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Jordan Druber

Jordan_Druber

Video producer for 9to5Toys. Contact me at jordans@9to5Mac.com

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Logitech Astro A30 review: Is it the last gaming headset you’ll ever need? [Video]

Astro-A30

With today’s variety of gaming platforms and locations, Astro’s goal with the new A30 was to have one headset that works with all platforms and gaming scenarios. Compatible with Xbox, Playstation, PC, mobile, Bluetooth, and even unpowered via a 3.5mm jack, the A30 is ready for pretty much anything. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Xbox, you broke my heart: Elite Series 2 Core controller review [video]

Elite Series 2 Core

Microsoft has released the new Elite Series 2 Core controller. Available in white, it’s a more affordable option for a “pro” Xbox controller, but it loses most of the accessories like paddles and swappable thumbsticks. Those now come in a separate optional package. After reading over the release and checking the website listing and seeing “re-engineered components,” I decided to pick one up and see how it performs. So far, for better or worse, it seems like it’s more of the same. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Review: WD_BLACK SN850X is its fastest SSD yet at 7,300 MB/s [Video]

WD_BLACK SN850X SSD

When it comes to gaming, higher performance always makes the experience more enjoyable. We got our hands on two of the latest storage offerings from WD_BLACK – Western Digital’s gaming-focused brand. The SN850X is the fastest M.2 NVMe drive WD_BLACK has ever released, and the P40 game drive expands on the general use portable SSD lineup. Check out Justin’s review of the P40, or head below to see the new WD_BLACK SN850X in all of its high-speed glory. 

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Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel and Pedals review: A direct drive step into the big leagues [Video]

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After years of being a solid choice for beginner sim racing gear, Logitech is out with the new Direct Drive Pro Racing Wheel and Pro Racing Pedals. Taking years of feedback and embracing the fact enthusiast and professional sim racers want a modular design, the Pro Racing Wheel and Pedals from Logitech are packed with features but come at the pro-level price of $999 for the Wheel and $350 for the pedals. I’ve been enjoying testing this setup out so be sure to hit the video below and see all the details. 

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HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 review: This new budget gaming headset is an instant hit [Video]

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Following a slew of high-end and feature-packed gaming headsets this year, the brand new HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 might be the best budget option I’ve tried in a long time. At just $50, a simple wired design with massive drivers and frequency response makes it a great choice. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Insta360 X3 review: Bigger sensor, crisp 72MP photos, and better color [video]

Insta360-X

Insta360’s latest camera, the X3, is its upgraded take on the candy bar-shaped 360 camera. A different design than the wearable Go 2 or modular One RS, the X3 features a large touch screen, a new one-half-inch sensor, new shooting modes, and a price tag of $450. Altogether, it’s an easy-to-use and ready-for-anything 360 camera that makes 360 videos a breeze to create with powerful AI app editing and stabilization. Be sure to hit the video to see it in action. 

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Review: Razer looks to the competition with the Kishi V2 mobile controller, now for iOS [Video]

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As the mobile gaming market continues to grow, adding a controller can take the experience to the next level. We’ve tried out the Backbone One and the original Razer Kishi, but today, we have the Razer Kishi V2 for iOS. Completely redesigned, visually, the Kishi V2 looks more like a Backbone one than the Kishi V1 from Razer. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

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Thrustmaster Eswap S controller review: The latest way to deal with stick drift [Video]

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One of the biggest complaints console players have with their controllers is reliability. Stick drift is probably one of the most common grievances about controllers that have been used for a while. Thrustmaster has developed a unique way to deal with misbehaving thumbsticks by making the sticks a replaceable module on its Eswap controller. We got our hands on the latest iteration – the Thrustmaster Eswap S controller that simplifies the design from the older Eswap X and is also $30 cheaper than the older model. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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HyperX Armada 27 review: A bright but pricey gaming monitor and desk mount combo [Video]

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HyperX is diving into a new hardware category with the Armada 25 and 27 Gaming Monitors. HyperX isn’t bothering with the industry standard monitor stand and instead includes a desk mount and monitor arm right in the box. It’s also delivering solid mid-tier performance with FHD (1920×1080) at 240Hz on the 25-inch model and QHD (2560×1440) at 165Hz on the 27-inch panel. We got our hands on the 27-inch to try out. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Razer Basilisk V3 Pro review: For those who want it all and are willing to pay [Video]

razer basilisk v3 pro

While its other recent mice have been esports-focused, lightweight, and stripped of any non-essential features, the brand-new Razer Basilisk V3 Pro gets some extra love in a multi-purpose genre-bending mouse. With an adjustable smooth or tactile scroll wheel, full RGB, Hyperspeed wireless connection, and optional wireless charging, the Basilisk V3 Pro has a lot to talk about. And just like the other Pro mice from Razer, it comes at a steep price. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Review: Roccat Kone XP Air cuts the cord but comes at a high price [Video]

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If Razer’s recent stripped-down lightweight FPS-focused gaming mice haven’t been quite your flavor, Roccat is out with a much different take on the gaming mouse – the Kone XP Air. This cord-cutting wireless variant of the Kone XP is marketed as a multi-purpose gaming mouse with up to 29 assignable functions and an RGB-infused charging dock. Coming in at $169.99, we got our hands on the latest gaming mouse from Roccat. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Edifier MS50A review: A solid AirPlay 2 smart speaker that doesn’t break the bank [Video]

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While we’ve reviewed a few headphones in the past from Edifier – the budget-minded audio company also carries an extensive line of bookshelf and home theater speakers. The Edifier MS50A is a smart speaker for the connected home with AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and a clean, elegant design. Coming in at $150, it is cheaper than an alternative like the One from Sonos, but how does it perform for the price? Be sure to hit the video below to find out. 

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DeathAdder V3 Pro review: Razer’s refined and stripped down fan favorite [Video]

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The DeathAdder – the mouse that really made a name for Razer. Over the last 15 years, over 15 million mice carrying that name have been sold. Now, the latest iteration is the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro. With a refined shape, Razer’s latest sensor and switch tech, and an incredibly lightweight 63g design, the $150 DeathAdder V3 Pro has a lot to talk about. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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NZXT Canvas 27Q Monitor review: A solid QHD 165Hz gaming display [Video]

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Continuing its run of peripheral offerings, the NZXT Canvas monitors bring solid midtier gaming performance in a sleek package. Two different sizes, a 27-inch and a curved 32-inch monitor, cater to different needs. NZXT is also offering multiple mounting options with a monitor stand, a single monitor arm, and a dual monitor arm. We got our hands on the 27-inch display with a monitor stand. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Apex Pro Mini Wireless review: SteelSeries delivers adjustable switches in a 60% board [Video]

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The latest compact keyboard from SteelSeries is the Apex Pro Mini. Coming in both wired and wireless variants, this 60% layout gaming keyboard features OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable optical switches, a solid typing feel for a pre-built gaming keyboard, and a hefty price tag. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Insta360 Link review: The new webcam king [Video]

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The new Insta360 Link webcam may not look like the traditional shape we’re used to, but that’s because it’s an AI-powered, three-axis gimbal-stabilized 4K camera. This thing is packed with features that will appeal to streamers, content creators, and work professionals. Be sure to hit the video below to see and hear a deep dive into everything this $300 webcam is capable of.

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MSI Immerse GV60 review: A simple but great-sounding streaming mic [Video]

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MSI is out with its first streaming microphone – the Immerse GV60. While MSI might be better known for hardware like laptops and motherboards, filling out its offerings with more peripherals like audio just makes sense given the popularity of streaming and content creation. With a Blue Yeti-like presence, the $130 MSI Immerse GV60 has some robust physical controls on the mic but lacks any software tweaking like some competitors. Be sure to watch the video review to hear how it sounds against the competition. 

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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Review: Almost my favorite gaming headset [Video]

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How much would you be willing to pay for a gaming headset? What features would you expect it to have? With the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, the $350 price point is jarring, but once you see the feature set, it all sounds pretty intriguing. With ANC, Bluetooth, and hot-swappable batteries, there is a lot to talk about. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Review: Polk Signa S4 brings Dolby Atmos to the simple soundbar experience [Video]

Soundbars offer a convenient way of getting powerful audio for home theaters. Rather than placing speakers around a room, they typically rely on audio tuning and technology to mimic the experience of a surround sound system. Polk’s Signa S4 soundbar features a sleek design, a wireless subwoofer, and a seven-speaker array that support Dolby Atmos. But, its best feature might be the sound modes. Be sure to check out the video to hear more on the $399 Polk Signa S4

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Review: HyperX DuoCast perfectly rounds out its streaming mic line-up [Video]

Things have been a little quiet from HyperX on the microphone font lately, but today it’s announcing the brand new DuoCast. Bridging the gap between the entry-level SoloCast and the more expensive QuadCast S, the DuoCast features a sleek built-in shock mount, RGB light ring, and dual selectable polar patterns. Be sure to hit the video below for a detailed look and how it sounds and what it offers for the $99 price point. 

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Beyerdynamic Free Byrd TWS earbuds review: Excellent audio, lacks comfort for me [Video]

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Beyerdynamic is out with its first entrant in true wireless earbuds. With ANC, an up to 11-hour battery life, and app control with personalized audio, the $250 Beyerdynamic Free Byrd earbuds are intended for a premium wireless audio experience. We got to spend some time with the new earbuds. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Choosing my first sim racing rig: Logitech G923 vs. Thrustmaster T300RS GT [Video]

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I’ve always enjoyed cars and wondered what racing would be like. Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5 with a controller have been a fun way to scratch the itch, but I’ve always wondered what a sim racing wheel and pedal setup would be like. Combine that with getting into F1 thanks to the exciting 2021 season (and Netflix’s Drive to Survive series), and I decided to finally pull the trigger on a force feedback sim racing wheel and pedals. After reading plenty of reviews and Reddit posts, I was torn between the Logitech G923 and the Thrustmaster T300RS GT. I was able to get my hands on both, but I’ll only be keeping one. Which one did I choose? Be sure to stick around until the end because it was not the one I expected. 

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NZXT Signal capture cards review: HD60 and 4K30 give solid performance for the price [Video]

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NZXT is on a roll releasing accessories and hardware for gamers and streamers. The latest is the new NZXT Signal capture cards. The 4K30 and HD60 are nearly identical from the outside but offer different recording and passthrough capabilities, depending on what is needed for the specific streaming or capture application. We got our hands on both cards, so be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details on these new capture cards from NZXT. 

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Sony Inzone H9 and H3 review: Brand new PC and PS5 gaming headsets [Video]

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In a flood of new gear for gamers, today Sony is announcing new high-refresh-rate monitors as well as three new headsets. The new Sony Inzone headset lineup includes the $100 wired H3, the wireless and Bluetooth $230 H7, and the top-of-the-line $300 Sony Inzone H9 that adds comfortable leather material to the ear cushions and Sony’s famous active noise cancellation to the gaming headset. We got our hands on the H3 and H9 to see how they perform in the real world. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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EPOS H6Pro audio bundle giveaway: Premium Gaming headset and sound card [Video]

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While neither products are brand new, EPOS is now offering the H6Pro audio bundle that combines an H6Pro premium headset and GSX 300 external soundcard. Coming in at $199, this combo kit saves $59 over purchasing both of them separately. This bundle is available for both the open-back and closed-back versions of the H6Pro headset. We are partnering with EPOS to give away two of these bundles available in either open-back or closed-back variants in the black colorway. Be sure to watch the video for all of the details on the bundle and check out the giveaway details below. 

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Battlefield 2042 Zero Hour: Is Season 1 content enough to bring players back? [Video]

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Similar to the event before the launch of Battlefield 2042, EA invited creators and members of the press to a preview event in which we were able to try out Battlefield 2042 Zero Hour – the game’s first season. While it has some new content including one beautiful new map and two weapons, is it enough to bring back the player base that has been less than impressed with the game so far? Be sure to hit the video to see all of the details of this hands-on event. 

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SpyderX Elite: Calibrating the color of my budget ultrawide monitor [Video]

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While working on a project recently, I found myself looking at an image with lots of red in it and thinking something looks off. After realizing that when I changed GPUs my color profile in Windows was reset, I reached for the latest SpyderX Elite as a part of the SpyderX Capture Pro Kit. Aimed at professionals working in print, photography, and video, the Datacolor SpyderX line-up helps to ensure that displays are accurate when it comes to color. After calibrating my Dark Matter 49-inch display, I was pretty shocked at how much of a difference it made. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

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Monolith M1000ANC review: Monoprice’s high-end Bluetooth headphones are still affordable [Video]

Monoprice is often a good option for budget electronics. It has great prices on cables, and I’ve been a huge fan of the Dark Matter 49-in monitor I’ve been using for the past few years. Today, we have the Monolith by Monoprice M1000ANC Bluetooth headphones. At $130, it’s packing some nice features like 60 hours of battery life and ANC, but it still kind of has the budget Monoprice flavor. Be sure to hit the video below for all of the details.

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HyperX Alloy Origins 65 review: My favorite 65% keyboard so far [Video]

While custom keyboards are growing in popularity, many brands are raising the bar on pre-built options like the HyperX Alloy Origins 65. We went hands-on with the smaller Alloy Origins 60 last year, but the arrow keys along with solid build quality from the alloy lineup make this board rank high on my list of favorites. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Viper V2 Pro review: Is Razer’s lightest wireless mouse worth the $150 price? [Video]

Razer Viper V2 Pro Gaming Mouse

Expanding on its lineup of Viper gaming mice, the new Razer Viper V2 Pro seeks maximum performance by shedding weight and features from the Viper Ultimate. A full-size wireless mouse coming in at just 58g, the Viper V2 Pro is aimed that those who want the lightest wireless mouse they can get, but it is also priced as such. It’s gotten some flak for the $150 price tag, but is it worth it for those who want the speed? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Corsair K70 RGB Pro review: A solid gaming keyboard packed with features [Video]

CORSAIR K70 RGB PRO Wired Keyboard

For quality gaming keyboards, Corsair is one of the biggest names in the game. Today we’re going hands-on with one of its latest – the Corsair K70 RGB Pro. With a variety of Cherry MX switch options and rich features like media keys, detachable wrist rest, and USB-C cable, how does it perform for the $160-$170 price point? Be sure to hit the video below to find out. 

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Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max Review: Turtle Beach cranks up battery life and compatibility [Video]

Turtle Beach beach is out with an updated version of its flagship wireless headset – the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max. While the headset itself might look very similar to the older non-Max variant, there are two huge changes that take cross-platform compatibility to a new level for Turtle Beach. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Review: Wyze Lock Bolt delivers an affordable Bluetooth fingerprint deadbolt [Video]

We got our hands on the new Wyze Bolt Lock. Taking things a bit further than the Wyze Lock we reviewed over two years ago, the Wyze Lock Bolt features a numeric keypad as well as a fingerprint scanner to make unlocking a deadbolt even easier. And coming in at just $70 ($80 on Amazon), it’s much more affordable than a lot of the competition. While it doesn’t feature Wi-Fi, it does have quite a few handy features. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Philips Momentum 32-inch 4K 144Hz Monitor review: What the Series X deserves [Video]

With the impressive spec sheet on the Xbox Series X, companies are coming up with some powerful and equally expensive displays to take advantage of all that performance. We went hands-on with the 55-inch Momentum made for Xbox monitor from Philps, but now we’re trying out the smaller and more affordable Philips Momentum 32-inch variant. Coming in at $899 it still costs a pretty penny, though. Be sure to hit the video below and see all that this monitor has to offer for that price tag. 

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Review: What does an RTX 3050 upgrade bring to the GPU-less NZXT Foundation PC? [Video]

The main takeaway from our NZXT Foundation PC review was that a pre-built PC with an APU can work as a strong starting point for a gaming PC. While frame rates struggle with some titles, it is capable of running most esports titles without a dedicated GPU until one becomes available. Well, we got our hands on a GPU for this PC – the XLR8 RTX 3050 from PNY. So how does this entry-level card work in an entry-level pre-built gaming PC? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Hands-on with new Razer Streaming gear: Key Light Chroma, Audio Mixer, Seiren BT [Video]

Razer is stepping more into the streaming market with its latest products. We got to go hands-on with the new Razer Audio Mixer, Key Light Chroma, and Seiren BT mobile streaming microphone. And while they offer some handy features, all of these products come at a bit of a premium when compared to the competition. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Jordan’s Favorite Friday Deals: Cloud Alpha S, Nebula projector, Alloy Origins keyboard

Another week with great deals has come and gone. Below are some of my favorites from the week. I always try to look for products that I’ve gone hands-on with and can offer a little bit of insight into my experience with them. This week we have a headset and keyboard from HyperX as well as an easy-to-use portable projector from Anker’s Nebula line. Check them out below.

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TP-Link Deco XE75 review: Wi-Fi 6E mesh in an easy-to-use package [Video]

TP-Link Deco XE75

Following our announcement coverage, we got to go hands on with the new TP-Link Deco XE75 Wi-Fi 6E mesh system. We’ve tried out a few Deco systems in the past, and the performance mixed with ease of use has always impressed me. Offering up to 5,400Mbps and covering up to 5,500 square feet, how did the latest from TP-Link work for me? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Review: SteelSeries cuts weight with the Aerox 5 and 9 Wireless MOBA/MMO gaming mice [video]

As lightweight wireless gaming mice continue to dominate the consumer market, SteelSeries is out with two new models to cater to the MMO and MOBA player base. Coming in at 74g and 89g respectively, the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless and Aerox 9 Wireless blend lightweight wireless performance with added utility thanks to additional buttons on the left side of the mice. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

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Review: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless ticks all of the boxes for a great gaming headset [Video]

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset

Cutting the cord on the pro model headset, the new HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless keeps a lot of the same features but adds massive battery life reaching up to 300 hours. Coming in at $200, this simple headset doesn’t innovate, but it does everything it’s supposed to really well. It might be my new favorite wireless gaming headset. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Review: Monoprice Dark Matter 49-inch monitor gets updated panel with better color [Video]

Dual monitor setups are getting more common, but one way to get the same screen real estate without two separate displays is by going with a DQHD screen like the Monoprice Dark Matter 49-inch monitor. Falling under the Dark Matter gaming brand, the new 49-inch monitor boasts a 32:9 aspect ratio 5120×1440 resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. That also translates well into a screen that makes productivity even easier. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all of the details of this screen that blends work and play into a single super-ultra-wide monitor. 

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Review: XGIMI Halo+ portable projector gets brighter, smarter, and more expensive [Video]

XGIMI is refining its projector line-up with a new upgraded version of its portable workhorse. The XGIMI Halo+ keeps a similar overall design and feature set as the older model we got to review last year, but now it’s brighter and has some more intelligent features that make it easier to use. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all of the details. 

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Review: V-Moda Rolling Stones edition Crossfade 2 Wireless brings the rock [Video]

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With a history of award-winning audio, V-Moda has recently been releasing limited-edition designs of some of their popular headphones. We got our hands on the brand new V-Moda Rolling Stones limited edition Crossfade 2 Wireless. Available in three different designs that channel the iconic rock group, do they stand up to the $280 price tag? Be sure to keep reading and hit the video below and find out. 

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HexGaming Advance Controller review: Deep customization and performance upgrades [Video]

Aftermarket Xbox controllers are a great way to augment your gaming experience. Last year we took a look at some of the best options out there for the new Series X and S, but now we have another addition to the line-up. The HexGaming Advance Controller starts with an authentic Xbox controller and then takes it to the next level with custom colors, back buttons, interchangeable thumbsticks, and custom trigger controls. Starting at $170, the Advance controller can be heavily customized into a one-of-a-kind device. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

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Hands-on: Insta360 One RS makes the modular action cam even more powerful [Video]

Insta360 has been a huge name in the 360 and action camera market. Last year we went hands-on with the thumb-sized Go 2, which is one of the simplest action cameras I’ve ever used. Now, it’s out with the new Insta360 One RS – an evolution of their modular action camera. We got our hands on the twin edition, which includes a 4K Boost lens as well as a 5.7k 360-degree lens. Be sure to hit the video below and see this camera in action. 

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