Trevor Daugherty

At this point, it seems fairly difficult to reinvent Bluetooth earbuds. We’ve seen memory foam inserts, truly wireless designs, low-cost alternatives and even made in America options. Simply put, it feels like we’ve reached peak earbud.

New Normal begs to differ. After developing an intriguing 3D printed earbud design process, Quirky alumnus and founder Nikki Kaufman has a new project up her sleeve. Or on her ears for that matter. The New Normal Bluetooth Headphones take that existing technology and wrap it in a new product best described as a Bang & Olufsen meets PowerBeats mash-up. There are two different models available that are designed for professionals and athletes. It’s hard to imagine a new set of buds we haven’t seen, but it looks like Kaufman is on to something…

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We first told you about What? Watch back in November as it released a new take on smartphone-connected timepieces. Now, four months later, What? has jumped on Kickstarter with its Calendar Watch in hopes of raising $100,000. That goal was easily surpassed within a few days.

Why so much interest? The Calendar Watch has a built-in display behind the face that visually blocks out busy sections of your day. For example, have a business lunch at noon? That piece of the pie on your display will be color coordinated to reflect your unavailability. Add an event later this evening? It will update automatically and show those changes. On top of it all, it’s a pretty good looking watch…

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Update (3/9 11:30am): @interactivlogic, @dan_kruger and @colton_key are our winners! Thanks for reading and entering our contest.

Since the Apple Watch was first released last Spring, we’ve seen a plethora of alternative bands for this timepiece. Apple has a handful of official options. You can also find cost-effective alternatives on Amazon. As the accessory market has grown, one of our favorite trends has been established watchmakers that have developed their own line of third-party bands.

Throne Watches out of Brooklyn, NY has leaned on its expertise to craft a couple of different options designed specifically for Apple’s device. Today, we’re launching a giveaway that will deliver a new handcrafted watch band to three lucky 9to5Toys readers. Head below to find out how you can win one for yourself!

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Today DJI has taken to the skies to announce the new Phantom 4 that looks to be the biggest upgrade in the history of its consumer-focused line of drones. Aside from its somewhat minor (but welcome) cosmetic changes, this new quadcopter offers impressive technology advances as well. Leading the parade of fresh additions is obstacle avoidance and a camera-based smart follow feature that tracks subjects automatically during flight. So what’s it going to cost? Full details below.

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Amazon offers the SanDisk Ultra 200GB microSD card for $79.99 shipped. That’s down $170 from its original listing, 20% off the regular going rate and the lowest price available.

Use SanDisk’s largest capacity microSD card to add 200GB of additional storage to your Android device, camera or tablet. That’s enough space to store up to 20 hours of Full HD video content. It’s an Amazon favorite with 5,300 reviewers delivering a collective 4.6/5 star rating.

Although it’s currently back-ordered, you can still grab the Silicon Power 64GB microSDXC card at Amazon for $26.96 Prime shipped.

In need of storage for your iPhone? We’ve spotted two deals that will give you plenty of space for videos, movies, pictures and more. First up, grab the SanDisk iXpand 128GB Flash Drive with a built-in Lightning connector for $99.99 shipped. You’ll typically find this drive for around $120 online. Today’s deal is a match for the lowest we’ve seen. This flash drive plugs into your Lightning and adds 128GB of storage. Rated 3.9/5 stars.

Those that prefer a wireless connection will want to opt for the 128GB SanDisk Connect USB 2.0 Flash Drive for $59.99 (Reg. $80).

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Amazon Dash is picking up steam as the popular online retailer has partnered up with Brita on a new Wi-Fi enabled water pitcher that automatically orders new filters. This is the just latest product in a stream of new internet-connected devices from retailers like Brother, GE, Whirlpool and others.

The Brita Infinity is the “first smart, Wi-Fi enabled” pitcher available on the market. As with similar products, new filters are needed periodically to ensure that your water is being cleaned at peak efficiency. The pitcher keeps track of how much water is consumed and automatically orders new filters when needed via Dash. Setup is simple: just register the pitcher and connect it to your wireless network, then Infinity handles every thing else.

Interested? You can purchase Brita’s new Wi-Fi enabled pitcher today at Amazon for $44.99 Prime shipped. Full PR can be found below. Don’t forget, first-time Amazon Dash Button orders receive a discount of $4.99.

Those in need of a long-term solution will want to look at a permanent option like this product from Aquasana or PUR’s faucet attachment system.

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With Spring Training underway and the regular season right around the corner, Zepp is taking the opportunity to introduce its new iOS/Android-connected baseball bat. Old Hickory has teamed up with the popular sport sensor company on this venture. The Smart Bat powered by Zepp takes the previous generation dongle and builds it directly into the handle. So how do this old meets new convergence help improve your swing? Answers below.

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This morning, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced the third generation of its popular microcomputer. Four years after releasing the original Pi Model B, also on a leap year, the latest iteration has upgraded specs, new wireless connectivity and complete backwards compatibility with prior generations. More below.

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Look, we get it. Fitness trackers. Smart watches. Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Android Wear. A hundred different names for as many products. While nearly every aspect of fitness has been covered in this arena, wearables still have a long way to go in terms of style. If you’re a fan of traditional watch brands but want the fitness tracking aspect, you’re options are limited. Either succumb to wearing two devices at once or miss out on recording activity in your day.

Popular watchmaker Victronix and Acer have a plan to solve this quandary with the new Swiss Army INOX Cyber Tool. This small “smart accessory” clips on to an INOX watch and converts it to a fitness tracker and smartphone companion. To our surprise, the execution in early mock-ups looks spot on. Head below for a full gallery and more details.

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The iconic music component company Marshall has released its first pair of Bluetooth-enabled headphones. While the brand is known for its pro-grade amplifiers and speakers, it’s also been churning out consumer-focused products for a few years.

Marshall’s previous hits include its line of Bluetooth speakers and wired headphones. However, today’s release is the first to cut the cord. The Major II Bluetooth has the same familiar design as its wired brother but packs an impressive battery life and internals. Much like Fender’s recently-released headphones, Marshall hopes to cash in on name recognition and its vintage styling. More details below.

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The Walking Dead: Michonne, Telltale’s latest iOS/Android offering based on the popular comic book series, has hit the App Store and Google Play this morning. Xbox One and PS4 gamers are also getting a console version today. This three-part miniseries focuses on the “iconic, blade wielding character” Michonne as her story of independence from Rick and Ezekiel is revealed. Telltale originally detailed this title back at E3 2015 ahead of its release this year.

The first episodes of the three-part mini-series is available today on iOS and Android for $5. Each additional episode will be released for $5 or can be purchased as a bundle for $8 via in-app purchase. The console version hit the Xbox Marketplace and PS Store for $14.99. Head below for a full description and a look at gameplay.

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Spotify and the gym go hand-in-hand. Full access to nearly every artist (except Yeezy) and curated playlists make for a perfect pair. That said, getting “swole” isn’t exactly conducive to having an iPhone 6s Plus in your pocket. Sure there are some handy armbands designed for workouts but even those can leave your device exposed.

Funny thing is, Apple solved this issue a few years back with the iPod shuffle. Problem is, you’re limited to the songs within your iTunes library. A new Kickstarter campaign seems to have solved this issue. The Mighty Streaming Music Device combines your favorite Spotify playlists with an iPod Shuffle-like design. How does it work? Is it legal? All that and more below.

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Sony has announced its selection of free PlayStation Plus Games for March. Next month, PS Plus members will be able to grab six free games all together. Full details below.

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We first told you about Amazon Home Services about a year ago as the online retailer launched its Angie’s List competitor. The main purpose is to pair customers up with trusted experts to help remedy common problems around the house. From home improvement to electronics, putting together that IKEA bed or getting the lawn manicured, you’ll find nearly every chore covered. Amazon Home Services is available nationwide, although you’ll find more options in metropolis areas.

Today, Amazon is sweetening the deal by throwing in a free $30 gift card when you book your first service of $99 or more. That’s good for an effective savings of up to 30%. All you have to do is visit this page and sign-up for one of the many options by March 15th. Once the service is completed, Amazon will email you the bonus gift card. Head below for full terms and conditions on this promotion.

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It will be March before we know it and Microsoft has announced the newest selection of Games with Gold titles for next month. Xbox Live members can grab four games for free as a part of this promotion. Full details below.

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When Android Wear and Apple Watch launched, each device touted the ability to bring the functionality of a phone to your wrist. This has been executed with varying degrees of success. While I am able to check my notifications and carry out certain tasks on my Apple Watch, an iPhone it is not.

That’s where the Cicret Bracelet makes its entrance. This conceptual project from a band of former Apple, Dell, InFocus employees quite literally puts your device’s home screen on your wrist. With a fitness tracker-style band and micro projector, Cicret has an intriguing game plan. Head below to see it in action.

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As eBikes have gained traction over the last few years, a variety of styles have come to fruition through crowdfunding and startup companies. Initially we saw plenty of industrial designs but thankfully more traditional cruisers are hitting the scene.

Faraday has been cranking out electrical for just over five years. The San Francisco bike shop recently took to Kickstarter to fund its latest creation: the Cortland and Cortland S. With just a week to go, Faraday has flown past its crowdfunding goal. There’s still time to grab one before the campaign ends, but you’ll need to act fast as nearly every model has sold out…

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Today, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, SanDisk has announced a new line of flash drives for USB-C devices. With Apple and Google both introducing this new connector over the last year, it’s no surprise that SanDisk has made this move. More below.

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There has never been a better time to upgrade to a new pair of speakers for your home audio setup. The market is flooded with options at different price points to meet every need. From Bluetooth to traditional 2-channel, you’re bound to find something to fit your budget.

Audioengine, a speaker-focused brand out of Texas, recently released its HD6 powered speakers. These 2-channel bookshelf speakers are packed with nearly every mainstream connectivity medium. We’ve spent the last month testing and cranking tunes on our way to delivering a recommendation for our readers. At $749, these speakers are at the higher-end of the Bluetooth market. Were they able to perform? Head below for more.

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Update (2/20 9:00am): The new shipping policy is now official. Traditional orders of $49 will ship for free while book-only packages require a $25 minimum.

Earlier today, Amazon briefly updated its shipping page to a new minimum shipping charge for non-Prime members. While the page was quickly reverted back to its previous version, it was up long enough to capture the details of the changes that may be coming soon…

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This morning, Garmin has announced two new fitness trackers. Building on a solid foundation from the existing lineup, today’s release includes two different models: the vívofit 3 and vívoactive HR. Each tracker is built for different needs with heart rate monitoring serving as the defining spec seperating the two. A key new feature allows each device to automatically identify different activities based on movement.

With Apple gunning for FitBit in the fitness tracker space, Garmin is moving to set itself apart with unique features. Head below for full details.

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Canon is behind some of the best digital cameras on the market today. The brand has long been in a two horse race with Nikon for the top-spot, with each side having its faithful band of followers. Canon has introduced three new options that are bound to interest entry-level photographers and prosumers alike. The PowerShot line adds two smaller point-and-shoot models while a mid-range DSLR was also unveiled. These new releases range in price from $380 to $1,799, so nearly every budget is covered. Full details below.

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We’ve seen plenty of wearable technology announcements and deals throughout the last six months as Apple Watch and Fitbit dominated the holiday season. Now, a new brand is taking to the slopes with eyes on tracking and improving performance for skiers.

Carv is a “real-time” wearable that uses a two-part monitoring system to provide feedback while in use. From fitness tracking to skill improvement, this new product has eyes on all skill levels. More below.

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When Microsoft first released the Xbox One back in 2013, it opted to include 500GB of internal storage. If you were an early adopter or loaded up on the avalanche of new releases in the last six months, chances are you’re running out of space.

Microsoft has attempted to right this wrong by releasing new 1TB bundles, but who wants to go through the process of wiping, selling and setting up a new console? As digital downloads replace physical media, the need for more space is becoming paramount with each release. If you’ve been considering a 1TB upgrade, from a value perspective, it’s a better choice to opt for a 500GB model and supply your own additional storage.

Head below for a full guide on how to remedy this situation with an external hard drive  that will add enough space for up to 100 games.

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Retro gaming has seen a spike in interest over the last few years with popular titles like Mario Maker and Rare Replay enjoying recent success. It’s not a surprise that many projects are attempting to cash in on this trend. Just this weekend at Toy Fair 2016, the Coleco Chameleon retro gaming console made its debut. After a failed IndieGoGo campaign last year, the guys behind this project are back with a new licensing deal and eyes on a new round of crowdfunding. The question is, will its cartridge-style games spark enough interest? More below.

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This weekend at Toy Fair 2016 in New York, LEGO announced an impressive new Star Wars set that focuses on the the Rebel’s Echo Base on Hoth. This massive recreation features over 2,000 pieces and 14 minifigs. While we have seen a hefty string of Force Awakens-focused kits over the last few months, this return to the original trilogy is much appreciated. LEGO is set to release this Empire Strikes Back redux later this spring with a hefty price tag. Head below for a full gallery and more info…

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Verizon Wireless is currently offering the Apple iPad Air 2 Smart Cover in Red, Blue, Pink, White and Black for $14.98 with free shipping. That’s good for $25 off the original list price, $24 less than Amazon, down $3 from our previous mention and the best price that we can find from a reputable seller. The iPad Air 2 Smart Cover is designed to protect your device’s screen while leaving the rear aluminum casing exposed. It has a magnetic hinge that attaches to the side and automatic wake/sleep functionality plus it can support an iPad in landscape mode for “easy” typing. Note: also compatible with the original iPad Air. 

Verizon also has Apple’s iPad Air 2 Smart Case in Blue, Red or Soft Pink for $19.98 shipped. This case originally retailed for $79 and still fetches around $70. Today’s deal is $15 less than our previous mention and the lowest price that we can find. This case adds backside protection alongside the same features of the Smart Cover above.

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