Justin is the Editor-in-Chief at 9to5Toys. For well-over a decade he has covered everything from video games and smart home devices to iPhone and MagSafe accessories, EDC gear, and just about everything in between. A professional audio engineer/producer, he also specializes in home recording, microphones, digital audio, and streaming gear. See something cool out there? Developing the next viral Apple gear accessory? Or just want to talk deals? Contact him directly at justin@9to5mac.com for tips, pitches, and more.
We know Microsoft is set to unveil some new hardware at gamescom 2018 next week, but it looks like the Xbox division jumped the gun with a pair of new special edition gamepads. While many are suspecting to see something regarding a next generation Elite controller soon, today’s reveal consists of two standard edition models with some interesting designs.
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Pad & Quill is back again today with a brand new carrier for your precious iPad Pro. After the company finally released a notebook and pen product a couple months ago, it is no jumping back to Apple-specific accessories with the new Traveler Leather Case.
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Originally released back in April, the reboot of God of War was certainly a highly anticipated title ahead of its launch. But we’re not sure anyone expected something this incredible. Widely regarded as one of the best PlayStation exclusives ever released and most definitely the biggest of the year, God of War squashed expectations with its incredible visuals, seamless cinematic approach, memorable characters and a somewhat drastic move to over-the-shoulder third person combat. The game is triumphant on just about every measure and is about to get even better at the end of the month.
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More than 525 million PlayStation systems have now been sold since the brand took the gaming world by storm about 24 years ago. Sony is celebrating the milestone with a brand new special edition PlayStation 4 Pro.
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Nintendo hit us with another one of its Direct presentations this morning entirely focusing on the highly anticipated next entry in the Smash Bros. series. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was officially unveiled at E3 2018 and excitement has been growing ever since. Set to feature every single character from every game in the franchise, today Nintendo and director Masahiro Sakurai dropped another 25+ minutes of new details on the hottest upcoming Switch game of the year.
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WaterField has been running an interesting crowdsourced design process which has its most passionate customers participating to some degree in the design and development of new products. As part of its Gear Case Month, the first of three new products born out of the program is now ready for prime time.
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Nerf is teaming up with Blizzard Entertainment to create a line of replica blasters modeled after in-game weapons from the company’s popular team-based FPS, Overwatch. The popular hero shooter has amassed a giant and extremely dedicated fan base that are sure to appreciate the new Nerf blasters.
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It’s time to look at this month’s best console releases. August does tend to be a slow one but we are seeing some major releases across all the big platforms here. Switch gamers will be getting their first taste of some Monster Hunter with Generations Ultimate while story-driven cult classic Shenmue makes a triumphant return to PS4 and Xbox One. This year’s Madden NFL hits next week and you’ll find all the rest of August’s best console releases down below.
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These days our iPhones provide some of the best and most convenient ways to capture special moments on video. While they will surely get the job done for your casual videographer, including live location audio from the subjects in the shot in combination with the ambient noise of the setting isn’t always that simple. Whether it’s wind noise or just a busy public area, picking up high quality voices and things of that nature with basic iPhone videos can be a chore at best.
Clearly, some kind of mic system is needed to ensure you get high quality voices and there are some options out there for that specifically tailored to mobile recording environments. But the new Sennheiser Memory Mic looks to bring a level of simplicity to the whole process, but does the functionality here justify the somewhat steep price tag?
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Today we are taking a look at a hilarious indie game about being a raccoon that makes giant holes to steal things from people. Donut County is an odd and yet interesting looking physics-based experience that is set for release later month on iOS, Mac/PC and PS4.
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Nintendo has an incredibly successful console generation with the Switch. The console has smashed records all over the place and is nearing 20 million in total sales. All of that sounds pretty impressive but the numbers have started to slide over the last quarter or so. After reporting 2.93 million and 7.23 million units sold in the previous two quarters, sales have slowed down to 1.88 million in the most recent three-month period. That number is still quite high, especially considering it’s the slowest time of year for console sales and the company hasn’t been cranking out as many big-time titles. However, Nintendo is going need an amazing holiday this year in order to meet its sales projections.
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Obscura 2 is an interesting little camera app that looks to help you create better photos with your iPhone. Almost never on sale, you can now download Obscura 2 for free from within the Apple Store app (not to be confused with the App Store itself). You can find out all about Obscura 2 in our full coverage over on 9to5Mac. Head below for full instructions on how to redeem the free app (don’t just go to the App Store to download it):
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In today’s best game deals, Walmart is now offering Minecraft on Nintendo Switch for $19.99. Shipping is free in orders over $35, otherwise opt for in-store pickup to avoid the delivery fees. Regularly $30 at Amazon and Best Buy, this is the best produce we can find.
ICYMI: Here’s the Spider-Man PlayStation 4 Pro and Microsoft is reportedly readying cloud-only next gen Xbox Scarlett console.
Down below you’ll find more console game deals and new products. Your daily iOS/Mac app sales are on the way!
Audiobus 3 has a major new update out now. The handy little tool for iOS musicians and sound designers allows many of those audio apps in your collection to talk to one another and it just got a whole lot more fluent.
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Hello Neighbor is developed by Dynamic Pixels and was later picked up by publisher tinyBuild for release on Xbox One and PC. It is a unique stealth experience with interesting AI that will see players sneaking into a neighbor’s house to discover its secrets. Today the game is set for release on both iOS and Android devices along with Nintendo Switch and PS4.
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Synthesizers in general, especially hardware variants, can seem daunting at first to your average musician. Modular synthesis adds another level (or two) of complexity on to the formula making it even more out of reach for up and coming producers, sound designers and audio programmers. Another thing to keep in mind is that synthesizers are inherently expensive and modular setups can get pretty crazy with the need for external power supplies, cases for each unit, cables and more.
There are certainly companies out there looking to offer up interesting products to ease musicians into the world of modular synthesis and synthesizers in general, but the new desktop modular boxes from Hungry Robot certainly caught our eye.
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A few months back we touched down with a fresh Guacamelee 2 update. We were hit with a load of gameplay footage and a series of details from the game’s GDC 2018 appearance. While its colorful action-based gameplay and interesting twist on Mexican folklore has caught our attention from day one, developer Drinkbox studios has now dropped a brand new release trailer along with the official launch date.
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Last week, Microsoft announced that it would unveiling next generation hardware and accessories at gamescom come August. While there’s basically no chance of this being the new Xbox, it is likely we could see an updated Elite Xbox controller along with some special bundles. However, some new leaks have pointed at interesting details regarding the currently in development next generation Xbox console hardware.
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Japanese audio/electronics company Roland is once again teaming up with the folks at PUMA for an exclusive new sneaker design. Earlier this year, the two brands linked up for the RS-0 which brought vintage elements from PUMA’s early silhouettes together with Roland’s iconic TR-808 drum machine. And now, the two have joined forces once again on the new PUMA RS-100 Roland.
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PreSonus is one of those music production gear companies that offers up some great gear at very affordable price tags. It just recently debuted the latest version of its FaderPort controllers and has now issued a new podcasting/home recording bundle. The new package brings together just about everything one might need to get their YouTube media empire off the ground for under $300.
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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe may not have been the completely new, refreshed cart racing title Switch fans were hoping for when Nintendo’s latest console dropped, but it has been a great addition to the library nonetheless. It’s hard to imagine a new Nintendo console without an updated Mario Kart game to play on it, so it’s easy to see why Nintendo opted for a re-release of sorts while it toils with the next generation Mushroom Kingdom racer.
However, that’s not going to stop Nintendo from introducing new content to the game. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is getting a free Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild update that will see the titular character in his latest iteration enter the fray.
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Arturia has been one of our favorite music gear makers over the last few years. Its affordable analog Brute-series synths and drum machines provide that classic sound to those that may have otherwise been left dreaming about having that MiniMoog one day. While personally I like to have a balance between pricey analog sound sources and interesting software options, Arturia is unveiling the latest member in its analog Brute family and we are stoked about it.
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Microsoft had a surprisingly notable E3 showing this year. After it appeared as though it might not have much to show when it hit the stage, it proceeded to bombard us with 50 games including 18 exclusives and 15 world premieres. So yeah, things turned out alright. After all, we awarded the Cyberpunk 2077 trailer shown off during the Xbox presser one of our Game of Show awards this year.
Since then, we have seen some notable official price drops and even a pair of new Xbox One bundles as we continue through summer 2018, but it looks like the Xbox announcements and product unveils are just starting to heat up.
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In today’s best iOS and Mac app/game deals, we have notable price drops on YoWindow Weather, Dawn of Crafting, Survival: Man vs. Wild-Escape, Anytune Pro+ and more. You’ll find a complete list of today’s absolute best apps curated by hand down below:
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We feature our fair share of interesting gear and instruments for Mac/iOS musicians and producers around here. Just last week Elektron debuted the new Analog Heat external FX processor just after the fully-loaded Synth One iPad Synthesizer hit the App Store for free. A couple of months back Moog brought us the new Grandmother semi-modular analog synth, but today we are looking at the brand new SKULPT from British designer Modal.
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In today’s best game deals, Newegg is now offering Far Cry 5 on PS4 and Xbox One for $29.99 shipped. Simply use code EMCPWES25 at checkout to redeem the special price, It still fetches $60 at Best Buy and $39+ at Amazon.
ICYMI: Here are the best console game releases for July: Captain Toad, Octopath Traveler, Sonic, more
Down below you’ll find more console game deals and new products. Your daily iOS/Mac app sales are on the way!
We have seen some interesting innovations for guitar players over the last few years like the IK app-connected stomp boxes. Even Fender released it’s own iOS/Android powered amps in mid-2017, but today BOSS is announcing the availability of “the world’s first totally wireless guitar amplifier”.
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Whether it’s Passport holders, gorgeous leather messenger bags or iPhone and iPad cases, Pad & Quill makes just about everything except for pads and quills. Until today that is. The company is introducing its new lineup of journals and journal accessories, all of which carry on the company’s tradition in premium materials and focused craftsmanship.
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In today’s best game deals, Best Buy is offering Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle on Nintendo Switch for $29.99. However, those still with a GCU membership can grab the game for just $23.99. That’s one of the best prices we have ever tracked and well under the $54 you’ll pay at Amazon right now.
ICYMI: Here are the best console game releases for July: Captain Toad, Octopath Traveler, Sonic, more
Down below you’ll find more console game deals and new products. Your daily iOS/Mac app sales are on the way!
Amazon is offering the 16-piece Pyrex Simply Store Nesting Storage Set for $26.96 shipped. Matched at Home Depot. That’s within about $1 of the Amazon all-time low and the best we can find. It regularly sells for between $29 and $34 on Amazon where it carries a 4+ star rating from over 200 customers.
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Today Microsoft is unveiling the latest in its long lineup of Xbox One controllers. The company looks to be introducing a new series of controllers to the family with the Xbox Wireless Controller Sport White Special Edition. While it seems as though just every possible color combination has already been released in some way or other, Microsoft is taking the design touches up a notch here as opposed to just dropping a fresh coat of paint on the standard gamepad.
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The augmented reality app Home Design 3D GOLD is now on sale for $1. Regularly up to $12, we haven’t seen it drop this low since Black Friday 2017. It carries a 4+ star rating from thousands. More details below.
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While we have a great price on the Beats Solo3 On-Ears today, BuyDig is offering the Audio-Technica Solid Bass Wireless Over-Ear Headphones w/ Built-in Mic (ATH-WS99BT) for $134.99 shipped. Use code APTX during checkout. Regularly closer to $180 at Amazon and Newegg, this is $5 under the previous deal price and the best we can find. The can pair with up to 8 Bluetooth devices and a feature a built-in mic and controls. Rated 3.9/5 stars.
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Amazon is offering the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush in black or white (HX6810/50) for $29.95 shipped. Simply clip the $10 on-page coupon. This model is matched at Target and Walmart, however you can drop it down slightly more with a $12 mail-in-rebate. Either way, it goes for $48 at Best Buy and this is the lowest we can find. Rated 4+ stars.
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Elektron is one of our favorite audio production companies out there. It may not have a long-standing history like some of the more well-known brands like Moog, Korg and others, but it has been producing some of the more interesting hardware instruments in the game for a number of years from analog drum machines, effects boxes and synths, to digital beat machines and more. We have been lucky enough to go hands on with some of its gear in the past and we’re excited to hear about the launch of the new Analog Heat MKII.
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In today’s best iOS and Mac app/game deals, we have notable price drops on Tomb Raider: Underworld, Week Calendar, Braveland, Candleman, Planescape: Torment, Alto’s Adventure and more. You’ll find a complete list of today’s absolute best apps curated by hand down below:
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In today’s best game deals, Newegg is now offering God of War on PS4 for $44.99 shipped. Simply use code EMCPWPY35 at checkout. It still goes for $60 at Best Buy and Amazon.
ICYMI: Here are the best console game releases for July: Captain Toad, Octopath Traveler, Sonic, more
Down below you’ll find more console game deals and new products. Your daily iOS/Mac app sales are on the way!
The summer months tend to be slow for game releases while all of the biggest publishers blowout the next year or more of titles at E3. You’ll find all of our coverage of the biggest gaming event of the year right here, but it’s time to get back to the new games. July will see a couple re-releases and add-ons in the way of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker for Switch and 3DS along side Sonic Mania Plus, Octopath Traveler and more. Head below for more details on all the best game releases of July 2018.
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Founded in the mid 1920’s, Beyerdynamic has been producing high-quality audio gear out of Germany for many years. As of late, it is best known for its over-ear studio headphones that easily rank among our favorites in the price range. But today the company is introducing a new product in an audio category the it is not normally associated with.
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In today’s best iOS and Mac app/game deals, we have notable price drops on AirDisk Pro, Doom and Destiny, Demon’s Rise, Civilization games, Assassin’s Creed Identity and more. You’ll find a complete list of today’s absolute best apps curated by hand down below:
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At this point in the console cycle it is unlikely we will be getting any major announcements on the hardware side of things until the next generation machines get debuted. In the mean time, it will all be about special editions and new bundles looking to carry consoles as deep into the lifecycle as possible.
Sony recently unveiled the new Days of Play PS4 which headlined its big summer promotions this year surrounding E3 where it teased the new Kingdom Hearts 3 Special Edition console. And now, Microsoft is ready to turn out a pair of new bundles featuring Minecraft and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.
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The App Store is loaded with amazing music production tools. Many of our favorite instruments come by way of companies like Moog, but there are a few from smaller developers that really shine on the platform. While it has been hard to put down the iPad Model-D as of late, a new, open-source synth caught our eye recently.
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Seasoned gamers might remember that hilarious beat’em up-adventure game Shaquille O’Neal starred in back in the 90’s known as Shaq Fu. The title released on Super Nintendo, SEGA Genesis, Game Boy and Game Gear back in 1995, before being resurrected on Indiegogo a few years ago. After a few licensing delays and final polishing, the game finally hit store shelves earlier this month on June 5th. In other words, Shaq is back, but it looks like President Barack Obama is making a special appearance here as well?!?
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In today’s best iOS and Mac app/game deals, we have notable price drops on Brave Guardians TD, Hitman Sniper, the GO games,Montessorium: Intro to Letters and more. You’ll find a complete list of today’s absolute best apps curated by hand down below:
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In today’s best game deals, Amazon and Best Buy have now knocked $5 off Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch. But that means those still with a GCU membership can grab the game for $43.99 shipped. That’s the best price around and a great deal on Nintendo’s flagship racer. It now has full Labo support and you can see our full hands-on review right here.
ICYMI: The Steam Summer Sale is here! and Nintendo is bringing Labo support to Mario Kart 8 so you can race w/ your cardboard creations.
Down below you’ll find more console game deals and new products. Your daily iOS/Mac app sales are on the way!
We are officially in the battle royale era with titles like Fortnite at 125 million players strong and an increasing number of development teams vying for player share in the hottest genre in gaming. Essentially just a new game mode expanded from the tried and tested online arena shooter format titles like Call of Duty, Battlefield and Overwatch, even the biggest franchises in gaming have plans to enter the space. Last we week highlighted a lesser known survival-based battle royale title and today it’s time to take things up a notch.
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Just last week, Minecraft for Nintendo Switch got a major update which, among other things, allows for cross-platform play between Nintendo’s latest console, Xbox One and PCs. One glaring omission from that list is the PlayStation 4 which currently will not allow players on other platforms to match with PS4 gamers. And that includes Minecraft, Rocket League and the ever popular Fortnite. Sony has yet to officially alter its position on blocking cross-play and the like, but a new statement from the company hints that might be changing.
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Bringing full mouse and keyboard support to Microsoft’s home console has been a contentious topic for a while now among gamers and industry analysts. While there are already some games that allow for it (basically just Minecraft), new information in conjunction with leaked documents point at a major partnership between Xbox and Razor that is already in the works. Redmond has been teasing complete seamless mouse and keyboard support on Xbox One for what feels like years at this point, and it looks like it might finally be on the way.
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