Trevor Daugherty is the Senior Editor of 9to5Toys. Since joining in 2014, he’s specialized in product reviews, exclusive discounts and 9to5’s New Toy of the Day. Contact him direct at trevor@9to5mac.com.
Following a solid week of Black Friday 2016 ad leaks, Sunday has kicked off with our first look at what Staples plans to offer on the biggest shopping weekend of the year. Deals will be available online throughout Thanksgiving Day with doors opening at retail locations on Friday morning at 6AM. Staples will offer next day in-store pick up for anyone that sneaks in a purchase between meals on Thursday.
There will be plenty of deals on Amazon devices, including Echo Dot and Fire TV/Tablet plus Mac accessories, gadgets and more. Hit the jump for a full look at the 15-page ad scan.
It’s been a big week for Black Friday 2016 ad leaks. We’ve caught a glimpse of Sam’s Club, Kohl’s, Costco and a handful of others. Late last night another round of ad scans hit the web and we wanted to round them up in one place for you. Notable retailers include Verizon, Nikon, MC Sports, and more. Head below for a look at what to expect…
Back in September, TiVo introduced the Bolt+ DVR, perhaps the most luxurious set-top box ever created. With a monstrous 3TB hard drive, 4K and six tuners, it staked its claim as the king of the hill. TiVo maintained the sleek design of the previous generation despite upping the price tag to $499. Over the last month, I’ve lived with the Bolt+ as my everyday DVR and now it’s time to share some thoughts. Does TiVo’s high-end feature list justify the price tag? Head below to find out…
If cost has kept you from outfitting your whole home with LED light bulbs, it’s time you take another look because prices are at an all-time low in Amazon’s latest sale. Free shipping is available for Prime members or in orders of $49+. There are 3 non-dimmable options to choose from:
LED light bulbs offer energy savings and longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. For a full run-though of why you should make the switch to LED, click here.
If you’re anything like us, you’ve been lusting over the potential of the Touch Bar on Apple’s new MacBook Pro. Some PC or Mac users are likely left wishing one of these glorious OLED display would find their way under the Christmas tree this year. For Adobe Lightroom connoisseurs, a new product on Indiegogo might be worth eyeing. Loupedeck looks like something you’d use in Logic Pro but it’s made for photo editing. A variety of knobs, sliders and buttons are designed to make touching up your images a little easier thanks to actual physical controls.
Loupedeck can be used with PC or Macs and is designed specifically for Lightroom at this time. It reminds us of a DJ mixing board with its variety of input options. There are dedicated shortcuts for things like undo, zoom or color. Sliders can adjust your saturation or hue, for example. Loupedeck takes something that lacks physical control and brings a hands-on approach that could be very beneficial to your workflow. It has reached 143% of its initial goal and is slated to ship in June with a roughly $250 price tag.
Ditch your HDTV’s built-in speakers for this (likely) better sounding option from VIZIO. Features include 100dB of power, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary/AUX/RCA inputs, and it ships with a remote. Over 2,100 Amazon customers have left a 4.1/5 star rating.
Just a week ago, Logitech announced that it would be adding support for Amazon’s Echo line on compatible Harmony products. This move allows users to control their TVs, smart home gear and more via Alexa. Logitech’s Harmony Elite is the Rolls-Royce of consumer home theater remotes. I’ve been using it for about a year now, and couldn’t be happier with the quality and interface. You’ll be able to control up to 15 devices at a time, including popular products like Philips Hue, SONOS and Nest (check out the entire 250,000 device library here). Logitech also offers a free smartphone app that brings the same functionality. Rated 4.1/5 stars by 375 Amazon customers.
The 2nd generation Echo Dot is a favorite of ours as well. It brings Alexa control to your home with the push of a button. Simply attach it to a speaker and you’re ready to get started. Rated 4.2/5 stars by nearly 1,200 Amazon reviewers.
Continuing our march through Black Friday 2016 ad coverage, this morning we’re taking a look at what JCPenney plans to offer on November 24th and 25th. Stores will open at 3PM on Thanksgiving Day with promotions running until 5PM on Black Friday. That’s one of the earliest start times that we’ve seen from a major retailer so far this year. JCPenney’s sizable 72-page ad covers electronics, appliances, home goods and fashion. Just about everything that you’d expect from this kind of department store.
Sadly, it’s going to snowing before we know it. As much as you hate to think about it, you’ll be out clearing the driveway soon. You might as well invest in a new electric model and forget about having a gas can on hand. This model has a 13A motor, 20-inch clearing path, adjustable chute and two “powerful” LED lights for working at night. Rated 4.4/5 stars by over 200 Amazon customers.
We’re just over a week away from finally getting our hands on the new NES Classic gaming system. Nintendo’s latest release has garnered a lot of attention since it was announced in July. However, one of the downfalls is that it ships with a rather short three-foot hardwired controller. That’s just not going to work for modern gamers that are used to wireless connectivity on nearly every device. That’s where Nyko comes in. The popular accessory maker has announced the Miniboss for NES Classic Edition, a wireless controller designed to match its Nintendo counterpart.
Gamers will be able to sit up to 30-feet away from the console thanks to a wireless dongle that plugs directly into the existing port. Nyko’s controller is nearly identical save for a few ergonomic adjustments to some of the buttons. There’s no word on how long the internal battery will last, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers. Despite NES Classic arriving on November 11th, Nyko won’t be shipping its latest creation until December 30th. The Miniboss has a list price of $20 and is available for pre-order today with Amazon expected to follow-suit shortly.
It’s been a big day for Huawei. After unveiling its new Mate 9 Android smartphone, we’re now getting our first look at the brand’s latest Fitness Tracker. Huawei Fit has a familiar watch-like design but it doesn’t run Android Wear. Users will be able to enjoy all the classic features akin to other fitness trackers on the market, including heart-rate monitoring, exercise-specific activities, smartphone alerts and even sleep tracking.
Huawei states that its newest wearable is rated for six days of use on a single charge. It also has a full-size display but it’s limited to black and white (a driving force behind its extended battery life). Additional specs include a Corning Gorilla 3 Glass face and a 5ATM water-resistant rating. Fit is 39.5mm wide, so it splits the gap between the two Apple Watch sizes that are currently available. Its $130 price tag sits just below Fitbit’s Charge 2 ($150), which is bound to be one of its main competitors. Both offer similar features although Huawei leans heavily on its watch-like design. The Fit wearable is available for purchase today at Amazon.
It’s been a busy day for Black Friday 2016 ad leaks with Kohl’s and BJ’s Wholesale each making an appearance this morning. Now, we’re diving into Dell’s eight-page catalog of deals for the big day. Shoppers will be able to get started on Thanksgiving at 6PM through midnight with more deals picking up at 8AM on Black Friday.
If you remember from last year, Dell’s online store got blitzed on Black Friday and many were unable to take advantage of the hottest deals. This year Dell will be offering free shipping on many of the hottest deals plus an expanded window to return purchases. Head below for more, including one of the hottest Xbox One S deals we’ve seen yet…
November has started off with a bang as we’ve had our first glimpse of what to expect on Black Friday 2016. Amazon has officially opened its storefront and we also got a full look at what Sam’s Club is set to offer. This morning, we’re turning our attention to Kohl’s. Shoppers will be able to cash in on Black Friday Deals online starting November 21st. Doors will open on Thanksgiving Day at 6PM, with doorbusters popping up through 1PM on Friday.
The department store chain is offering the usual variety of electronics, home goods and clothing but appears to pushing extra hard with additional Kohl’s Cash on top of already discounted prices. Head below for the best of Kohl’s this Black Friday…
The consumer security camera space is getting increasingly crowded as companies are popping up regularly in hopes of competing with Nest Cam and other big names. NETATMO Presence is a new product that is set to ship later this month with a unique design unlike anything we’ve seen before. Not only is it a full-functioning camera that communicates with your smartphones, its modern looks are sure to be a hit with consumers. You can hardly tell that it’s a security device.
Presence uses a proprietary learning algorithm that detects movements with the ability to differentiate between cars, humans, animals and more. There is an integrated floodlight that will shine on any suspicious activity alongside infrared LEDs. NETATMO has a few different storage options, including the ability to write direct to your Dropbox account. Alternatively, it has a built-in microUSB slot. There is smartphone-connectivity that allows users to check in at anytime. Presence is available for purchase today at Amazon for $299.99 with an estimated ship date of November 10th.
Belkin has announced a new portable all-in-one charging solution for Apple Watch and your other devices. The Valet Charger Power Pack features an internal 6700mAh battery that will refuel your wearable up to eight times. It has a built-in magnetic puck – just like the one your Apple Watch came with – that simplifies your power setup out on the road. The aluminum casing has a full-size USB port, microUSB port and an LED display on one end with a logo on the opposite side.
Belkin’s newest release is reminiscent of the Nomad Pod Pro for iPhone & Apple Watch. For comparison, the Valet has a slightly larger battery (6700 vs 6000mAh) but also costs $20 more ($80 vs $100), which is likely due to the bundled charging puck. Both offer aluminum casings, but we’d have to give Nomad the edge on design (full review here). No matter, Belkin is a well-known brand name and its new Valet charger is bound to be a notable option for frequent travelers. Its compact footprint should fit in just about any bag and sure beats carrying multiple cables plus a wall charger. The Belkin Valet Charger Power Pack is currently listed for $99.99.
We’ve found a handful of NERF deals this morning at Amazon and Walmart. Each of today’s price drops are either all-time lows or the best offer that we’ve seen this year. Free shipping is available at Amazon for Prime members or in orders of $49+. Walmart shoppers can opt for in-store pick up or free shipping on order totals of $50+.
It’s officially November and we’re starting to get our first taste of what to expect on Black Friday. Earlier today, Amazon launched its holiday storefront. Now, the official Sam’s Club Black Friday ad listing has been released. There are 12-pages in all with deals across a variety of categories including technology, home goods and more. Doors are set to open at 7am on the 25th with early access to deals online throughout Thanksgiving Day.
Head below for an in-depth look at what to expect including a number of notable TV price drops and details about Sam’s one-day event on November 12th with a special iPad Pro deal…
Following a long line of recently-released accessories for the new MacBook Pro, G-Technology is today showcasing its latest hard drives with USB-C connectivity. It’s designed specifically for Apple’s latest product line with matching colors and faster data speeds. The G-Drive Slim SSD USB-C will be available in 1TB and 500GB capacities.
Owned by Western Digital, G-Technology is known for manufacturing high-end storage solutions. Its newest release continues that trend with an aluminum casing and matching Space Gray and Silver colorings. Each drive will ship with both USB-C and A cables, so there will be no worries about flexibility when it comes to connecting with previous generation devices. G-Technology’s latest creation won’t come cheaper, however. The 500GB model will sell for $229.95 with the larger 1TB shipping at $379.95. It’s set to launch in the coming days at Apple Store locations and other retailers online. If you’re looking for something less expensive, there is also a new 7200RPM hard drive with USB-C connectivity available from G-Technology for $119.95.
It’s been a big year for Minecraft, with its latest Story Mode title climbing the best seller charts and news of an upcoming Apple TV release surfacing at the latest Apple event. Now, Minecraft Education Edition is finally being released to the public. Following an extended beta testing period, Microsoft has announced that the full version of this title is now available for schools to purchase at a rate of $5 per user.
Microsoft acquired MinecraftEdu early this year with plans on releasing its own version of the popular STEM-focused game. The company has developed an extensive library of of lessons and activities for students in the meantime. Users will be able to build projects together, complete tasks as assigned by teachers and build a portfolio of work. A backend management system allows administrators to control every aspect of life in a world, including which materials are available and details of the environment. Microsoft has put together an impressive support system and knowledge base for teachers looking to pursue Minecraft Education. It is available on both Mac OS X and Windows PC. You can learn more about this project on Microsoft’s official site.
Head over to the official Kindle First hub to see which six new titles have been chosen for November. Prime members can then download one of the six ebooks to a Kindle device or to the free iOS/Android app. Don’t have Prime? You can still pick up a Kindle First release for $1.99. Either way, your download becomes a permanent addition to your library.
It’s November 1st and we’ve officially entered the holiday shopping season. This morning, Amazon is announcing the launch of its official Black Friday Deals Store alongside a number of hand-curated gift guides. Like years past, the online giant hopes to simplify your shopping experience by bringing all of the hottest electronics, toys and more into one place.
Amazon will be rolling out new deals as often as every five minutes at its Black Friday Store, beginning today through December 22nd. Like last year, Amazon will also have a number of Lightning Deals with early access opportunities for Prime members (free trial). You’ll want to bookmark this landing page as an easy reference for these promotions and more.
Alongside this announcement is the unveiling of Amazon’s Holiday Gift Guides. There are category-specific pages for electronics, home, and handmade. The first of which includes more than 500 of this season’s top technology gifts plus items from the Amazon Launchpad program. A hand-picked budget gift guide also brings a large selection of ideas for under $100. This is in addition to Amazon’s highly-anticipated Holiday Toy List that was revealed a few weeks ago.
Finally, Prime members will have access to exclusive deals by ordering through Alexa on Echo, Echo Dot, Tap, Fire TV, or Fire tablet. This page has a full list of what to expect from Amazon’s voice assistant this holiday season.
Be sure to keep it locked to our Black Friday 2016 guide for all of the latest deals and news as we head up to the big day.
Sadly, the snow will be flying before we know it. This is Amazon’s best-selling snow blower with a 4.2/5 star rating from 300+ customers. You’ll be able to skip the gas and oil cans in favor of Sun Joe’s electric 15A motor. It can toss up to 720-pounds of snow per minute and is “ideal for clearing snow off mid-to-large sized driveways and walkways.”
Today’s Top Green Deals:
Holan 12 LED Outdoor Solar Light: $7 (Reg. $10) | Amazon
w/ code CQGOHMFT
ECHO 21-inch 58V Cordless Electric Lawn Mower: $399 (Reg. $500) | Home Depot
Seagate is today showing off its new Game Drive for Xbox SSD, a flash-based hard drive designed exclusively for Microsoft’s gaming console. While there have been mechanical options in this past, this new model brings significant speed enhancements. It has a metal casing with green highlights and USB 3.0 connectivity. As you know, the Xbox One Elite ships with a solid-state drive while the new S model has a 5400RPM SATA III.
The Game Drive for Xbox SSD has 512GB of storage (pre-format) and will retail for $199.99. While you may be tempted by faster speeds, we can’t recommend investing in an external hard drive at this price point. You can easily pick up a 2TB traditional portable hard drive for around $80. While speeds may be slower, Seagate’s $400/TB pricing model is pretty ridiculous. Check out our handy guide for upgrading your Xbox One’s storage capacity.
Today, Samsung announced five new smartphone accessories with a focus on audio and power. We’ll be taking a look at the Wireless Speaker Bottle. This audio device has a Bang & Olufsen meets plastic feel, highlighted by leather accents and a two-tone design. You’ll be able play your music via Bluetooth while also controlling features with the Lux Manager App. It has a 360-degree speaker on the base and motion-sensing LED light on top. A built-in gyroscope detects gestures and in turn adjusts your music as needed.
Samsung also unveiled a new charging tray that can power two devices wirelessly plus another via the USB port. There is also a Battery Pack that comes in 5100mAh and 10200mAh capacities. Finally, we’re seeing a new pair of in-ear headphones with a tangle free design and, unfortunately, 3.5mm connectivity. Samsung did not release final pricing on these new products but promised availability in November.
The Dr. Seuss Beginner Collection is designed for Android smartphones and tablets. It comes with five interactive book apps, including: The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, The FOOT Book, Mr. Brown Can MOO! Can You?, and Fox in Socks. Learn more about Amazon Underground and its perks here.
This is View-Master’s latest VR creation, offering a few upgrades over the previous generation model. The Deluxe Kit includes “enhanced” optical lenses, manual focus and a built-in headphone jack. It works in conjunction with Google Cardboard and View-Master’s Experience Packs. Head below for a full list of compatible devices. Early reviews are solid much like the original version.
Nomad is known for its unique and handsome Apple accessories made from top-notch materials. This focus extends across the entire lineup of products, from Mac to iPhone and more. Its latest creation is the Silicone Strap, designed specifically for Apple Watch.
After being unveiled earlier this month, we’ve spent some time with this Sport Band alternative. At $40, it’s not only 20% less than Apple’s official options, this Strap packs much more in the area of design too…
Following yesterday’s Apple event, accessory makers have begun to roll out add-ons for the new MacBook Pro. Belkin has announced the Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock HD that focuses extensively on USB-C connectivity. Its physical footprint has largely gone unchanged from the previous generation. The new MacBook Pro already has up to four Thunderbolt 3 ports but for those looking for extra connectivity, Belkin offers an all-in-one solution.
On the front is a traditional USB-A port and alongside a 3.5mm jack for headphones. The majority of the interface is found on the backside, which includes the following (left to right): gigabit ethernet, audio out, two USB-A 3.0, two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) and DisplayPort. It is powered by a 20V 3.5A supply. On top of 40Gbps transfer speeds, users will be able to daisy chain up to five Thunderbolt devices from this dock alongside support for dual 4K monitors. Belkin’s new Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock is more of a desktop solution as opposed to other portable options on the market today. Final pricing and a release date have yet to be shared.
This is a great place to start if you’ve been looking to convert from gas lawn equipment to electric alternatives. The GreenWorks bundle comes with a 40V cordless string trimmer and leaf blower (perfect for fall). It ships with a 2Ah battery and charger that will provide up to 45 minutes of run time on a full charge. Reviews are solid much like the entire G-MAX 40V lineup.
Microsoft came out with its Elite Controller for Xbox One a year ago this month. Since then, PlayStation 4 gamers have been wondering if they’ll receive a pro-grade option from Sony. Thanks to a post on Europe’s PS Blog, we’ve caught our first glimpse of the answer. Sony is working in partnership with Razer and Nacon on two pro-level controllers. Both models feature extra buttons, triggers and full-on customization.
Razer’s Raiju will have adjustable trigger stops as seen on the Elite controller. It also has removable sticks and ships with a headset adapter. In all honesty, it looks a lot like the Elite Controller. Nacon’s Revolution Pro is a blend of Sony’s styling. One of the coolest features here is the ability to adjust the weight to your individual preferences. Additionally, the D-pad and stick can swap positions for an off-set arrangement. At this time, Sony has not revealed a list price or release date on these two controllers. Head below for more images of each model.
After DJI and GoPro each announced new drones in September, another brand has taken to Kickstarter with eyes on the sky. Called Shift Drone, this product uses a unique one-handed remote control system to navigate and fly. It has a thumb ring that extends from the tubular metal handheld and works in conjunction with an optical sensor to provide direction. The goal is to create a simpler system for pilots that is less intimidating than its competitors. Just moving your thumb up or down will control elevation while side-to-side adjusts direction.
Shift Drone isn’t just about the remote control. It has a built-in 13 megapixel camera that can also capture 4K video. You’ll be able to view a live-feed on your smartphone with an optional add-on. Much like the other mainstream drones announced this fall, Shift uses a forward camera that will not capture its blades in the image while flying. Shift is available for pre-order on Kickstarter with a $790 price tag. It’s slated to ship in March.
Sony has just announced the latest selection of PlayStation Plus titles for November. Next month, PS Plus members can look forward to six free games. Hit the jump to see what to expect…
Nomad, makers of high-end smartphone accessories, has unveiled three new Lightning cables designed to specifically combat three issues that plague this product category. Most notable is the new Battery Lightning Cable. Designed with an ultra-tough kevlar, PVC and nylon shell, it’s made to take a beating. But this is not your average cable, it has a built-in 2350mAh battery pack that can fully charge an iPhone 7. It will first charge your device then the internal power supply. For comparison, it has a significantly larger battery than Jackery’s recently released Jewel Lightning Cable (review). The 1.5-meter Battery Cable is priced at $39.95 and is available for purchase today.
Nomad’s has also introduced two other ultra-tough Lightning cable varieties. Both have the same kevlar-shielded design but are made for different needs. The 1.5-meter cable retails for $29.95 and has a standard Lightning connector. However, Nomad is getting fancy on its 3-in-1 Universal Cable. It has an easy-switch system that includes Lightning, USB-C and microUSB connectors. It sells for $34.95 and has everything needed to keep all of your devices charged.
Herman Miller is one of America’s most iconic furniture brands with its wide-ranging inventory of products. Its Aeron desk chair has long been the gold-standard for office equipment thanks to its thoughtful design that has stood the test of time for 20 years. Now, it has been recreated with a lighter frame and the latest materials. Aeron Remastered is focused on sustainability, which is shown in its material choices and manufacturing process.
The new version uses 8Z Pellicle fabric that is designed to manage temperatures with a focus on breathability. That means air will pass through freely, cooling the user in the process. Of course, it still has the classic tension-focused lumbar system that offer plenty of support. A new control mechanism helps to create a healthy sitting position. Herman Miller now offers the new Aeron Remastered Chair in three colors (Mineral, Carbon and Graphite) with prices starting at $780.
Going electric for your transportation needs is a no-brainer when you think about it. Low fuel costs, easy recharging, and compact designs are just a few reasons to make the switch. The new Immotor Go Electric Scooter is just the latest in a string of attractive new releases to hit the crowdfunding scene in the last few weeks. It has a slim three-wheel body that is powered by two batteries. Riders can expect around 20-miles of range on a full charge with speeds topping out at 20mph.
Immotor has deep smartphone integration that starts with using your device in place of a key. It also has a constant data connection that relays your GPS location in a manner similar to ‘Find My Friends’. A small fingerprint scanner within the frame keeps components like batteries locked away from prying hands. The smartphone app helps to monitor battery levels, usage and more. Immotor hit Indiegogo this week and its already flown past its initial goal. Right now a pledge of $449 will deliver a unit in March.
With AT&T offering aggressive benefits for avid video streamers thanks to its recent deals with DirecTV and Time Warner, we’ve be waiting to see how Verizon would respond. Today, we found out…
Most of us are wielding a smartphone device and a tablet in our daily lives now, but there are certain groups of consumers that are still without an easy way to consume content from family and friends. Perhaps it’s a grandparent or someone that isn’t as technologically savvy. A new product called Loop is hoping to fill that need in the market today. This retro-inspired iPad look-alike has a 10-inch IPS display that is designed to simplify communication and content consumption.
On the side is a knob and button interface that allows you to scroll through a variety of ‘channels’. This includes social channels like Facebook, YouTube and Instagram or a stream of photos supplied by your computer or another family member. In fact, someone can send images or video direct from the free smartphone app. It has a built-in microphone that makes browsing easier without the need to be intimately familiar with an operating system. Loop is powered by an internal four-hour battery, so you can take it on-the-go. It is currently available for $199 and would certainly make a fun Christmas present this year.
Following an acrimonious exit from Beats a while back, co-creator Steven Lamar has returned with a new headphone venture in partnership with Atari. Its new GameOn headphones aim to bring the best of the gaming and audio worlds into one product. Generally, audio manufacturers aim to focus on one subset of listeners but this new ambitious product from ROAM is dismissing that trend. For maximum compatibility, Lamar and crew are going the traditional 3.5mm route that will give them access to gaming systems and a wide range of smartphones. Obviously, that leaves them out of the running for iPhone 7.
ROAM is using dual EQ system to attempt to satisfy audiophiles and gamers alike. Each mode is designed specially for a flat sound or a more booming presence, depending on your preferences. GameON uses a hybrid driver system that it claims will recreate a variety of genres with top-notch accuracy. The titanium exterior comes in Black or Rose Gold colorings with a matching in-line remote control. ROAM has opted to take its latest product to Indiegogo with a list price of $99. It is slated to ship to backers by the end of the year if all goes to plan. In the meantime, check out this exclusive 50% discount on Spigen’s new Lightning-connected headphones.
We’ve shared a number of electric bikes here on 9to5Toys in the last year, particularly noting the variety of designs that are currently available to consumers. Another option has hit the market, or Kickstarter rather, with a foldable frame and small footprint. Tern’s new Vektron eBike uses a Bosch motor that provides up to 250W of extra electric power. The 49-pound two-wheeler comes in at just 16 x 33 x 25-inches when completely folded up.
A 400Wh battery provides between 40 to 80 miles on a single charge depending on your speed. There are four different power modes to choose from that can serve up to 250% of the power from a typical human. It tops at 20mph thanks to its lightweight and aerodynamic design that is made for riders as little as five feet tall. Tern is using Kickstarter to fund its latest creation but it already has an impressive network of 125 dealers in the United States. A pledge of $3,100 will deliver a Vektron eBike in April if all goes to plan.
November is just around the corner and Microsoft has announced its latest lineup of Games with Gold titles. Xbox Live members can grab four games for free as a part of this promotion. Head below the jump to see what to expect next month.
We’re a month away from Thanksgiving and Black Friday, which means that online retailers are starting to show their hand for the upcoming holiday shopping season. One of the biggest names in the business has now made the first move with another rumored to be on the way.
Going along with this news from Best Buy is a leak of Target’s Holiday Toy Spectacular Book that reveals it will be offering free shipping on all orders. Of course, REDcard members can bag this perk throughout the year in addition to an extra 5% savings on all orders.
This news by Best Buy and Target is not a surprise, as each retailer made the same move during last year’s holiday season. Amazon and Walmart each offer their own version of two-day shipping with paid memberships. We’ll keep you updated on the latest Black Friday news as we get closer to the big day. Be sure to follow us on twitter and give us a like over at Facebook to ensure that you’re getting the latest information.
It sure seems like nearly every product in our homes has been recreated with Wi-Fi connectivity or smartphone control. Perhaps the most well-known item in this growing category is LED lights. You’re likely familiar with Philips’ line of Hue products but in actuality there are many more options on the market today. We’ve rounded up the best options currently available, from the HomeKit-compatible to Bluetooth and more below…
Ditch your old recessed lights and go LED with this bundle from Torchstar. You’ll be able to cut down on energy usage (up to 87%) and count on its impressive 35,000 hour lifespan. These retrofit lights are designed for five or six-inch housings. Simply screw in the socket and secure the light in place. Rated 4.5/5 stars by nearly 200 Amazon reviewers.
Coding and modular builds have dominated the Kickstarter scene in 2016. We’ve seen it with Raspberry Pi, smartphones and more. But one category has yet to pick up on this trend: drones. That’s where Airblock comes in. After launching on Kickstarter a few days ago, the DIY quadcopter has experienced massive success. This is the fourth project from creator Makeblock who has successfully funded a handful of other STEM toys.
Airblock is a “starter drone” designed to encourage kids to build their own quadcopters. It has a simple app to code software and create stunts. A processor, motor and rotors are all wrapped in a styrofoam frame that can be taken apart and adjusted as needed. It is all held together by magnetic connection points. Different builds result in a variety of flying styles, from low-key and smooth to fast and loud. Currently an early bird pledge of $99 will deliver a unit in February.
There’s no shortage of family-centric routers available to consumers but they’re not all created equally. The Gryphon Wireless Router looks to bridge the gap between the world wide web and your kids with its sleek design and impressive software. Made by the creators of the MiFi hotspot, this Kickstarter project has a substantial list of features. Administrators will be able to set per-device limits, shutdown access when needed and view browsing history. The coolest feature is the ability to allow or deny realtime requests submitted by users.
Not only is it loaded with helpful software, the Gryphon router also checks all of the boxes on the hardware side of things. It has tri-band connectivity with MU-MIMO and beam-forming technology. The network can be easily expanded thanks to support for mesh networking. However, the design may be our favorite part. Gryphon has a unique curved shaped that places antennas at a variety of different angles to help with signal quality. It is currently available for the super early bird price of $139 with an estimated June 2017 ship date.
With the advent of digital photography and the impressive optics of iPhone 7, Kodak has struggled to keep up. While it has managed to reinvent itself with digital cameras, there is still room to grow. Insert the Kodak Ektra. An Android-based smartphone with throwback styling from the brand’s classic instant cameras. Named after the 1940’s rangefinder, Ektra is covered in a leather composite material with a large camera on one side and a full display on the other. There is a slight bump from the optics to support the 21-megapixel sensor from Sony below.
Inside, you’ll find 32GB of storage and a deca-core MediaTek Helio X20 processor. The five-inch 1080p display runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow. A 3000mAh battery and 3GB of RAM round out the list of specs. Of course, this is being played up as a photography-enthusiast’s device. Kodak will be recommending a variety of third-party camera apps to supplement the optics, including Lightroom, VSCO and others. Kodak is planning a European release for Ektra in December with plans for a US announcement still in the works.
