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.
March is arriving and delivering a new collection of LEGO sets. Spread across all of the most popular themes, the likes of Star Wars and Marvel are being joined by some 100th anniversary Disney kits as well as the LEGO debut of K-pop band BTS. Head below for the full scoop on all of the new LEGO sets available for March 2023, which are now available for purchase.
February was about as exciting of a month as can be, with plenty of news from the LEGO Ideas team. Now on the eve of the new BTS set officially beginning to ship, we’re taking a look at three projects that may very well find themselves getting the same fame and fortune as past Ideas creations. So wrapping up February, you’ll find all of the best LEGO Ideas 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.
Amazon is now offering the Echelon Smart Connect EX-7s Fitness Bike for $1,069.19 shipped. Normally fetching $2,000, you’re looking at the third-best discount to date with $931 in savings attached. This comes within $3 of our previous mention from the very beginning of December and is also the first discount since. Sporting quite a few upgrades over other Smart Connect bikes in the Echelon stable, the new EX-7s arrives with all of the usual access to on-demand classes and curated workout experiences. Where it steps up from other models is the built-in 22-inch rotating screen that can flip over for guiding you through additional non-biking exercises. There’s also an improved pro-style vented seat that goes alongside 32 levels of magnetic resistance and padded handlebars. Over at Connect the Watts, you can get a better idea of what to expect from a recent Echelon review.
Today, GravaStar is launching the latest addition to its lineup of Bluetooth speakers. Known for their unique designs, the all-new Supernova steps that up a notch with an even more eye-catching design that integrates LED lights with a distinctly mecha form-factor. Plus, a companion USB-C charger that delivers even more of the robotic elements in a compact and adorable build. Now for launch day, we’re taking a hands-on look at both of the new reveals down below.
Amazon is now offering Apple’s latest 11-inch M2 iPad Pro Wi-Fi 128GB for $719.99 shippedwith the price automatically dropping at checkout. Normally fetching $799, today’s added savings pairs with a cash discount that just went live in order to deliver the best price we’ve ever seen. It clocks in at $79 off while beating our previous holiday mention by $9. Today’s offer is still one of the first chances to save overall, and delivers a new all-time low in the process.
This time around, everything with the 11-inch iPad Pro comes centered around a familiar form-factor as previous models with all of the staples like Apple Pencil 2 support, Wi-Fi 6E, Face ID, all-day battery, and integration with Magic Keyboard. Though there are some notable improvements, like the M2 chip which powers its 11-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color support. Circling back on the Apple Pencil 2 support, there’s a new hover feature that offers another way to interact with the interface, which you can learn more about in our coverage. Get some additional details about how the M2 iPad Pro compares to the rest of the lineup below.
Just launching at the beginning of the year, Apple refreshed its professional suite of MacBook Pros with a new class of M2 chips to deliver even better performance. Only a pair of launch discounts ended up going live back in January, but now the best price cuts yet have gone live for those who want to see what Apple’s latest has in-store without paying full price. Amazon today now offers the new 14-inch M2 Pro MacBook Pro 512GB for $1,799 shipped. You’d more regularly pay $1,999, with today’s offer delivering a new all-time low at $200 off. It’s an extra $150 below our previous launch offer and only the third chance to save.
Apple’s new MacBook Pro comes outfitted with the same form-factors as before, centered around a 14-inch Liquid Retina display. From there, you’re looking at mostly under the hood improvements that come centered around the latest in Apple Silicon. The M2 Pro processor powers the experience to make this Apple’s most capable portable MacBook yet. There’s up to 22-hour battery life and Wi-Fi 6E support for the first time to go alongside a new 8K HDMI output and three Thunderbolt 4 ports. There of course remains the SDXC slot on the side, as well as all of the other adjustments you can read about in our launch coverage that also takes a deeper dive into the performance of the new M2 Pro chip.
Earlier in the month, CASETiFY launched its latest collaboration. Tapping into one of the most iconic sitcoms in history, The Office finally got the iPhone case treatment from one of 9to5Toys‘ favorite brands. After having the covers finally arrive in the mail, today we’re taking a hands-on look at just how these Dunder Mifflin-infused accessories stack up for Apple’s latest.
Amazon is now offering the Apple Watch Leather Link band for $82.87 shipped in the Midnight 41mm style. Down from $99, you’re looking at a rare all-around discount on one of Apple’s most premium bands. This is the first chance to save since back in October and is now $16 off. It’s also the third-best discount of all-time compared with any of the Leather Link offerings, though this is the first chance to save on this exact style. You’re looking at one of the more recent additions to Apple’s official stable of Watch bands, not to mention one of its more premium offerings. Comprised of handcrafted Roux Granada leather made in France, this is certainly one of the more premium in-house straps from Apple. Alongside its stylish appearance, the Leather Link band also features a magnetic design that locks in place without having to fuss with a clasp. Head below for more.
If you haven’t noticed yet, today’s Pokémon Day! In celebration of all things Kanto and beyond, today we’ve already covered what to expect from the future of the franchise from today’s Presents showcase. And while deals are already pouring in on games and collectibles, we’re taking a moment to really highlight an offer on the latest from the Trading Card Game. The Pokémon TCG recently saw an entirely new expansion hit the scene in the form of Crown Zenith, and now Amazon is marking down the popular Elite Trainer Box. Dropping to $49.98, this set just launched last month with a $55 price tag and is now resting at the best we’ve seen. It has largely been out of stock online, let alone at in-store retail locations, and is now just a bit more affordable. Head below for all of what to expect from the expansion, or just go score the box while it’s in stock and on sale!
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.
Anker’s official Amazon storefront is now discounting several of its portable power stations, all of which are headlined by the PowerHouse 256Wh model at $186.99 shipped. Down from $250, this is one of the best discounts we’ve seen to date at 25% off. It’s $13 under our previous mentions as well as the Black Friday offer, and marks the lowest we’ve seen in months. It is the second-best discount to date, too. Packing all of Anker’s usual portable power station perks into a redesigned package, this more recent offering arrives with an internal 256Wh battery. That pairs with a multitude of ports for refueling your everyday carry like two AC outlets, a 60W USB-C PD port, dual USB-A slots, and a car socket, all of which share 200W of power between them. An integrated LED light on the front and carrying handle make it an even better companion for camping, or just having on-hand for power outages at home.
Happy Pokémon Day! Marking the 27th anniversary since Pokémon first launched for Game Boy in Japan with the Blue and Red games that started it all, today the Pokémon Company is taking to its usual Pokémon Presents format to reveal the latest from Kanto and beyond.
Today only, as part of its Gold Box Deals of the Day, Amazon is discounting an assortment of Greenworks electric tools and accessories with prices starting at $65. Shipping is free for Prime members or in orders over $25. Our top pick is the Greenworks 2000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer at $159.99. Down from $200, this is 20% in savings alongside the first discount since back on Black Friday. It’s the third-best price to date, and comes within $10 of our previous mention. With spring weather beginning to roll in, this is a great option to actually prepare your patio or outdoor space for the warmer season. Its 2000 PSI output can handle washing off grime and other winter buildup, all while ditching gas and oil in the process. Included in the package are a variery of accessories like various nozzles to pair with the oboard detergent tank and more.
This has been a busy month for Nintendo, as the company spent February showing off plenty of upcoming reveals and even more gameplay footage for its latest releases. Now Woot is helping you get in on the action of its latest console, offering a rare chance to save on the latest Switch OLED for those who don’t mind going the refurbished route. Dropping own to $299.99 with free shipping for Prime members, you’ll have to pay a $6 delivery fee in any other case to get this delivered to your front door. Marking the first refurbished price cut from its usual $350 going rate of the year, you’re looking at a chance to bring home the latest hybrid console ahead of the release of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and all of the other upcoming games to look forward to.
It’s $49 off and $20 below our previous new condition discount, too. While you can get a full rundown of what to expect in our hands-on review, the new OLED Switch lives up to its name with an improved screen that makes for more immersive handheld gaming, as well as upgraded speakers, too. There’s still the same hybrid action thanks to a refresh docking station that lets you play all of Nintendo’s most recent games on the big screen, too. Includes a 30-day warranty, 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.
Sony today launched the new DualSense Edge, a next-generation PlayStation 5 controller that marries all of the original next-generation features with some entirely new additions. Complete with swappable joystick modules, there are also back paddles, adjustable trigger depth, and remappable button profiles to elevate the experience. Now that it is widely available, we’re taking a closer look at how the $200 gamepad stacks up.
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.
mophie today is launching three new additions to its stable of portable power stations. Arriving with three different form factors, each of them is ready to complement your Apple everyday carry with USB-C PD outputs as well as designs comprised of post-consumer recycled plastics for an environmentally-friendly touch.
The official Onvis Amazon storefront is now offering its Thread-enabled HomeKit Door Contact Sensor for $20.99 shippedwhen clipping the on-page coupon. As only the third discount from its usual $30 going rate, this is delivering a new all-time low at 30% off. The previous two discounts both landed at 15% off, with today’s offer delivering an extra 15% in savings. Having just hit the scene, these new Onvis contact sensors arrive to deliver Thread and HomeKit control for automating your space in the new year. Ideal for adding some extra security into the mix or setting routines to run based on when a door opens or closes, the sensors will let you take your smart home to the next level. We’ve previously gone hands-on with Onvis gear and walked away impressed, too. Head below to see how these Onvis offerings compare to other contact sensors on the market.
Anker is finally out with a 15W MagSafe charger, packing Apple’s full magnetic charging spec into a compact design. The new MagSafe 3-in-1 Cube delivers more than just the ideal iPhone 14 companion, with a fold up stand that reveals spot for AirPods to refuel, as well as a hidden Apple Watch charging puck to deliver one of Anker’s most capable power stations yet. But is the Anker 15W MagSafe Cube worth the premium price tag? We take a closer look.
After officially launching just last week, Amazon is now offering the first cash discount on the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S23+. Dropping the entry-level 256GB capacity down to $859.99 shipped, you’re looking at $140 in savings from the usual $1,000 going rate. While we saw some pre-order promotions live at the start of February, this is the first chance to save some cash at a new all-time low. Samsung’s new Galaxy S23+ arrives at the middle of the road between the flagship S23 Ultra and the baseline model. Resting in-between those is a larger 6.6-inch FHD+ display that comes backed by a 120Hz refresh rate. The entire package is powered by the refreshed Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which also drives the new 50MP camera array. And rounding out the package is a 4,700mAh battery for all-day usage. Dive into our launch coverage for a closer look.
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, 9to5Toys can share that we finally know what the May the 4th LEGO Star Wars UCS set will be. Launching ahead of Star Wars Day, the latest vehicle to get the Ultimate Collector Series treatment is one we’ve actually already seen twice before. Hitting store shelves with nearly 1,950 pieces on May 1, the new LEGO UCS X-Wing will arrive as set number 75355 with an exclusive pilot Luke Skywalker minifigure.
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.
Twelve South today is revealing its latest MacBook accessory, introducing a new desktop offering designed for the latest M2 models. The HiRise Pro for MacBook arrives as its latest way to elevate your machine, with all of the usual premium inclusions we’ve come to expect from the likes of Twelve South. That’s not all though, as the brand also delivers a little something extra thanks to room for integrated MagSafe charging pad in the base.
The LEGO Group today is launching its latest gift with purchase today, revealing the all-new Moving Van kit. Available at no extra cost on select orders, the fun creation complements your LEGO city with an over 300-piece build and two minifigures.
After being revealed back at CES in January, today Anker is beginning to ship one of the latest additions to its stable. Its latest 12-in-1 USB-C dock arrives with a robust selection of I/O, but also a more novel design than other models on the market thanks to doubling as a monitor riser. Now available for purchase, we break down what to expect from the new release 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.
Through the end of the day, Woot is now discounting an assortment of certified refurbished iPhones and Apple Watch styles. In this scratch and dent Apple sale, you’ll find some of the best prices yet on last year’s devices as well as older handsets and wearables that are an even better value. Shipping is free for Prime members, with Woot charging a $6 fee otherwise. Our top pick amongst the price cuts this time around deliver unlocked iPhone 13 models from $589.99. Originally fetching $799, you’re now looking at the third-best price to date at $209 off. This comes within $20 of the all-time low from Black Friday, as well.
The now previous-generation iPhone 13 arrives as an even better value thanks to the discount today, and comes powered by the A15 Bionic chip. Alongside notably improved battery life compared to predecessors, there’s also that same squared-off design as last time around to pair with the Super Retina XDR display with a smaller notch. There’s also an upgraded camera experience with its more recent Cinematic mode and improved sensors, too. Includes a 90-day warranty. Dive into our coverage over at 9to5Mac for a closer look at how the previous-generation experience holds up these days and then head below for more.
We’re finally getting info on the upcoming LEGO Star Wars summer 2023 sets. As one of the year’s most highly-anticipated collections of kits, today 9to5Toys can report on what to expect from 10 different creations spread across plenty of different properties from a galaxy far, far away. Including a LEGO Yavin IV set as well as a massive buildable Chewbacca figure, the lineup also has the latest kits from The Mandalorian, upcoming shows like Ahsoka, and details on the $650 fall UCS set celebrating the anniversaries of Attack of the Clones or Return of the Jedi.
Over the years, we’ve shared the workstations of where past and current writers spend our time during the day, and now we’re relaunching that Behind the Screens series. To kick things off, welcome to my recently-renovated workstation. Centered around a 14-inch MacBook Pro, my setup only gets more unique from there with custom Pokémon keyboards, podcasting gear, and some other oddities that make this a uniquely Rikka workstation.
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.
It’s Presidents’ Day weekend and amongst all of the other discounts up for the taking through Monday, Best Buy is now launching its own 4-day sale. As the retailer tends to do every year, this time around you’ll be able to save on a collection of Apple Silicon Macs as well as Apple accessories, smart home gear, electric vehicles, and so much more. You’ll also enjoy free shipping on just about everything as well as in-store pickup on the lot, as well. Amazon is also getting in on the savings to match many of the discounts, as well. Head below for all of the Best Buy Presidents’ Day sale highlights or just shop the savings for yourself right here.
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.
CASETiFY, one of our favorite Apple accessory makers here at 9to5Toys, today is journeying to Scranton, Pennsylvania, for its latest collaboration. Bringing some iconic logos and stylings from the hit series The Office to your everyday carry, the new CASETiFY collection arrives with styles for iPhone 14, iPads, MagSafe gear, and so much more.
Through the end of the day, Woot now offers the Meta Quest 2 256GB VR Headset for $459.99 shipped. Normally fetching $500, you’re looking at $40 in savings and quite the rare chance to save. We’ve only seen a single cash discount land on this model since joining the smaller capacity model, with a Black Friday discount in November beating today’s offer by an extra $10. That makes this the second-best price to date, too. Whether you know it by the Oculus or Meta naming scheme, the Quest 2 delivers an untethered virtual reality experience that doesn’t need an external PC or sensors to experience all of the immersion that VR has to offer. You’re also getting a pair of controllers that take the interactivity to a new level for diving into games like Among Us VR and more. Meta is also removing the need to log in with FaceBook, as well. Get a closer look in our hands-on review where we noted it was a “huge leap in the right direction for VR.” Then head below for more.
The day has finally come. The BTS army and builders alike have long been waiting for the iconic K-pop band to get the LEGO treatment. Stacking up to pieces, the set finally gives all seven members of the biggest music group of all-time the brick-built treatment with all-new minifigures. We break down what to expect from the new LEGO BTS (21339) set below.
Today, DJI is launching the latest addition to its smartphone gimbal stabilizer lineup. The new Osmo Mobile SE arrives with a more affordable price tag than its flagship counterparts while still arriving many of the latest features like ActiveTrack 5.0, improved battery life, and a lighter build.
Over the past few months, we’ve been reporting on what to expect from the LEGO Disney 100th anniversary collection. And today, 9to5Toys can offer a first look at two of the upcoming sets. The new Up House from Pixar’s hit animated film will be launching later this year alongside a more modest Disney Train that comes packed with iconic LEGO minifigures.
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.
Walmart is now clearing out Apple Series 7 models for those who don’t need the latest and greatest. Dropping the GPS + Cellular 45mm Green aluminum style to $279 shipped, this is well below its original $529 going rate. Delivering $250 in savings, this is a new all-time low at well below previous mentions and also matching the same discount we saw earlier in the year on the 41mm style. This is as notable of a chance as you’ll find to lock-in some clearance pricing on quite the capable wearable.
While it’s not the all-new version, Apple Watch Series 7 still packs quite a punch for your fitness kit for far less than either of Apple’s latest. There’s a similar build centered around the brightest screen Apple makes, as well as all-day battery life backed by a fast charging mode for overnight wear. And while there’s no onboard temperature sensor like Series 8, you’ll still find onboard heart rate monitoring, the ability to keep tabs on blood oxygen levels, and even take ECGs. All with watchOS 9 at the center of the experience and some cellular connectivity thrown in.
After our first report on what to expect from the LEGO MCU lineup this year back in January, today we’re getting an official look at three upcoming kits from Guardians of the Galaxy. Debuting on April 1, each of the kits will feature new versions of our galactic heroes to go alongside builds like the grand debut of the LEGO Bowie ship, baby Rocket Raccoon, and more.
Amazon is currently offering Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 models on sale for one of the first times with $51 off a variety of styles. Shipping is free across the board. Leading the way the Galaxy Watch 5 44mm at $259 is now down from its usual $310 price point. Thanks to those $51 in savings, you’re looking at a return to the all-time lows for only the second time. This is $1 under our previous mention and marking the best we’ve seen since back over Black Friday. The 40mm style is also on sale at $229, down from $280 and matching the all-time low at $51 off, too. In either case, several styles are available for each of the wearables.
Samsung’s latest Galaxy Watch 5 arrives with a familiar circular design that comes in one of several discounted colors. One of the big alterations this time around is stepping up to sapphire glass for the display, which pairs with the internal 3-in-1 bioactive sensor for handling all of your workout measurements. There’s also an even more accurate body temperature sensor to complete the package with a larger battery to boot. You can learn all about the Wear OS experience in our hands-on review. Head below for more.
A bit later to the usual launch bonanza that is the weeks following the reveal of a new Apple iPhone, Twelve South eventually got around to launching new covers for the iPhone 14 toward the end of 2022. Of course, the SurfacePad delivers a unique take on the wallet folio form factor, with a slim design that adheres to your device, and today, we’re taking a closer look to see just how this sleek leather build stacks up.
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.
elago has slowly been refreshing some of its existing and quite popular Apple Watch docking stations for the new Ultra wearable throughout the start of the year, but today an entirely new model has hit the scene. The new elago W9 stand arrives with much of the same support for Apple’s latest wearable, as well as its signature silicone build.
Apple’s AirPods Max have been selling at full price for the past few months, leaving shoppers looking to try out Apple’s flagship listening experience high and dry for paying MSRP. Today is finally seeing a chance to save, with Amazon stepping in to offer the first discount on Apple’s AirPods Max in nearly 3 months. Dropping the Space Gray style down to $449.99 shipped, you’re looking at $99 in savings and a match of our previous mention from Thanksgiving week. This is the third-best discount to date and the lowest we’ve seen since back in September.
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.
