Rikka Altland

Each year there are plenty of annual set releases that LEGO builders have to look forward to. While Star Wars fans have their attention turned to the next UCS creation, Technic creators now have something to be excited about. Make that two things. Today LEGO has taken to its Twitter to tease an upcoming Technic Lamborghini kit alongside announcing a partnership with Universal for a Fast & Furious-themed build. Hit the jump for all the details.

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Back in the fall, Ubiquiti officially launched its first all-in-one entry into the UniFi ecosystem with the Dream Machine. Today the company is expanding that lineup with its latest offering that combines several pieces of the UniFi stack into a single device. Sporting a built-in touchscreen display, upgradable 3.5-inch hard drive, and security camera NVR functionality, the new UniFi Dream Machine Pro enters as a versatile option for prosumers and enterprise use cases alike. Head below for a closer look.

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Last summer, the folks at Bandai gave Tamagotchi a 21st-century upgrade by adding iPhone connectivity and online functionality. Now in celebration of an iconic video game character’s 40th anniversary, the company is releasing a Pac-Man Tamagotchi. Combining two popular properties, fans will be able to relive the 90’s with some additional retro arcade flair. Head below for all the details and see how you can score the newest Tamagotchi.

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Last week we got a first look at some of the first Animal Crossing accessories to arrive for Switch, and now PowerA is getting in on the action. As fans gear up for one of the most anticipated Nintendo titles this year, Amazon pre-orders have gone live for PowerA’s new Animal Crossing Switch controllers. Available in two different designs, the upcoming gamepads look to bring fan-favorite characters from the series to your Switch. Head below for all the details.

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Each year LEGO graces Star Wars fans with two massive, thousand-piece Ultimate Collector’s Series kits. With the next one due out in the weeks leading up to May 4, aka Star Wars day, LEGO is offering the community a chance to vote on the next UCS creation. With three different builds from a galaxy far, far away to decide on, both the Original Trilogy and Clone Wars are getting some love. Head below for a closer look at which creations are on the ballot and how to cast your vote.

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Ubiquiti is debuting its latest networking device today which strays from the company’s usual lineup of routers, access points and switches. Serving as an add-on accessory to an existing setup, UniFi Smart Plug aims to make network outages a thing of the past with internet monitoring and more. Head below for all of the details.

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The fall of 2019 brought with it one of the more unlikely candidates for game of the year. With a simple premise of annoying villagers, “setting up pranks, stealing hats, and honking a lot,” it’s no surprise that Untitled Goose Game became a fan-favorite so quickly. Now one LEGO fan is hoping to bring the pesky titular character from Untitled Goose Game into brick-built form with an Ideas campaign. Head below for a closer look and to learn how you can help this project become an official LEGO kit.

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Update February 1: LEGO’s new International Space Station Kit is now available for purchase.

Following last week’s debut of the Old Trafford stadium, LEGO is back with its latest model. Entering as 2020’s first LEGO Ideas creation, fans will soon be able to assemble their very own International Space Station. Comprised of over 860-pieces, this kit comes complete with a variety of new printed elements, astronaut microfigs, and measures over 19-inches wide. Hit the jump for all of the details on the most recent out of this world kit, including when you’ll be able to add it to your collection. 

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Nintendo is a company that’s never been known to shy away from unique or even strange accessories for its consoles. That sentiment is something we’ve seen applied to the fullest over the Switch’s reign so far, with add-ons like Ring Fit Adventure mixing up what you can expect from a first-party gameplay experience. Now a recent patent looks to imbue the hybrid console with some additional functionality by way of a new Joy-Con stylus accessory. Head below for a closer look.

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Following a pretty lackluster year for BrickHeadz, LEGO has already started 2020 strong when it comes to the blocky and collectible characters. Building on top of the new releases that landed in early January, the company is already setting out to release three new packs of figures. Headlined by Donald Duck and Goofy, LEGO is expanding its Disney partnership as well as introducing a new seasonal release. Head below for a closer look at the upcoming LEGO Disney BrickHeadz.

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When it comes to outfitting Siri, Alexa, or Assistant with new devices around the house to control, smart plugs are an easy recommendation for those just getting started or home automation veterans. With versatile designs, affordable price points, and effortless installations, there’s a lot to love about the form-factor. With an over-abundance of options to choose from at Amazon, which is the right model for your smart home? All you’ll need to do to answer that is head below and peruse our roundup of best smart plugs of 2020 to expand your voice-enabled setup.

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One of the most anticipated games of 2020, at least in the Nintendo world, is on the horizon with the Animal Crossing franchise’s latest game just two months away. Marking the first time we’ve seen a game from the series land on Switch, overseas Amazon listings point to accessory maker Hori taking that opportunity to release a fresh batch of appropriately-themed accessories specifically for the Switch Lite. Included in the newest installment of portable console add-ons, you’ll find carrying cases, bags, and more all bearing a stylish design that Animal Crossing fans will surely love. Head below for a closer look.

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Update: LEGO VIP members can now bring home the Creator Expert Manchester United football stadium kit for $299.99 shipped. Locking in your order now will also score you a free United Trinity minifigure set.

As its first unveiling in 2020, this morning LEGO showcased an all-new Creator Expert kit which brings Manchester United’s famous Old Trafford stadium to life in the brick-built world. In celebration of the stadium’s 110th anniversary, next month fans of England’s football team, or anyone who appreciates some solid LEGO architecture, will be able to add this one to their collection. Hit the jump for a closer look at the upcoming 3,900-piece kit.

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Smart home technology dominated much of the CES discussion this year, and Z-Wave technology managed to stay front and center. With Jasco, one of the more prominent players in the space, opting to focus on Zigbee 3.0 for its most recent batch of releases, other companies have been able to stand out with a unique batch of interesting products. From new Z-Wave gateways and sensors to miniature smart plugs and modular color light strips, there’s plenty to look forward to. Head below for a closer look at what Inovelli and Aeotec had in store for us at CES.

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This morning, The Pokémon Company took to the usual Nintendo Direct live stream formula for several announcements. Fans of Sword and Shield will be excited to find a pair of DLC expansion packs for last year’s release, which bring 200 additional Pokémon, new content, and more. Those looking for something outside of the core Pokémon titles are in for a treat with an upcoming 2020 release from the Mystery Dungeon. Head below for all that and more, like updates to the Galarian PokéDex, and other new unveils.

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Update: Pre-orders are now live for Arcade1Up’s new NBA Jam, Frogger, and Pac-Man arcade cabinets.

While CES has been packed with forward-thinking product releases, some companies instead look to grandstand with more nostalgia-driven debuts. That’s precisely what Arcade1Up is doing this year, with a showcase full of upcoming additions to your game room. Headlined by its first arcade cabinet with built-in Wi-Fi, Arcade1Up is bringing online multiplayer to NBA Jam. Also, on the horizon, there’s a 3/4th-scale Star Wars pinball machine, a SEGA Golden Axe cabinet, and more. Hit the jump for the rundown on all of Arcade1Up’s new retro gaming machines.

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Jasco is one of those smart home brands that has consistently and reliably been populating the market with diverse offerings in the Z-Wave and Zigbee space. This year for CES, the brand is back with a new suite of products which focus on the latter in terms of connectivity. Launching with a variety of refreshed smart home accessories, alongside  some new additional to the Zigbee 3.0 collection, Jasco’s Enbrighten products look to cover just about any area of your setup. Head below for a closer look at the upcoming lineup of devices.

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This year’s CES event is already off to a notable start, and one of the more eye-catching products falls to LIFX’s new line of smart home accessories. Leading the way, you’ll find a new triage of Edison-style filament bulbs from LIFX, alongside a TV-centered multicolor lightstrip, in-wall switch, and redesigned app focusing on automation. Much like we’ve seen in the past from the company, HomeKit highlights the new releases alongside integrating with other ecosystems and value-packed price points. Head below for a closer look at all of the new unveils from LIFX at CES this year.

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Synology is taking to CES this year to officially unveil its latest affordable home storage solutions with the debut of its DiskStation DS420j NAS. Designed for managing a user’s data backup and file sharing needs, this four-bay model enters with a compelling $286 retail price for its feature set, 112MB/s transfer speeds, and the usual suite of Synology software capabilities provided by DSM. Head below for a closer look at Synology’s new DiskStation DS420j NAS.

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Now that the holiday shopping season is coming to an end, Amazon is ready to take a victory lap and highlight all of this year’s best-sellers alongside other stats from the past several weeks. Highlighted by an influx of new Prime members, in-house Alexa devices topping the charts, and more, Amazon has had one of its best shopping events yet. Head below for the full rundown on this year’s Black Friday festivities and beyond.

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December 1st has finally arrived, which means for many that the winter holiday celebrations can truly begin. For us, it means that it’s finally time to dive into unpacking the LEGO 2019 Advent Calendar. This year, we’ll be taking a look at the Star Wars and City kits as we have in the past, but this year also brings a new set in the form of a Harry Potter calendar. With 24 different builds to assemble for each set, it’ll be exciting to see what’s included this time around. Head below to see what today’s builds have stacked up to.

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Amazon currently offers the Arlo Ultra 4K Camera System bundled with a Video Doorbell for $439.99 shipped. Typically selling for $550, today’s offer is good for a 20% discount, marks one of the first discounts we’ve seen on Arlo’s recent Video Doorbell, and is a new all-time low. Headlined by 4K HDR recording, Arlo’s new security system lets you monitor a location with a 180-degree field of view and an outdoor-ready design. Other eye-catching inclusions here are enhanced night vision, an integrated spotlight, as well as auto zoom and tracking. Plus with the doorbell, you’ll be able to monitor activity at the front door such as package deliveries and the like. Rated 3.9/5 stars from 600 customers.

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Well, before everyone’s minds were preoccupied with this week’s release of The Rise of Skywalker, Disney’s popular show The Mandalorian was giving fans plenty of Star Wars action. Despite its popularity, LEGO only included a single tie-in set in its wave of releases earlier this year. Now with the clock ticking until 2020 rolls around, we’re getting another kit from the space western. That’s not all, as LEGO also has two more kits in store for us. Head below for a closer look at the new LEGO Mandalorian kit and more.

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With the final installment of the Skywalker Saga opening in theaters tonight, we decided to take a hands-on look at one of the latest LEGO kits from the Star Wars theme. Stacking up to two new BrickHeadz models, the Kylo Ren and Sith Trooper creations are ripe with unique techniques, printed elements, and more. Head below for a closer look at the two new BrickHeadz figures and all the details from our most recent review.

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Amazon has expanded its smart home ecosystem to cover everything from Alexa-enabled outlets to voice-activated microwaves. Roughly a year ago, the company unveiled a smart timepiece, and today is officially announcing a follow-up. In partnership with Disney, you’ll now be able to adorn your wall with a Mickey Mouse-themed version of Amazon’s Echo Wall Clock. Head below for a closer look.

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Aqara might not be one of the first smart home companies that come to mind or even one you’re familiar with already. But over the past year, the company has garnered a pretty large following thanks to its affordable price points and, even more recently, the introduction of HomeKit support. Now Aqara is officially bringing its product line to the United States with the launch of an Amazon storefront. Head below for more details and to learn how you can take advantage of an introductory 20% off promotion.

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Prior to moving into my apartment at the beginning of the year, I set out to devise and build an ideal home network. For this, I turned to the Ubiquiti UniFi line, a collection of networking gear that proved well equipped for handling the needs of this tech-savvy writer. Since the initial install, I’ve been nothing but thrilled with the decision, well at least up until a few weeks ago, when Ubiquiti debuted its latest product. Enter AmpliFi Alien, the recently-released Wi-Fi 6 router that’s making me reconsider my entire setup. Head below for a full report on why one of Ubiquiti’s latest is one of its most compelling products yet. 

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Since officially debuting its Switch Online service in the fall of 2018, Nintendo kicked off each month with a batch of new retro titles re-releases. That all came to an end back in September, when we got word that the on-going updates would finally come to a close. Now for the first time since Nintendo has released six new games into its digital NES and SNES library. Head below for all of the details from the December update for Nintendo Switch Online.

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With 2019 nearly in the books, today, we’re getting a look at yet another wave of LEGO’s upcoming creations. Headlined by hero and villain-themed mechs, Avengers builds, and various Spider-Man vehicles, nine new LEGO Marvel kits are on the horizon for 2020. Not to mention, you’ll find a collection of all-new minifigures, including Spider-Man Noir, spanning the latest wave of builds. Head below for a closer look.
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Denon is no doubt one of the more well-known players in the home theater space. But now the company is looking to expand its hi-fi audio products to the rest of your home, announcing a suite of three new multi-room speakers deemed Denon Home. Entering with price points starting at $249, this new collection of home audio products takes on Sonos and other smart speakers with notable features like AirPlay 2 and more. Head below for a closer look.

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Throughout 2019, Ubiquiti has been ramping up its home security efforts with continual enhances to the UniFi Protect product line. As of now, most of these upgrades have been software-focused, though it looks like there will be plenty in store on the hardware front from the company come 2020. Today we’re getting the first official look the upcoming Ubiquiti UniFi Protect Video Doorbell thanks to an FCC filing. Head below for a closer look.

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To close out the year, LEGO is following up its Black Friday festivities by kicking off two new promotions. The first gives Star Wars fans yet another minifigure to collect in the form of a 20th Anniversary LEGO Obi-Wan. You’ll also be able to score a nearly 500-piece gingerbread house miniature creation. Head below for a closer look and to find out how you can add them to your collection.

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Alongside massive Star Wars vehicles, festive creations, and other fan favorite models, each year LEGO treats builders to a single modular city building kit. In year’s past, these kits took the form of the Corner Garage, a Downtown Diner, and more. Now for 2019, LEGO is finally giving us a first look at its latest Creator Expert set, the new modular Bookshop. This 2,500-piece edifice stands over 11-inches high, includes five minifigures, and is packed with the usual impressive techniques. Buy the LEGO Creator Expert Bookshop here or head below for a closer look and to learn when you’ll be able to add this one to your collection.

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Each year here at 9to5Toys we debut a series of annual gift guides, and this year I’m focusing on the best smart home essentials. Gear for Alexa, Assistant, and Siri setups have already proven to be a massive hit throughout 2019. And if Black Friday has shown us one thing, it’s that more homes than ever are going to be welcoming a smart speaker come the holidays. So this year we’re diving into must-have accessories for those just getting started, as well as our favorites for other tech enthusiasts. So you’ll want to head below to check out our top recommendations for essential smart home gifts.

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On top of getting a first look at a new wave of creations from just about every popular LEGO theme earlier in the week, today brings two new models from the Architecture world. Come 2020, LEGO will be expanding its popular micro-scale collection of builds with two new kits that fit into the Skyline series, Tokyo and Dubai. Packed with the usual high attention to detail and delightful part usage that we’ve come to expect, you’ll definitely want to head below for a closer look at LEGO’s new Tokyo and Dubai Skyline Architecture sets.

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While Google teased its official Black Friday offerings on first-party devices earlier in the week, just about every major retailer will be getting in on the action. With everything on the docket from Home Mini and Google’s latest Assistant speaker to Chromecasts, Pixel 4, and more, this year has something for everyone. Below you’ll find all of the best Black Friday deals on Google products, insight into where you can lock-in the most savings, and more.

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Today Awair is introducing a new entry into its lineup of smart home air quality monitors. Awair Elements packs five sensors into a compact design complemented by a unique LED display for showcasing real-time status. Alongside just monitoring the air quality of your home, it’s able to command smart home devices for proactively fighting allergens and more. Head below for a closer look at the new release.

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Now that just about all of the major Black Friday ads have debuted, we’ve done the hard work for you to make it easier to get the best smart home deals come the Thanksgiving week shopping event. This year’s sale is highlighted by everything from new all-time lows on smart speakers to HomeKit lighting, security cameras, and much more. Head below to find this year’s best Black Friday smart home deals.

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