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Justin Kahn

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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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Take on your friends in AR Lightsaber battles w/ new Star Wars Jedi Challenges update

Fittingly enough, Disney and Lenovo are announcing the latest update to the Star Wars: Jedi Challenges iOS/Android AR game as we celebrate May the Fourth. The VR headset meets mobile AR game combines some of the latest technology in the space with everyone’s favorite sci-fi franchise. The two companies are launching a new update today that will allow players to challenge each other in one-on-one Lightsaber duels. 
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LifeProof unveils new highly-protective backpacks for MacBook and active lifestyles

LifeProof has been a well-known brand name for a quite a while now. Alongside companies like Otterbox, it provides some of the toughest and robust smartphone cases on the market to keep your precious gear safe in the most rugged locales.

While the brand already offers other options like apparel, charging solutions, cables and more, today it is bringing its legacy in protective gear to the new active backpack lineup.
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IK unveils its first analog synth hardware for Mac & iOS w/ impressive price tag [Video]

IK Multimedia has created some of the best and most affordable audio production gear out there for years. Whether it’s a MIDI controller keyboard with a built-in interface, guitar rigs or high-quality iOS recording solutions, the company offers just about everything. It most recently launched (and has continued to support) its Syntronik Software Instrument collection, of which you can check out our review right here. Now, the company is stepping into the hardware synthesizer space for the first time.
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Watch the brand new Red Dead Redemption 2 story trailer right here [Video]

Red Dead Online

Rockstar doesn’t put out very many games, but when it does, the entire gaming world shuts down to pay attention. We already know Red Dead Redemption 2 is scheduled for release this year and today we are getting a brand new trailer. While we are yet to see the game go gold (ready for consumer manufacturing) and after several delays pushed its release to late 2018, it looks as though the folks at Take-Two are confident the game won’t get pushed back again.
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Capcom re-releasing Mega Man X & Mega Man 2 with special edition NES/SNES cartridges

Considering the franchise has been largely quiet for so long when it comes to new releases, Mega Man’s 30th anniversary run is turning out to be quite fruitful for fans of the series. With the announcement of the Mega Man X Collection and subsequent releases on Nintendo Switch for both Legacy bundles, not to mention Mega Man 11, the Blue Bomber is set to have a solid 2018 already. But, we had a feeling something interesting would be on the way from the folks over at iam8bit to mark the occasion as well, and here it is.
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Become a CIA agent with these top-secret government board games [Video]

No matter how old school board games and the like may seem these days, they just won’t seem to go away. Even with the amazing experiences we get on mobile and how far developers can take realism in the AAA console space, there’s just something about those vintage tabletop games that continues to bring friends and families together. While it has certainly been a while since we saw some kind of interesting innovation in the cardboard dice-rolling world, these new internal CIA training board games certainly caught our attention.
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Nintendo bringing new original RPG known as Dragalia Lost to iOS/Android [Video]

After what seemed like years of waiting, Nintendo has finally started putting some of its most iconic characters on iOS and Android devices. While the success of the Switch continues to cannibalize the company’s hand held 2DS/3DS market, Nintendo is ramping up development for Apple and Google’s mobile ecosystems.

Super Mario Run has been successful for the company and we already know some of its other major IPs are getting the mobile treatment soon, but it now looks like Nintendo has some new, original titles on the way for iOS/Android.
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Try out Detroit Become Human’s insane visuals & player-choice gameplay for FREE on PS4

Quantic Dream, led by game designer David Cage has been responsible for some of the most interesting and unapologetically cinematic experiences in gaming. The studio has heavily leaned on interactive storytelling and player ownership to create its most recent AAA titles. And now we are exactly one month from the release of the studio’s latest project known as Detroit: Become Human.

After officially going gold this week, Sony has announced the new Quantic Dream title will definitely be released next month and is now offering players a chance to give it a try early.
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Jailbreak allows all 14 million Nintendo Switch consoles to run custom apps & games

New Nintendo Switch

Nintendo has experienced almost nothing but major success over the last year or so. The release of the Switch has skyrocketed the company back to where it should be in the home console space and the NES/SNES Classic Edition hardware has been one of the hottest products (barely) on store shelves. While Nintendo’s legal team is constantly busy destroying the hopes and dreams of the home-brew modder community, it looks like the company might actually have a serious problem on its hands with a new Switch security flaw.
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Super Mario 64 meets Zelda Ocarina of Time in this new fan-made crossover game

Whether it’s creating their own custom Nintendo consoles or mining hidden NES games found inside the Switch operating system, we have covered some extremely interesting projects from the gaming hacker/modder community over the years. While many of them are less than legal, the ingenuity of these individuals continues to astound us.

After an extremely popular fan-made hack of Super Mario 64 went viral late last year, one of the master minds behind the project is back with the new Super Mario 64: Ocarina of Time mash-up.
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HumBeatz for iOS/Android magically translates vocals to MIDI instruments/drums [Video]

We have covered our fair share of interesting music-related iOS apps over the years. While most of our attention is spent on the more professional side of things with products from Moog, Cubasis, Akai and other companies of that nature, every once in a while a new product pops up on the more casual side of things with some interesting tech.

The new HumBeatz for iOS and Android caters to lesser experienced musicians, but its hassle-free design for quickly recording ideas along with the proprietary audio-to-MIDI translations have certainly caught our attention. 
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SNK looks to take on Nintendo & Sega with its own Neo Geo Classic Edition console

The Nintendo Classic Edition re-released consoles have been some of the hottest commodities in gaming over last couple years. Now, several of the most nostalgic names in the business are following suit. We already know Atari will release its own gaming hardware later this year and Sega finally announced it was getting into the miniature vintage console market earlier this week.

While excitement for the Sega MegaDrive Mini is at an all-time high, another popular Japanese gaming company is ready to go mini in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
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Here’s everything we know about the new Xbox Live Avatar Editor from today’s leaked video

Microsoft has been teasing the new Xbox One avatar system for quite a while now. We first got a good look at the new online personas back at E3, but the system has since missed most of its early launch targets. We expected to see the system in place on Windows systems by the end of 2017, but it looks like most of that is getting pushed to next month or later. Just recently, a now removed video of the system was leaked on to YouTube giving us a much better look at what we are in for when the new Xbox/Windows avatars finally make it to prime time.
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Iconic Sega Genesis titles are making their way to Nintendo Switch this summer

It’s shaping up to be a busy couple of weeks for the folks at Sega. The long-time gaming company has now decided to jump on the retro re-release train with the announcement of the upcoming Sega MegaDrive Mini. Chances are its response is going to be in-line with the Nintendo Classic Edition consoles and we expect stock to be limited once it finally hits store shelves later this year. But that won’t be the only way to play classic Sega titles on modern hardware in 2018.

Sega is planning on bringing a nice collection of its most iconic vintage titles to Switch as individual downloads via the Nintendo eShop this summer.
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Mega Man X Collection brings the entire series to PS4, Xbox One, Switch this summer [Video]

(Update): Both the Mega Man Legacy and Mega Man X Legacy Collections for Nintendo Switch are now up for pre-order at 20% off for Best Buy GCU and Amazon Prime members. 

The Mega Man series is one of the most iconic in gaming right up there with the likes of Mario, Yoshi, Samus and others. While Capcom has struggled to carry the Blue Bomber into the current generation of gaming, the Legacy Collections for the original titles are the best ways to hunt down robot masters on the latest hardware. While long time fans of the series certainly appreciate the original main line series, the Mega Man X titles brought the game to Super Nintendo with an array of new abilities, features and updated gameplay mechanics.

And now everyone’s favorite Maverick Hunter is making his way to PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC with the new Mega Man X Legacy Collections.
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UE intros Live In-Ear Monitors and new invisible cable system, more

Ultimate Ears is well-known these days for its portable Bluetooth speakers and well, consumer level audio gear. But the company also makes in-ear monitors for musicians and audio professionals that are getting a refresh today. The new UE Live in-Ear Monitors feature some notable tech along with the company’s new proprietary driver and cable systems.
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PlayStation 5 is reportedly in development, here’s everything we know so far

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We are pushing five years since the release of Sony’s PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One from Microsoft. After higher-end versions of those machines hit store shelves with the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, some industry analysts suggested this could be the last console generation. Meaning we were likely to see updated internals or some kind of jump to a completely new style of gaming platform before another traditional console generation hit. While that seemed like an interesting idea, it also seemed like it might be a little too soon for the big players to completely jump ship from the traditional business model and a new report suggests PlayStation 5 is already well underway.
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Start your production career with the new Beat Snap for iOS/Android [Video]

There are loads of interesting apps out there than combine preset DJ-like techniques with actual music sequencing and composition. One of our favorites in that category, while it certainly leans more towards the pro side of things, is KRFT. But today, we are taking a look at a new product from the folks over at MIXVIBES that is looking to make original music composition even easier and more fun than ever. Question is, will the somewhat suspicious IAP business plan ruin it all?
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Marvel’s Spider-Man for PS4 gets official release date, new trailer and more [Video]

With the release of the new God of War just a couple of weeks out now, Sony’s exclusive 2018 lineup is starting to heat up. One other major title coming to the Sony platform but not Microsoft’s is the new Spider-Man game. Originally shown off at E3 2016, the game is a collaboration between Sony, Marvel Studios and the talented folks at Insomniac Games. Needless to say, while skepticism remains, Spider-Man is certainly one of the most anticipated PS4 exclusives of the year.

Today, we are getting an official release date (it’s coming this year!), details on the collector’s editions, more gameplay information and a brand new trailer.
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Best Console Game Releases for April: God of War, Yakuza 6, Nintendo Labo, more

Best Black Friday gaming deals

April is here, and with it comes new game releases. Last month saw the release of Far Cry 5, Sea of Thieves, Assassin’s Creed Rogue Remastered and much more. This month, we are seeing God of War’s triumphant return as Kratos takes on Norse mythology, the latest Yakuza title makes it stateside, and Nintendo’s cardboard Toy-Con finally come to life.

All that and more in April’s best game releases down below:
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JLab goes retro w/ new Walkman-style wireless headphones for just $20, available now

$20

JLab Audio is launching a brand new pair of throw-back style headphones. The new Rewind Wireless Retro harken back to that 80’s look when the Walkman reigned supreme. Although JLab has implemented just about all of the modern amenities we have come to love in headphones these days including wireless connectivity, virtual assistant support and much more, the company still managed to keep them at an impossibly affordable price tag.
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Today’s Best Game Deals: Overwatch GOTY from $24, Cuphead $17, more

In today’s best game deals, Best Buy is offering Overwatch: Game of the Year Edition on Xbox One and PS4 for $29.99. That means GCU members can grab it for just $23.99 with free in-store pickup or free shipping in orders over $35. It currently sells for $30 and up on Amazon

More game/console deals:

ICYMI: The Xbox One & PSN Spring Sales now live w/ up to 67% off: Rocket League, Cuphead, MGS, more

Down below you’ll find more console game deals and new products. Your daily iOS/Mac app sales are on the way!
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The best HDD/SSD solutions for Logic Pro X users, content creators and more

Today we are going to be taking a look at some of our favorite options for storing our sample libraries and other files for content creation. No matter what it is we are creating, at some point or other, storage is a must, whether it’s for project assets, backups or archival purposes. While this particular roundup will be focusing mainly on music producers and their sample libraries, many of our suggestions will work with other applications as well.
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ROLI’s new Songmaker Kit brings 5D touch to your music productions for $600 ($800+ value)

$150+ off

Today, ROLI is announcing the availability of the Songmaker Kit. The bundle brings together two of company’s latest multi-touch controllers with the Loop Block and over $400 worth of software along with them. The previous kit offered for a very brief time earlier this year and for a limited time in 2016 sold out so quickly the company decided to give it another run.
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Moog brings the classic Minimoog Model D to iOS today w/ introductory pricing [Video]

best Black Friday iOS app deals - Minimoog

Moog’s legacy in the electronic music and synthesizer world is second to none. The company has been pumping out some of the most amazing instruments on the planet since the 70’s, including one of the world’s first portable synthesizers known as the Minimoog Model D. The pricey icon of yesteryear may have at some time only really been available to big time acts like Nine Inch Nails, Kraftwerk and Dr. Dre (just to name a few), Moog is now bringing a lovingly recreated version of the Model D to iOS for the rest of us.
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Guacamelee! 2 set for release this summer + new details from GDC 2018 [Video]

Guacamelee’s interesting blend of Mexican folklore, humor and action packed gameplay garnered it critical praise as one of the best indie releases of the year. While that was way back in 2013, a sequel has been in the works for quite some time now. After the debut announcement trailer hit YouTube back in October of last year (see below), we now have an official release window and more details from the game’s appearance at GDC 2018.
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You can grab $50+ off Pad & Quill’s new luxury Heritage Leather Duffle Bag

$50 off

It has been a busy couple of weeks for the folks at Pad & Quill. The company’s handcrafted accessory lineup got some major updates including new all-leather Rolltop backpacks and messenger bags for your MacBook and iPad. Before that, Pad & Quill launched its very first TechFolio to keep all your smaller gadgets and accessories organized. And there’s no reason to stop there.

Today Pad & Quill is launching what might be its nicest looking leather bag yet with the Heritage Leather Duffle.
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Tweetbot for Mac goes 50% off as Twitter shuts down official desktop app: $5 (Reg. $10)

50% off/$5

Tweetbot for Twitter on the Mac App Store is now down to $4.99. Originally $20, the popular Twitter app usually fetches closer to $10 these days. Today’s deal is matching the lowest we have tracked for the Mac version. Just last month Twitter announced it was shuttering its desktop app for Mac, leaving Tweetbot as one of the best alternatives out there. Rated 4+ stars from thousands. 
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Review: ECOVACS N79S iOS/Android Robo Vac gets the job done without breaking the bank

Well I have to admit, I’m a little late to the party when it comes to robot vacuums. My extended family and friends have been adopting them into their homes for a while now, so it’s time I did the same. My personal requirements aren’t overly exhaustive and I wanted to try something that wasn’t too expensive for my first go around. ECOVACS has been making a good name for itself in the space with its affordable products, so the new DEEBOT N79S Robot Vacuum Cleaner seemed like a great candidate.
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The new Shadow of the Tomb Raider leaks ahead of tomorrow’s big announcement

(Update 3/15 10.25am): Square Enix has now officially unveiled Shadow of the Tomb Raider and the debut trailer down below. The full reveal hits on April 27th.

It has been a few years now since we saw the last entry in the now rebooted Tomb Raider franchise. 2015’s Rise of the Tomb Raider was a success for the folks at Square Enix and rumors over the last year or more have pointed at a direct follow-up being in the works. After possible titles for the next game leaked via an unfortunate subway incident, followed by other spotty rumors, we now know Shadow of the Tomb Raider is coming out this year.
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