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Friends and family each year always ask me what to get the techy in their lives, and like clockwork I am being summoned again to answer the call. As I do each holiday season here at 9to5Toys, I am back to write about my favorite smart home gear in this year’s gift guide.
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Buy now/$1,299The prebuild PC market has continued to pick up steam over the past few years, but there’s one brand that has been rising above the rest lately. I’ve heard so much raving about MAINGEAR and its lineup of pre-built PCs that I had to test one out myself, and so over the past few months I’ve had the MG-1 Gold as the centerpiece to my battlestation.
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Following the release of its trackable MagSafe wallet and passport holder, Journey is now introducing its new LOC8 Apple Find My wallet card. The new LOC8 Finder Card enters with a form-factor roughly the size of a credit card and support for Apple’s Find My network to help ensure you never misplace your wallet (or anything else you might slide it into) again. Now available for purchase, you can score 20% off right now using the ongoing sitewide promo code, HOLIDAY20, and be sure to head below for more details.
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Buy now/$30There’s no way that a pair of $30 earbuds actually sound good right? Well, Skullcandy would at least like to have a word. Because if you’re going to make that claim you haven’t listened to its new Dime 3 buds. Packed with increased battery life and other notable inclusions like multipoint pairing, I am checking out to see if the new Skullcandy Dime 3 can make a last-minute cut on my list of favorite earbuds in 2023.
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Whether you’re shopping for a PC gamer in your life or you’re a gamer looking to upgrade to something better, there seems to be an endless amount of brands and options for PC gaming gear. It can be a daunting challenge when you first commit to upgrading your battlestation, especially if you’re new to the scene or shopping on a budget. That’s why I’ve put together this rundown of the most notable brands offering the best deals on quality gaming equipment, so that, hopefully, we can help you cast aside those worries and take your gameplay to the next level. I’ve taken great care to include plenty of budget-friendly options that still boast quality performance, so head below to check out all the top picks.
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Update: While we are still awaiting a complete list of new features and additions, Insomniac has now officially confirmed a March 7, 2024 launch for its title update to Spider-Man 2:
Our title update for Marvel’s #SpiderMan2PS5 arrives next month and adds highly requested features like New Game+, new suits, and more!
Watch our social media for a complete list of features closer to release.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was clearly one of the biggest and most exciting PlayStation 5 releases this year, and after becoming the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game of all-time, the next update for the game is a highly-anticipated one to say the least. Developer Insomniac Games recently took to its official X (Twitter) account to give players an update on what was next for the game, including new gameplay and quality of life enhancements, but it looks like the studio has now pushed everything back until 2024. Head below for more details.
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Lexar has now unleashed its new handheld SSD known as the Play 2230. With new handhelds on the scene, including the latest Steam Deck, the new ASUS ROG Ally, and more, the compact 2230 SSD standard has become even more desirable and there’s another notable option on the market courtesy of Lexar. Now available for purchase at Amazon and elsewhere, you can take a deeper dive into what the new Play 2230 can bring to your on-the-go gaming setup down below.
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Ubiquiti today is launching another addition to its catalogue of networking gear with the grand entrance of its new UniFi Pro Max 24 PoE. I know, I know there’s normally nothing all too exciting about an Ethernet switch, but you’re going to want to see all of the neat tech that Ubiquiti has baked into its new release, including the debut of a new rack management features that the company calls Etherlighting.
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As 2023 comes to a close and with Christmas just a couple of weeks away, there is still time to find the perfect gift for the exercise enthusiast in your life at an affordable price. While the fitness market can be overwhelming to navigate as a consumer, I have narrowed down my top five best fitness finds for under $50 that range from athletic apparel to a massage gun that helps your body recover from a hard workout. Keep reading below the fold for details on my favorite fitness finds under $50.
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It has been an exciting year for Nintendo fans with the release of some major titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and now it’s time to take it all in with the official yearly recap. For the last few years Nintendo has provided its gamers with a fun and nostalgic way to look back on their greatest achievements in the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond, vote on their favorite games, and more by way of its official yearly review and personalized wrap-up. Head below for more details.
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TP-Link’s Kasa and Tapo lineups deliver some of the most affordable smart home gear out there and its new video doorbell camera solution has now arrived stateside. The new Tapo Smart Video Doorbell Camera and included chime were unveiled earlier this year and are now available on Amazon as a pair at $120 shipped. For those already invested in the TP-Link Tapo Alexa- and Google Assistant-compatible ecosystem, this marks your first chance to expand your setup to the front porch. Head below for a closer look and more details.
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Sony debuted the PS5 Slim console back in October, but we might be getting that PS5 Pro after all. While all of this is to be taken with more than just a grain of salt, rumor has it some of the specs of the new pro-grade machine might have already leaked with others saying Sony is expecting a leak sometime this month. The PS5 Slim was more of cross-grade over what was the standard PS5, introducing a new attachable disc drive, a slimmer form-factor, and a marginally different design, but some of the potentially leaked details are pointing towards what could be a full-on PS5 Pro upgrade. More details below.
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Buy now/$349It doesn’t matter how far into the lifecycle it is, the Nintendo Switch is going to continue dominating the holiday season. If the stacked roster of new games wasn’t already enough to ensure consoles flew off shelves bundles like this Nintendo Switch OLED package with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate would make it even more compelling. And with the fighting game’s 5th birthday, Nintendo sent one of these bundles over for me to check out to ensure I could getting in on the celebration.
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It’s that time of year when the holiday parties and family gatherings seem to never end. If you are like me, the hustle and bustle can make for a stressful time, but I’ve learned over the years that it doesn’t have to be that way. If you like to host parties or know someone who does, there are some simple products you can have on hand at all times or gift to your favorite party host that add fun and ease to pretty much any gathering. So head below for the best gift ideas for your favorite party host/hostess, or snag a few for yourself if that person is you!
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The next LEGO Ideas set has been revealed. Launching next year, the upcoming LEGO Polaroid Instant Camera will look to give the classic OneStep release the brick-built treatment. It will stack up to over 500 pieces when it does hit store shelves as an adorable recreation of the iconic instant camera.
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$16 off/$64UGREEN has launched its new Nexode 100W 20,000mAh Portable Power Bank and Charger, ideal for travelling or when you’re away from a power source. Now available for purchase, this device offers three USB ports that allows users to fast charge up to three devices simultaneously with speeds of up to 100W, and can recharge in just two hours.
The Nexode 100W portable charger features two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, letting you fast charge up to three devices simultaneously with speeds up to 100W. For example, the USB C1 port is able to charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro to a 42% battery in just 30 minutes, while an iPhone 15 can reach a 60% battery charge in the same timeframe, which means you’ll deal with less waiting time and get more enjoyment out of your devices.

It boasts a rapid recharge capability through its USB-C1 port, which not only fast charges any connected devices but also provides 65W of efficient charging to the charger itself. When the charger is empty, it only takes two hours to fully recharge it, making it five times faster than standard power banks and eliminating prolonged wait times.
This portable power bank has been designed to support the modern lifestyle, engineered for five to seven days of battery life. Its digital LED screen provides a clear indication of the remaining battery level, giving you an accurate reading of your device’s status with a quick and easy glance. Not just powerful, this power bank and charger is also designed 20% lighter than similar models for portability and to save space without compromising its charging efficiency.

You’ll have all the support you need for a large variety of devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and even smaller devices like AirPods, fitness trackers, and smartwatches too.
The Nexode 100W 20000mAh Portable Power Bank and Charger is now available for purchase with a discounted $63.99 price tag, after clipping the on-page $16 off coupon. There is no telling how long this discount will last before returning to its $79.99 MSRP.
New launch/$171ESR announced its first lineup of 15W MagSafe chargers back in August, with the actual launch of its new flagship charging station looming over the past few months. Now, it’s finally here. The new ESR 100W 6-in-1 MagSafe charger debuts on Amazon alongside a launch discount just in time for the holidays.
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After a more than tumultuous ride over the last number of years, the E3 gaming conference has been officially shuttered. The folks behind the annual gaming extravaganza have been struggling to reinstate the show for several years now, but after major partners started to side step the summertime showcase, COVID taking hold of physical events everywhere, and a number of other factors, sadly, the governing body behind the event have finally decided to call it quits.
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Buy now/$120Moment today is expanding its lineup of iPhone and Android smartphone lenses with a new macro offering. Delivering even more detailed close-up shots from your handset, the new Moment 75mm Macro Mobile Lens
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January 1/$85LEGO just revealed the new X-Men X-Jet. Launching on the first of the year, the super hero team of mutants are finally getting the spotlight with a new build based around the X-Men ’97 series. Debuting at the top of the year in January as LEGO set 76281, we break down everything new with the X-Jet and its four X-Men minifigures below.
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$10 off/$401MORE, an award-winning, innovative manufacturer of personal audio devices has launched its new PistonBuds Pro Q30 Wireless Earbuds in the US, after releasing last week in the UK. Now available for purchase, these earbuds feature proprietary QuietMax ANC technology, versatile listening modes, 30 hours battery life, and 10mm dynamic drivers, producing unbelievable sound quality for the user, without being disturbed by noisy surroundings.
1MORE’s new PistonBuds Pro Q30 Wireless Earbuds have a standout feature in its QuietMax 42dB active noise-canceling technology, diving deeper into a wider frequency range to eliminate ambient noise for crystal-clear clarity. You’ll also be covered on phone calls, as the six built-in microphones and an AI-enabled algorithm work in tandem to filter out ambient noise and ensure that the user’s voice remains front and center. Whether you’re on a busy street, in a crowded airport, or within your own home, 1MORE guarantees a “serene auditory escape” with these earbuds.

They feature a 10mm diamond-like-carbon (DLC) dynamic driver that gives you booming bass, vibrant vocals, and intricate detail for a well-balanced audio output that should please any audiophile. You can also elevate your listening experience further with a Spatial Audio feature through the 1MORE Music app, giving you a 360-degree listening environment that is compatible with many audio sources and devices.

These earbuds also offer versatile listening modes, allowing them to easily adapt to the user’s surroundings. You can activate the transparency mode to engage in conversations, hear important announcements, or remain aware of what’s going on around you. The wind noise resistance mode will better mitigate wind-induced microphonics while the adaptive mode automatically adjusts settings to suppress any unwanted background noise. They even have a low-latency gaming mode that ensures audio-visual synchronization for a more immersive and multisensory gaming experience.
You’ll enjoy a total of 30 hours of battery life from the charging case, with the earbuds themselves offering 7.5 hours of continuous playback on a single charge with ANC turned off. Once you’ve hit the earbuds’ limit, it just takes a short 10-minute quick charge to add another two hours of playback to the battery. You’ll also be receiving a stable connection via its Bluetooth 5.3 technology, with “minimal transmission delays for uninterrupted enjoyment of music.”

Nature lovers and gym rats alike will also find these earbuds to be quite convenient as well. They come with an IPX5 water resistance to water and sweat, meaning you’ll get to enjoy all they have to offer while hiking, working in the garden, exercising, or during any other outdoor adventures.
The PistonBuds Pro Q30 Wireless Earbuds are now available for purchase with a discounted 39.99 price tag on Amazon, after clipping the on-page 20% off coupon. This launch discount will likely be available for the rest of 2023 and possibly some of 2024. You can also find them on 1more.com
Buy now/$180Anker launched its most capable personal power banks yet earlier in the year with the new Prime lineup. These hefty portable chargers fully embraced GaN tech in order to serve as the ultimate way to refuel your entire Apple kit away from home – and yes, even your shiny new M3 MacBook Pro. I’ve been so improved by the 27,650mAh model with its 250W power output and companion charging dock.
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If you’ve ever wondered if LEGO sets could get the equivalent of DLC, today we finally have an answer. An upcoming 2024 LEGO Spider-Man set is going to fix one of the big issues with this year’s No Way Home Final Battle kit by assembling Sandman and some other villains who didn’t make the cut in the display set. Now this upcoming LEGO Spider-Man set number 76280 coming out in 2024 will add both characters as an expansion to the original.
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Buy now/$100Backbone just sent me one of its new USB-C gamepads for iPhone 15 to check out, and it happened to arrive the same week that LEGO Fortnite launched. In what has to be the perfect opportunity to try out the new gaming accessory, I’ve been trying out the new release and have to say I’m finally sold on controller grips – especially ones as good as the Backbone One.
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If you’ve wanted a Pokémon keyboard, Higround is making your dreams a reality as it’s set to launch six new designs this afternoon. Complete with designs centered around Charizard, Venusaur, and Blastoise, as well as some other iconic Kanto designs that Trainers should recognize, the new releases are available as part of a limited-edition collaboration with the Pokémon Company.
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Christmas is just a little over two weeks away and if you still have a guy on your list to buy for, you’re in the right place. Today we’re covering all of the best fashion gift ideas for men that they’re sure to love. From the golf fanatic, the polished dresser, to the fitness lover, we have a gift idea for everyone on your list with budget friendly options starting at just $18. Finally, you will want to check out our gift guide to the best last minute ideas for kids.
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If you’re looking for a gift for a child, you have come to the right place! In this guide we will be sharing an array of gift ideas at several price points to fit any budget. Plus, we’ve checked the shipping deadlines for you and all of these items are available to be wrapped and placed under the tree before Christmas. Head below to find some of the hottest toys, clothing, and stocking stuffers for the little ones in your life they are sure to love.
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$300 off/$600Ultenic, a manufacturer of smart home products, has launched its new MC1 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo with a fully automatic station in the US today, after launching in the UK just last month. Now available for purchase, this robotic cleaning system is designed to require as little assistance as possible from you, with self-emptying, self-cleaning, and self-drying functions all in one convenient and versatile device.
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Buy now/$27elago launched a new MagSafe charging stand last month, bringing its fascination with the classic Macintosh to your setup as an iPhone 15 companion. I just had to have it, for the past week or so it’s been hanging out on my nightstand as my overnight docking station. With a design that is geared towards StandBy mode, I take a closer look at if this accessory is worth its homage to Apple’s old school Mac.
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The annual Game Awards will be live tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET in celebration of the biggest and most exciting releases of the year. And much like year’s past, we are now starting to see some wide-ranging PlayStation and Xbox digital sales go live ahead of time. While we hit on some of these deals in this morning’s roundup alongside the day’s best physical console game deals, both the Xbox and PlayStation digital stores are now offering hundreds of price drops on PS4/5 and Series X|S titles. Head below for more the deals and to follow along with the 2023 Game Awards when they go live later tonight.
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Satechi is launching a new series of USB-C accessories today for Mac. Wrapping three different cables and adapters in a premium braided nylon design, the company is out with a refreshed 2.5Gb Ethernet adapter as well as a pair of 8K HDMI solutions. Each one debuts with a launch discount attached, too.
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From the popular R5 bundle to the powerhouse R21, Moza’s ecosystem of direct-drive sim racing gear keeps expanding at a rapid rate. Now, Moza is releasing updated versions of some of its more powerful wheelbases to align with its more modular ecosystem. We have the updated R16 here which now features all of the connection ports necessary right on the back of the wheelbase. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details on the Moza R16 and see it in use.
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LEGO Fornite is now officially available after being revealed last week. The new digital experience may be built right into the popular battle royale game, but it’s hardly the same game. Focusing more on a survival crafting experience, we now know just how the whole game mode will stack up.
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Today, OWC is launching its fastest portable SSD system yet. The launch of the new Express 1M2 also marks the first of its kind from the brand, delivering a DIY solution for USB4-equipped Macs and PCs in the form of the “fastest single blade NVMe OWC has ever offered.” Much like its solid metal 2,800MB/s OWC Envoy PRO portable SSD and its 11-port Thunderbolt 4 Go Dock that’s built like a tank, it features a solid metal design and can be loaded up with range of internal SSD solutions from the brand or to repurpose the drives you might already have laying around. Head below for more details.
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$500After almost an entire year of waiting, the LEGO Avengers Tower is finally here. I’ve been covering the set since it was just in its infancy as far as rumors go, and now it’s siting right in front of me as an assembled model. Packed with references to the first decade of MCU movies, I’m taking a closer look at how the largest LEGO Marvel set ever made stacks up – and more importantly, if it’s worth $500.
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20% off/$64Anker is launching a new power station today to help you streamline a nightstand or communal charging setup. While you’ll find a pair of full AC outlets and some USB-A ports, the real star of the show is the USB-C outputs that can dish out 100W to your MacBook, iPad, and other gear. It also arrives with a launch discount.
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The LEGO Group is announcing its next double Insiders points promotion today. Just in time to score some of the new kits that just hit store shelves for December, lock-in some gifts, or nab those exclusive new gift with purchases, we break down how to save below.
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Pre-order/$379Logitech and Astro Gaming are announcing the new Astro A50 X Gaming Headset, alongside revealing launch dates. Now available for pre-order, this new flagship headset is designed to simultaneously play across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and S, as well as PCs with just a press of a button.
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$220 or less/Buy nowPhilips Hue launched a new version of its smart Christmas lights earlier this fall deemed the Festavia string lights. Smart home owners have been waiting for festive lights you can control with your voice for ages. Now after using them for the past few months, it’s safe to say that Philips Hue has delivered just the solution – if you’re willing to shell out enough frankincense, myrrh, and gold.
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Now joining the already available Hammerhead Pro set that launched earlier this year, today Razer is unveiling its new Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed Wireless Gaming Earbuds for VR. These new Meta Quest buds are described as the “ultimate audio companion for the virtual realm” and are “meticulously crafted to serve as a beacon of For Gamers. By Gamers innovation for VR enthusiasts.” Now available for purchase at Amazon and elsewhere, you can get a closer look and more details on the new Razer Meta Quest wireless earbuds below.
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With hundreds of air fryers on the market today, it can be difficult to stand out in a saturated market. Air fryers have become a staple in most households, which motivates companies like COSORI to create premium products that are worth every penny. This fall, COSORI released the first air fryer powered by a DC motor, and I was able to get my hands on a unit to put it to the test.
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Journey has now launched a pair of new accessories starting with its LOC8 Apple Find My MagSafe wallet. You’ll also find a new Passport variant with Apple’s location tracking to stow in your carry-on. We previously featured our hands-on impressions of the brand’s EZMO MagSafe wallet solutions, but this time around the brand is bringing Apple’s Find My tech into its latest EDC designs. Best of all, they are also available as part of its ongoing holiday sale at 20% off the launch prices. Head below for more details.
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Reg. $1,899/$1,499Juiced Bikes today is launching its new Scrambler X2. While you can read all about what’s new over at Electrek, here at 9to5Toys we’re ready to talk all about the savings on this all-new debut. The Scrambler X2 e-bike now sells for $1,499 shipped as a special launch promotion, dropping down from its usual $1,899 price tag. We’re expecting to see the new e-bike return to this price before long, so jump on those $400 in savings while you can. It’s of course the very first discount and a new all-time low, too. There’s four different colors available and below the fold we break down just how those savings stack up for your new off-road ride.
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Buy now/$600Withings is taking hybrid smartwatches to a whole new level with the reveal of its upcoming ScanWatch Nova. Premium materials really are just the start of this frankly gorgeous timepiece, opting for a design that looks more like a traditional watch while baking in some of its most capable health features yet.
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Buy now/$130Twelve South is launching its most portable Apple charging accessory yet, with one of its cutest names yet. The new ButterFly combines a 15W MagSafe charger and an Apple Watch fast charger into one of the smallest form-factors imaginable. I’ve been waiting to talk about this for over a month now, and today I can finally gush about how novel this new release is!
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Update 05/16/24: Grand Theft Auto VI is set for release in the fall of 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to latest Take-Two earnings report.
Grand Theft Auto VI is coming in 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. No other platforms have been mentioned at this time.
Update 3: The debut GTA 6 trailer is now breaking viewer records on YouTube. With over 78 million views now, it is reportedly the most-viewed non-music video on YouTube in 24 hours.
Update 2: We have now added the official artwork up top and some details from the press release below.
Update: After leakers got their hands on the official GTA 6 trailer this evening, Rockstar decided to jump the gun and launch the trailer early on its official channel ahead of schedule!! You can see it down below.
The first official GTA 6 trailer will go live today! This is it folks, it will only be a matter of hours now before Rockstar unveils the first official look at Grand Theft Auto 6. After years of speculation, rumors, and anticipation, Rockstar is set to give folks the very first and very much long-awaited look at what will be the next entry in its crime action open-world epic. After priming gamers for a reveal in early November with an open letter on its official site, Rockstar officially announced that “Trailer 1” for GTA 6 would debut on December 5, 2023, and that day has finally arrived. Head below for more details and to check out the trailer for yourself later today.
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mophie just launched its new 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger, adding Apple Watch fast charging into the mix. But if you don’t need the fastest refuel times for your on-the-go setup, 9to5Toys is partnering with ZAGG in order to set up three lucky winners with one of the company’s original 15W portable MagSafe chargers.
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Buy now/$150Last month, mophie refreshed one of its most popular chargers with support for some new specs. While not all too much has changed, I’ve been using the new mophie 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger for the past few weeks and have been in love with its newfound Apple Watch fast charging and 15W tech. And with the busiest travel season of the year around the corner, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
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