News

The LEGO Group kicked off this year with the launch of hundreds of new creations, but one in particular caught the eye of builders both new and old, the Bonsai Tree. Since its launch, the popular build has been almost impossible to find in stock. But now that the dust is starting to settle, it’s finally starting to be readily available. So nearly six months later, we’re taking a hands-on look at the creation to see if it’s actually as much of a must-have as all the commotion would have you believe. Head below for all of the details on the LEGO Bonsai Tree.

Roughly six months after Amazon made Echo Frames available to the public, the company has now expanded the lineup of offerings. Before today, Amazon’s Alexa-enabled glasses were only available with clear lenses and folks could add their own prescription. Now Amazon will also ship two styles of Echo sunglasses in addition to a blue-light-filtering solution. This move allows Echo Frames to go head-to-head with the likes of Bose and Razer. Continue reading to learn more.

Father’s Day is quickly approaching, and retailer Orvis has a guide full of spectacular options for the dad in your life. There are 90 items throughout the gift guide, with pricing starting at just $10. Each of the Orvis Father’s Day guide gifts was designed for the man who loves enjoying the outdoors. From watching his kids play in the backyard to fly fishing, there is something for every man on your list. So be sure to check out all of our top picks from the Orvis guide below.

After seeing a new Nomad solution recently, alongside a host of covers and keychains, today we are taking a look at the new FollowPaw AirTag dog collar accessory. Apple’s new item tracker is also being leveraged as a dog microchip of sorts to allow folks to be able to keep tabs on their furry friends. FollowPaw’s original sustainable cork leather leash and collar setup has now been reworked as an AirTag dog collar to offer up pet/AirTag owners a “100% vegan, water-resistant, and durable” solution. Not to mention a solid 20% price drop. Head below for all of the details. 

Today, Nomad is expanding its collection of premium Apple Watch bands with two new offerings. Refreshing the previous premium straps for your wearable, there are now more streamlined designs this time around to complement the use of high-end materials like titanium and stainless steel. Head below for all of the details on the new Nomad metal link Apple Watch bands.

As summer approaches, so does weekend golfing. I’m a 10-plus times a year golfer and have been relying on a set of economical $300 Callaway Stratas that I pulled off an Amazon Gold box a few years ago. This summer, I’m hoping to up my mid-range game and Wilson had the answer: The $649 Wilson D9 Irons (or Amazon) that increase range without sacrificing accuracy. Here’s how it went.

Today, Apple announced a new tier of Apple Music that would offer both lossless and Hi-Fi listening experiences. Over at 9to5Mac, we took a closer look at what would be required to hear the difference with Apple Music’s Hi-Fi audio tier, and now we’re going to take a deeper dive into what gear we recommend if this is a whole new world to you. Sadly, you won’t be able to enjoy the Hi-Fi category of music wirelessly, or even wired on any of Apple’s in-house headphones, so all of the options below are wired and require you to plug a cable in. One benefit? Your entire audio setup could cost less than a single pair of AirPods Max, which don’t even support Hi-Fi listening, so that’s something to look forward to.

Summer is fast approaching and with it comes a smorgasbord of fresh styles. And if nautical nonsense be something you wish, you’ll love Vans’ latest announcement: the S21 SpongeBob SquarePants collection. And don’t worry, there’s plenty more to be seen than just a Bikini Bottom. We’re seeing custom sneakers, pullovers, tanks and tees to round out your beachside best. This collection is packed with summer looks like a busload of sardines, so hit the jump to find out how to cop the summer’s hash-slinging, mash-flinging, flash-springingest styles. That is, if yer ready, kids?

With Mario Golf Super Rush — the latest entry in Mario’s golfing career — set to launch on Switch in June, Nintendo has now released a brand-new overview trailer to give gamers a better idea of what to expect on the course next month. The game initially debuted during Nintendo’s big Direct presentation in February, but we now have a much better idea of the characters, a battle royale-style mode, RPG campaign, and more. Now up for pre-order, you’ll find even more details sown below alongside today’s new Mario Golf Super Rush overview trailer. 

Update: LEGO’s new 3,700-piece Daily Bugle set is now available for purchase for VIP members.

Today, we’re getting a first look at the latest expansions to the LEGO Marvel collection. If last week’s Infinity Saga sets weren’t enough of the superhero action, the upcoming LEGO Daily Bugle kit is sure to excite for fans of Spider-Man and other iconic characters. Stacking up to over 3,700 pieces, the new creation stacks up to over 32 inches tall, includes 25 minifigures, and will be launching at the end of the month. Head below for all of the details.

After getting a first look at the upcoming LEGO Marvel wave, we’re now seeing a collection of new BrickHeadz due out later this year. Ranging from new Pets to Disney icons and characters from the Wizarding World, there are five brick-built figures on the horizon. Head below for a closer look at the upcoming LEGO Summer BrickHeadz releases and for all of the details on adding these to your collection.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, first talked about back in 2019 and then confirmed in 2020, received its first DLC today dubbed Wrath of the Druids. This isn’t just a standard DLC, either, as it’s the game’s first major expansion. It’ll bring players to Ireland and allow them to “uncover the secrets of a mysterious ancient cult.” You’ll discover the occult forests, haunted landscapes, and gain influence among regional kings. Sound interesting? Keep reading to find out everything we know about this expansion and how to get it for yourself.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Since the launch of MagSafe last fall, accessory makers have been jumping in on the magnetic wireless charging action to pair Apple’s first-party charger with various docks, stands, and mounts. We’ve previously taken a look at some more affordable models, but we’re turning our attention today to the opposite end of the spectrum. Nomad’s new MagSafe Mount arrives with a premium stainless steel build that stands out from just about every other option on the market. But is it worth pre-ordering at such a steep price tag? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review aims to answer.

Every new iPhone 12 wields MagSafe. A magnetic plate that paves the way for easily attaching all sorts of handy accessories to your smartphone. It doesn’t stop there, though. Several companies have released MagSafe-friendly mounts that can prop your beloved iPhone 12 up in a clutter-free fashion. A couple of OtterBox MagSafe car mounts are the latest to show up on our radar, and each looks quite promising. One is a vent-based solution that mimics what we’ve already seen from Belkin, while another fastens to a windshield or dashboard for even more versatility. Continue reading to learn more.

Bamford is taking it to the streets with its latest watch collab – or should I say the Street? The iconic London timepiece company is releasing a new lineup of Sesame Street watches in a variety of styles. First up, we have the Cookie Monster Mayfair Date that might just leave you hungry for more. Plus, we’ve got Big Bird ready to race on a befeathered GMT. And finally the little red man himself, Elmo repping the Mayfair Sport. There’s a lot of fine tuning and aesthetic details on these designer timepieces, and we’ll be covering all of it right below the jump.

The new Sonic The Hedgehog HugMe Shake Action Plush is now up for pre-order at Big Bad Toy Store. A perfect addition to any gaming room or SEGA collection, this 16-inch plush version of the world’s fastest hedgehog features Kidrobot’s HugMe shake action that sees the affordable stuffed characters shake and wiggle when you interact with them. Sonic is one of the latest entries in the lineup, with pre-orders now live alongside the Q3 2021 delivery date. Head below for a closer look. 

Fans of the Mandalorian have had no shortage of merchandise from the popular Star Wars series to get their hands on as of late, but a popular pinball game maker is now joining the fray with the launch of some all-new arcade machines. Sporting three different designs straight out of a galaxy far, far away, these limited-edition cabinets pair the brand’s expertise with some unique Mandalorian-inspired designs. Head below for all of the details.

Vans has a new collaboration with Parks Project inspired by the great outdoors. This limited-edition capsule’s mission statement is to “Leave It Better Than You Found It.” In addition to the product collaboration, this collection will directly give back $250,000 to the National Parks Conservation Association. This new line includes both classic and current footwear styles, like the Sk8-Hi, Old Skool, Authentic, and Slip-On. It also includes apparel ranging from hoodies to tees and even trendy bucket hats. Plus, Vans offers free delivery and returns on every order. The line just launched today, so be sure to check out our favorites below.

Today, Corsair is out with the latest version of the popular Virtuoso line-up. Taking a lot of the favorite features from previous forms like the 50mm drivers for clear gaming audio and one of the best mics in a wireless headset, the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT adds Bluetooth and Dolby Atmos to the spec sheet. With a huge range of connectivity, the XT is set to be the wireless headset to rule them all but that does come at a price. Be sure to hit the video below and see all the details on the $270 Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT.

This year, Xbox turns 20. That’s right, our favorite gaming console is nearly of legal age, and Microsoft is taking a walk back down memory lane for a celebration. You’ll find exclusive gear drops, wallpapers, profiles, and even the ability to go back to where it all started: Halo. So, let’s take that stroll back in time and see how far Microsoft has come in the past two decades.

Framework is launching its first modular laptop with an unusual method to encourage sustainability. You can get a hold of a couple version of the laptop at varying price levels, but the most affordable one comes without memory, storage, Wi-Fi, or even an OS. This DIY laptop comes unassembled so that you can customize it to your satisfaction. Laymen-friendly tutorials can be found on the frame.work website, as well as those for basic repairs and upgrades. Hoping to spark a trend in the tech industry, you can find out how to cop your own build-a-laptop set and more down below.

While console gaming is alive and well right now, it’s difficult to argue that mobile devices haven’t managed to scoop up a portion of the market. Some games work incredibly well within the constraints of a touchscreen, but more complex and competitive titles can prove to be more daunting. For this reason, GameSir has unleashed a new Android and iPhone game controller in addition to a tablet-friendly solution. Both GameSir X2 Bluetooth and F7 Claw rely on internal batteries, which are easily refueled using USB-C. Continue reading to learn more.

CASETiFY is launching its latest collection of Apple accessories today, channeling the best-selling manga of all time into a series of iPhone 12 cases, AirPods covers, and more. Sporting a variety of designs from the popular series One Piece, the latest collection arrives later this month to protect your smartphone and other gadgets while adding some of the Straw Hat Crew’s signature stylings into the mix. Head below for all of the details.

We now have even more details on what to expect from this year’s E3. After confirming there would be a digital event for 2021 back in April, the ESA (Entertainment Software Association) has issued a press release today with plenty of details on how E3 2021 will roll out, including a series of broadcasted events, social forums, and even a virtual show floor of sorts. Head below for all of the details. 

Sony just unveiled two new DualSense controller colors via the official PlayStation Blog. Set for release starting next month, the new Midnight Black DualSense is joined by a Cosmic Red take on the latest PlayStation 5 controller. The announcement comes alongside a new reveal trailer you’ll find below alongside more specific details on when and where to score one next month. Hit the jump for more details. 

After first receiving reports of what to expect from the LEGO summer Marvel lineup earlier in the year, we’re now getting a first look at five upcoming creations from the MCU – ranging from classic moments from Iron Man and Captain America’s origin stories to a brick-built version of the Infinity Gauntlet. Launching later this year on August 1, be sure to head below for our first look at the upcoming LEGO Infinity Saga lineup.

HTC took the world by storm when it launched the original HTC Vive back in 2016 and has come a long way since. We’ve covered the Vive Cosmos, Vive Pro, and more from the company in the past, but it’s time to step it up to the big leagues now once again with the Vive Pro 2. This VR headset aims to deliver “next-level graphics and sound” for a “riveting PC VR” experience. Each eye now has a 2.5K display in front of it for a combined 5K viewing experience, and the field of view has also been increased to 120 degrees. This all combines to create an awe-inspiring experience, so without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the HTC Vive Pro 2.

Few games achieve the longstanding popularity that Minecraft has garnered. It was officially released in 2011 and became so popular that Microsoft decided to buy it for $2.5 billion roughly three years later. Fast forward to today, and it’s available on even more platforms and is popular pretty much everywhere it is sold. To keep the game fresh, quite a bit of Minecraft DLC has debuted over the years. This trend continues with both Minecraft and Minecraft Dungeons getting more new and exciting content. Continue reading to learn more.

With the roaring 20s finally in full swing, vintage styles and apparel have been resurfacing, some as far off and ancient as the early 2000s. But for those of us who grew up on an earlier era of nostalgia, L. L. Bean is kicking off summer with some rehashed apparel pulled straight from the archives. With two colorways inspired by the 80s and 90s to choose from, we’re seeing the Anorak, bucket hat, and tote returning to L. L. Bean’s catalogues. And we’ll be going over all the stylistic details, pricing, and availability right below the jump.

Anker is back today with the launch of a new lineup of charging accessories for every room in your home. Alongside a new compact 25W USB-C wall adapter to throw behind the nightstand and a six-outlet power strip to tidy up the desk, there’s the latest addition to the Anker MagSafe charger lineup. Complete with the most compact build yet, the PowerWave Pad Slim lives up to its name to deliver a more streamlined magnetic wireless charging pad without having the pay for the official Apple model. Head below for all of the details.

Today, Amazon is refreshing its lineup of Echo Show Alexa displays with three new versions. Sporting upgraded cameras and new human detection capabilities for smart home automation, the Echo Show 8 arrives alongside a refined version of the smaller Show 5 and a new colorful Kids edition. Now available for pre-order ahead of the June launch, you’ll find all of the details on how Amazon has updated things this time around down below.

We’ve seen a lot of lightweight ambidextrous mice lately, both in the wired and wireless variant. But, for those who want a little more functionality out of their mouse with a durable design and some bright RGB, then the new Rival 5 from SteelSeries might tick all the boxes. With nine buttons, a seemingly durable ergonomic build, and weighing 85g, the SteelSeries Rival 5 comes in at a reasonable $60. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Destiny 2 Season 14, Season of the Splicer, launched today. With it comes quite a bit of new content, but there’s one thing that’s working for some that we’ve been waiting for: cross-play. Now, it’s not in full swing, and it doesn’t work in every scenario, but multiple people have reported being able to cross-play with PC and Xbox in Season of the Splicer. This feature wasn’t set to roll out until Season 15, which launches this fall, but it’s awesome to see it already working. So, let’s take a closer look as to why cross-play is seemingly working, as well as the other changes that Destiny 2: Season of the Splicer brings to the table.

Razer is lifting the veil on its latest and arguably most popular portable gaming machine: the all-new Razer Blade 15 Advanced. Offering improved performance and decked out touchscreen capabilities, the Blade 15 Advanced also touts itself as the thinnest 15-inch RTX gaming laptop available. And lest we forget the unprecedented 360Hz 1080p display, or 4K60 quality for those who favor a lifelike picture quality. We’ll be going in-depth on all this and more, so hit the jump to find out how you can cop this zenith of gaming machinery.

Much like Apple AirTag, Apple Pencil was a product that came along and largely decimated much of the competition. Adonit is a company that has continued to deliver all sorts of Apple Pencil alternatives, but the latest takes things even further. Not only does Adonit AI-Vocal tap into iPad palm-rejection technology like Logitech Crayon and others, it sports a secondary mode that lets it also behave as an iPhone stylus. An even more notable addition is the built-in voice recorder, which has enough internal storage to hold nine hours of audio. Continue reading to learn more.

After launching its first AirTags accessories back when Apple first announced the item finders, Nomad is back today with the debut of two new ways to pair the accessories. The new Nomad AirTags Rugged Keychain enters with a waterproof design and can even be used as a pet tag thanks to an optional engraved stainless steel insert. Now available for pre-order, head below for all of the details and to lock in special launch pricing.

Backcountry’s Trail Running Guide has you covered with the best running shoes and gear to help you tackle those strenuous spring hikes. This guide features top-of-the-line footwear and apparel for the trail. Backcountry has a group of specialists that trained on over 10,000 tread-to-trail miles during their annual company adventure to create this specific guide. So if you like to trail run, be sure to head below the jump to find all of Backcountry’s buyers’ favorites shoe and apparel. Also, check out the new Cole Haan new Tennis Collection that just launched.

Oakywood — maker of a range of Apple gear accessories and the like — is introducing its new lineup of washpapa tech accessories with the new Felt MacBook Case and Felt iPad Case. Both options combine soft merino wool felt the brand is known for and the eco-friendly leather alternative, washpapa. We previously took a hands-on look at the felt wool AirPods cases, as well as its walnut and polycarbonate iPhone 12 Bumper Case, but it’s now time to take a look at the new washpapa felt MacBook and iPad cases. Head below for a closer look. 

Wyze has been fairly quiet with launches so far this year. After releasing several products at the end of 2020, the company is finally getting back in the swing of things. Essentially, we’ve got one product a month so far with the handheld vacuum, Bulb Color, and Floor Lamp. What’s new? Wyze is launching some in-ear earbuds with the Buds Pro. Featuring a Qi wireless charging case, 10mm drivers, Alexa built-in, and more, these earbuds could become a go-to choice for those who don’t want to drop over $100 on Apple’s AirPods. So, without further ado, let’s dive into what Wyze Buds Pro has to offer.

Update: Now available at $149.99 for LEGO VIP members.

Today, the LEGO Group is returning to the sitcom world of Friends with the debut of its latest creation starring Joey, Rachel, Ross, Monica, and the rest of the gang. Stacking up to over 2,000 pieces, the new LEGO Friends Apartment set is packed with references to the popular series alongside brick-built recreations of some of the most iconic flats in all of New York City. Head below for all of the details.

RAM is a crucial aspect of any desktop, and with more and more cases featuring transparent side panels, how your memory looks is becoming just as important. Because of this, PNY’s latest XLR8 lineup of EPIC-X RGB RAM features a beautiful design as well as high-end specs, like a 4000MHz clock speed.

Today, MSI is releasing a number of gaming laptops that have some killer features. You’ll find the latest 11th generation Intel processors here alongside RTX 30-series graphics cards, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE, and much more in MSI’s new computers. With a wide range of options available in all budgets, let’s take a look at the latest that MSI has to offer with 11th gen Intel processors and RTX 30-series graphics cards.

We first heard about Mass Effect: Legendary Edition back in February. With fresh information being released over the past few months, the game is set to launch on console and PC this Friday. Featuring brand-new 4K visuals, enhanced performance, and HDR, there’s quite a bit to explore in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the game and where you can pre-order it.

Reebok is delivering a bundle of Mother’s Day styles in collaboration with recent celebrity mama Cardi B. The “Mommy & Me” collection features an array of glitzy club sneakers, in keeping with the partnership’s earlier releases. And here’s the kicker, all of them will be available in adult, child, and toddler sizes so mom can share the glam with her little ones. This expansion marks only the latest in a closet-full of killer looks already on the market, so you’ll be covering these new releases and more right below the jump.

Just six months after the Samsung Smart Monitor portfolio made its original debut, the company appears to already have yet another model lined up for release. Not only does it come in a new size, but it also features some small, yet notable design changes. Until now, Samsung Smart Monitors were available in 27- and 32-inch sizes, but today’s discovery shows that the company will soon offer a smaller 24-inch solution. An image of the remote showcases that it will not only have a slightly different shape but also a dedicated microphone button. Continue reading to learn more.