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.
Toys are always some of the hottest items during the holiday season and ahead of Black Friday we’re getting a look at the Dollar General Toy Book for 2018. With everything from discounted LEGO, Mattel and more, there are a few surprising deals that will draw shoppers in. Head below for more.
SimpliSafe is one of the top contenders in the home security game. They’ve been championing the space with their expandable, no-contract security system for quite some time. Now the company is expanding its line of compatible products. Rather than just being an accessory, SimpliSafe’s new Video Doorbell Pro is a standalone addition to its ecosystem. Head below to see how it stacks up to the competition.
For LEGO shoppers, the holiday season began last Friday when we got a glimpse at the 2018 toy book. In fact, Black Friday is just over a month away. To make sure you’re ready for everything the biggest shopping event of the year has to offer, you’ll want to head below to prepare for LEGO Black Friday.
Like it or not, Black Friday 2018 is closing in fast. We’re already getting our first batch of ads, guides and more from big name retailers. Amongst the most popular retailers, Walmart is sure to draw in massive amounts of shoppers during the year’s largest shopping event. To beat crowds, you’ll want to plan ahead on how to best tackle all of your shopping. So be sure to head below get crash course on how to prepare for Walmart Black Friday.
Ahead of the highly-anticipated holiday season, we’re getting our first look at the LEGO Holiday 2018 Toy Book. Be sure to head below and get a glimpse at what sets LEGO will be assembling come the holidays.
Like any other LEGO catalog, the 2018 Holiday Book showcases a wide assortment of themed kits from the company. You’ll find the usual offerings of LEGO Shop exclusives to Star Wars, Disney, City and many other notable brands. At 40-pages long, this year’s winter catalog is shorter than we’ve seen in past years.
This year has been filled with some pretty eye-catching LEGO kits. Ideas assembled a mighty Voltron and we were able to ride in style with a souped-up Aston Martin. But now that the fall lineup of LEGO releases is here, we’re getting a look at some more must-haves. While the new Cloud City set has taken the spotlight, another new release debuted just last week. Stacking up to over 800 pieces, the new Star Wars LEGO Porg 75230 may just be the cutest kit yet. Head below for our full hands-on review.
This morning, Top Greener has announced that it will be debuting a series of new smart home accessories. Centered around Alexa and Google Assistant control, the various in-wall and plug-in devices offer more budget-friendly alternatives without sacrificing on functionality or reliability. Many of the newly announced devices are now available for purchase, so head below for more information.
Back in August, we got one of our first looks at the upcoming LEGO Overwatch line of sets. Today the first of these kits is finally available for purchase. Stacking up to 182 pieces, Blizzard has debuted the new LEGO Overwatch Omnic Bastion set. Hit the jump for more info on how to add it to your collection.
It’s been a few weeks since Nintendo finally debuted its Switch Online service. There’s been wide range of opinions, but many fans are flocking to the service to continue enjoying online play and indulge in some nostalgic NES gameplay.
Nintendo previously announced that it would be bringing three new titles to its roster of retro games. But this morning upon firing up the NES, players were greeted with a little something extra, a new version of The Legend of Zelda deemed Living the life of luxury! Head below for the full scoop.
Cord cutting certainly has its perks. but ditching your monthly cable subscription does have its downsides too. Missing news, sports, and other live content makes taking the plunge a difficult task for some. That’s where HDHomeRun comes in. When paired with Plex and an OTA antenna, you’ll be able to enjoy everything from your favorite shows to live football and more. Head below for an in-depth walkthrough on how to get started.
This morning Microsoft has announced its most recent gaming initiative, Project xCloud. Allowing you to experience console-quality games on your smartphone or tablet, the new service is one of the most ambitious attempts at bringing game-streaming to the market. Head below to get all the details.
Over the past few months, Nintendo has been gearing up for the holiday season with consistent announcements regarding new and upcoming Switch titles. Accessory makers have been jumping on the opportunity to benefit as well. This morning, Hori debuted a few new Pokémon-themed add-ons just ahead of Let’s Go, Pikachu and Eevee’s release next month.
Overwatch took the gaming world by storm when it debuted back in 2016. Since then the title has managed to amass a huge following of dedicated fans who can’t get enough of the in-game universe.
Today Blizzard announced its latest collectible, allowing fans to bring home their very own levitating Snowball. Complete with animated facial expressions and authentic detailing, this will be a must-have for any Overwatch fan. Head below for more.
Just a few months ago, LEGO Ideas announced that it would be evaluating ten different crowd-funded builds to see which would have the honor of becoming full-blown kits. Even though there’s been a fair number of releases lately, we’ve been eagerly awaiting the decision. Today, LEGO has finally announced its next Ideas kit. But luckily for us, we’re getting not just one, but two all-new releases.
Making their first brick-built debut, The Flintstones will be staring in the next LEGO Ideas set. There’s also a detailed treehouse kit in the works as well. Head below for all the details.
Update 10/4: LEGO’s new Darth Vader’s Castle is now available for preorder over at Amazon and will be shipping on November 26th.
Fresh off of debuting its newest line of sets, LEGO is back with another release. This time making the jump into the Hyperspace towards a galaxy far, far away, we’re getting a new Star Wars set just in time for the holidays. The new Amazon-exclusive set, Darth Vader’s Castle, stacks up to over 1,000 pieces and showcases the Sith Lord’s base of operations on Mustafar. Head below for more info and to find out how you can get your hands on the upcoming kit.
Canadian eBook company Kobo has been one of Amazon’s biggest competitors in the digital book marketplace. Today it has brought a new E-reader to the table. The new Kobo Forma sports IPX8 waterproofing, an eight-inch display and a new lighter form-factor. Head below for a closer look.
Leviton is one of the more well-known makers of Alexa and HomeKit-enabled smart home accessories. A selection of in-wall dimmers and light switches headline its Decora products. But now for its latest release, the company is debuting a new device that’s not mounted in-wall, the Mini Plug-in Outlet. Head below for all the details.
The Nintendo Switch’s unique hybrid gameplay style and other functionality has given the console a place at the forefront of the gaming industry. Fans have been able to sink their teeth into everything from new first party releases to hit indie titles and even massively popular online games like Fortnite. So when thinking about what the future of Nintendo’s console holds, almost anything goes.
A new accessory is looking to push the Switch into a booming category in the gaming world. Soon you’ll be able to play your favorite titles in virtual reality. Head below to get a closer look at the upcoming Nintendo Switch add-on.
Normally, when LEGO showcases a new release it falls into a previously announced line or theme of kits. Today, that isn’t the case. LEGO has announced that it will be debuting an entirely new line of more experimental products designed with older builders in mind. Deemed Forma, the series of kits starts off with a Technic kinetic fish sculpture. Head below for the all the info.
Update 11/22 @ 12:01 AM: LEGO’s latest kit, the Vestas Wind Turbine, is now available for purchase at $199.99 shipped.
To make room in its lineup for new and upcoming releases, LEGO periodically retires older kits. Rarely does one of LEGO’s discontinued models ever go back into production. Last year’s remake of the Taj Mahal being one of the few notable exceptions. Today, yet another mid-2000s set is getting a re-release, the Creator Expert Vestas Wind Turbine. Towering at a meter tall, the kit includes fully functioning motor features, bricks from the Plants from Plants series and more. Head below to see how it stacks up.
Amazon is currently offering a four-pack of second-generation Tile Bluetooth Item Finders for $27.99 shipped. Having just dropped from closer to $45, that’s good for a nearly 40% discount and the lowest we’ve seen it sell for at Amazon. These trackers pair to your smartphone and are perfect for adding to your keychain, backpack, luggage, or anything else you want to keep track of. A creative way to put these to use is adhering one to your TV remote, so locating it is just a few taps away. Nearly 7,900 shoppers have left a 3.9/5 star rating.
Between college students, trendy photographers and those yearning for a more analog approach, instant cameras have been making a real come back over the past few years. Polaroid’s retro cameras have already made a resurgence, touting fresh modern features, and now yet another photography industry veteran is updating its cameras.
Fujifilm has just entered the fray, debuting its latest instant camera. The new Instax Square SQ20 Hybrid Instant Film Camera sports a digital image sensor and built-in photo editing. It even records video clips, of course, all wrapped in the iconic Fujifilm aesthetic. Head below for more.
Update: the Enhanced Wireless Controllers are now available for preorder at Amazon.
Between new NES-styled Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers imbued with Super Smash Bros. theming, cardboard accessories and more, there are tons of different controller options to pair with your Nintendo Switch. One of the more well-known accessory makers, PowerA, is expanding that roster of gamepads today with two new controllers.
Trying its hand at recreating an old favorite alongside Nintendo’s latest, PowerA has debuted a new GameCube gamepad as well as its own take on the Pro Controller. Head below for all the details.
Earlier this summer, Philips officially announced that it would be expanding its lineup of HomeKit-comptaible smart lights. Amongst the roster of new accessories comes the outdoor lightship, one of the company’s first forays into water-resistant lighting. Now yet another upcoming product has recently surfaced, the highly anticipated Hue Outdoor Sensor. Head below for the full scoop.
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Throw out everything you thought you knew about cardboard, Nintendo’s back with yet another of its Labo cardboard construction kits. This time putting you right in the driver’s seat of a car, plane and submarine, Nintendo has more than a few tricks up its sleeve for the new Vehicle Kit.
We got out hands on the company’s latest and after putting it to the test, it’s hard to not be thoroughly impressed. Nintendo has seriously upped its game and made its cardboard creations even more enticing. Head below to get an in-depth look at everything the Labo Vehicle Kit has to offer.
There’s nothing like an advent calendar to get into the holiday spirit. LEGO’s annual releases are some of the company’s most eagerly awaited sets. And this year’s no different. A brand-new assortment of Star Wars, City, and Friends-themed builds headline LEGO’s catalog. All three of 2018’s calendars are now available for purchase as well. Head below to get a peek at what you’ll be unwrapping come December.
Update 9/25 @ 1:35 PM: You can now preorder the Nintendo Switch Fortnite Double Helix Bundle for $299.99 shipped at Amazon.
With the holiday season right around the corner, Nintendo is gearing up to sell as many Switch consoles as possible. From endlessly teasing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and showcasing several new themed consoles to announcing Animal Crossing and more, the company is building up the hype to excite fans. Now Nintendo is changing things up with its latest reveal in an attempt to appeal to a different type of gamer.
Today the company announced its latest console bundle, which throws the Switch onto the Battle Bus. That’s right, a limited edition Fortnite bundle is on the way. See what kind of loot is included by heading below.
Back in April we covered one creator’s efforts to combine their Nintendo Switch with LEGO bricks. Now the same tinkerer is back with another round of custom Switch accessories. This time, they’ve attempted to recreate Nintendo’s very own Labo Variety Kit. The results are just about as fantastic as can be, so you’ll want to head below for a closer look.
Earlier this year, GE debuted its first capacitive touch Z-Wave Plus smart dimmer switch to a pretty warm welcome. Now Aeotec, another leading smart home accessory maker has released its latest Z-Wave Plus device. With a multi-touch glass panel, the ability to control a wide range of accessories and more, the new WallSwipe Dimmer may be the most feature-packed Z-Wave switch on the market.
Earlier this year Samsung released a new pair of Bluetooth sound bars in the first partnership with Harman Kardon. Now less than a month later, the company is turning to another industry-leading audio manufacturer, AKG, to debut a triad of new variably featured Bluetooth headphones. Head below to get the full scoop.
Hampton has been in the security hardware business for nearly half a century now, first debuting its weather-resistant padlock back in 1973. While the company’s focus has been placed entirely on typical deadbolts and other door fixtures, Hampton is now turning to Wi-Fi control for its latest unveil. The new Array Smart Lock is backed by a full keypad, Alexa support and an integrated solar panel to recharge the battery.
Having been detailed earlier this year, Nintendo’s Switch Online Service’s debut is finally just around the corner. Officially launching on September 18th, today Nintendo has announced that it’ll be offering Switch owners a free one-week trial of the service. Head below for more details.
littleBits has long been adding some character to the world of learning to code, just recently debuting its Avengers Inventor Kit. Today they’re back with the unveil of their latest additions to their lineup of STEAM releases, this time forgoing any brand partnerships in favor of three original inventor kits. Taking the form of a remote-controlled rover, synth guitar and voice-activated grabber, you’ll want to head below for all the details.
Each year LEGO kicks off the winter holiday season with the release of an all-new festive set. In the past we’ve seen everything from a charming village market and bakery to a toy shop and more recently, the Winter Village Station. Now LEGO has debuted this year’s addition to the lineup, the Fire Station, which continues the Winter Village theming and comes complete with the usual assortment of minifigures, festive lights, decorations and more.
Update 9/21 @ 3:35 PM: Now available for preorder at Amazon.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate may be getting all the attention from Nintendo as of late, but it’s not the only upcoming Switch title that has fans eagerly awaiting its release. Back in May we detailed how the first Pokémon titles would be coming to the Switch this fall, and today we’re getting a look at a new special edition console to go with the two releases.
Sporting a variety of Pikachu and Eevee insignia, the upcoming bundle includes two new Joy-Cons with fresh coats of paint alongside everything you need to catch them all. Head below for all the details.
Monoprice is currently discounting its 90-degree MFi-certified Lightning Cables when you buy more than one. You can pick up two of the six-foot cables for $9.99 shipped when adding both to your cart and applying code DG6FT. If you’re in need of three new cables, code DG3FT locks in a $12 sale price. These cables typically sell for around $8 each, saving you up to 50%. Monoprice’s Lightning Cables sport an angled connector that makes it easier to use your device while charging. Rated 4.5/5 stars.
Microcomputers come in all shapes and sizes these days, but none have been as successful as the Raspberry Pi. Having released the even smaller Pi Zero back in 2016, today we’re getting a look at a new miniature computer that makes the Pi look like your run of the mill desktop. At just the size of a coin, the VoCore2 may be the one of the smallest, most versatile computers on the market.
Fresh off of this week’s release of the new Hogwarts Castle, LEGO is back with another round of Harry Potter-themed releases. This time though we’ll be getting two new BrickHeadz figures from the Fantastic Beasts series. Headlined by the daring protagonist Newt Scamander, he is joined by the fearsome Gellert Grindelwald. You’ll find all the details down below.
Smart light bulbs from companies like Philips Hue come with a fairly high price tag compared to standard LEDs to just add smartphone and voice control into the mix for your home’s lighting. If you’ve been hesitant on pulling the trigger on some color bulbs or are looking for new ways to put the ones you already own to use, head below to see how take your smart home to the next level.
It’s always exciting to get a peek at upcoming LEGO kits and with two-thirds of the year already behind us, LEGO has just unveiled the ten finalists for the fall Ideas review period. Two of this year’s most popular releases, the Ship in a Bottle and Voltron have come out of the crowd-funding platform, which means the recent news may be our first look at 2019’s next must-have release.
It was just earlier this year that LEGO brought the Harry Potter line of kits back from a nearly decade-long hiatus. And just a few months after the initial announcement, LEGO returned to show off its second biggest set to date, the 71043 Hogwarts Castle.
Now with the 6,000-piece set’s release right around the corner, we’re ready to get down to the nitty gritty and take a hands-on look at this year’s largest LEGO kit. So be sure to head below and see what the Wizarding World of Hogwarts has to offer.
The summer is slowly coming to a close and August has been one of the more noteworthy months for LEGO news this year. Fans of Star Wars, Disney and Harry Potter should all be happy after the new releases over the past 30 days and our highlight of the month was taking a hands-on look at the newest LEGO Ideas kit, Voltron. But the Ideas love doesn’t end there, as today we’ll be taking a look at some of our favorite crowdfunded builds hoping to someday become LEGO kits.
Earlier this year Bandai teased the latest of its Star Wars-themed model kits with two new 1/12 scale astromech droids. Today the company has shown off yet another upcoming kit from a galaxy far, far away. Standing over six-inches tall, the newest Bandai model kit takes the form of the fearsome Darth Vader.
Smart home security systems from the likes of ADT, SimpliSafe and the like are great ways to protect your home. But often times the peace of mind that these systems offer comes with pricey monitoring plans. Now there’s a new player in the space looking to provide equally as effective home security but with a much more affordable price tag. Kangaroo’s new motion sensors pair with professional 24/7 monitoring to keep your home safe.
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LEGO’s Mindstorm, Boost and Power-up sets have long been facilitating learning and play inside and out of the classroom. And earlier this year at Toy Fair 2018, we got a glimpse into the company’s plans for introducing learn-to-code kits to an even younger age group. Today, LEGO has introduced their latest kit, the Duplo Coding Express in hopes of getting even younger builders interested in programming.
Last week LEGO teased its latest must-have kit, the 2,800-piece Star Wars Cloud City playset along with two new Disney-themed BrickHeadz. And today, we’re getting a look at yet another new release. This time around, LEGO has shown off two new BrickHeadz figures, Homer Simpson and Krusty the Clown.
Since AirPods’ debut nearly two years ago, just about every headphone maker has been getting in on the truly wireless earbud action with their own cord-free solutions. The latest company to follow suit is Pioneer, who just recently debuted its first pair of the completely wireless headphones. Rocking the company’s signature audio-quality, Pioneer claims its C8 earbuds sound better than the competition. Head below for all the details.
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Amazon offers the August Third Generation Smart Lock in silver for $99.39 shipped. That’s good for a $30 discount compared to Best Buy’s sale price and is a new all-time low at Amazon. For comparison, we last saw it discounted to $135. Tired of fumbling for your keys to unlock the front door? August’s smart lock supports keyless entry and more. Rated 4.5/5 stars from nearly 100 customers.