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Today, Roku is introducing integration with Alexa, offering full-on support for Amazon’s voice assistant. While the streaming platform already has its own built-in AI and Google Assistant capabilities, introducing a Roku Alexa skill brings a whole different sphere of users into the mix. Cord-cutters can now issue commands with Alexa by simply adding “on Roku” to the end of any statement, which will then trigger the new skill for Roku’s streaming devices. Head below for more.
If I had to start from scratch and rebuild my smart home, outside of lighting accessories, Alexa-enabled wall outlets and plugs would easily qualify as one of my highest priorities. While this is largely due to the easy toggling of fans, lamps, and more, it’s also partly because of the energy usage information that most tend to offer.
This feature has provided me with the ability to zero in on which electronics suck up the most energy in my home. Not only do they provide this information in kilowatt hours, but some even offer an estimated cost, laying out an easy-to-understand figure that allows you to tailor usage habits.
I love my AirPods. Seriously, I never leave home without them, and when I do, I feel like there’s a piece of me left behind. That’s because Apple made a product so well that it seamlessly fits into my lifestyle. It slides well into my pocket, has long battery life, and sounds good for its size. But now, JLab Audio’s JBuds Air have come on the scene with great features and a super affordable price point to rival Apple’s AirPods. Head below for our full review.
Avengers: Endgame is one of the year’s most anticipated films. And with each addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe also comes a new batch of LEGO kits that tie in with the film. Today we’re getting a glimpse at what’s to come from LEGO and Disney’s latest collaboration before the new movie comes to theaters in April. Headlined by the upcoming Iron Man Hall of Armor kit, Quinjet and Avengers’ Headquarters, we’ve got a first look at what to expect from the LEGO Avengers Endgame sets.
A new Trine game has now been announced. Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince will take players through an all new adventure and is expected to launch later this fall. The game will be coming to all major platforms and features a sort of return to form that most gamers will be pleased to hear about.
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Despite the improvements in smart home tech we’ve seen as of late, in-home location tracking is still one feature that by and large has yet to be solved. Even with iBeacons and other low-power sensors having been on the market for quite some time now, we’re no closer to finding a compelling solution. But that’s what makes the unveil of Hiome Occupancy Sensors even more notable. With HomeKit and SmartThings support in tow, the devices offer a different approach to smart home presence detection.
It was just over a month ago that Amazon officially announced the launch of its new Scout delivery robots. If you missed that news, Amazon’s robots will initially be accompanied by people, but there isn’t much question that the goal is full automation at some point in the near future.
Now that you’re caught up to speed on that, prepare yourself for the FedEx SameDay Bot. The SameDay Bot is FedEx’s approach to Amazon’s Scout robots, albeit a more utilitarian design that can actually climb steps. The FedEx SameDay Bot is made to make local same-day delivery options more accessible to consumers.
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Most new parents know the benefits of swaddling and how the technique can lead to a better night’s sleep for both the baby and yourself. There are loads of options to choose from with an array of cute prints for boys and girls. That’s why today we are rounding up our favorite budget-friendly options for you to try or to give as a gift. Head below to find our top picks with prices starting at just $13.
A brand new ToeJam & Earl game is launching today on multiple platforms. The 90’s cult classic aliens are returning today in a modernized version of the original Sega Genesis title. After a successful crowd funding campaign crushed its initial goals, the new new ToeJam & Earl game is finally ready for prime time. Head below for all the funkadelic details.
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Back when the Amazon Dash Buttons launched in 2015, the idea of simply pressing a button to reorder routinely purchased home goods seemed novel. In the time since, the entire online shopping scheme has changed. The Echo lineup catapulted voice-based shopping into the norm and the social stigma against buying from online stores has largely gone faded. Now as the four-year anniversary of device’s launch approaches, Amazon has stopped selling its Dash Buttons.
While Nintendo has enjoyed great success in recent months with a number of notable Direct keynotes and other releases, some are still looking to the future. In a stretch that has been dominated by retro-styled releases, designer YJ Yoon is looking ahead with his Nintendo Flex Game Boy concept. The original handheld gaming console from Nintendo arrived on the scene back in 1989 and in the time since has seen a number of recreations to varying degrees of success. With an ambitious spirit, Yoon has set out to redesign the original with a modern take that would deliver one of the coolest handheld releases we’ve seen in recent years. Head below for a closer look at the Nintendo Flex Game Boy concept.
With the launch of 1TB microSD cards and the new Sony CFexpress memory cards, the capabilities packed into such small devices can be quite stunning. Additionally, the prices continue to drop at a rapid pace, making it a no-brainer to go all-in on digital Switch games with such inexpensive 400GB microSD cards.
While the new iteration of Sony CFexpress memory cards may not reach 1TB, they do double-down on performance. Well, they actually ratchet things up a bit more than that with speeds tripling its most-recent CFast memory card series. Additionally, Sony CFexpress memory cards are capable of withstanding quite a bit of abuse and accidental damage.
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We are getting some new Skylanders today courtesy of Activision and developer Com2uS. While it might not be the next console game fans of the now defunct series may have been hoping for, at least Spyro and friends are back. The new character collect-a-thon game is dropping on iOS and Android starting today. Head below for all the details.
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After being teased prior to Black Friday 2018, Amazon Day is officially hitting the mainstream as the online retailer looks to simplify deliveries for Prime members. This morning, Amazon launched its new delivery service that allows Prime subscribers to choose when they’d prefer packages to arrive. The latest perk offers the ability to group multiple parcels together, making deliveries more predictable and easier to plan for.
Amazon Day arrives on the scene today as another notable perk for Prime members. Although complaints have steadily risen that the “two-day” delivery window is often missed, Amazon still has one of the most convenient shipping schemes on the internet today. Head below for more Amazon Day details.
Much like Apple does with its store catalog, Target reviews and curates the items that make it into its retail and online outlets. Target does this to make the shopping experience a high-end one by weeding out options that are of lesser quality. Naturally this approach has prevented it from letting third-parties sell on its website like Amazon and Walmart currently do.
The company has unveiled a solution that keeps customers from being overwhelmed but also allows it compete on some level. It is called Target Plus (displayed in marketing as Target +) and according to the company, third-party offerings will still be curated in an attempt to keep the shopping experience simple.
COACH has a new face for this spring, Michael B. Jordan, most known for his recent roll in Black Panther. This new line is definitely for the stylish man with pieces including Chelsea boots, backpacks, leather jackets, aviator sunglasses and more. With prices starting from $95, this new line will elevate any look. Head below to find our top picks from this new collaboration.
While robotic mowers are not new to the scene, this is still a growing category in the United States. Far more popular in Europe, brands like Husqvarna are just beginning to expand their robo-presence in the United States. The latest release comes out of Mobile World Congress where we are getting our first look at the Husqvarna 435X robotic lawn mower.
Thanks to compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, users will be able to call up various features on the Husqvarna 435X with their voice. While smart home-grade features are welcome, it’s the unique design with all-wheel drive performance that has us particularly interested in this model.
While moving into a new apartment at the beginning of the year, one of my computer’s hard drive suffered a casualty. Determined to never unintentionally lose data again in the future, I set out to find a reliable solution for hosting Time Machine backups. At the end of the journey enters the two-bay Synology DS218play NAS, an affordable yet powerful storage solution. Loaded with 20TB of storage, I’ve been using the NAS for a few days and am left with a great first impression. Head below for a closer look.
As we expected from yesterday’s announcement, the big N hosted a brief Pokémon Nintendo Direct this morning. Eager monster collectors were hoping for more news on that highly-anticipated mainline Pokémon RPG and we expected to see at least some kind of mobile-related update. If not some kind surprise remake announcement. Head below for all the details.
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Spring will soon be upon us and so will March and April showers. Plus, if you live in a transitional climate, you never know what the weather might do. That’s why a rain jacket is a perfect transitional piece to have in your wardrobe to keep you dry and warm. Plus, this season there are an array of styles from dressy to casual and sporty. Today we are rounding up the best rain jackets for men that are budget-friendly from top brands including The North Face, Banana Republic, Hunter and more.
We now know the next Nintendo Direct event will take place tomorrow. Announced this morning via the official Nintendo of Europe Twitter account, the short Direct presentation will focus entirely on Pokémon by the sounds of it. If you have been eagerly awaiting news on the mainline Switch Pokémon RPG Nintendo has been teasing for years now, you’ll most likely want to tune in. Head below for all the details.
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This morning Logitech has announced that it is expanding its lineup of speakers and surround sound systems with its new Z606 5.1-Ch. offering. Logitech is known for making some of the most affordable audio systems out there for a wide-range of needs, including gaming, Mac and PC. Its latest release focuses on simple home theater setups, taking into account common issues that often arise like cable lengths, subwoofer power and more. Along with a host of inputs, there’s also Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring that Logitech’s latest is ready for your entertainment needs. More below.
In our on-going endeavor to show you how to make the most out of your smart home, today we’ll be checking out another way to add greater utility to your smartphone-enabled gadgets. Bolstering your home’s security not only offers peace of mind, but can bring real benefits like break-in notifications, remote monitoring and more. Head below for five of the best smart home security devices from August, Eve, Ring and more.
As Amazon continues to grow, so does its portfolio of in-house brands. It makes sense, after all, for one of the largest retailers in the world to seek more ways to further entrench itself in the everyday lives of consumers. Amazon has obviously made its presence felt in the grocery space with its AmazonFresh delivery service, ownership of the Whole Foods supermarket chain, and regular Subscribe & Save offers that often undercut brick-and-mortar deals. Here, however, we’re going to take a closer look at one of Amazon’s lesser-known endeavors, the Solimo brand, which includes everything from coffee and flavored drinks, to body soap and laundry detergent.
The Microsoft Kinect has had a somewhat strange life. It was first debuted as a device that accompanied Xbox 360 consoles then later on it was refreshed and released alongside the Xbox One. Kinect was perhaps at its peak during the Xbox 360 days, when folks were moving on from the hype of Nintendo Wii.
Since its Xbox One refresh, talk and use of Kinect for gaming may have dwindled, but this hasn’t stopped Microsoft from completely rethinking how Kinect technology can be remain relevant today. With its latest release, Microsoft is following-up its Kinect for Windows with a much nicer device for advanced AI software development.
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A trio of Nintendo Switch Resident Evil games now have scheduled release dates. The previously announced remakes will go up for pre-order this month and will hit store shelves in the spring. All the details are down below.
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Dreaming of warmer days? If so, you’re in luck because Pottery Barn just launched its new outdoor collection with 23 new lines to choose from. Whether you have a patio, balcony, a pool or a backyard oasis, Pottery Barn’s new line has any piece of furniture or accessory you will need. Head below to find our top picks from the new outdoor collection.
As standalone virtual and mixed reality headsets gain higher resolution displays and become more ubiquitous, equally as capable cameras become more essential. Ricoh, who has been consistently unveiling plenty of consumer VR-ready recording devices over the years, has that need covered with its latest releasing. The new Ricoh Theta Z1 is the company’s next iteration of 360-degree cameras, touting a 23MP sensor, the ability to capture 7K stills, an enhanced processing algorithm and more.
Today at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Western Digital unveiled the “world’s fastest” 1TB microSD card. This previously unthinkable storage capacity arrives on the scene with transfer speeds up to 160MB/s. But the SanDisk 1TB microSD card isn’t the only storage making waves at MWC. Micron is announcing its own version as well. Either way, that’s a lot of Nintendo Switch games, GoPro videos or storage for your Android device. More below.
If you have an Amazon Echo device, you’ve likely wondered what the best accessories would be. Whether you have an Echo Dot, Echo, Echo Show, or Echo Spot, we’ve got you covered with our favorites for each device, plus a bonus accessory that’ll work with any Alexa-enabled device!
Don’t forget to check out our Echo devices compared article where we break it down and show you exactly which of Amazon’s products will fit where in your life.
I’m a hardcore Mac user, but even I’ll admit that quite a few gaming PC components are very eye-catching. Just like anything, bright multi-color LEDs can look ridiculous when overdone, but when someone pieces everything together just right, it can be mesmerizing.
Corsair is a company that is constantly churning out RGB PC gear. From products like the Crystal 570X Case to the LL120 Dual Light Loop Fan, Corsair has something out there that’ll grab nearly anyone’s attention. With the launch of the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB, folks looking to upgrade their RAM will now be able to pick up sticks that sport a bunch of RGB LEDs.
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While it may have been one of the roughest launches for any of Bethesda’s games in recent memory (or ever), a load of new Fallout 76 features are on the way. A Survival Mode launches next month alongside a plethora of enhancements, new missions and more. The developer dropped a lengthy post on its official blog detailing all of the new content. Head below for everything.
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Modern Family star Sofia Vergara has recently launched an affordable denim and apparel collection at Walmart. The online-only exclusive line includes over 100 items ranging from jeans and denim jackets to graphic tees and has an array of sizes ranging from 0 up to 20. Plus, all prices are budget-friendly and under $40. Head below to find our top picks from this new line.
Back in September we covered LEGO Forma, the company’s first attempt to crowdfund an entire line of new kits. After facing shipping delays, the LEGO Forma Koi Fish has finally arrived. Stacking up to one of LEGO’s first kinetic sculptures, the kit is an enjoyable build that stands out from the entirety of the company’s lineup. Head to the depths below to check out our full hands-on review.
Today, Ricoh has announced its long-anticipated GR III compact camera. After being first teased last year, it’s slated to hit the scene in March with a bevy of notable features. It’s rare to find a large-sensor compact on the market today. Thankfully the Ricoh GR III is set to deliver another option that is relatively affordable at $900. There are a number of improvements over the previous-generation GR II, including a higher resolution sensor, in-body stabilization and more. Head below for additional details on the latest from Ricoh.
Today LEGO is expanding its garage of iconic brick-built vehicles with the release of a 1960s’ classic. Making its debut, the LEGO Ford Mustang will be hitting store shelves later next week. The upcoming old school muscle car build stacks up to over 1,470 pieces and includes plenty of authentic details. Head below for a closer look and to see when you’ll be able to take it off the lot.
When it comes to video doorbells, there are two companies that rule the roost, generally speaking. You’ve got Nest’s Hello Smart Video Doorbell and the Ring Video Doorbell (which has multiple models). There are plenty of third-party options on Amazon, as well. But one company has been trying to shake up the industry, and that’s Remo+. With the launch of its latest RemoBell S, Remo+ aims to provide a $99 price point with 3-days of cloud storage included with every purchase.
Today we are taking a closer look at the best podcast gear to start your soon-to-be media empire. While it can be tempting to just use the built-in microphone on your device, your listeners might not appreciate the sound quality as much as you do the convenience. Audio gear can be very expensive, so we will be going over the value proposition for various use case scenarios as well as some of the best microphones, audio interfaces and more to get you going. Everyone has different needs and budgets, so there are a number of factors to consider here.
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Do you have spring break or summer travel plans? If so, Nordstrom’s travel accessories section features everything you need from long-haul flights to road trips. Whether you require a passport holder, a toiletry kit or a garment bag, this section has you covered and organized for your trip. Head below to find our top picks with items starting at just $25.
Order Now!For the Anker fans out there still on the fence about installing security cameras, the company has a new offering that could check all the boxes for most. One look at the Anker eufyCam E Security Camera paints a clear picture who the company is competing with and that’s Arlo.
Many of the features offered in the Anker eufyCam E are quite impressive. At the top of the list for many is 365-day battery life. Additionally a ‘top-of-the-line’ Sony Exmor sensor yields “crisp” footage (even at night) and no monthly subscription fee required are sure to help many make the Anker eufyCam E their obvious choice.
Earlier this month the Nomad Titanium Band for Apple Watch was announced. Hitting the scene at $180, it was far more affordable than Apple’s in-house alternatives. In the weeks since, I’ve been using this band daily both during work and at the gym. It differs from most of the other link bands that I’ve previously tried in a few key areas, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add some style to their wrists. Head below to find out why.
Back in September of 2018, Oculus debuted its all-in-one Quest Virtual Reality Headset. Today one of the other major players in the space, HTC, has unveiled a new headset to match. The upcoming Vive Focus Plus looks to offer an equally compelling standalone virtual reality experience complete with six degrees of freedom tracking, an AMOLED display and more.
Amazon originally started out with a single Echo device and now offers nearly a dozen Echo-branded devices, among other lineups of products. There’s a lot that goes into picking the perfect smart home products, so we’ve compared all of the Amazon Echo devices for you to help you make the best decision.
If you are a fan of Mario games but prefer the PlayStation ecosystem, there’s a good chance you have spent some time playing the LittleBigPlanet series. The simple fact that it sports easy controls and couch co-op make it a must-have for most gamers since the series is quite approachable and creates a foundation for pro and amateur players to have fun together. Media Molecule, the team responsible for bringing LittleBigPlanet to the masses is nearing an Early Access release of its latest game, Dreams. Anyone who missed its debut at PSX 2017 can compare it in some ways to Nintendo’s Super Mario Maker.
A number of new Xbox Game Pass titles are hitting this month. The on-demand gaming subscription service is launching a handful of AAA titles throughout February including Lara Croft’s latest adventure, Batman and more. Head below for all the details.
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Get ready because H&M’s New Home Collection looks like it’s making your bedroom and bathroom into a luxurious hotel. In this new collection you’ll find trademarks from top of the line hotels including fresh white sheets, silky pillow cases, luxurious bathrobes and much more. With prices starting at just $6, this new line is a no-brainer. Head below to find the rest of our top picks.
Back in late 2017 we covered Replicade’s first release, a miniature Centipede arcade machine. In the past year and a half, more titles have been released and New Wave Toys’ has no plans of slowing down. This year at Toy Fair, the company showcased its past arcade machine collectors items and gave us our first look at its upcoming releases, including a Replicade Asteroids cabinet, token machine USB hub and more.
Order NowAs the AirPower wireless charging pad continues to hang in the balance after Apple missed its self-imposed 2018 deadline, more and more brands are looking to fill the gap. The latest one is industry veteran Anker, which is known for its popular line of smartphone accessories. This week the brand launched its new PowerWave+ Pad 2-in-1 Qi Charger that’s aimed squarely at those with AirPower blues.
Anker’s latest release hits the scene with a familiar design that leans toward AirPower in looks but lacks the same place-your-device-anywhere and charger feature set. While Apple’s own wireless charging pad is said to be on the way soon, Anker is ready to bring the PowerWave+ Pad mainstream now.