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Justin Kahn

justinkahnmusic

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.

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Microsoft E3 2019 showcase to feature over 14 first party games + much more

Microsoft E3 2019 showcase details

We got a full rundown of Nintendo’s schedule a few weeks back, and now we have even more details on the Microsoft E3 2019 showcase. Microsoft will be the first out of the gate when it comes to the major E3 presentations this year and we have a much better idea of what to expect now. Along with a plethora of first party game unveils and possible hardware announcements, Microsoft has every opportunity possible to steal the show this year. More details below.
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TE teams up w/ Justin Roiland on the new Rick and Morty Pocket Operator synth

Rick and Morty Pocket Operator unveiled

In a continued effort to expand its miniature synth lineup, Teenage Engineering has now announced the new Rick and Morty Pocket Operator. Much like the previous crossover PO collab, the new synth will make use of the lineup’s already established technology in a brand new sampler instrument influenced by the popular show. Not only are the stock sounds inspired by the show, but the entire machine will be adorned with its titular characters and specific artistic touches. All the details are down below.
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Review: iRig Micro mini guitar amp doubles as an iOS/Mac audio interface + more

iRig Micro mini guitar amp review
$150

Today we are diving in head first with the IK Multimedia iRig Micro mini guitar amp. This tiny device offers up a ton of value on paper with an integrated audio interface and software emulation system, but does that justify the price tag? We went hands-on to find out. Head below for all the details.
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Tascam unveils new TH-06 Monitoring Headphones w/ ‘ear shaking’ Bass XL tech, more

Tascam TH-06 Monitoring Headphones up for pre-order

Tascam has now unveiled the latest addition to its TH-series family with new monitoring headphones. The TH-06 Bass XL cans feature custom components and technology to provide an enhanced low frequency response. Designed for DJs and music producers, they are also a great choice for anyone who wants more bass blasted directly in to the ear drum, according to Tascam. Head below the jump for more details and availability.
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Just Cause movie to be written by John Wick creator, goes in to production next year

Just Cause Movie to be written by John Wick creator

Constantin has locked down the film rights to create the first Just Cause movie. The action-heavy open-world video game series adaptation is said to be going in to production next year with Derek Kolstad attached to pen the script. While confidence in video game films has never really been all that high, the frenetic action and sheer destruction from Just Cause is sure to translate to the big screen, if it’s done right that is. All the details are down below.
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Next generation PlayStation to feature seamless cloud gaming, 10x faster loads, more

Next Generation PlayStation details

While it still looks like it’s more than a year out, Sony is continuing to drop details regarding the next generation PlayStation console. During a recent corporate strategy presentation, the company showed off the console’s impressive load times in comparison to PS4 Pro and talked about its focus on cloud gaming, among other things. Head below for everything.
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Sony now set to produce original PlayStation TV shows and movies

PlayStation TV shows and movies on the way

Sony has now launched an internal production branch to focus on PlayStation TV shows and movies. The new PlayStation Productions has been put together to create original content in the form of film and TV shows based on its more than 100 gaming properties. While it’s hard to say whether or not Sony can lift the dreaded games to movies curse the industry has been plagued with for years, keeping things internal sounds like a good start. All the details are down below.
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New Super Mario Maker 2 secrets spotted in Japanese Direct + more

Super Mario Maker 2 secrets spotted?

While Nintendo was generous enough to absolutely unload on new details this week, some may have noticed a few Super Mario Maker 2 secrets during the presentation. We aren’t talking about easter eggs here, but rather some details that you might not have noticed in the fast-paced Nintendo Direct event. Ranging from new possible power-ups only spotted in the overseas showcase, or some seemingly obvious omissions from the official script, you’ll want to head below for all the details.
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Microsoft and Sony are teaming up for new cloud-based gaming services + more

New cloud-based gaming services from Microsoft and Sony

While they have mostly been bitter rivals for as long as we can remember, Sony and Microsoft are now teaming up on new cloud-based gaming services. The details are still a little bit thin at this point, but the two gaming titans are clearly going to be exploring the future of gaming together, according to recent statements. Head below for more details.
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Pad & Quill’s New Leather MacBook Bags are over $115 off: Gladstone Briefcase and Duffle Bag

New leather MacBook bags arrive from Pad & Quill

Pad & Quill is unveiling a pair new leather MacBook bags for business professionals, or really just anyone looking to take it up a notch with a handcrafted full-grain leather carrier. The new Gladstone Leather Briefcase and Duffle Bag are the latest additions to the company’s growing lineup of leather carriers. While not the most affordable options out there, we are seeing launch price drops as well as an additional discount using the promo code you’ll find down below.
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Ten new titles for the Sega Genesis Mini console unveiled w/ rare Mega Man bundle & more

Sega Genesis Mini console - 10 more games get announced

The Sega Genesis Mini console has had a tumultuous unveiling after being announced back in 2016 and then delayed until late 2019. Pre-orders on Sega’s miniature gaming machine finally went live a couple months ago and today we are getting even more information. Up until this point, Sega had only divulged 20 of the 40 “legendary titles” that will be pre-loaded on the Genesis Mini, but all that changes today. Head below for all the details.
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Super Mario Maker 2 Nintendo Direct: Story mode, multiplayer, new enemies, more [Video]

Super Mario Maker 2 Direct Event 2019
Read more

The scheduled Super Mario Maker 2 Nintendo Direct event just took place via the company’s social channels. The big N promised us nothing but SMM2 for 15 straight minutes and it certainly did not disappoint. While some of the info in today’s presentation already appeared in our previous details roundups, we now have a much better idea of what to expect come June when the game officially launches. Head below for all the details.
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Mortal Kombat movie scheduled to start filming this year w/ Aquaman producer

Mortal Kombat movie shooting this year

That Mortal Kombat movie we’ve been hearing about has now gotten the greenlight. We also have more details on who is attached to the project and when it will begin shooting. NeatherRealm boss Ed Boon has been teasing this film for quite some time now. But it looks like it’s actually going in to production nearly 25 years after the first Mortal Kombat movie hit the silver screen. All the details are down below.
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Red Dead Online role-playing systems on the way + poker, new co-op missions and more

Red Dead Online role-playing systems plus poker and much more

Rockstar has taken to its official blog to announce Red Dead Online role-playing systems, along with a long list of other enhancements. Most of the major updates will kick-off this summer while others will begin to appear by the end of the month. Last we heard from Rockstar on the matter it was focusing on balancing the experience and reducing griefing. While its efforts continue in that direction, we are also getting a series of cosmetic content, new co-op campaign missions and much more.  Head below for all the details.
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Snakeybus transforms the classic game formula into an epic (ridiculous) 3D bus sim

Snakeybus out now!

There are hundreds of versions of the classic Snake game formula out there, but none quite like Snakeybus. You know those little snake games where you have to navigate through a small grid as your character grows until you inevitably bump in to yourself and get a game over? Well, this is like that, but with drifting and serious air time and urban destruction…and a giant bus. Head below for all the details.
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Review: Sensel Morph Mac touch controller for content creators + new Buchla overlay

Today we are taking a closer look at the Sensel Morph Mac touch controller. Designed around haptic feedback technologies and advanced MIDI protocols (among other things), the Sensel Morph provides users with a transformable touch controller for just about any computer based application. The portable nature and immediacy of the machine has always caught our eye. So with the release of the new Buchla overlay we though it was time to take a hands-on look.
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IK unveils one of the most affordable drum machines out there w/ the new UNO Drum

UNO Drum is one most affordable drum machines out there

IK Multimedia is ready to unveil one of the most affordable drum machines out there today. The fully-featured UNO Drum is the second instrument in the company’s growing analog lineup. After deciding that the UNO Synth was one of the best starter analog instruments on the market in our hands-on review, we are excited to dive in to the new UNO Drum as soon as we can. Today’s announcement highlights a sub $250 combo analog/PCM drum machine with most of the feature set we find on more expensive offerings. Head below for all the details.
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New canvas MacBook bag from WaterField takes you from the office to the gym + free gear pouch

WaterField's new canvas MacBook bag cover

Today, WaterField is introducing its new canvas MacBook bag. The new Tech Rolltop Backpack is designed to eliminate the need to cary separate bags for work, travel and after-work activities. Along with a handy MacBook pouch it also sports ample space for all your work out gear and can easily double as a more business-oriented waxed canvas brief when the situation calls for it. Head below for more details and how to secure yourself a free Denier ballistic nylon or waxed canvas gear pouch.
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Urbanears unveils new wireless Pampas headphones w/ daisy chain music sharing

Urbanears Pampas headphones are here!

The latest Urbanears Pampas headphones are here. These new headsets are the Swedish design/audio firm’s latest cans aimed at a more fashion-focused market. With a stylized, yet minimalistic design, and an oversized footprint, Urbanears’ latest is looking to take on some of the major players among younger, streetwear-centric customers. All the details are down below.
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Sonic The Hedgehog Movie to get a visual overhaul after negative internet reaction

Sonic The Hedgehog movie gets visual overhaul

The Sonic The Hedgehog movie trailer dropped earlier this week. As exciting as it was to see the upcoming blockbuster in action, let’s just say some (most) people weren’t exactly happy with Sonic’s design. Let’s face it, Jim Carrey’s just about every film he’s ever been in, so there’s no surprise there. But it was almost as if the people making this movie had never laid eyes on everyone’s favorite furry hero before spending millions on a Hollywood adaption. Fortunately, that’s all about to change.
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Castlevania spiritual successor gets an official release date on PS4, Xbox, PC and Switch

Castlevania spiritual successor gets a release date

We are finally getting more details and release dates for the upcoming Castlevania spiritual successor. After an extremely extended development cycle, ArtPlay and 505 Games now have definitive release dates for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. The game will be launching on all major platforms starting in mid-June. Plus we are getting a brand new trailer to mark the occasion. Get a closer look down below.
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New Xbox Game Pass content for May inbound: Wolfenstein II, Tacoma, LEGO Batman, more

New Xbox Game Pass content for May

Microsoft has now announced a list of new Xbox Game Pass content for May. The service provides over 100 titles on-demand and will now offer a series of new notable games throughout next month. LEGO superheroes, BJ Blazkowicz’s latest and the mysteries of Tacoma, among others, are all on the slate for May. Head below for all the details.
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New Super Mario Maker 2 details: Meowser, 8-bit jungles, new enemies/stages, more

New Super Mario Maker 2 Details emerge
Read more

When Nintendo unveiled the sequel at a Direct event back in February, we weren’t left with very many new Super Mario Maker 2 details. We were essentially left to our own devices when it comes to pulling new information about the upcoming create-your-own Mario game. While eagle-eyed fans did pull a number of new features from the brief trailer and game art at the time, a recently released Japanese poster for the game is shedding a bit more light on what’s to come in Super Mario Maker 2.
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The next PlayStation console is still more than a year out, PS4 sales numbers slow down

Next PlayStation console details

After finally getting some concrete details on the next PlayStation console a couple weeks back from lead architect Mark Cerny, new information has emerged courtesy of today’s earnings call. As profit margins on Sony’s current generation machine are expected to dwindle quite significantly over the next year or so, the company is citing investment in PS5 as one reason. All that plus additional details on when we are expecting the next generation console to arrive are down below.
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Persona 5 Super Smash Bros. content is here + free stage builder, more

Persona 5 Super Smash Bros. content hits today

New Persona 5 Super Smash Bros. content is available starting today as part of the first DLC pack. On top of that, the version 3.0 update also hits today with some substantial in-game features and content. In fact, Nintendo has now dropped a brand new trailer for Persona 5’s Joker, his abilities and Final Smash. Head below for all the details.
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Octopath Traveler for Steam hits this summer, the Switch RPG is exclusive no more

Octopath Traveler for Steam is only two months out

Octopath Traveler for Steam is on its way. Square Enix’s throwback title released last summer for Nintendo Switch and has since received solid reviews for its old school-style RPG gameplay. The 2D-like visuals were only available on Nintendo’s hit hybrid console, but now it will finally open its arms to PC gamers in a couple months time.
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Marshall Bluetooth speakers get a refresh with new brown colorway

Marshall Bluetooth speakers go brown

Those gorgeous Marshall Bluetooth speakers are getting an update today. Closely designed after the iconic styling of its guitar amplifiers, these speakers feature a vintage-style look that tends to set them apart for most (if not all) of the competition out there. Today Marshall is introducing an updated versions of its ActonStanmore and Woburn II models with a new colorway and some additional enhancements. Head below for all the details.
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You can finally change your PSN Online ID starting today

Change your PSN Online ID later today

You’ll finally be able to change your PSN Online ID starting later today, according to the official PlayStation Blog. Back in October of 2018, Sony announced that it would soon be supporting online ID changes after a brief interim as part of the beta preview program. After well over a decade of waiting for the feature, PlayStation gamers can finally grab that shiny new online name they have been waiting for. Although there are a few caveats to keep in mind. Head below for all the details.
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New affordable MIDI keyboard controllers from Nektar start at just $50

New affordable MIDI keyboard controllers from Nektar start at $50

Nektar has now unveiled a pair of new affordable MIDI keyboard controllers. The new SE line is aimed at entry-level music producers while still providing more than enough controls to keep things interesting for years to come. Ready for your Mac or mobile setups right out of the box, Nektar’s latest are some of the most accessible and budget-friendly MIDI keyboards on the market right now. Head below for everything.
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Rode’s new recording solution is the world’s smallest wireless microphone system

World's smallest wireless microphone system starts at $200

Rode has now introduced what it calls the world’s smallest wireless microphone system. The brand new audio recording setup provides broadcast quality audio with no wires needed. This system is an extremely compact recording solution ideal for those capturing performances or audio of just about any kind out in the field. Rode also claims that it carries a “price that will reset the marketplace”. Head below for more.
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Borderlands 3 release date unveiled alongside pre-order bonuses and a brand new trailer

Borderlands 3 release date unveiled

Take-Two and Gearbox announced the official Borderlands 3 release date today. While it will be a staggered launch to some degree, you can expect to be playing the latest entry in the Borderlands series this year. We are also getting details on the special editions, pre-order bonuses and most importantly, a brand new gameplay trailer. As always, everything is waiting for you down below.
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Best microphone isolation shields to make your vocal recordings stand out from the pack

Best microphone isolation shields out there
Read more

Today we are going to be taking a look at the best microphone isolation shields. No matter what the budget might be on your upcoming/current production, unless you’re forking over serious cash to a professional studio space, you will want to read on. A good microphone isolation shield can make a massive difference on your vocal/music recordings and can be affordable enough to invest in before your channel/content is already making you money.
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Reg. $20/FREE

How to get a year of FREE Nintendo Switch Online access via Amazon Prime

Amazon is now offering up to 12 months of Nintendo Switch Online for FREE. You will need to be an Amazon Prime member, but providing you have that in order all you have to do is link your Prime account to your Twitch account right here. And then jump over to this landing page to redeem your FREE access. First you claim the 3 months and then after 60 days you can go claim the following 9 months of Switch Online. A year of Switch online is regularly $20. Just remember to manually cancel the subscription as it ends because it will convert into a paid subscription. More details below.
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Witcher 3 devs announce Gwent for iOS with a 2019 release date + more

Gwent for iOS coming this year

Today, the talented group of developers over at CD Projekt Red are finally announcing Gwent for iOS. In fact, the popular Witcher card game will also be making its way to Android, according to today’s press release. Despite its impressive production value, the game’s format is just asking for a mobile release and it is almost surprising it has taken this long to make its way to iOS. Head below for more details on Gwent mobile and some new expansion content.
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New Generation Zero trailer shows off the game’s robot infested open-world & 1980s setting

New Generation Zero trailer is now live

Set for release next week, a brand new Generation Zero trailer has emerged. Best known for titles like Mad Max and the Just Cause series, a small break-away faction of Avalanche Studios has been hard at work on its new open-world, third person shooter. Head below for a closer look at robot-infested 1980s Sweden and more details on the game.
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