News
Today, Nikon is announcing a new addition to the NIKKOR Z lineup, and this time it is aimed at its DX-format mirrorless cameras. The all-new NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR lens is the first power-zoom Z-mount lens from the brand and is aimed at vloggers and content creators. You will be able to adjust the speed at which the lens zooms, with the control being handled in a variety of ways but mainly with the customizable zoom ring. Low-light shooting will also be enhanced thanks to the 4.5 stops of vibration reduction. This new lens is available for pre-order starting today and is expected to begin shipping in May 2023. Keep reading below the fold to learn more about this new power-zoom lens from Nikon.
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About a year after the debut of its first collection of covers for Apple’s items trackers, the new Lumen OtterBox AirTag cases have arrived. OtterBox is a staple in the Apple gear accessory space, making some of the best cases and covers out there, and its AirTag lineup is no exception. They might not be as flashy or particularly purpose-built as its ultra-protective iPhone sheaths, but they are certainly worth consideration for Apple item tracker users, especially for folks already invested in its cases. The new Lumen OtterBox AirTag cases are designed to match its latest iPhone covers of the same name and come in at a relatively affordable price point considering the premium some of its handset accessories can fetch. Head below for a closer look and more details.
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Today, ShiftCam, a slightly newer brand in the mobile videography/photography space, is introducing its LensUltra Series of smartphone lenses. Comprised of metal and high-quality glass, these lenses offer mobile photographers and videographers a wide range of options when it comes to capturing stunning imagery. We’ve spent the past few weeks with the LensUltra Series, as well as some other gear from ShiftCam, and our thoughts on the latest launch are down below in our hands-on review.
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CASETiFY today is expanding its stable of Apple Watch accessories by launching its latest strap. The new Flexi Apple Watch Band arrives with the usual CASETiFY knack for flair, coming in a colorful assortment of styles and designs to complement its recycled build. Compatible with Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, and previous wearables, the new band also comes in hundreds of customizable styles.
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New York-based artist Nik Bentel has been known to bring a level of whimsy to his work that I’ve personally been obsessed with for ages now. As if past work like his Shipping Box Bag didn’t speak to me enough, the artist’s latest piece is looking to capture some iconic macOS imagery. The new Untitled Folder Wallet just launched with some signature Apple inspiration in tow, and after spending the past few days with it in my bag, I can’t stop gushing about why you need to get one for yourself.
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Pre-sale/$49Today, we’re taking a look at one of the latest products from Olight with the Obulb Plus. Launching now, we’ve spent the past few weeks with the latest wireless light, which delivers several upgrades over the previous-generation models. For starters, there’s no on-light control for brightness, it uses the latest Olight app, and it gets brighter than the Obulb Pro S. Ready to find out how our hands-on experience is with the Olight Obulb Plus? Keep reading to find out more.
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After debuting its new adventure-ready backpack just in the introduction of the new line of sling packs for your spring and summer expeditions, Bellroy is looking to neatly store your business kit with its latest release. The new Bellroy MacBook sleeve is more than just your average thin-line case with some extra pockets so you can also fit your accessories, add-ons, chargers, and then some. Described as an “all-in-one officemate,” the new Bellroy Laptop Caddy MacBook sleeve is now available for purchase in two sizes and three color options. Head below for more details and a closer look.
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Buy now/$150Last year, Razer launched the Stream Controller, which is a premium macro keypad with knobs, buttons, and more. But, this week, the company is now launching the Stream Controller X – a slimmed-down version of the Stream Controller that’s taking aim at Elgato’s popular Stream Deck. Featuring 15 programmable buttons that each have their own display, the Razer Stream Controller X will take your PC setup to the next level for sure. Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out everything we know so far.
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This Tears of the Kingdom Master Sword replica is a must-see. Soon to be the envy of Zelda collectors the world over, an epic new Master Sword replica pulled straight from the mysterious busted-down design seen on the Tears of the Kingdom trailers has surfaced on the Japanese Nintendo site just under a month away from the release of the biggest Switch game of the year. The light-up mounted Hylian artifact of your dreams is going to be very hard to get to say the least, but you’ll definitely want to scope it out down below anyway.
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Coming soon/$200LEGO today is expanding its lineup of Technic supercars with the debut of its latest brick-built vehicle. Celebrating 100 years of the famous Le Mans race, the new LEGO Technic Peugeot 9X8 hits the scene with nearly 1,800 bricks, glow-in-the-dark headlights, and one of the more unique designs we’ve seen from a LEGO racer as of late. Launching on May 1 with a $200 price tag, we’re breaking down the latest Technic model below.
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SIGMA is expanding its popular Contemporary lens lineup with three new additions for Leica L- and Sony E-Mounts. Two of the models are designed for use with full-frame sensors, with the third meant for APS-C crop sensors. All three of these lenses will be available later in April 2023, with pre-orders open now. You’ll find a new 17mm f/4 lens accompanied by the 50mm f/2 for the full-frame side of things and a 23mm f/1.4, a 35mm equivalent lens on a crop sensor. Ready to learn more about these new prime lenses from SIGMA? Keep reading below the fold.
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New Final Fantasy 16 gameplay is on tap today. Following February’s State of Play showcase highlighted by details on the upcoming Suicide Squad game, today we are getting new footage and a complete in-depth look at the new Final Fantasy 16 (pre-orders now live). As previously scheduled via an official post on the PlayStation Blog, Sony is dedicating a solid 25-minute broadcast to the highly-anticipated FF XVI this afternoon ahead of the game’s official PlayStation 5 launch later this summer on June 22, 2023. Head below for today’s Final Fantasy 16 gameplay presentation.
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Buy nowEarlier this year, Twelve South refreshed one of its more popular desktop accessories with the debut of the new HiRise Pro. Packing a few new tricks over its predecessor alongside the usual Twelve South quality, I’ve been putting the stand to the test over the past couple of months to see if its $100 price tag is worth a spot in your desktop MacBook setup.
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Buy now/$500Today, Arcade1Up, a 9to5Toys’ favorite, is announcing its Infinity Game Board, which is already available for purchase. Expanding the brand’s lineup of Infinity products, the Game Board comes in smaller than the Infinity Game Table launched a few years ago. This model, while smaller, doesn’t sacrifice functionality, as it still delivers over 100 board games and activities to play with friends and family this spring. Plus, all of your game states are saved for future game nights should you have to call it quits before the round is over. Sound interesting? Head below to learn everything we know about the Infinity Game Board from Arcade1Up.
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Caudabe – an Apple gear case and accessory maker we feature around here on a fairly regular basis – has now unveiled its new AirPods Pro 2 case. While mainly focused on iPhone covers and the like, we have seen the brand step into other accessory categories with its clip and stick AirTag cases, the compact 20W Conductor USB-C PD charger, and before that, its leather wireless charging leather AirPods Pro case. Today it is eschewing the leather treatment for a more sporty and casual approach while maintaining a slim protective shell to expand its lineup of Apple earbud covers with the new MEZZO Sheath case. Head below for a closer look.
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Announced today for NAMM 2023, IK Multimedia has unveiled its latest guitar gadget known as the AXE I/O ONE. A more compact direct follow-up to 2019’s AXE I/O and the SOLO model that launched in 2020, the latest in the brand’s lineup of guitar interfaces delivers a more portable and affordable solution for players and singers with a “massive software tone bundle, at a price never seen before.” Loaded with tonal options, amp emulation, and warm vintage tube-like sound, the new IK Multimedia AXE I/O ONE has arrived for folks looking to score much of the same software-based control in a much more accessible package. Head below for more details and a closer look.
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As promised by Nintendo yesterday, we are just hours away from our next look at The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom. As per an official tweet yesterday morning, Nintendo has scheduled what appears to be the final pre-launch look at the game as part of what it is calling the “Third Trailer Livestream.” Now, just under one month out from the official release of what many would consider to be the most anticipated Nintendo Switch title of all-time, this might very well be our last chance to gleam any details from the experience ahead of launch. Head below for more details.
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Are you looking to pick up a new smartwatch to track your exercises this spring and summer? Well, Garmin is now updating its popular Instinct 2 family with two new entries, the Instinct 2X Solar and 2X Solar Tactical Edition. These new smartwatches are available for purchase now and pack in unique features like solar charging for better battery life and an integrated flashlight. You will have the standard 24/7 heart rate, Pulse Ox, and sleep tracking alongside built-in sports apps to track your workouts. New to this watch is the obstacle course racing activity which allows you to manually record obstacle times for the first lap, then the watch will automatically keep track for the following laps. Ready to learn more about these new watches and where you can get them? Keep reading below the fold.
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Pad & Quill is expanding its lineup of Apple Watch accessories with a pair of new Adventure leather bands. The new Adventure Series Ultra Leather Band and Adventure Series Bradley Leather Cuff are debuting with three new colorways for the brand alongside moving (slightly) away from the heritage military aesthetic to something focused on taking Apple Watch owners from the mountains and forests to everyday life and back again. Now available for pre-order, you can get more details and a closer look at both models alongside an early 15% off promo code down below.
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Order now/$500If you’ve not heard of COUGAR, you’re not alone. The niche brand has been in the PC case and other peripheral space for a while, but it’s been a bit since they’ve been really in the spotlight. Well, that’s changing with the Cratus mid-tower case from COUGAR, which was announced last October but is finally available for purchase. Designed to be a top-tier and premium case, the Cratus comes loaded with RGB, features an open-frame design and has room for both E-ATX motherboards and up to 460mm long graphics cards. Plus, there’s tempered glass for days. Sound interesting? At $500, it might be pricy, but head below for a full feature breakdown to see if this is the case for you.
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New pro-grade Samsung microSD cards have now been announced. We have featured the brand’s previous collection of miniature storage cards quite a lot as prices began to drop, not to mention going hands-on with the EVO Plus lineup and the PRO Endurance variants for always-on video recording applications like your security and actions cams, but the next generation of Samsung microSD cards have arrived. Boasting some of the fastest speeds we have seen from the brand, you’ll want to head below for a closer look and more details on the latest full-size and microSD cards from Samsung.
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It might not be the second major Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Direct you were hoping for, but a new trailer is on the way. In fact, it will be the last before release judging by today’s official announcement. While Nintendo might have been taking its time with new Zelda Tears of the Kingdom details and footage ahead of next month’s release, we did get a wonderful gameplay demonstration at the tail end of last month (you can check that out in full right here if you haven’t yet for some reason) and now, the next good look is scheduled for tomorrow! Head below for more details.
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Coming soon/$50The latest LEGO Ideas set is now getting an official reveal today! Slated to hit the scene next month, the Tales of the Space Age kit depicts four different scenes from among the stars. Packed with some classic 1980s art styles and unique LEGO techniques that really push the envelop on what’s possible from the blocky medium, the set will be arriving in May.
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As GPU prices return to normal prices, NVIDIA is releasing the new RTX 4070. We’ve gone hands-on with the 4070 Ti in a few different desktops – even comparing three builds with the same GPU. This time, we got our hands on the PNY RTX 4070. Priced at $599, it’s $200 less than the MSRP of the 4070 Ti. Be sure to hit the video below to see how it performs against the bigger and more expensive 4070 Ti.
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Have you found yourself struggling to deal with the stains that your pets make on your carpets and rugs? Well, now BISSELL is introducing its latest home care solution, the Revolution HydroSteam Pet Carpet Cleaner. Standing out among the competition, this new carpet cleaner uses the brand’s HydroSteam technology to reach deep and lift out those tough stains. You’ll be able to choose between three cleaning modes with the Revolution HydroSteam Pet to wash your carpets and rugs. It is available for purchase today, so if you’re interested in learning more, keep reading below the fold.
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Peak Design is unleashing its new Everyday Samsung S23 fabric case today. The brand is the maker of a range of camera and photography accessories as well as travel bags and a single lineup of smartphone covers known as the Everyday cases. Packed with its proprietary SlimLink system that, combined with magnets, accommodates a range of other smartphone mounts, clips, and tripods, the Everyday Samsung S23 fabric case is now available for purchase for all of Samsung’s latest flagship handsets. Head below for a closer look.
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Apogee is unveiling its latest guitar interface today, known as the Jam X. Building on the original Jam that was released back in 2010 and the 2019 Jam Plus model, Apogee is taking its guitar-focused miniature analog to digital converters into a new generation with today’s unveiling of the Jam X. We last checked in with the well-known, professional-grade audio recording brand when we went hands-on with its lovely little Boom interface, but this time, we are taking things down both in size and price with its latest solution for guitar players. Built-in effects and compatibility with iPad and laptops/desktops included, let’s take a closer look at the brand new Jam X Apogee guitar interface below.
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Today, Anker is showcasing the latest addition to its lineup of Bluetooth speakers. Beyond just a refreshed and more premium design than previous installations in the stable, the new Anker Soundcore Motion X600 also makes its debut as the company’s first hi-fi speaker.
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The Mario Bros. are breaking records again, and this time it’s not for their appearance in Nintendo’s beloved home console games. Opening weekend is behind us, and the numbers are in – the new Super Mario Bros. Movie just had the biggest opening weekend of the year. Universal and Illumination – the studio responsible for the beloved Minions – teamed up with Nintendo on Mario’s first real animated feature and absolutely crushed it in theaters across the globe. Despite some folks I spoke to walking out of the relatively tight 1 hour and 32-minute runtime being mildly underwhelmed, I, for one, had an absolute blast with the perfectly paper-thin plot, and it looks like plenty of others did as well after the film generated $204.6 million in the US alone. Head below for more details.
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Are you starting to get things prepared for summer evening parties? Well, music sets the vibe like nothing else, and LG is now shipping the all-new XBOOM XL7 Portable Tower Speaker. Ready to step up your get-togethers, the XL7 brings in 250 W of power with its 8-inch full-range woofer that will let your “feel and hear the beat with bumped-up bass.” What’s new this time around is the Dot Matrix LED display that’s integrated into the speaker itself. This will allow for the ultimate customization, as you can have text, animations, patterns, and more shown, with the XBOOM mobile app giving you full control. Ready to learn more about this new tower speaker from LG and where you can get it today? Keep reading below the fold.
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Pre-order discount/$54This week, ESR is launching its first 3-in-1 HaloLock MagSafe accessory, functioning as a wallet, kickstand, and portable wireless charging battery all in one. Not only is this an ESR-first product, but, according to the brand, this is a “world-first” launch that combines all three functions. Ready to learn more, as well as how you can save 10% already? Keep reading to find out everything we know about the ESR HaloLock Power Bank Wallet.
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As we head deeper into spring and approach summer, now is the time to look at upgrading your selection of outdoor activities to enjoy. One of the best ways to beat the heat is to jump in the pool, but there is another option. Spyra made its name back in 2018 when it launched a Kickstarter for its first electronic water blaster, and now it is unveiling the latest addition to its lineup, the SpyraThree. What sets this model apart from the existing SpyraTwo and manual SpyraLX blasters is the inclusion of three distinct game modes. Changing the way the blaster shoots water, you’ll be able to have more competitive battles with friends. The SpyraThree is available today and you can keep reading below the fold to learn more about this new electronic water blaster.
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Buy now/$50Last month, Belkin refreshed some of its latest MagSafe power banks with some new spring colors, and today we’re taking a hands-on look. Ready to refresh your iPhone 14 through the new season and beyond, this portable power pack arrives in new purple or pink designs. Complete with a fold out kickstand and MagSafe support, we’re seeing just how fresh these new releases are.
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The new Uniqlo Super Mario Bros. Movie apparel is now live. Uniqlo’s official clothing line is now available for purchase directly via the official site, spanning a range of t-shirt designs for adults and kids to celebrate the launch of Mario’s animated big screen debut. Joining the new JAKKS Pacific’s Super Mario Bros. toy lineup and the new Monopoly Super Mario Bros. Movie game, fans of the film and the Mushroom Kingdom can now secure themselves and the family some Uniqlo Super Mario Bros. Movie tees. Head below for a closer look.
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Anker today is announcing a new collaboration with Hasbro to bring some iconic Transformers stylings to its popular lineup of accessories. Arriving with three special-edition releases, the new collection debuts with some Cybertronian-themed versions of our favorite chargers. There’s also a themed portable projector, all outfitted with some eye-catching Optimus Prime designs.
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Just last month, Cities: Skylines 2 was announced to the world by Paradox Interactive and Colossal Order, stating the iconic game would be released later this year. After having spent some time recently with Cities: Skylines (the original), I personally long for a multiplayer experience of some kind… but it’s unlikely to ever come, according to the game’s developers. Keep reading to find out more about why Cities: Skylines 2 likely won’t get multiplayer and also the return of an icon, for better or worse.
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Hasbro has now officially released the new Monopoly Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition Game. The day has finally arrived for Mario, his world famous brother, and the rest of the beloved characters of the Mushroom Kingdom to take their place on the big screen with the release of the Super Mario Bros. Movie. After a slew of exciting trailer releases as part of Nintendo’s movie-only Direct presentations and the expected official toy line we featured previously, Hasbro’s iconic Monopoly franchise is ready to get in on the action starting today. Head below for more details on the official Monopoly Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition Game.
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Microsoft is fully embracing the Thunderbolt 4 ecosystem of its latest Surface Pro 9, Surface Laptop 5, and Surface Laptop Studio by launching an all-new dock. This dock, which is based around the Thunderbolt 4/USB4 spec, will help deliver a more cohesive experience at your desk when using both Microsoft Surface product and other compatible devices, thanks to the use of an open standard here. Want to learn all of the ports that it brings and what functions the Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock has? Keep reading to find out all we know.
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After seeing the new UCS X-Wing officially revealed this morning, the LEGO Group is looking to complete its roster of new sets for May 1. Ahead of Star Wars Day, we’re getting a look at two new creations from Return of the Jedi. Assembling the iconic Emperor’s Throne Room and a forest-y Speeder Bike Chase from Endor, both of the new diorama kits will arrive before Star Wars Day 2023.
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Today, Arcade1Up is announcing the availability of its all-new flagship line of Deluxe Edition arcade machines. Expanding upon the brand’s Legacy Classics lineup, retro gamers will now be able to bring PAC-MAC Deluxe, Class of ’81 Deluxe, and Mortal Kombat Deluxe into their living rooms, with more titles expected in the future. You can order these new machines from Best Buy starting today. Ready to learn what makes these Deluxe Edition arcade cabinets deluxe? Keep reading below the fold.
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Buy now/$100Jabra today is officially shipping its latest pair of earbuds. The new Elite 4 were first announced toward the end of March and now are finally available for purchase. Arriving with a higher price tag and some added features compared to the previous versions, we’re taking a hands-on look at how these Jabra Elite 4 earbuds stack up.
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Pre-order now/Launches April 28If you haven’t heard of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor yet, well, it’s the sequel to the beloved Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order game of a few years ago. The sequel officially releases at the end of this month, and we’re finally starting to get more information about it. Various industry leaders have now had a chance to play portions of the incoming title early and have resoundingly loved the improvements that Respawn is making to Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, with some saying it improves “every aspect of the original.” What’s changed, and what can you expect from Star Wars Jedi: Survivor when it launches on April 28? Let’s take a closer look.
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NZXT’s latest addition to its peripheral lineup is the Capsule Mini – a smaller version of the Capsule USB microphone we reviewed back in the fall of 2021. The Mini keeps the stylish design language of the larger mic but comes in a much smaller package that won’t take up as much space on a desk – making it ideal for gamers who want more room. It’s also much more affordable at just $70. But how does it stack up against one of my favorite small streaming mics – the HyperX SoloCast? Be sure to hit the video below to see and hear all of the details.
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Update: After debuting for the first time back in April, the new Xbox Special Edition Wireless Controller Remix with the included Xbox Rechargeable Battery Pack has now hits its $69.94 shipped all-time low. Regularly $85, this is 18% off the going rate and the best we have tracked since release. Full details below.
Microsoft is expanding its gamepad selection today with the new environmentally-friendly Remix Xbox Wireless Controller. After launching the all-green model just ahead of St. Patrick’s Day last month, Xbox is looking ahead to Earth Day with the new Remix Special Edition that is “partly” made from reclaimed CDs, water jugs, and other recycled controller parts. Delivering a sort of multi-tone earthy color scheme that fits right in with the theme here, the new Remix model is now up for pre-order and you can get a closer look down below.
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Coming soon/$240Update: LEGO has officially revealed the new UCS X-Wing, which will be launching on May 1 for $239.99. Go check out the landing page on LEGO Shop before heading below to see all the details.
Last we checked in on the first UCS Star Wars set for 2023, we detailed what to expect from the basics of the new X-Wing Fighter launching this spring. Now as the May 1 release date inches closer, we have some new information to share about the upcoming LEGO set 75355 including a first look at the design, its overall measurements, and information about the packaging.
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Update: Amazon is now issued an on-page coupon that drops the new light gray elago Armor AirPods Pro 2 Case down to $11.69 with free shipping for Prime members or in orders over $25. Regularly $19, as detailed above, this is a new all-time low and you can get a complete breakdown of what to expect below.
Following the debut of its new Duo Apple Watch Ultra case with interchangeble bezels and the W9 stand for Apple’s flagship wearable, elago has now introduced its latest case for AirPods Pro 2. The brand, well-known for its novel ice cream cases and adorable retro-style designs, is no stranger to the AirPods game and its latest brings the silicone Armor Case of yesteryear to the latest-generation pro-grade Apple earbuds. Now available for purchase directly from the official elago Amazon storefront with a nice little price drop, be sure to head below for more details on the latest elago AirPods Pro 2 case.
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Buy now/$100LEGO just launched a new collection of sets over the weekend, notably bringing a new wave of creations from Guardians of the Galaxy onto store shelves. The latest Marvel kits celebrate the third installment in the trilogy hitting theaters next month. Today we’re taking a hands-on look at the lineup’s flagship set, deemed the “New Guardians’ Ship.” With a vibrant color scheme and even more eye-catching design, we’re seeing just how the $100 LEGO Guardians Bowie set stacks up.
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Overwatch 2 is about to head into its fourth season of play and will excitingly be introducing an all-new hero. Meet Lifeweaver, a new healer coming to the game later this spring with a plant-themed design and refreshed kit that focuses on disrupting the flow of games with some unique support abilities.
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