Author

Avatar for Rikka Altland

Rikka Altland

rikkaaltland

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.

Connect with Rikka Altland

Review: Anker’s new R2-D2 Nebula Capsule II Projector is perfect for Star Wars movie nights

Buy now

With May the 4th quickly approaching, Anker is getting into the Star Wars spirit a tad early with the announcement today of its latest projector. Bringing the most beloved droid in the galaxy to its popular Nebula projector lineup, its upcoming R2-D2 Capsule II enters with a unique design on top of a notable list of features that let you take movie night just about anywhere. Today, we’re taking a hands-on look at the new release, so be sure to head below for all of the details and a closer look at this unique Star Wars collectible.

Expand Expanding Close

Tested: ESR’s HaloLock charging stands deliver MagSafe while on the road or at home

Buy now

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Amongst all of the iPhone 12’s new features, MagSafe has easily emerged as one of the most defining characteristics of this generation of Apple’s handset. While there are plenty of alternatives to the official MagSafe charging cable, more affordable stands aren’t quite as prevalent yet. So today, we’re taking a look at two different models from ESR’s HaloLock series, which bring magnetic wireless charging to your desk or car’s dashboard. Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys explores just how good these budget-friendly ESR MagSafe Charging Stands can be.

Expand Expanding Close

Green Deals: Greenworks PRO 25-inch 60V Electric Lawn Mower now $150 off, more

Home Depot is currently offering the Greenworks PRO 25-inch 60V Self-Propelled Electric Lawn Mower for $599. Down from its usual $749 going rate, today’s offer amounts to 20% in savings, one of the first price cuts we’ve seen, and a new all-time low. This electric lawn mower from Greenworks will have you ready to ditch gas and oil this spring thanks to the battery-powered design. Its 25-inch cutting deck can handle mulching as well as rear bagging, and various height adjustments let you get the perfect cut. Alongside the self-propelled mower, you’re also getting a pair of batteries and a charger. Rated 4.8/5 stars from over 180 customers.

Head below for more deals on Gotrax electric scooters, smart TP-Link Edison light bulbs, and of course Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best Tesla accessories.

Read More

9to5Toys Daily: April 23, 2021 – M1 MacBook Pro $149 off, Anker deals from $9, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 22, 2021 – Save on HomePod mini, Oculus Quest 2, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Expand Expanding Close

LEGO debuts miniature Tatooine Homestead as this year’s Star Wars Day freebie

After today’s official unveiling of the new R2-D2 set, the LEGO Group is now showing off its upcoming May the 4th promotional set. This 217-piece LEGO creation continues the recent trend of recreating iconic scenes from a galaxy far, far away, assembling a brick-built version of the Tatooine Homestead complete with miniature Landspeeder, Sandcrawler, and more. Head below for a closer look at this upcoming kit and to learn how it can be added to your collection for free.

Expand Expanding Close

Green Deals: Hover-1 Gambit Electric Scooter drops to $200 (Save $50), more

Best Buy’s official eBay storefront currently offers the Hover-1 Gambit Electric Folding Scooter for $199.99 shipped. Also available directly from Best Buy. Typically fetching $250, today’s offer amounts to $50 in savings, is one of the first discounts we’ve seen, and marks a new all-time low. Powered by a 250W motor, this electric scooter arrives with an up to 15 MPH top speed and ability to travel as much as 9-miles on a single charge. Whether you’re looking for something to take out for joy rides this spring or want to finally get in the electric vehicle game for commuting or quick trips to the store, this is an affordable offering. Rated 4.1/5 stars from over 185 customers.

Head below for more deals on AeroGarden indoor hydroponic gardens, Lutron Caseta lighting packages, and of course Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best Tesla accessories.

Read More

9to5Toys Daily: April 21, 2021 – Save on M1 MacBook Air, Nomad accessories, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Expand Expanding Close

LEGO officially unveils upcoming 2,300-piece R2-D2 set ahead of May the 4th

After getting a first look at the upcoming brick-built R2-D2, the LEGO Group is now officially taking the wraps off of the upcoming creation ahead of its May the 4th debut. Stacking up to over 2,300 pieces, the latest rendition of the galaxy’s most famous droid enters in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Lucasfilm. Head below for a closer look and all of the details on when you’ll be able to bring this droid to your collection.

Expand Expanding Close

Nomad debuts first leather AirTags accessories alongside refreshed iPad Pro cases

Following all of the excitement from today’s Apple Spring Forward event, Nomad is getting in on the action by debuting a new collection of its popular leather offerings. Headlined by its very first AirTags accessories including a leather keyring and glasses strap, Nomad is also introducing a new series of cases for the latest iPad Pro. Head below for all of the details and how you can lock-in pre-order discounts.

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 20, 2021 – Save on iPad Pro, MacBooks, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Expand Expanding Close

Here’s what to expect from LEGO’s upcoming Marvel collectible minifigure series

LEGO Marvel minifigures

Last time we checked in on the future of LEGO Marvel creations, we had a pretty good idea of what to expect from the theme’s main creations. Now ahead of all of the releases this summer, we’re getting some reports of what LEGO builders can look forward to in terms of the rumored Marvel collectible minifigure series due out later this year. With 12 characters from Disney+ series like WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, we’re likely to see quite a few all-new minifigures from the expanded Marvel Cinematic Universe. Head below for everything we know so far.

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 19, 2021 – Save on Apple Pencil 2, Twelve South gear, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Expand Expanding Close

Here’s our first look at LEGO’s upcoming 280-piece Adventures with Luigi Starter Course

Update: The LEGO Group’s new Adventures with Luigi Starter Course has been officially revealed today. It’ll be launching on August 1 with a $59.99 price tag and is now available for pre-order.

After first reporting that LEGO was beginning to tease an upcoming expansion to its line of Super Mario kits that brings Luigi into the mix, we’re now getting a first look at the new starter pack. Featuring a new electric figure, the upcoming LEGO Adventures with Luigi Starter Course stacks up to 280 pieces and includes everything you need to dive into the brick-built Mario experience. Head below for all of the details.

Expand Expanding Close

Tested: Anker’s first Thunderbolt 4 dock is future-proof, compact, and perfect for M1 Macs

Buy now

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Thunderbolt and USB-C docking stations have long been the go-to solution for those who want the perks of a desktop workstation setup and the freedom to work away from the desk. And with the launch of Apple’s latest M1 Macs last year, Thunderbolt 4 hit the mainstream. Today, we’re taking a look at the new Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Mini Dock, the brand’s first Thunderbolt 4 offering, which arrives with a future-proof design that’s ideal for MacBook setups. But is it worth the more premium price tag? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys answers that and more.

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 16, 2021 – Save on official iPhone 11 cases, Anker gear, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Top deals:

Expand Expanding Close

Nike gives pre-owned shoes a second life with new refurbished program

Nike refurbished

Nike is no stranger to the world of environmental friendliness, with the launch of last year’s Space Hippie shoes leading the way towards the brand’s announcement of a new refurbished program. And while it’s not quite as extreme as another pair of 100% recycled kicks, the new mission is likely to have an even more impactful result. With added savings for those willing to grab a renewed pair of kicks, the new program is rolling out now across the country. Head below for all of the details.

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 15, 2021 – Anker Gold Box from $11, MagSafe Leather Wallet $50, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Top deals:

Expand Expanding Close

Review: LEGO’s new 2,300-piece Space Shuttle Discovery celebrates a NASA icon

Buy now

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of an iconic day in space exploration history, LEGO launched its new Space Shuttle Discovery set at the beginning of the month, and now we’re taking a hands-on look. Stacking up to 2,354 pieces and complemented by a Hubble telescope payload, we’re looking into whether the LEGO Group’s most expensive NASA-Inspired creation to date is worth its $200 price tag. Head below for all of the details.

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 14, 2021 – Apple Watch Series 6 $164 off, OnePlus 8/Pro, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Top deals:

Expand Expanding Close

Anker debuts new PowerConf C300, its very first webcam with 1080p 60FPS recording

Buy now

Today, Anker is debuting its new collection of work from home accessories headlined by the brand’s very first webcam. Expanding on all of the other workstation accessories Anker has come to be known for, its new PowerConf C300 arrives with 1080p 60FPS recording, HDR support, and USB-C connectivity. Head below for all of the details.

Expand Expanding Close

mophie’s new powerstation go rugged iPhone chargers can also jump-start your car

Today, mophie is expanding its collection of iPhone accessories with a new lineup of rugged powerstations. Arriving with four different form-factors, the portable chargers all tout durable housing alongside designs that are geared towards leaving in your car thanks to jump-starter functionality. And with upwards of 15,000mAh batteries, there is plenty of juice for topping off smartphones while on the go, as well. Head below for all of the details on the new mophie powerstation go rugged collection.

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 13, 2021 – M1 MacBook Air $100 off, Nest Audio Speaker $80, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Top deals:

Expand Expanding Close

Microsoft introduces Surface Laptop 4 with either AMD or Intel processors

Today, Microsoft is launching the latest addition to its in-house lineup of Windows computers with the Surface Laptop 4. Entering as one of the brand’s first portable machines to have the option of switching over to AMD processors, the new release enters with both 13.5- and 14-inch models alongside up to 70% performance gains, according to Microsoft. That’s alongside some upcoming accessories that expand the entire Surface lineup, including what Microsoft calls the Modern Webcam and USB-C Speaker. Head below for all of the details.

Expand Expanding Close

Logitech Harmony universal remotes are now discontinued, here are the best alternatives

Last week, Logitech officially announced that it would be discontinuing its popular lineup of Harmony smart universal remotes, leaving a gap in the home theater control space. While Logitech is currently noting that those with existing devices won’t be impacted, the lack of new features going forward may very well have current owners looking to make the switch. That’s why we’re rounding up the best Logitech Harmony remote alternatives including Fire TV, Sevenhugs, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 12, 2021 – Save on M1 MacBook Pro, official iPhone 12 cases, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Top deals:

Expand Expanding Close

Review: Tribit’s all-new StormBox Pro is this summer’s most value-packed speaker

Tribit StormBox Pro Portable Bluetooth Speaker Buy now

Tribit is out with the latest addition to its portable Bluetooth speaker lineup, and today we’re taking a hands-on look to see just how its new StormBox Pro stacks up. Complete with a water-resistant design, this offering arrives with 24-hour playback, 360-degree audio, and impressive sound fidelity for its size. Now available for purchase, you’ll want to head below for all of the details and more insight from our review. 

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 9, 2021 – Save on Anker iPhone essentials, Lutron HomeKit gear, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Top deals:

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 8, 2021 – Apple Watch and iPhone sale, OnePlus 8T, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Top deals:

Expand Expanding Close

Marshall updates popular Emberton Bluetooth speaker with two new colorways

Today, Marshall is expanding its collection of retro-inspired audio gear with two new colorways of its popular Emberton portable speaker. Delivering cream and forest designs, you’ll still find all of the other features that originally launched with the speaker, like 20-hour battery life, True Stereophonic sound, and more. Head below for all the details on the new Marshall Emberton colorways, and for additional information on pricing and availability.

Expand Expanding Close

Ring announces new Floodlight Cam Pro alongside Video Doorbell 4, pre-order now

Today, Ring is unveiling the latest addition to its stable of smart security offerings. Bringing all of the new tech and features found in its recent Video Doorbell Pro 2, the upcoming Ring Floodlight Cam Pro packs Bird’s Eye View and 3D Motion Detection functionality to monitor package deliveries and the like with even more precision. That’s alongside the new Ring Video Doorbell 4, which is launching at the end of the month. Head below for a closer look and all of the details on when you’ll be able to add both to your own smart home.

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 7, 2021 – Save on iPad Air, meross HomeKit gear, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Top deals:

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 6, 2021 – Save on Anker iPhone essentials, Galaxy Chromebook 2, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Top deals:

Expand Expanding Close

Nomad’s new stainless steel MagSafe Mount delivers a premium iPhone 12 dock

Buy now

Today, Nomad is launching its latest premium Apple accessory, pairing your existing MagSafe charger with a unique stainless steel build for a deck-mounted iPhone 12 docking station. Fittingly named the Nomad MagSafe Mount, the new unveil aims to solve the inconvenience of having to manually remove the charger while still delivering all of the brand’s usual Apple-friendly and high-end stylings. Head below for all of the details.

Expand Expanding Close

LEGO assembles new pair of upcoming adidas UltraBoosts with built-in studs

Today, we’re getting a first look at the most recent collaboration between the LEGO Group and adidas, bringing a new pair of shoes to the market. Arriving later in the week, the new LEGO adidas UltraBoosts merge both of the brand’s iconic stylings into a unique piece of streetwear complete with built-in LEGO studs and included bricks. Head below for all of the details on how to score these for yourself.

Expand Expanding Close

LEGO showcases six upcoming 20th anniversary golden Harry Potter minifigures

LEGO Golden Harry Potter
Read more

Today, the LEGO Group is showcasing a collection of six upcoming golden Harry Potter minifigures. With this year being the 20th anniversary of the theme, there are six upcoming kits that pay homage to the two decades of brick-built moments from the Wizarding World. And to add even more to the celebration, there will be six limited-edition golden Harry Potter minifigures included in the upcoming LEGO kits. Head below for all of the details.

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 5, 2021 – Save on M1 MacBook Pro, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Top deals:

Expand Expanding Close

Here’s our first look at LEGO’s upcoming Looney Tunes minifigures

LEGO Looney Tunes minifigures

Today we’re getting a first look at the latest expansion of the LEGO Collectible Minifigure Series with an entirely new property. Giving 12 classic Looney Tunes characters their brick-built debut, the upcoming collection features a range of all-new characters including Bugs Bunny, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, Porky Pig, and more. Head below for all of the details on the upcoming LEGO Looney Tunes minifigures.

Expand Expanding Close

Tested: BenQ’s GS2 Portable Projector delivers AirPlay 2 and crisp, colorful visuals

Buy now

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

As one of BenQ’s first portable projectors, its recent GS2 release arrives with a compelling list of features like 1080p visuals, AirPlay 2, and three-hour battery life despite its compact design. But how does it stack up to other portable offerings in the market? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys is putting this projector through its paces to see if the BenQ GS2 is a must-have for summer movie nights or not. Head below for all of the details.

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 2, 2021 – Save on OtterBox iPhone Cases, Beats ANC headphones, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Top deals:

Expand Expanding Close

LEGO expands its brick-built NASA collection with upcoming Ulysses Space Probe set

LEGO Ulysses Space Probe

Update: The LEGO Ulysses Space Probe promotional set will be going live tomorrow, April 14, at 9 AM EST via the LEGO VIP Rewards Center and sells for 1,800 points.

The LEGO Group kicked off April by officially launching its new Space Shuttle Discovery set yesterday, and now we’re getting additional details on the upcoming Ulysses Space Probe add-on creation. Delivering a secondary payload for builders to deploy in their brick-built NASA diorama, the promotion kit is slated to be launching in the near future and assembles yet another piece of space exploration history. Head below for all of the details.

Expand Expanding Close

LEGO’s upcoming 565-piece Venom set launches alongside five new superhero builds

Read more

After showcasing a pair of Marvel and DC busts throughout March, we’re now getting a look at yet another iconic character’s brick-built re-creation to complete the trinity. Assembling the fearsome Venom out of 565 pieces, the upcoming set launches alongside five other superhero builds at the end of the month. Head below for a closer look at the upcoming LEGO Venom helmet and the rest of the collection.

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: April 1, 2021 – Save on Apple Watch, Nomad Base Station Pro, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Top deals:

Expand Expanding Close

Participate in World Backup Day by getting started with everyday backups, more

Another World Backup Day has arrived, and while it’s always a good idea to be securing important files, that mission is particularly pertinent today. And to help kickstart your efforts, we take a look at three different Synology NAS that are perfect for everything from configuring daily Time Machine backups to running Plex and even bypassing Google Photos, thanks to Synology Moments. Head below for all of our tips, tricks, and recommendations.

Expand Expanding Close

9to5Toys Daily: March 31, 2021 – World Backup Day deals, Anker Thunderbolt 3 docks, 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 PodcastsGoogle 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’re available.

Top deals:

Expand Expanding Close