News

We are about to get bombarded with Star Wars Day deals (they have already started), and we now have the specifics on what to expect from the 2021 May the 4th celebration. Over on the official Star Wars blog, Disney and friends have unveiled a massive collection of games and experiences that will be on tap for this year’s festivities, including everything from PC titles and mobile games to “details on the release of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order for next-gen consoles” and Minecraft add-ons. There’s a lot to get through here, but you’ll find the highlights broken down below the fold. 

ASUS, who launched its first 4K144 HDMI 2.1 monitors in January, is now introducing an all-new contender to the high-end display race: the ROG Swift PG32UQX. This new 32-inch monitor features a 4K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 1,400-nit brightness, and mini LED technology. ASUS claims the “world’s first” mini LED monitor title with this release, so let’s dive into all that’s included here.

Expanding on their lineup of lifestyle offerings, the new Razer Anzu is an interesting combination of technology. On the one hand, eye care is becoming more important with how much time is spent looking at a screen and the blue light blocking lenses help to protect our eyes, but Razer has also packed swappable sunglasses lenses, Bluetooth connectivity, and speakers into the arms of these $200 glasses, much like the Bose Frames that we took a look at earlier. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all of the details. 

The latest Fossil Everett Hybrid Smartwatch has arrived. It features a 45mm stainless steel case that’s mirrored by the included bracelet. A vibrant blue color surrounds the outer dial, and within that, you’ll find an always-on display that showcases activity metrics and more. Like many smartwatches out there, a heart rate monitor is built in, yet battery life still soars. Wearers can anticipate going two-plus weeks before needing to refuel this timepiece, making it a solid choice for anyone put off by the need to charge another device each and every day. Continue reading to learn more.

Brooks’ new spring arrivals will have runners rejoicing. With all of the features you need to take your run farther, you will love trying out one of these new running shoes and apparel options. They also have new apparel and accessories that are great for Mother’s Day gifting. So be sure to head below the jump to find all of our top picks.

Today, Samsung is introducing a new class of laptop to the Galaxy Book lineup. Enter, the all-new Galaxy Book Pro and Pro 360, touted as smartphone thin and the lightest one ever to carry its hybrid 11th Generation Evo-certified Intel processor. Showboating as Samsung’s latest and greatest, the Galaxy Book Pro is fine-tuned with loads of upgraded features, like a 20-hour battery life and an AMOLED display. Head below for all of the details.

Anker is releasing its latest pair of ANC headphones today, delivering the brand’s most feature-packed pair of cans to date. Centered around 40-hour battery life, the new Anker Soundcore Life Q35 arrive with various noise cancellation modes on top of LDAC hi-fi audio support, and the usual in-depth EQ customization. Not to mention, an affordable price tag. Head below for all of the details.

Ok folks, like it or not, it looks like we’re going to be getting some SEGA NFTs here in the near future and possibly even injected into future game releases. In a recent announcement, SEGA said it plans to begin supporting and selling NFTs related to its classic games and characters. This move comes along with the announcement of a partnership with Japanese game and blockchain platform company Double Jump Tokyo — SEGA has invested an undisclosed amount in the brand as well. Head below for more details. 

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart launches on June 11, which is under two months away at this point. It’s a “brand-new, full-length standalone Ratchet & Clank adventure” that’s geared toward both returning players and newcomers alike, according to Insomniac Games. While we got a look at the title back in February, it’s time to take a deeper dive into what we’ll get with Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, as we now have our first look at an all-new character, Rivet.

For years now, many of us had already been getting a lot of packages delivered. The demand for at-home delivery skyrocketed once the pandemic struck, and quite a few folks (myself included) were quickly reminded just how nice it can be. One Amazon service that few areas have been able to take advantage of is in-garage grocery delivery. That’s because availability has been limited, but today the company announced an expansion to 5,000 cities and towns. Continue reading to learn more.

Razer has just dropped the newest gaming mouse for tournament-ready players: the ultra-light Orochi V2. Touting the longest battery life of any of Razer’s previous mouses, a 60-gram form-factor, and ergonomic engineering for optimal play, it’s sure to make a splash with PC gamers and enthusiasts. Hit the jump for all the info you need on this one-of-a-kind gaming tool.

The Merrell Mother’s Day Gift Guide has tons of great ideas. If your loved one enjoys the outdoors, these gift ideas would be perfect. Whether you’re looking to surprise them with new hiking shoes, apparel, outerwear, or a new backpack, this guide has something for you. So be sure to head below the jump to find all of our top picks from the Merrell Mother’s Day Gift Guide. You will also want to check out our other Mother’s Day gift guides including Lululemon, adidas, and Carhartt.

Nintendo is finally issuing a free update to introduce proper Super Mario Party online play. While the game launched back in 2018 with some online action included, there were only a small number of mini games that could be enjoyed over the internet with friends, which is something that always seemed lacking for a flagship Nintendo at-home party game. But with the free update that’s launching today, all but 10 of the 80 in-game activities can now be played with friends online. Head below for more details on today’s Super Mario Party online update. 

Today, Amazon is refreshing its lineup of Fire HD tablets with a slew of new options. Entering with improved under-the-hood performance as well as slimmer bezels, the latest Amazon Fire HD 10 devices arrive alongside a keyboard case and a new split-screen multitasking feature. That’s alongside an updated lineup of Fire HD Kids Pro tablets and additional accessories. Head below for all of the details.

Today, Nomad is expanding its stable of premium iPhone accessories with its most compact wireless charger to date. While the new Nomad Base Station Mini is certainly miniature in size, that’s hardly the case in the feature department as you’ll find 15W speeds, USB-C connectivity, and, of course, the usual premium metal and leather build that the brand is known for. And now we’re taking a hands-on look at new release to see if all of the polish and sophisticated design actually justifies its higher-end price tag. Head below for a closer look and all of the details.

Meet the new Forté – the very first Twelve South MagSafe charger to hit the market. Now joining the rest of the brand’s accessories, stands, and charging gear, the new Forté Twelve South MagSafe charger is available exclusively through Apple retail and the Apple Online Store starting today. Providing iPhone 12 users with another elegant solution for docking and charging, it sports a clean, minimalist approach and a slick magnetic pedestal that leaves your iPhone 12 floating in air. Head below for more details and a closer look at new Forté Twelve South MagSafe charger introductory video.

Last week, we got our first look at the upcoming Apex Legends Season 9 update, dubbed Legacy this time around. Centered around Valkyrie and her legacy, this update was also rumored to bring an all-new game mode. Well, it’s rumor no more. Apex Legends Arenas is official as of this afternoon, and will be a part of the upcoming Legacy update. So, what will this 3v3 game mode bring and how will it play? Let’s take a closer look.

Many of us wield not only a smartphone, but also a pair of wireless earbuds and perhaps a smartwatch. This is part of the reason that all-in-one charging stations have blown up in popularity over the last several years. The latest Apple-focused offering to cross our radar is STM ChargeTree Swing. It packs wireless charging capabilities for iPhone, Apple Watch, and Qi-enabled AirPods. ChargeTree Swing differentiates itself from many competitors by tightly integrating all of its functionality into a compact design that’s ready to minimize the clutter found on nearly any nightstand. Continue reading to learn more.

Anker is doubling down on its latest Apple accessories, with the new PowerWave 3-in-1 wireless charging station. Bringing together iPhones, AirPods, and the Apple Watch on one device, this 30W charging station is looking to replace your cords and cables in one go. But with so many new multi-device chargers being released, including those from the same brand, does this latest iteration measure up? Head below for an in-depth look at this new release and more.

Mother’s Day is less than two weeks away, and it’s time to start thinking about what gift you’re going to give to the special person in your life. Today we’re rounding up the best books on the market to gift on May 9. Be sure to head below the jump to find all of our top picks. Also, check out our guides to Lululemon’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide, Carhartt’s Mom’s Guide, and adidas Mother’s Day Gift Ideas.

Following a jam-packed month of new unveils from the LEGO Group, a new collection of creations officially goes up for sale today. With a series of builds spanning everything from Star Wars and Marvel to DC, Minions, and more, there are plenty of new sets now available for purchase. Head below for the full scoop on all of the new LEGO sets available in April 2021 so far, as well as our top picks from the batch.

Apple’s new item trackers are here, we have seen new cases from Nomad, Pad & Quill, and Spigen, but now it’s time for the Caseology Vault AirTags Carabiner Case. Unlike some of the aforementioned options that are firmly planted on the fancy leather side of things, Caseology is taking a more rugged approach with its first accessory for Apple’s new AirTags. The Vault AirTags Carabiner Case features a textured TPU construction with a handy, included clipping mechanism to safely affix it to your EDC. It is now available for purchase at $14 or $6 under the MSRP. Head below for a closer look. 

With May the 4th quickly approaching, Anker is getting into the Star Wars spirit a tad early with the announcement today of its latest projector. Bringing the most beloved droid in the galaxy to its popular Nebula projector lineup, its upcoming R2-D2 Capsule II enters with a unique design on top of a notable list of features that let you take movie night just about anywhere. Today, we’re taking a hands-on look at the new release, so be sure to head below for all of the details and a closer look at this unique Star Wars collectible.

As the world of gaming keyboards expands with smaller, enthusiast-oriented offerings like 60% layout boards, there are still affordable full-size, full-featured options from all of your favorite brands. One of the latest from Corsair is the K55 RGB Pro XT. With macro keys that can integrate seamlessly into Elgato Stream Deck, media controls, and per-key RGB, it is packed with features for the $70 price point. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

Polaroid is announcing an adorable new bundle of joy to their instant camera family: the Polaroid Go. Go ahead, click the link; it’s too cute to resist. I’ll give you a minute. See? Wearable, portable, and oh-so-instagrammable, the new Polaroid Go is for capturing the beauty of your world – you guessed it – on the Go. Weighing in at half a pound, this itty-bittiest instant camera stands barely 3-inches tall, and easily fits into any purse or handbag. Though with its marshmallow exterior and retro rainbow finish, the wearable wrist-strap transforms it into a killer accessory, too. Hit the jump for all the info you need to get acquainted with this summer’s cutest memory maker.

A new Epson projector has arrived, and while it doesn’t wield a 4K resolution, it does manage to keep cost in check, considering it’s from a well-known and respected brand. The latest from Epson is ready to work with Apple TV, Chromecast, and more, thanks to a built-in HDMI port, and is able to create up to a 300-inch screen. Brightness levels are also pretty solid with a 3,800-lumen rating in tow. Epson’s 3-chip technology replicates 100% of the RGB color signal, ensuring every frame can look as accurate as possible. Continue reading to learn more.

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.

Amongst all of the iPhone 12’s new features, MagSafe has easily emerged as one of the most defining characteristics of this generation of Apple’s handset. While there are plenty of alternatives to the official MagSafe charging cable, more affordable stands aren’t quite as prevalent yet. So today, we’re taking a look at two different models from ESR’s HaloLock series, which bring magnetic wireless charging to your desk or car’s dashboard. Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys explores just how good these budget-friendly ESR MagSafe Charging Stands can be.

Today we’re looking at the recently announced Evercade VS — a new console version of the handheld Evercade machine that debuted last year. It provides a sort of nostalgic approach to retro gaming, with proprietary cartridges as opposed to those emulator consoles in which you stick an SD card. The Evercade VS console version plays (almost) all of the same Evercade titles, but adds in some new capabilities like multiplayer action and a dual cartridge slot. Head below for a closer look and more details on the new Evercade VS. 

Ahoy athletes, body sculptors, and health nuts abound! Garmin is releasing its latest in the premium Venu series, the Venu 2 and Venu 2S GPS-enabled Smartwatch, and it’s packed to the brim with new features. Let the luxury of 24/7 personalized analytics push you to your peak performance, with a holistic approach that reaches beyond ordinary fitness coaching. Monitor your sleep score, oxygen and stress levels, or take advantage of the hundreds of preloaded workouts and HIIT activity profiles. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, so head below for all the inside details on how to cop this one-of-a-kind smartwatch.

One of the perks of working from home is that in many instances you can set your office up just the way you like. Not just with your favorite furniture, but also sleek-looking hardware and peripherals. For some, new Forest and Arctic Camo styles of the Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse styles could prove to be a visual upgrade for their workspace. Features are in line with the lineup of Microsoft’s standard and vibrant Bluetooth mouse variants, meaning users can expect 12-month battery life, a modern shape, and more. Continue reading for additional details.

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, everyone is looking for gift ideas. That’s why today, we’re sharing the best new spring perfumes that every mom will enjoy. Perfume is always a great gift idea, and loaves of top brands have released new scents. Whether you’re looking for something beachy, floral, musky, or sweet, we’ve got a new scent for you or a mom in your life. So be sure to head below the jump to find all of our top picks.

Just in time for the release of New Pokemon Snap at the end of the month, Fujifilm is launching a new mini Nintendo Switch printer. Based on the brand’s Instax Mini Link smartphone printer, Fujifilm and Nintendo have now joined forces for a special edition model that will allow gamers to print directly from their Switch console to the printer via a dedicated smartphone app. The oddly named INSTAX Mini Link for Nintendo Switch Smartphone Printer is not just for New Pokemon Snap, though. It also works with Animal Crossing New Horizons, Super Mario Odyssey, and just about every other title your Switch can play. Head below for more details and a closer look. 

Synology is debuting three new AMD Ryzen RackStation NAS, joining other models in its rack-mountable machine lineup. Complete with up to 2,200MB/s transfer speeds, 16-bay designs, and as much as 32GB of supported RAM, these machines deliver future-proof designs for upgrading to 10GbE down the line and more. Head below for all of the details.

Hot on the heels of this week’s Spring Loaded Apple keynote event, the new 2021 Pad & Quill leather iPad Pro cases are now up for purchase. It was only a matter of time before Pad & Quill’s latest handmade covers came out of the woodwork, and it isn’t wasting any time this year. We are already seeing updated versions of its Oxford, Cafe, and Oxford magnetic leather iPad Pro cases up for pre-order alongside the linen Copertina variant, for both of the new 11- and 12.9-inch Liquid Retina Display iPad Pros. Better yet, everything is marked down for the pre-order phase, and our promo code will knock an additional 15% off of that. All of the details are down below. 

EA has just announced a new standalone Battlefield mobile game. Along with a new AAA console/PC title in the works, EA has now unveiled a new Battlefield game, made from the ground up from iOS and Android to “kick off all-out war on smartphones and tablets.” Likely looking to tap into the wild success its direct competitors have experienced on mobile platforms, Battlefield will finally make its way to your pocket computer sometime next year. More details below. 

Expanding on their lineup of work-from-home and streaming products, the new Razer Ring Light is an affordable way to light up your video calls or streams. With an included tripod, adjustable brightness, color temperature, and powered by USB, this $80 light is a great companion to the recent Razer Kiyo webcam, and Razer Seiren Mini. Be sure to hit the video below to check out more. 

After today’s official unveiling of the new R2-D2 set, the LEGO Group is now showing off its upcoming May the 4th promotional set. This 217-piece LEGO creation continues the recent trend of recreating iconic scenes from a galaxy far, far away, assembling a brick-built version of the Tatooine Homestead complete with miniature Landspeeder, Sandcrawler, and more. Head below for a closer look at this upcoming kit and to learn how it can be added to your collection for free.

Funko POP! is launching a new lineup of Avatar: The Last Airbender figures and pins, and I for one am glowing blue with excitement. Featuring a lineup of Fire Nation favorites, you can add Ty Lee, Admiral Zhao, and the eyebrow king himself, Fire Lord Ozai to your collection following their release. We’re also seeing a new battle-ready Suki figure, and claiming the #1000 spot for animated Funko POP!s, Avatar-State Aang in full four-element mastery. But there’s even more to this launch that meets the eye, and we’ll be going over all the details you need down below.

Sony gave its new console’s controller a significant overhaul. Not only are haptics taken to the next level, but tension in the triggers can be tweaked by developers to make interacting with a variety of items feel different in games. Unlike Microsoft, the new DualSense controller relies on a built-in rechargeable battery for power. This approach can leave you stranded once out of power until you can refuel it or rely on a tethered connection while gaming. Thankfully a new Hyperkin DualSense Battery Pack is here to save the day. Continue reading to learn more.

Announced today, the new Tamagotchi Pix takes everyone’s favorite pocket pet to new connected heights. Packed with Bluetooth, the ability to connect with other Tamagotchi Pix units, a full-color display, and a built-in camera, Pix is taking Tamagotchi into the next generation. It even has Pokemon Go-like exploration features and is now available for purchase. Head below for more details and a closer look at Tamagotchi Pix. 

After getting a first look at the upcoming brick-built R2-D2, the LEGO Group is now officially taking the wraps off of the upcoming creation ahead of its May the 4th debut. Stacking up to over 2,300 pieces, the latest rendition of the galaxy’s most famous droid enters in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Lucasfilm. Head below for a closer look and all of the details on when you’ll be able to bring this droid to your collection.

Just after Apple finally unveiled its new item trackers, we are now seeing the Spigen AirTags cases go up for sale. Last night Nomad was first out of the gate with its third-party leather offerings, and this morning we are taking a look at the two first models from Spigen — a company well known around these parts for its affordable, third-party Apple gear accessories. We are also seeing some early discounts and you can get a closer look down below. 

If you’re still using an older Wi-Fi 5 or 802.11ac router at home, it’s time to upgrade. Whether you need more bandwidth for wireless performance or better coverage to eliminate dead zones, TP-Link’s latest Wi-Fi 6 system is bound to be a worthwhile upgrade for your home. So, what all does the all-new TP-Link Deco X68 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System deliver? Let’s take a deeper dive.

Update 6/7 @2:11 PM: The day is here! Uniqlo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizon apparel is now live on its website.

Uniqlo has just rang the bell on a summer collection that’s sure to fly off the shelves: Animal Crossing: New Horizons shirts, tunics, and more. Packed with more looks than the Able Sisters, this collection centers around a variety of island merch. From comics to quotes to the tees pulled straight from Dodo Airlines giftshop, every piece is loaded with local pride. (Personally, I’m heading straight for the pastel tote bag no matter how many bells it runs me.) Luckily, nearly everything listed below is priced under $20, so you won’t have to borrow from Tom Nook to get your paws on these too-cute collectibles. Find all the details you need down below.

Following all of the excitement from today’s Apple Spring Forward event, Nomad is getting in on the action by debuting a new collection of its popular leather offerings. Headlined by its very first AirTags accessories including a leather keyring and glasses strap, Nomad is also introducing a new series of cases for the latest iPad Pro. Head below for all of the details and how you can lock-in pre-order discounts.