Patrick Campanale

In this week’s Best of 9to5Toys: Pad & Quill launches massive 30% off sale, Best Buy discounts Apple’s 10.5-inch iPad Pro by up to $150, we show you how to kickstart your Z-Wave smart home, more…

Expand
Expanding
Close

When it comes to listening to audio, dedicated speakers are important. Sure, headphones exist, and your TV probably has decent built-in speakers, but for a proper listening experience, having a purpose-built set of drivers is a must. In those speakers, there are a number of technologies that we’ve come to expect. Google’s Home Max has Assistant built-in, while Apple’s HomePod has Siri, and Amazon has the Echo Plus with Alexa.

When it comes to smart speakers, that’s about it, along with Sonos, but there is no real new design here: a speaker is a speaker. In comes Leo from Constellation Audio, with beautiful design, multiple input sources, and a nice array of speakers, this could be the latest audio device to find its way into our homes.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Just yesterday, we wrote about AMC’s new movie subscription plan that gives you 3 movies a week of any showing for $20 per month. In lieu of that, MoviePass has made a slew of its own announcements, some good, some not so good.

MoviePass is kind of the original around here when it comes to movie theater subscription services, though the company has taken a lot of backlash in recent months due to policy and offering change. Now MoviePass is at it again, this time with three large changes that are set to happen before summer ends.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Movie subscription services have been around for ages. Starting with Netflix and other similar services with DVD mail-order options, we’ve now moved onto plans that allow you to see movies in theaters for a monthly fee. At the head of this service category is MoviePass, but AMC is looking to dethrone them.

MoviePass costs $10/mo and gives you the ability to see any movie every day of the week, as long as it’s a standard showing…and it’s a participating theater…and it’s the same day you want to see the movie…and you’re within 100 yards of the theater…and you haven’t seen the movie before. AMC counters that with the ability to see any showing, any format, multiple times, allows you to order tickets ahead of time, and more.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Charging your phone can sometimes be a drag. Finding the wall adapter, cable, now an outlet no one is using… With people having increasingly more technological devices, open outlets are becoming harder to come by in houses.

There are things like Anker’s multi-port USB charging hubs, and AUKEY’s dual-port USB charger, but they still require you to have a USB cable handy and take up counter space. In comes Rabbit Charger, a uniquely designed wall outlet that has a dual-ended USB cable built into it to keep your devices topped off easily.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Classic games can sometimes be hard to find at affordable prices. I’ve long been a fan of Project Cars, DOOM, Battlefield 4, and then there are series like Uncharted and Last of Us that all of my gaming friends try to get me to play. Paying full retail for these titles isn’t ever enjoyable years after release, and Sony realizes this. With that information, Sony has announced PlayStation Hits, a selection of well-known and best-selling titles for just $19.99 each, read on for more information.

Expand
Expanding
Close

The Nintendo Switch is a world-renowned gaming console at this point. With millions upon millions of units sold, Nintendo really has a hit on its hands here. At E3, the gaming icon announced games like Super Smash Bros. and others, but something that didn’t get much press was a dual-Switch gaming configuration that can really bring a new perspective to gaming.

Generally, gaming, though three-dimensional during gameplay, is very two-dimensional, even when doing multi-player. You’re both on the same screen (or your own screen) and each has a similar view to the other. It’s as if you each have an identical system giving you the same feedback, just at a different position on the track or map. Through the demoed gameplay at E3, this new two-Switch style of gaming could change that.

Expand
Expanding
Close

In this week’s Best of 9to5Toys: The Apple Watch Series 3 drops $50 for Father’s Day, AT&T offers buy one get one free iPhone X & T-Mobile offers $700 in gift cards with the purchase of two iPhones, B&H Father’s Day Sale has Apple deals, more…

Expand
Expanding
Close

E3 just ended, and with it came tons of announcements. Though Black Ops 4 wasn’t announced at E3, Activision announced that it would be partnering with Comcast to provide pre-release gameplay to its customers.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is the next game in the Black Ops series, but features tons of twists and turns from other games. With an official release set for October 12th, this is a great opportunity to experience the game first-hand before launch.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Recently, it was reported that everyone in Apple Park will receive standing desks because “sitting is the new cancer.” I started using a standing desk recently, and though I don’t use it quite enough, I still love the fact I can go from sitting to standing with no issue.

I use an UpDesk daily, and while designed very minimally, there are some things I’d like to see added to it. NookDesk is a newcomer to the standing desk game with its latest product that includes a triple-level workspace, multiple desktop materials, add-ons like USB ports, and more.

Expand
Expanding
Close

In this week’s Best of 9to5Toys: Best Buy’s Father’s Day sale features up to $350 off MacBooks, Clockwork Synergy offers 9to5Toys readers 20% off for Father’s Day, Anker’s latest Amazon sale is packed full of great deals, more…

Expand
Expanding
Close

Computers have been really stagnant lately. Apple “innovated” when it announced the Touch Bar on its 2016 MacBook Pro line, but other than that, generally speaking, true innovation and trying new things in computers has been limited to physical size reductions.

ASUS is now trying to do something new with its ZenBook Pro 15 line. We recently covered the general launch of this new series of computers from ASUS, but at Computex this year, the company announced a new version with a slight twist: no trackpad, but a touchscreen.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Dash cameras are becoming must-haves for many consumers. From traffic stop recording to accidents, dash cams can really be beneficial for having records of traffic-related problems.

Well, Cobra, the company behind many dash radar detectors, recently launched its new Drive HD Dash Cameras, with features such as its built-in iRadar integration, dual camera view, and more available throughout the lineup.

Expand
Expanding
Close

When people think of standing desk packages, most equate that to being higher-end or expensive. Though true, standing desks have many benefits that can help outweigh the cost. UpDesk is one standing desk company that we’ve written about before, and I use one of the company’s BevelUp desks in my daily workflow. With prices starting at $999 for the BevelUp, it can be out of some people’s reach.

Well, today, UpDesk announced its latest product, the Home. This new desk is 60-inches by 30-inches and will set you back $595. This is for the desktop and leg combo, and with its modern design is sure to be a great addition to any house.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Amazon offers the Twelve South BookBook Leather iPhone X Case in two colors for $35.99 shipped. Regularly $60, this is a new Amazon all-time low and the best available. This 3-in-1 iPhone X case features a removable outer shell, wallet and unique leather-bound book styling. Rated 4.2/5 stars.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Nintendo’s Switch has been the recipient of many acclaimed games, and more are rumored to be announced at E3 in just about a week or so. One upcoming game that has everyone excited is Mario Tennis Aces. This weekend only, you’ll have a chance to try it out and participate in a pre-launch tournament.

Expand
Expanding
Close

E3 is on the way, and with it, so are many games. We’ve already seen the Black Ops 4 announcement, Battlefield V, and even Fallout 76. It’s time for Assassin’s Creed to hit the spotlight, whether Ubisoft wants it to or not.

Ubisoft launched Assassin’s Creed Syndicate back in 2015, and no one really fawned over it. Because of this, Ubisoft decided to launch the next title after two years in order to take more time to develop a better game. According to some sources, this new Assassin’s Creed, dubbed Odyssey, will come in Ubisoft’s 2019 fiscal year, which would bring it right in line with that two-year release cycle.

Expand
Expanding
Close

When it comes to smart TVs, good interfaces are few and far between for built-in options. Most first-party smart interfaces are cumbersome and clumsy to navigate, stop getting updates shortly after the TV is released, and just don’t work well period.

If you’re lucky enough for your TV to support Google Cast, then that’s a bonus, but you have to use a phone, tablet, or computer in order to project content to the big screen. The other option is to plug an Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, or Fire TV into your setup and let that handle the content delivery. Amazon wants to change that and recently teamed up with Best Buy and Toshiba to announce the Fire TV Edition, available now.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Wyze Camera is a great little security option for those on a budget. Recording 1080p, motion tracking, and night vision, the little camera is a great buy at $20. I have a few and love them, as they’re great for static shots.

One place where Wyze was lacking, however, was actual movement. The original Wyze camera (and V2) both were static cameras, meaning they aimed where you pointed. But, that all changes today with the Wyze Cam Pan.

Expand
Expanding
Close

D-Link is one of the most well-known names when it comes to home networking, and now the company is launching new Wi-Fi cameras along with an enhanced mydlink app in the pipeline. The cameras range from base 120-degree field of view with cloud/local recording and no movement to full pan and tilt options, but keep reading for more details.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Retro video gaming seems to be returning to the spotlight. Recently, rumors started about Nintendo reviving its iconic N64 after the massive releases of the NES Classic and SNES consoles.

Now, Intellivision is set to release a new “family video game console.” You might not recognize the name Intellivision, but the company originally launched its gaming platform in 1979, though it didn’t last nearly as long as companies like Atari or Nintendo. The console manufacturer is back, though, so read on to find out more on this new platform.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Keeping your technology in tip-top shape is never an easy task. Whether you’re not that into the how and why of tech, or its parents, grandparents, or just a friend, there’s always that moment where someone needs help.

Best Buy has offered, for years, its Geek Squad Protection Plans. In fact, Best Buy offered software solutions that covered a few computers for yearly fees, as well. That all changed when the company launched “Total Tech Support Powered by Geek Squad.” This new service covers just about everything you might need for one low yearly fee, but is it worth it?

Expand
Expanding
Close

Amazon offers the Sunforce 50022 5-Watt Solar Battery Trickle Charger for $29.32 shipped. Normally $50+, this is the lowest we’ve seen it go at Amazon. Great for keeping your car or boat battery topped off if you park them for a while, this charger uses the sun’s power instead of a wall outlet. Rated 3.7/5 stars.

Other notable green deals include:

• iOttie’s Easy One Touch Bike Mount falls to $15 Prime shipped for the first time (25% off)
• TP-Link’s best-selling HS100 Smart Plug returns to $20 Prime shipped, more from $25
• Outfit your home w/ Belkin’s WeMo Smart Light Switch for $35 shipped ($15 off), more
• Automate lawn watering w/ Netro’s Smart Sprinkler Controller for $99 (Reg. $120)
• Nest 3rd Gen. Learning Thermostat in multiple colors for $150 shipped (Reg. $230), more

Expand
Expanding
Close

As part of its Memorial Day Sale, Best Buy is currently offering several notable TV deals. Our favorite from the sale is TCL’s 65-inch 4K Roku-enabled Smart UHDTV for $629.99 shipped. Normally $700, this is one of the best prices we’ve tracked recently on TCL’s 65-inch 4K UHDTV. Ratings are thin here, but TCL is well-rated at both Best Buy and Amazon.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Smart is the theme in 2018, and it’s awesome. Alexa (or Google Home/HomePod) are at the center of it all, and this latest product takes advantage of it in a way that can really be beneficial.

RolliCool launched a line of Alexa-enabled smart portable air conditioners. The power rating ranges from 10,000 to 14,000 BTUs and you can control it from an iOS/Android phone or with Alexa, depending on whether or not you want to use a phone or voice.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Nintendo’s Classic Edition consoles have kinda taken the world by storm lately. We’ve given them away, loved them, and these pieces of remastered iconic tech can still be nearly impossible to get at retail prices.

The rumor mill is now churning, and apparently, Nintendo has applied for a new Nintendo 64 trademark, which can hopefully only mean one thing, an N64 Classic Edition must be close.

Expand
Expanding
Close

When it comes to gaming accessories or computers, Razer is normally high up on the list. One of the first companies to introduce the eGPU (and with its recently-released model becoming more affordable), Razer is normally at the forefront of gaming engineering when it comes to computers.

The Razer Blade has seen a few updates throughout the years, but never really any huge “upgrades” – until now, that is. The gaming company finally gave one of the best laptops on the market a worthy upgrade with a bigger screen, better look, and a trend I’m loving a larger trackpad.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Huawei is a name that’s been making its rounds in the press lately. The company recently launched the MateBook X Pro laptop for international customers, but it finally announced the U.S. availability and pricing.

Starting at $1,199.99, the MateBook X Pro is a high-end laptop, but both the specs and design warrant it. With unique features like a pop-up webcam and design that reminds us of a certain fruit-named company, the MateBook X Pro could shake up Windows PCs for the better.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Streaming can be intimidating, but it’s really not that hard. In this new series, Learn with Me – How to Stream, we’re going to take a look at how you can broadcast gameplay from multiple gaming platforms. From PC to Switch, we’re going to show you the best practices to use for all methods, and also how to best upgrade your setup along the way.

Expand
Expanding
Close

In this week’s Best of 9to5Toys: B&H launches its biggest Apple sale of the year, Twelve South’s Duet Dual drops to $60, Apple’s latest generation 9.7-inch iPad in new open-box condition is just $282, more…

Expand
Expanding
Close

Laptops used to be for light-duty work only. At one time, they were limited to dual-core processors (even with i7’s) and then we stepped into the realm of quad-core offerings. After that came quad-core hyperthreading, giving you theoretically 8 lanes of processing power.

Now, it’s time for a new generation of processing to take place. ASUS recently announced a new ZenBook Pro 15 laptop, with Intel’s massive Core i9-8950HK processor that features 6 cores and 12 threads of monstrous power. But that’s not all this laptop packs, keep reading to find out more.

Expand
Expanding
Close

LEGO is one of those things that we’ve all used. Whether young or old, it’s likely that you uses LEGOs as a kid. One thing about LEGO, though, is that there’s not really a ton of room for innovation. Well, that is until now. LEGO recently announced its Powered Up line which is a collection of motorized, smartphone-compatible LEGO kits launching on July 1st.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Smart home security systems are becoming more and more prevalent, and Abode is a company offering such a solution. We went hands-on with the company’s security system a few months ago, and today, they released a much-anticipated update.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Just a few weeks ago, we reported that Amazon Prime members would start to see discounts at Whole Foods stores, but the details were scarce at the time. Now we have all of the details from Amazon directly and it’s quite awesome. With exclusive discounts for Amazon’s Prime members, shopping at Whole Foods could become a lot more tempting.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Amazon offers the Garmin vívosmart HR Activity Tracker for $69 shipped. Originally $150, this tracker has fetched around $100 for quite a few months and this is the lowest Amazon has offered it. We’ve seen it on sale for $50 once before in a limited time holiday promotion late last year. Recording your steps, heart rate, sleep, and more, this tracker can even be viewed in direct sunlight. Rated 3.9/5 stars from thousands of Amazon shoppers.

Garmin Vivofit Jr. Activity Tracker for Kids w/ 2 Bands:

BuyDig is offering the Garmin Vivofit Jr. Activity Tracker for Kids w/ 2 Bands in either Flower and Purple or Digi Camo and Black for $54.99 shipped (Reg. $90). Garmin’s Vivofit line is well-rated.

More smartphone accessories:

• Veckle Universal Dashboard Car Phone Mount: $7 (Reg. $13) | Amazon
  • w/ code CKKLWMYO
• AUKEY USB-C to USB-C 3-Pack: $10 (Reg. $16) | Amazon
  • w/ code AUKEYCM6
• AUKEY USB 3.0 to USB-C 5-Pack: $15 (Reg. $17) | Amazon
  • w/ code AUKEYCM2
• Gosund 2-pack Wi-Fi Smart Plugs $17.50
• Belkin’s Valet Apple Watch Dock sports an integrated charger for $35 shipped
• Yunmai Premium Smart Scale: $60 (Reg. $100) | Amazon
  • w/ code DEALYM65
• Pick up a Motorola E4 Android + $30 Verizon Pre-Paid Refill Card for $49 ($100 value)
• Razer Mechanical Keyboard Case for iPad Pro $100, more

Deals still live from yesterday:

• Spigen accessories for your MacBook, Pixel 2 XL, iPhone, more from $3.50
• Cambond 3-pack iPhone X Crystal Clear Soft Case: $5 (Reg. up to $8) | Amazon
  • w/ code ROGPICRC
• Veckle Bluetooth FM Transmitter: $13 (Reg. $17) | Amazon
  • w/ code FE5SR3DE
• Twelve South TimePorter for Apple Watch: $32.50 (Reg. $50) | Amazon
  • w/ on-page coupon
• Exclusive: Get BentoStack and keep your Mac/iPhone accessories organized: $35 (Reg. $50)
• GOOLOO’s Portable Car Jump Starter can save you from being stranded: $52.50 (Reg. $70)
• Weber iGrill 2 reports temperatures to your iPhone/Android for $67 (Reg. $100)
• The UE MEGABLAST packs Alexa, waterproofing, more for $191 (Reg. $300)
• Add an Arlo Security System w/ 5 cameras to your home for $360 (Refurb, Orig. $630)

Expand
Expanding
Close

Microsoft’s Surface line is synonymous with high-end products. The Surface Hub was initially announced back in 2015, and today we’re seeing an updated version dubbed the Surface Hub 2.

This Hub is designed for businesses who need to work on the big screen and brought along with it both unique features and challenges. The Hub 2 is the next step, giving businesses and coworkers a unique way to come together and create new things.

Expand
Expanding
Close

We just finished up both Google I/O and Microsoft BUILD. At Microsoft’s BUILD conference, the company behind the Windows Operating System announced its partnership with Amazon and Alexa for voice assistants. The Alexa partnership is particularly interesting as it will now be built into Windows, but HP went a step further and built Amazon’s voice assistant into the hardware of its latest All-in-One desktop.

Expand
Expanding
Close

As eBikes take over as a budget option for commuters who’d rather not buy a car, more and more people are riding bikes on public roads.

One issue that faces bikers everywhere is turning. How do you signal to vehicles behind (or in front) of you that you want to turn? Sure, there’s hand signals, but they don’t always draw a lot of attention. That’s where Blinkers come in. This is a name we have called turn signals forever, but now it’s a company who makes signals for bikes and it should result in safer riding for everyone.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Crash Bandicoot is a game I remember from my childhood. Playing it always brought me so much joy, and just hearing the tunes brings back memories of a time gone by. But enough reminiscing, Crash is back and is coming sooner than expected. If you’re a fan of running through jungles with your trusty Tiki head following, then you’ll really enjoy the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, launching a nearly 2 weeks earlier than originally expected.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Tivoli Audio announced its Go collection of Bluetooth speakers and earbuds today, with two other additions to its current ART collection. From Wi-Fi CD players with unique styling to entire home music systems and Bluetooth accessories, Tivoli has you covered with just about everything in today’s releases.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Destiny 2 has had mixed reviews, and this writer tends to agree with them. I was a hardcore Destiny fan for the first game, and had high hopes for the second, to the point where I even bought it for all three major platforms (PC, PS4, Xbox One.) Yes, I bought 3 copies of Destiny 2 Deluxe and played it quite a bit opening week and then kinda just stopped.

Well, just like the original Destiny game, Bungie has released a few DLC’s for Destiny 2, and it’s time to start playing again. This game series is great once it gets some added content, and today, Bungie released the second expansion for Destiny 2, Warmind.

Expand
Expanding
Close

If there’s one thing that parents worry about, it’s their kids. Sure, I don’t have any, but I am around parents (and children) quite often. Keeping track of older kids is getting easier now that most of them are getting phones and things like Apple’s Find my Friends is a thing. But what if your kid is younger and you don’t want to give them a phone? That’s where Jiobit comes into play, and they just released a new tracker that is sure to make parents everywhere happy.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Behind the Screens is a weekly 9to5Toys series that takes you through our writers’ setups, be it mobile, desktop, gaming or home theater. Next up is Patrick Campanale, Writer 9to5Toys. 

For me, a desk setup is never “final.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve re-done my entire desk setup, whether I changed the I was using (more on that later), the components on top, or even the computer I used, it’s an ever-evolving thing for me.

I consider my current setup “close to completion,” though there’s still quite a bit I want to change before I finally consider it finished. At any rate, my current computing workflow is more than enough for the average bear, and gets the job done for me with no trouble (most of the time), and that’s what really counts in the end.

Expand
Expanding
Close