News

This morning popular accessory maker Razer has unveiled what it is calling “the world’s fastest gaming mouse.” The new Razer Viper 8KHz is a gaming and esports mouse that features a true 8000Hz polling rate, which allows it to react quicker than just about any mouse on the market to your movements during battle. To those that keep a keen eye on this product category, today’s news comes as no surprise. These days it’s a constant race to remain among the best and most cutting edge as gamers continue to spend money at a rapid pace. Leaving the question to be, will Razer’s latest become the newest must-have gaming accessory?

Update: Now available for purchase for $149.99.

LEGO is out with the latest addition to its brick-built garage today, bringing the iconic Porsche 911 sports car into its line of highly-detailed Creator vehicles. Stacking up to over 1,400 pieces, this model delivers plenty of authentic details alongside the ability to build one of two versions of the iconic ride. Head below for all of the details on the new LEGO Porsche 911.

Originally announced back in September, Amazon’s All-new Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen.) finally has a release date: February 25. That’s right, the all-new motorized Echo Show 5 launches next month, and we’re even seeing a pre-order deal. What all does Amazon’s new Echo Show 10 do? Well, for one, it’s motorized. But that’s far from where its features end, so keep reading to find out if this is the smart display for your home.

Ahead of February, LEGO is detailing three upcoming promotional kits for builders to add to their collections for free. Headlined by its latest Chinese New Year set, builders will be able to assemble a Year of the Ox model alongside a Valentine’s Day-themed kit and more for free. Head below for a closer look at all three of the LEGO freebies available in February and all of the details on adding these to your collection. 

Whether it be a board, console, or computer game, we all have a specific title that delivers a sense of nostalgia whenever mentioned. For many, Age of Empires is at or near the top of the list (myself included). Thankfully, a large fanbase has allowed Age of Empires II to still receive updates more than 21 years after the original version was released. A new Lords of the West expansion has dropped and it shakes up the game by adding two civilizations, three fully voiced campaigns, 16 new achievements, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

Today Fujifilm is out with a new selection of digital cameras today, expanding its footprint in the competitive space. Headlining today’s announcement is the mirrorless GFX100S, which features a compact design and a massive 102MP large format sensor. The GFX100S, in fact, delivers “the world’s highest” large-format sensor, making it a particularly notable release in this year’s product cycle. Fuji is also bringing is smaller mirrorless camera to market today with the X-E4, which features a compact design and fast autofocus design. Head below for full details on all of today’s Fuji announcements.

After announcing the rollout of end-to-end encryption for its Ring smart home security lineup earlier in the month, the company is back today with the unveil of its latest video doorbell. Entering as not only the smallest iteration yet but also the most affordable, the new wired Ring Video Doorbell arrives with 1080p feeds and all of the same Alexa features we’ve come to expect. You’ll also enjoy motion detection and more. Head below for a closer look.

Nintendo has unveiled a special edition Monster Hunter Rise Switch console. Now roughly two months away from the release of the next mainline Monster Hunter title, Nintendo is revealing the custom painted console bundle to go along with it. Head below for more details, information on the bonus in-game content, and a closer look at the special edition Monster Hunter Rise Switch console design. 

Cooler Master just announced a slew of products at its CM Showcase 2021. While a lot was talked about, one of the stand-outs is the company’s first in-house power supply. Featuring a built-in LCD display on the side and RGB lighting, this power PSU offers quite a bit over the competition. That’s far from the only release from today, however, so keep reading to find out everything that the Cooler Master Showcase 2021 held.

Today, Polk is out with the latest addition to its stable of home theater products. As its most recent smart soundbar, the new React model delivers built-in Alexa features thanks to four microphones, alongside support for a 5.1-channel surround sound setup by pairing add-on accessories. Plus, there’s also a new pair of wireless speakers and a subwoofer to go alongside the new soundbar. Head below for a closer look at the new Polk React Soundbar.

After getting our first look at the Tula mic in September, we have now had a chance to go hands-on with the new hybrid. Designed by the same team responsible for the professional Soyuz tube mics, Tula is a culmination of high-end recording expertise with a focus on affordability and standing out from the pack. It is specifically tailored to folks interested in field recordings, podcast discussions, and interviews, as well as musical recording and the like. It combines typical USB microphone features with a unique, retro-inspired design and some interesting tricks up its sleeve including built-in recording to its internal storage, noise cancellation, and the ability to connect another mic to it for 2-track recording. Head below for a closer look and our hands-on impressions of the new Tula mic. 

When mirrorless cameras first debuted, they arguably weren’t aimed at professionals. Full-blown DSLRs were the way to go as specifications often dwarfed what was possible in mirrorless alternatives. Fast-forward to today and you’ll find Sony Alpha a1, a full-frame mirrorless camera that’s able to shoot 8K video, snap 50.1-megapixel photos, and checks most, if not all of a professional’s checkboxes. An all-new BIONZ XR processor is responsible for many of the next-level upgrades found in Sony Alpha a1, boasting eight times the power when compared with its predecessor, BIONZX. Continue reading to learn more.

We now have details on the next free Animal Crossing update, courtesy of Nintendo. A trailer to highlight some of the upcoming events hit this morning alongside fresh new details on the upcoming Festivale and Valentine’s Day events, as well as all of the in-game goodies that come along with them. Head below for more information, launch dates, and to take a look at today’s trailer for yourself. 

Back in September of 2020 at Amazon’s annual hardware event, we saw a number of new Alexa speakers unveiled along with various software services. Lost in the shuffle was Alexa Guard Plus, a new security system geared toward Amazon’s in-house line of speakers and more. After a delay of a few months, the new subscription service is now available in the United States. Alexa Guard Plus arrives as an automated security-focused add-on that brings an emergency helpline, hands-free assistance during break-ins, and more. It will even let you play sounds of dogs barking if an intruder is detected. Quite the swath of features there. Head below for a full breakdown of everything Amazon’s latest service has to offer.

After announcing the first price hike to Xbox Live Gold in years last week, Microsoft has since reversed course and stated that no price increase will be coming to its online gaming service. Plus, Microsoft also decided to make free-to-play games truly free-to-play, removing the requirement for Live in order to enjoy games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and others.

As the amount of creators rises, so does the availability of affordable tools. There are well-established standards for high fidelity USB microphones like the Blue Yeti lineup, but if you want something different or are on a budget, there are other options like the Movo UM700. With a Yeti-like design and a simple but robust feature set, the $100 UM700 is great for content creation like podcasts and streaming. Be sure to hit the video below to hear how it sounds for yourself. 

Now that we’ve gone hands-on with all four of the new LEGO Star Wars builds for the winter of 2021, it’s time to take a look at the entire collection as a whole. With three creations from the Original Trilogy and a new build-out of The Mandalorian, we’re seeing which of the latest kits is most worth your cash and how everything stacks up. Head below for a closer look at how all of the new LEGO 2021 kits compare and to see which is the best of the batch.

From a recent Pokémon collaboration to last year’s NASA-inspired timepiece, Casio rapidly continues to crank out new G-SHOCK timepieces. Today you will find three new smartwatch styles dubbed as the G-SHOCK Vital Series. These serve as an expansion to the company’s lineup of GBD-100 offerings. Each unit pairs with a smartphone using the G-SHOCK Move app. For those unfamiliar, G-SHOCK Move debuted in April as Casio’s first smartwatch with heart-rate tracking abilities. Notable features found in the Vital Series include step tracking, Bluetooth-powered GPS, and more. 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.

Last summer, popular gaming accessory-maker 8BitDo unveiled its newest gaming controller for Nintendo Switch and PC. Appropriately dubbed the “Arcade Stick,” this add-on for various platforms delivers retro vibes and a serious at-home gaming experience that’s made for vintage titles. With Nintendo bringing so many old school games to the Switch in the last year, this arcade-style controller appears to be a perfect pairing at first glance. Head below for a few first-hand thoughts and an overview on the 8BitDo Arcade Stick.

Just released today, Banana Republic has a new luxurious line of performance wear called “BR Standard.” This new collection features elevated essentials that can be worn to the gym, while traveling, or even dressed up for work events. The pieces are lightweight, sweat-wicking, and feature design details to help make your day easier. Plus, they are available in an array of size options from XXS to XXL and even tall silhouettes. Banana Republic offers free delivery on orders of $50 or more. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks from the Banana Republic Standard collection, and be sure to check out our recent guide to Macy’s Valentine’s Day Guide with hundreds of ideas for gifting.

Today, NERF is out with its latest collection of blasters, this time expanding the more competitive Rival lineup with a series of new foam arsenal upgrades. Introducing a new feature, the upcoming NERF Rival Curve Shot series lives up to its name with the ability to shoot around corners. Head below for a closer look at all three of the upcoming blasters and all of the details on when you can add them to your own NERF armament.

The latest lineup of controllers from Alesis carries one of the more affordable mini MIDI keyboards out there alongside updated versions of its Q-series 49- and 88-key models. All compatible with Mac/PC as well as iOS devices, the new Q mini MIDI keyboard is the real highlight here, offering up a particularly capable package and even more affordable price tag. Head below for a closer look. 

Nintendo just finished up their latest Nintendo Download yesterday, and we finally got the news that many have been waiting for: Hitman 3 – Cloud Version is now available for FREE on Nintendo Switch. That’s right, the conclusion to the Hitman trilogy is finally available, and it won’t cost you a dime to download. This and much more is available as part of the latest Nintendo Direct, so keep reading to find out everything we know.

Like it or not, smartphone manufacturers are dead-set on replacing dedicated cameras for average consumers. It could be argued that this is already the case. While full-blown cameras take better photos, the differences become more negligible over time. So how can the industry remain relevant and successful? By doubling-down on features and designs that continue to captivate their most dedicated fans. Leica does a tremendous job of this by routinely shelling out new special-edition models, the latest of which is armed with Kevlar and dubbed the Leica M10-P Reporter. Continue reading to learn more.

Macy’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide is live featuring hundreds of top brands. Inside this gift guide you can find options under $20 as well as luxury items to spoil your loved ones. The gift guide is separated into categories such as jewelry, watches, beauty, fragrance, cologne, handbags, kids, loungewear, and home.

Macy’s offers free delivery on orders of $25 and over. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks from Macy’s and be sure to check out our latest guide to Nike’s new 2021 arrivals that are top-notch.

Today we’re getting a look at three upcoming creations from the LEGO Star Wars theme that’ll be expanding the current roster of 2021 sets. Due out later in March, LEGO has a pair of Original Trilogy models on the way, headlined by the latest version of the Imperial Shuttle. That’s on top of a new Microfighters pack and a Resistance X-Wing. Head below for a closer look.

Microsoft is announcing an Xbox Live Gold price increase for the first time in years. Taking to the official Xbox Wire, the Live Gold team is announcing the first major price jump in as many as 10 years today and they are quite significant in some cases. While they won’t immediately effect existing subscribers, it appears as though Microsoft is looking to push folks to convert Live Gold accounts over to the newer, all-encompassing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier. Head below for more details. 

elago has been rolling out an extensive inventory of new products this week, including MagSafe-compatible iPhone cases and accessories. We’ve also got our first look at elago’s new Apple TV case that’s styled after the infamous Famicom Nintendo System. Today, we’re wrapping up the week with a fresh batch of new Apple Watch bands and Apple TV accessories. While we’ve primarily thought of elago as a case and dock company in recent years, today’s new releases focus on other categories. Head below for an overview of both of these new products.

CORSAIR is out with a new update to its VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL RAM line, this time delivering upgraded lighting, high capacity, and fast speeds for your desktop build. With up to 128GB kits available in up to 3600MHz configurations, the new CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL RAM could be the perfect addition to your Zen 3 or Intel build.

Gaming with wireless audio is, of course, more convenient than wired variants, but often, true wireless earbuds suffer from a laggy connection thanks to Bluetooth technology. Enter the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid. With Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity for mobile devices and a USB-C wireless adapter for low-latency gaming on compatible devices, it takes the convenience of portable wireless audio and adds the low-latency performance needed for competitive gaming. Be sure to watch the video below and check out all of the details of the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid. 

With the news that Comcast would be implementing data caps shortly into 2021, in December I finally made the switch to Verizon Fios. That got the ball rolling for me to start thinking about the rest of my networking setup and what can be improved. Though before I get to renovating anything, I though I’d go through everything in my existing setup and highlight all of the gear that makes my server and smart home tick. Head below for a closer look at my entire setup, including all of the UniFi gear, my Mac mini cluster, and over 80TB Synology NAS storage pool.

While Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 have arguably stolen the show for gaming over the last few months, PC gamers have every reason to double down on their investment. This is because outside of storage, consoles cannot be upgraded. Internals will pale in comparison as PC gamers tend to always have something new to trick out their battlestation with. The latest example of this is Razer Naga X. This RGB-enabled mouse boasts 16 programmable buttons that far outpaces the capabilities often found with consoles. Continue reading to learn more.

There are a ton of diaper bags on the market that are stylish and functional. There are also options out there that are gender-neutral so that both mom and dad can carry it. That’s why, today, we are rounding up the top five options that are both fashionable and functional. We also found a few styles that are budget-friendly, as well. So be sure to head below the jump to find our top five picks in diaper bags. Also, you will want to check out our latest guide to Pottery Barn’s Valentine’s Day Guide too.

Today, the Raspberry Pi foundation is out with the latest addition to its collection of miniature computers. Entering as the smallest release yet to the Raspberry Pi family, the new model departs from models with a new microcontroller-class design. Entering to take on Arduino, Raspberry Pi Pico stands out with a compact form factor and affordable $4 price tag. Head below for a closer look. 

Hironobu Sakaguchi —  the guy who conceived the first design documents for Final Fantasy — has a new RPG on the way known as Fantasian. The game was initially announced years ago alongside Apple Arcade and was featured as part of Apple’s “Meet the Creators” campaign for the service. Now, after 3-years or so in development, it sounds like Fantasian is finally nearing development completion and has its sights set on 2021. Head below for a closer look at the game and the physical dioramas it is being made of. 

Alongside letting fans vote on which of its classic themes to bring back for the 90th anniversary next year, LEGO has showcased a new lineup of collectible coins. With five versions to collect, the series commensurates classic themes like Castle, Space, and more as unique pieces of memorabilia. Head below for a closer look and all of the details on scoring these limited-edition collectible LEGO coins for yourself.

With a sea of smart locks, it can be hard to feel confident when buying anything out there. Factors like price, connectivity, and security play a large role with these categories ranking higher on the totem pole than others. The latest eufy Smart Lock tries to adequately juggle features in order to deliver a well-balanced product. It can be unlocked using a passcode, fingerprint, and smartphone app. Unlike preceding Anker solutions, this offering boasts both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, propelling the range of direct connections to 650 feet. Continue reading to learn more.

Moog — one of the premier synth brands since the mid 1960s — just announced the Model 15 Modular synth for Mac. The brand has now updated its “award-winning” Model 15 Modular Synthesizer App with a number of new features and compatibility with macOS Big Sur. Originally developed as an emulation of the iconic 1973 hardware and an educational tool for modular synthesis, the Model 15 is also a wonderful creation tool for music producers/sound designers, and is now available on the big screen, inside your favorite DAW, and is free to existing owners of the iOS version. More details below. 

The Pokémon Company kicked off its 25th anniversary celebration earlier in the month with some announcements of its own, as well as details on upcoming collaborations to expect. We’re now getting a look at one of its first partnerships of the year, as Casio has just unveiled the latest edition to its BABY-G collection. Decked out in a unique Pokémon-inspired colorway, the new Casio Pokémon G-SHOCK Watch arrives next month. Head below for all of the details.

If you’ve ever used a Rubik’s Cube, then the WOWCUBE likely sports a familiar design. It’s a “one-of-a-kind” device that allows you to interact with eight connected cubical modules by twisting, tapping, tilting, or shaking. While it’s not a Rubik’s Cube, WOWCUBE really has the potential to become a must for kids who want simple on-the-go entertainment. Launching Spring 2021 for $249, WOWCUBE has some interesting features that set it apart from other similar products, so let’s dive in and see what all it has to offer.

As mobile gaming becomes more popular, more companies are jumping on the opportunity to create controllers that turn your phone into a console-like experience. We took a look at the Razer Kishi for iPhone recently, but today we have another similar option from a company called Backbone. With all of the dedicated buttons you would find on a console controller and an app that integrates friends, video captures, and quick launch options, the Backbone One is a great way to up your mobile gaming experience. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Smart plugs remain the best way to explore all of the perks of having a connected home, as well as versatile options to expand existing setups. But with an over-abundance of options to choose from at Amazon, finding the most ideal model for your Siri, Alexa, or Assistant kit can be tedious at best. So now, we’re back again for 2021 to showcase the best smart plugs on the market and highlight our favorite entries in various categories. Head below for all of the details.

Update 1/20: Samsung has lowered official pricing and this article has been updated accordingly.

When it comes to solid-state storage, Samsung has a knack for building some of the best solutions out there. Back in September it unveiled an NVMe solution with 7,000MB/s performance, and a couple months before that the company took the wraps off a 2.5-inch offering with an 8TB capacity. Today the Samsung 870 EVO has been unwrapped and it boasts “up to 38% higher performance speeds.” Continue reading to learn more.

Pottery Barn’s Valentine’s Day Gift Shop is now live with an array of gift ideas for your loved ones. These gifts are made to be heartfelt and provide something extra sweet. You can find budget-friendly ideas with pricing starting at just $6, and it goes up to $870. Inside this gift guide you can find ideas for women, men, and the family. Head below the jump to find our top picks from Pottery Barn and be sure to check out our guide to Target’s Spring Refresh Threshold Collection with home items to refreshen your home from $7.

Wyze is starting 2021 off strong with the announcement of a new product in a different category than many of its other items: a handheld vacuum. No smarts are included here, but the company is boasting quite a few great features. You’ll find 30-minutes of cleaning time, with the ability to recharge via USB-C once you’re done. The 100,000 RPM brushless motor delivers 16,800 pascals/42.8AW of suction capacity, which is enough to lift…three 8-pound bowling balls? Yeah, you read that right. All of this and more will be available soon for just $59.99 with the Wyze Handheld Vacuum, so keep reading to find out more.