as the brand’s most affordable four-bay offering at just $370.
Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.
Today, the LEGO Ideas team is announcing the results of its latest review round. With 36 creations on the chopping block, there’s only a pair of creations getting the green light this time around. Giving a classic 1970s flick the spotlight, Jaws is finally getting the LEGO treatment as an upcoming Ideas set. That’s joined by a life-sized LEGO cat that’s also joining the Ideas lineup in the coming months.
MagSafe accessories have matured quite a bit in the past few years since launch, with even newer players to the space like ESR stepping in to offer something refreshing. Today we’re taking a hands-on look at its latest debut, with the new HaloLock MagSafe Power Bank delivering a 3-in-1 design. On top of just juicing up your iPhone 14 while away from home, it’ll also double as a stand while sporting a slot to hold ID and bank cards.
Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.
Amazon is now offering the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 for $129.99 shipped in both white and black styles. Down from $150, you’re looking at the first discount in a few months at $20 off. This is the third-best price of the year at within $10 of the all-time low from back in February, too. Ideal for upgrading a streaming setup, workstation, or gaming rig, the new MK.2 version of Elgato’s popular Stream Deck arrives with an array of 15 customizable macro keys. Each one has an LED display which can not only be programmed to open a number of apps or run functions, but also tweaked to look just how you’d like it. Compared to the original model, the new one sports USB-C connectivity, a detachable 45-degree stand, and more streamlined design. Not to mention, interchangeable faceplates for further customization. Our hands-on review detailed just how compelling of a macOS companion it is on top of its usual gaming focus. Head below for more.
Amazon is now offering the Logitech Keys-to-Go Super-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard for $59.99 shipped in two styles. Normally fetching $70, you’re looking at one of the first discounts of the year at $10 off alongside a match of 2023’s best price. We haven’t seen it sell for less since back over the holiday season last year, too. Designed specifically for Apple devices, the Keys-to-Go arrives with a compact design reminiscent of the official Smart Keyboard with a super-light build and slim design. It pairs over Bluetooth to everything from your iPad and Mac to iPhone, Apple TV, and more, with a designated CMD button and up to 3-month battery life. Not to mention, there’s a full bar of media shortcuts and more at the top for adjusting volume, brightness, and more. Head below for a price cut on the equally colorful Logitech K380 keyboard, too.
Woot today is launching its latest chance to score deep discounts on Philips Hue gear thanks to one of its signature certified refurbished sales. Marking down a collection of smart LED bulbs, lamps, lightstrips, and accessories, everything ships free for Prime members. A $6 delivery free will then apply otherwise. Marking a rare chance to save on some gear that hardly ever goes on sale in the first place all starting from $20, you’ll be able to expand your Siri, Alexa, or Assistant setup with everything from standard light bulb to individually-addressable RGB lightstrips, filament bulbs, and even outdoor smart lighting. Everything is down to the best prices of the year and also comes backed by a 90-day warranty. You’ll find all of our top picks down below.
Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.
After getting a first look at the new 3,100-piece Captain America shield last week, today a pair of new LEGO Marvel kits are being revealed. Giving fans a chance to score all three of the live action Spider-Man suits in one set, the new kit from No Way Home arrives on August 1 alongside a new scene out of Avengers: Endgame.
Joining all of the other holiday weekend Apple deals going live as Friday has arrived, Amazon is now carrying the savings over to Apple’s AirPods Max. Available across four of the styles, today’s offer lands at $449.99 shipped. Down from $549, you’re looking at only the fourth chance to save of the year period that comes matched by $99 in savings. We saw it go on sale at this price for just a weekend earlier in the month, but otherwise it’s the first chance to save since back in the beginning of April.
Apple’s H1 chip kicks off AirPods Max and helps enable the best-in-class active noise cancellation that pairs with Spatial Audio alongside 20-hour playback, and Hey Siri support. Not to mention, you’ll find as premium of a design as they come which is comprised of aluminum, a knit-mesh canopy, and memory foam ear cushions. Since launch back in the winter of 2020, AirPods Max have faced some fallout for the hard to swallow price tag, but today’s price cut offers a chance to score Apple’s flagship listening experience for far less than retail price. Get all of the details in our hands-on review.
Belkin today is out with the latest addition to its Apple accessory lineup. Shifting the focus from your at-home setup over to your everyday carry, the new BoostCharge Pro power bank bundles in 10,000mAh of internal juice to go alongside a 20W USB-C charger and Apple Watch fast charging support.
Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.
Amazon today is now discounting two of iOttie’s just-released iPhone 14 accessories for the very first time. Kicking off the savings, the new Velox Pro MagSafe Car Charging Mount falls to $64.95 shipped. It’s down from the usual $75 price tag it just launched with last month, and is landing as the very first discount at $10 off. Arriving as iOttie’s most capable MagSafe car mount yet, the brand starts its latest release off with a dashboard design. It has a suction cup base that adheres to your car and features a swivelling base with adjustable telescoping arm. Affixed to the end is the actual MagSafe mount, which is seeing a big upgrade over previous chargers from iOttie. It now comes equipped with what the brand calls CryoFlow cooling, helping keep your iPhone 14, as well as 13 and 12 series handsets running cooler while charging with the 7.5W magnetic Qi pad. We further break down what to expect from the experience in our launch coverage, too. Head below for more.
Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.
Back at the start of the month, the LEGO Group launched one of its latest sets themed around The Mandalorian. Giving builders plenty of firsts and uncommon inclusions in the Star Wars theme, the LEGO TIE Interceptor and Fang Fighter set not only marks the first appearance of the Imperial starfighter in almost two decades but also arrives with the all-new Darksaber mold and more.
Anker’s official Amazon storefront is now discounting one of our favorite Lightning cables on the market. The PowerLine III Flow cord comes backed by MFi certification and now arrives at $15.99 for the 6-foot cable. Shipping is free for Prime members or in orders over $25. Down from $22, you’re looking at 27% in savings alongside a match of the best price this year. This only applies to the black colorway, which is $3 below the other styles. There’s also the USB-C version of PowerLine III Flow at $14.99, down from the $20 going rate to its best price of the year. Clocking in at $14.99, the 3-foot offering is down from $20, as well. Covered in a soft tough silicone, these MFi Lightning and USB-C cables are some of the more premium offerings on the market. We found as much in our Tested with 9to5Toys review, with the added perk of USB-C connectivity helping ensure you can take advantage of faster charging times for the latest iPhones as well as Galaxy and Pixel handsets or even 100W charging for Macs and PCs.
Amazon is now offering Apple’s latest 24-inch M1 iMac for $999.99 shipped. Down from $1,299, this is a new all-time low on the baseline 8-core model at $299 off. It’s also $100 under our previous mention from earlier this spring, too. Apple’s latest 24-inch iMac arrives with an integrated M1 processor with its sleek design including a 4K Retina display with True Tone, as well as a 1080p FaceTime camera. Other notable features include 256GB or more of onboard storage, at least 8GB of RAM, and six speakers capable of supporting Spatial Audio. You’re also looking at the 8-core processor and a pair of Thunderbolt ports supplemented by two USB-C slots, as well as Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and Ethernet in the power brick. Get a closer look in our launch coverage and then head below for more.
Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.
UGREEN’s official Amazon storefront now offers its flagship 200W USB-C GaN Nexode Charger for $139.99 shippedafter the on-page coupon has been clipped. Normally fetching $200, today’s discount pairs a 25% price cut with the added $10 in savings to deliver the best we have ever seen. It’s $10 under our previous mention and amounts to 30% in overall savings. Arriving as UGREEN’s most capable charger yet, its new Nexode 200W offering packs six ports for refueling all of the devices in your setup. The GaN II technology enables the charger to dish out enough juice for refueling MacBooks, iPads, iPhones, and three other devices all at once, with four USB-C slots joined by a pair of USB-A ports. We took a deeper dive into what to expect back when it launched last summer.
Through the end of the month, Woot is now offering official Apple Watch Milanese Loop Bands at $52.99. Shipping is free for Prime members, with a $6 delivery fee applying otherwise. Available in both 45 and 41mm stylings across different colorways, you’re looking at $46 in savings from the usual $99 price tag. These offers are matching our previous mentions from back in March and are the first chances to save since. Arriving as one of Apple’s most premium Watch bands, the Milanese Loop is something of the company’s most iconic style. Its Graphite colorway pairs perfectly with the darker case colors while delivering on the woven metal look that wraps your wrist in fluid stainless steel mesh. It has a magnetic clasp to get the perfect fit, and will elevate the look of everything from Apple Watch Series 8 to Ultra wearables and more.
After seeing Amazon roll out a few updates across the rest of its hardware lineup last week, today the company is back to launch its most capable tablet yet. The new Fire Max 11 lives up to its name as the largest form-factor yet from Amazon, debuting with some productivity-focused accessories and a $230 price tag.
Woot this week is now offering some of Apple’s official iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max leather MagSafe cases for $14.99 with free shipping for Prime members. A $6 delivery fee will apply otherwise. Down from the usual $59 going rate, today’s offer lands at new all-time lows with a whopping $44 in savings attached. This is $20 under previous mentions, as well. Apple’s official MagSafe cases cover your iPhone 13 Pro/Max in a specially tanned and finished leather that’s complemented by machined buttons to round out the premium stylings. Alongside magnets that allow it to snap right onto the back of your device, there’s also support for Apple’s MagSafe charging features, allowing you to outfit your handset with a high-end yet feature-packed piece of protection. So even if you’re not going to upgrade to Apple’s iPhone 14 anytime soon, you can still enjoy the feel of a new handset by swapping in some genuine leather. Head below for more.
Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.
Logitech is getting in on the Gaming Week action today by launching a sale across several of its recently-released Aurora gaming peripherals. Known for its sleek white designs and unique form-factors that don’t sacrifice on features, our top pick is putting its G713 Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard in the spotlight. Courtesy of Amazon, the keyboard drops down to $139.99 shipped. That’s $30 off the usual $170 price tag and landing as only the second discount of the year. It comes within $4 of the all-time low and is the second-best price to date. Delivering one of Logitech’s latest keyboards, the recent G713 release arrives with a slick white design that comes backed by per-key RGB backlighting and GX Red tactile switches. The wired form-factor plugs into your PC with a removable USB-C cable, and also features other fun inclusions like a dedicated volume scroll bar, media controls, and a customazable top plate. Though my favorite aspect of the keyboard has to be the bundled wrist rest, which is shaped like a cloud to really round out the stylings of the setup. Our hands-on review talks all about the aesthetics and features of the keyboard, too.
LEGO today is giving a gaming icon from the 80’s the spotlight with its new PAC-MAN arcade set. The miniature cabinet delivers the first collaboration between Bandai Namco and the LEGO Group, celebrating the 43rd anniversary of the dot-munching gaming legend with a new 2,650-piece set.
Amazon is now offering the Segway Ninebot P65 Electric Kick Scooter for $999.99 shipped. Normally fetching $1,500, this is a massive 33% price cut and arriving just in time for all of those warm weather spring joyrides. It clocks in at $305 under our previous mention, and with so much savings attached, is fittingly a new all-time low. Sporting a 500W motor, this is one of the more capable electric scooters in the Segway stable. That allows the Ninebot P65 to achieve 25 MPH top speeds, while its internal battery can ensure you’re getting 40.4 miles of riding per charge. There’s a pair of 10.5-inch tubeless tires for a smooth ride, as well as the ability to travel up 22% max inclines. Throw in the dual piston breaks and support for up to 265-pound riders, and you’re looking at a capable EV for riding to the store or just enjoying some time hitting the streets this summer and beyond. Head below for more.
Back in February, 9to5Toys was able to report on the upcoming LEGO Marvel wave of sets coming out in August. Today, we’re getting at first look at one of those kits, and arguably the most eagerly-awaited one. The new Captain America Shield will stack up to over 3,100 pieces while assembling a nearly life-sized version of the Avenger’s signature weapon.
Earlier this year, 2K Games, in partnership with the LEGO Group, announced that it would be taking a fresh crack at the brick-built racing title. Officially launching today, LEGO 2K Drive races onto the scene to deliver a thrilling open-world adventure game, competitive kart racer, and garage to customize your very own vehicle. Detailed below, we’re diving into see just how the new brick-built world stacks up as well as chat with the game’s art director for a behind the scenes look at the experience.
Earlier in the week, we got a first look at some of the upcoming Star Wars summer 2023 sets in the form of new LEGO Mechs. Today, we’re getting a first look at three even more exciting creations launching on August 1. Including the massive new Yavin IV set and the upcoming Republic Swamp Speeder with 332nd Clone Troopers, we’re getting a look at some of the new LEGO sets ahead of an official reveal.
Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.
Just over a year ago, the folks over at Nomad launched the new Sport Slim Band for the first time for Apple Watch users. Delivering a more streamlined version of its signature silicone offering, the company is now back today to launch a new colorway. Now available in a sleek white style, there’s even some launch savings attached.
Greenworks is now kicking off a new spring sale today as we head into the weekend. Packed with price cuts to get your tool shed upgraded over to the electric side of things, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the season change to ditch gas and oil once and for all. Shipping is free across the lot. Normally at 9to5 when we share electric mowers, we’re talking about the smaller models that while may be self-propelled, aren’t all too capable when it comes to handling larger properties. Today we’re tracking a rare discount on one of its newer models that breaks that mold. Just last spring it launched a new lineup of 60V tools, and today the first price cut is going live on that new flagship release.
Courtesy of the official Greenworks storefront, its new 42-inch 60V Electric Zero Turn Mower is now down to $3,999.99 shipped. Normally fetching $5,500, today’s offer amounts to only the second discount to date and the first one in over 2 months. It’s matching the all-time low, as well, at $1,500 off. The same mower with less included batteries can also be had for $3,799.99, down from $5,300. Below the fold we take a closer look at the mower alongside some other offerings for more suburban applications.
Expanding the rest of the Philips Hue Play ecosystem, the recent Gradient Lightstrip pair with a required Hue hub in order to bring your smart home setup to the home theater. Attaching onto the back of your TV, there are two different sizes on sale to fit an up to 75-inch TV in order to sync the addressable color LEDs to what’s shown on screen with the companion Play Box. Perfect for building out an immersive home theater setup, these are some of the more novel releases from Philips Hue yet. Head below for more.
After being announced back in March, today, LEGO 2K Drive officially races onto the scene. The game arrives on all consoles today, including PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch, delivering an open-world racing experience on top of its co-op action and robust customizable car experience.
Amazon is now offering the Fossil Gen 6 44mm Wellness Edition Smartwatch for $156.38 shipped in the silver/navy colorway. Dropping to the best price of all-time time, today’s offer clocks in with $143 in savings off the usual $299 price tag you’d pay for the other colorways. This is $44 under our previous mention, as well. Powered by the latest Wear OS, this wearable sports a Qualcomm 4100+ chipset to improve performance over previous-generation offerings. Aside from your typical notifcations that show up on the wrist-mounted, circular display, there’s also the added health features that give this model the Wellness Edition naming scheme. It can track everything from your typical activity goals, steps, and sleep to heart rate, cardio, SpO2, and more – all of which is viewable on the brighter always-on display. We break down what to expect in our hands-on review.
Amazon is now offering one of the very first chances to save on the new Yale Assure Lock 2. This recently-released smart home upgrade just hit the scene last fall with HomeKit in tow alongside plenty of other connectivity options, and is now seeing its second discount. Landing at $209.99 shipped, today’s offer now amounts to $60 in savings from its usual $260 going rate. This is a new all-time low, as well.
Outfitting the front door with smart home control, the Yale Assure Lock 2 features quite a few different ways to unlock. There’s notably a touchscreen design that offers a manual way to punch in codes, which is joined by all of the smart features. HomeKit and Siri support are two easy headliners, but there’s also compatibility with the companion smartphone app, too. All of which let you ditch traditional keys from the equation. Different from the original model, there’s now a more compact module that installs on the back of your door and is 30% smaller than before. You can learn more in our launch coverage, too.
Google just took to the stage in Mountain View, California to reveal a series of new devices yesterday, and today the savings are here. The all-new Pixel 7a began shipping right after the keynote, delivering a new and more affordable alternative to Google’s flagship handsets. Now courtesy of Amazon, you can bring home the A series smartphone for $499 shipped while scoring a $50 gift card along the way. This is the first chance to save on an all-new handset, especially one that is already as good of a value as they come.
Google’s new Pixel 7a arrives as the latest version of the brand’s attempt to repackage last year’s phones into a more affordable device. This time around, we’ve found that the PIxel 7a makes no compromises even with the more affordable price tag, delivering a 6.1-inch 1080p display backed by a 90Hz refresh rate. All of the usual Pixel niceties are making the cut, with the Tensor G2 chip powering the experience. There’s an upgraded 64 MP camera that comes backed by a 13 MP ultrawide companion, as well as a 4,385mAh battery to round out the package. We just reviewed the device over at 9to5Google, where we walked away quite impressed. Head below for more.
Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.
Woot today is back with its latest certified refurbished sale, this time discounting an assortment of iPhone and Apple Watch models. Shipping as per usual with Woot is free for Prime members, where as a $6 fee will apply on all other deliveries. Amongst all of the different price cuts live through the end of the month, the most notable highlight is delivering the very first chance to save on a refurbished iPhone 14 Plus. Dropping an unlocked 512GB model down from the usual $1,199 price tag, today Woot has the smartphone at $819.99. That amounts to $379 in savings and on top of being a rare chance to save, is a new all-time low. This model is said to be in pristine condition, with no visible scratches or blemishes and 95% battery health at the least.
iPhone 14 Plus is not only part of Apple’s latest lineup of smartphone, but is an entirely new addition to the fold that replaced the mini side of the stable. Everything comes centered around a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, which is powered by the A15 Bionic chip. Face ID of course makes the cut, and is joined by a dual camera system with 12 MP main sensor that’s backed by a front camera with TrueDepth – all of which are backed by Apple’s Photonic Engine for capturing even better pictures. There are some entirely new features like the onboard satellite connectivity for emergency SOS, as well as crash detection. Includes a 90-day warranty.
Tonight we’re getting a first look at three new LEGO Star Wars sets due out this summer. Launching on August 1, the new LEGO Star Wars mechs will be assembling a fresh take on Darth Vader, Boba Fett, and a classic Stormtrooper.
Earlier this year, Satechi launched its most popualr charging station to date. Brimming with 200W of GaN power, its latest USB-C offering takes on a desktop form-factor that’s outfitted with enough ports and juice to power up your entire Apple kit. But with a $150 price tag, we’re checking out just what to expect from the experience.
Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.
On top of its colorful new addition to the Alexa speaker lineup, Amazon today is also showcasing its new version of its compact smart display. The Echo Show 5 brings the brand’s voice assistant to a 5.5-inch screen, and now with that there’s even better sounding internal speakers as well as a sustainable build crafted of recycled materials. Now available for pre-order, everything new about Amazon’s latest is detailed below.