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A new year is now underway and with it comes an entire collection of LEGO sets. This time around for 2023, you’ll find everything from the latest Star Wars and Marvel recreations to Technic, City, Ninjago, the new LEGO Jazz Club, and many other new sets. Head below for the full scoop on all of the new LEGO sets available for January 2023, which are now available for purchase.
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Throughout 2022, we’ve reviewed a collection of the latest true wireless earbuds. Including a wide range of brands, form-factors, and price points, we’ve settled on five of our favorite alternatives to first-party offerings from Apple, Google, and Samsung. Including Anker’s new Soundcore Liberty 4, the stylish Sennheiser Momentum 4s, and some utterly unique offerings from Sony, you’ll find all of the best earbuds of 2022 outlined below.
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Now that the holidays are officially behind us, it’s time to continue an annual tradition here at 9to5Toys, Write-Off Week. The year is winding down and time is running out to make last-minute purchases to deduct from 2022’s taxes. Many have been on the work-from-home journey for well over a year, and some are just starting out. It doesn’t matter what camp you’re in, this week is your last chance to score some tax deductible gear that’s able to be written off in April. Keep reading for all of our favorite Write-Off Week deals.
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Being I’ve been slowly building out my sim rig for racing and drifting. The latest addition is the Buttkicker Gamer Pro which does just what its name would suggest – adds haptics in your seat thanks to a large transducer attached directly to a gaming chair or cockpit and an amplifier connected to a gaming console or PC. It can even be set up in multi-unit configurations. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.
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Today, the LEGO Group is officially revealing the first expansion to its Art lineup for 2023. Hokusai: The Great Wave is one of the most instantly-recognizable paintings of all time, especially those of Japanese origins. Now for next year, it’s getting the brick-built treatment with a new 1,800-piece kit launching in January.
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Now that the winter lineup of LEGO Star Wars sets has been solidified for at least the start of the year, 9to5Toys is now able to report on what to expect from the upcoming summer wave. Even with the spring sets that will come out before, we’re jumping ahead to some of the final kits from a galaxy far, far away to launch in 2023. With eight different Star Wars sets coming out in the summer wave, we have set numbers, price points, and part counts for the upcoming LEGO builds including unique $200 kit launching in September.
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Update: While we haven’t narrowed it down to the top 5 yet for 2023, our roundup of the best iPhone 15 cases is now up.
As any avid 9to5Toys reader will know, we test and go hands-on with an inordinate amount of covers for Apple’s latest handsets every year, and it’s time to weigh in on the best iPhone 14 cases of 2022. While like most Apple gear accessory categories, the established brands and products tend to shine every year, this time around we have both a few mainstays and some new options that made their way to the top of the pack. If you’re looking to upgrade your case beyond the model you purchased at launch or just recently acquired a new iPhone 14 over the holidays, you’ll definitely want to take a closer look at our list of the best iPhone 14 cases to at least ensure your well-informed of some of our favorite options out there.
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New Star Wars PopSockets are inbound. PopSockets – a brand many would say popularized those back-mounted smartphone grips – is expanding its premium collection today with the latest from a galaxy far, far away. While there are plenty of grips out there from a plethora of different brands, not very many of them offer up the kind of selection PopSockets does, from MagSafe and spinning options to enameled treatments, slidable models that can neatly get out of the way of wireless charging gear, and even grips you can customize yourself. But it’s now time to embrace the dark side. Head below for a closer look at the new Star Wars PopSockets.
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This year is coming to a close, which has all of the writers here at 9to5Toys getting a bit retrospective on all of the gear we’ve taken a look at in 2022. Alongside all of the tech, toys, and fashion we’ve reviewed since January, there is a selection of things each of us bought for ourselves that weren’t covered. Ranging from must-have charging tech for your everyday carry to electric scooters, M1 iPads, and more, you’ll find all of 9to5Toys’ Favorite Things of 2022 down below.
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It truly is a Christmas miracle! Earlier this fall we reported that the LEGO Group would be returning to its vault in order to dish out some remakes of old school sets as new, nostalgia-fueled creations. Today we’re able to share a first look at two of the upcoming builds, including the new BIONICLE gift with purchase and the long-awaited return of LEGO Blacktron. Arriving as freebies through the month of January, the LEGO BIONICLE Tahu and Takua set joins the 2023 return of another classic theme with the Blacktron Cruiser.
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A tradition of the holiday season here around 9to5Toys; each December we dive in to see what the latest LEGO Advent Calendars have in store. And for 2022, there’s so much to be excited about. With 24 days of different creations on tap, we’ll be taking a day-by-day look to highlight all of the miniature creations, minifigures, and other builds in the countdown to the end of the month. This year, we’re taking a look at what’s included with the latest LEGO Star Wars and Marvel kits. So whether you’re following along at home or just checking out the builds to get in on the festivities, be sure to head below the fold to see how the 2022 Star Wars and Marvel LEGO Advent Calendars stack up.
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Let’s take a closer look at the new Coach Wrapped AirPods Pro 2 Case. Coach might not be the first brand that comes to mind when you think of Apple gear accessories – it’s the totes, wallets, purses, and duffel bags the company is best known for. But after taking a closer look at its iPhone 14 collection this year, we were surprised at how impressive the brand’s offerings can be wrapped around Apple’s latest-generation handset. And now that the second-generation pro-grade AirPods are out in the wild (and currently on sale if you’re looking to grab a set), it’s time to dive into the latest Coach offering for Apple’s newest wireless earbuds. Head below for a closer look at the Coach Wrapped AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Case.
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If you saw my review of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, you may remember that comfort was my only issue with it. As a $350 headset, it has all of the bells and whistles, but I could also feel the ANC bumps in the earcups when wearing the headset in normal, everyday use. Wicked Cushions has developed a line of aftermarket earpads for many gaming headsets. When it announced a new pair of Wicked Cushions for the Nova Pro Wireless, I immediately purchased a set to see if it worked to make the SteelSeries headset my favorite of the year. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.
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Over the last few weeks, our team here at 9to5Toys has curated our own gift guides for just about anyone on your holiday shopping gift. But now that the window for actually securing a gift is coming to a close, shoppers hoping to score the perfect gift are still in luck. We’ve all put together a selection of last-minute gifts, all of which are ready to be delivered in time for Christmas. Hit the jump for all of our top picks and easy last-minute gifts.
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Earlier this year, Marshall refreshed nearly its entire lineup of speakers from the portable offerings to models meant for rocking out at home. We already reviewed a pair of the battery-powered form-factors, and now ahead of the holidays are back to take a look at the brand’s latest at-home speakers. Wrapped in the iconic stylings you’d expect from Marshall, we’re going hands-on with its new III series speakers to see how the Acton, Stanmore, and Woburn stack up.
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Last year around this time, Dell unveiled what it dubbed Concept Luna, a laptop that aimed to be more sustainable compared to others on the market. This proof-of-concept was developed in collaboration with Intel to explore ways to reduce the number of materials needed, and reuse others, in the fabrication and construction of laptops. Though it was never meant to be sold, Concept Luna would help Dell implement features found within actual products in the future. Now, Dell is providing an update to Luna, though still don’t expect to see it on store shelves. Head below the fold to learn what Concept Luna has evolved to.
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Whether you’re looking to score some extra juice for your iPhone 14 on-the-go or need to lock-in a last-minute gift, Anker makes some of our favorite chargers here at 9to5Toys. Recently the company sent over its latest lineup of MagSafe power banks, and today we’re going hands-on with three different models to see how each of the new releases stack up and compare to other models on the market.
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CES is just around the corner, and in under a month, the largest technology expo of the year will be underway. Well, HTC has big plans for the event, it seems, and has recently stated that they’ll be showing off a small and lightweight headset for the first time. This VR headset is said to compete with the likes of the Meta Quest line, bringing HTC into more of the budget-focused realm for virtual reality. What all do we know? Keep reading to find out.
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Nintendo took to its official Twitter feed late yesterday evening to announce the next batch of new SEGA Switch Online titles. In its efforts to continually bring additional value to the more expensive Expansion Pass Switch Online library that delivers both N64 and Genesis titles on-demand to subscribers (alongside other perks like the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe booster courses that were just expanded), some notable new Genesis classics have arrived. Head below for a closer look.
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Order Now!While it may not be a major problem during the winter, pollen, dust, and other airborne particles will cause your allergies to act up. If it especially affects you, then it may be time to consider an air purifier. Dreo is now bringing its latest entry to market with the Macro Max S Smart Air Purifier which uses an integrated air quality monitoring system to detect when the air needs to be cleaned. The Macro Max S uses a three-stage H13 True HEPA+ Carbon Filter system to purify your home’s air. This new air purifier is now available, so make sure you head below to learn more.
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After getting a first look at the new LEGO Star Wars 2023 kits earlier in the month, today the official reveals are live with a look at three upcoming kits. Including the long-awaited TIE Bomber, there’s also official looks at the upcoming 501st Battle Pack and Slave 1 Microfighter.
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Order now/$2,000Originally announced back in August, today we’re finally getting pricing, availability, and a bit more info about CORSAIR’s first bendable 45-inch 1440p 240Hz OLED monitor. Yeah, this is a behemoth of a display that does something we were always told not to do: bend. So, what all is CORSAIR’s new XENEON FLEX monitor capable of? When will it release? How much will it cost? Keep reading to find out all the answers and more.
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This year has been a transformative one for my office. I almost entirely switched from laptop to desktop computing, which meant that for the first time in years, I had an excuse to build out a dedicated setup – a place where I could effectively work during the day and play games at night. This also led me to a couple pieces of gear that would make trips out of the house simpler. So if you have someone on your holiday gift list that works at a desk, plays video games, or just wants to be a bit more organized at home or when out and about, this gift guide could make holiday shopping a bit easier for you.
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After launching its 2022 Wrap-Up, it’s time for Sony’s PlayStation department to look ahead to next year headlined by the official Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 release date (more like window). Taking to its official PlayStation Blog today, Sony is detailing some of the biggest upcoming highlights of 2023 for gamers to look forward to, not the least of which has to be the sequel to Insomniac’s brilliant Marvel’s Spider-Man title. While up to this point we weren’t sure exactly when Spidey’s next outing would land on store shelves, all that changes today. Head below for more details.
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Christmas is quickly approaching, and we’re putting together a gift guide for all of the fashionable men in your life. Heck, even if they aren’t the most stylish, this guide will help them to snazzy up their closets for 2023. I’ve also added budget-friendly options as well as items to splurge on. So if you need a last-minute gift idea for a man in your life, head below to find all of our top picks. You will want to check out Rikka’s must-have smart home upgrades under $25 gift guide as well.
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After hearing about the high-end Focal Bathys Bluetooth ANC headphones launch, I was curious how they would stack up against some competition. With other high-end options from Bowers & Wilkens, Apple, and Sony, what is the best pair of Bluetooth ANC headphones? Well, that answer might a bit complicated. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.
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Subnautica is one of the most unique games I’ve played in a while. However, the game’s Below Zero version has been receiving all of the attention lately – until now. Subnautica has officially hit version 2.0 with the Living Large update, which brings “over 800” bug fixes alongside new features, functions, and more. Plus, it’s available as a free update to those who already own the game, so if you have Subnautica, be sure to head below to find out all that’s changed in the Living Large V2.0 update.
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$230/Coming soonToday, the LEGO Group is officially revealing its latest Modular Building. The popular series only gets one new creation a year to start off the winter lineup in January, and today we’re getting a look at what 2023 will be delivering come the new year. The upcoming LEGO Jazz Club stacks up to just shy of 2,900 pieces and will be hitting the scene on January 1.
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When it comes to shopping for those PC gamers in your life, there can seem to be an endless amount of options out there whether you’re looking for a keyboard, monitor, or even just a gaming laptop. Well, today we will be taking some time to break down what to look for and how to pick the right gaming peripherals for those on your list. You will find that in the sea of keyboards, mice, and other accessories, there are a handful of notable brands the majority of the gaming community focus on, including Razer, CORSAIR, Logitech, and SteelSeries just to name a few. Ready to cross those final names off your list and find some great PC gaming upgrades? Let us begin.
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$32/Buy nowNostalgic tech is making a comeback to close out 2022, and today we’re taking a look at a charger imbued with all of the charm of a classic Macintosh. Having launched earlier in the year, the recent Shargeek Retro 35 arrives with the latest GaN III tech to power your entire Apple setup with an eye-catching design.
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This week, LG is announcing the US pricing and availability of its new UltraGear OLED gaming monitor that features a 240Hz refresh rate. With two models up for pre-order now at LG’s own website, you’ll find both a 27- and 45-inch display options available. So, if you’re looking for a premium display for your gaming setup, LG’s latest UltraGear OLED screens are up to the task for sure. Keep reading to learn more.
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Sony has now unleashed its 2022 wrap-up, dishing up individual player stats to it loyal PlayStation owners to celebrate gaming achievements and more. You can even land some freebies just for checking them out. It has been another relatively tumultuous year for folks still looking to land a PlayStation 5 console, but things have gotten better – PS5’s are, for the most part, readily available directly from Sony, the new PSVR 2 pre-orders have opened up to all, and the new DualSense Edge controller is on the way, not to mention the critical success its massive first-party God of War Ragnarok title has achieved since releasing recently. And to cap the year off in PlayStation gaming, Sony has put together its 2022 Wrap-Up experience where players can receive a personalized summary card of their gaming achievements and statistics as well as a nice little digital gift. Head below for more details.
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$25/Buy nowNomad is now expanding its lineup of cases today with a new offering geared towards some of Apple’s latest earbuds. The new Sport Case for AirPods 3 arrives in one of three different colors and sports a high-gloss finish with grippy texture to offer some extra protection without sacrificing on style.
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Order now!/$35Originally announced last month, Turtle Beach‘s latest Designed for Xbox Fuel Dual Controller Charging Station and Headset Stand is finally available for purchase ahead of the Christmas season. Designed to power two Xbox controllers individually and provide a place to set your gaming headset, this stand has a lot to offer for its budget-focused price. Curious about what this charging station has to offer? Keep reading to find out more.
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The official reveal trailer for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor was released during The Game Awards last night and we’re now taking a closer look at what’s to come. We previously reported on some leaked details for this upcoming release, including its March 16, 2023 launch date which is confirmed in this trailer. Continuing the well-beloved Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, this new game will further the story with Cal as he is one of the last remaining Jedi in the galaxy. Keep reading below the fold to learn more.
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If you’re still looking to cross a few names off the holiday shopping list, today we’re taking a look at some of our favorite smart home accessories that would make perfect gifts come Christmas. Headlined by mainstays in the world of Siri, Alexa, and Assistant-enabled tech like Nanoleaf, Philips Hue, Wemo, and other brands, we’re wrapping up all of the best smart home buys in our latest gift guide.
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Are you a Crash Bandicoot fan? Well, the next installment in the series launches in 2023 and brings team-based online multiplayer to the franchise. Crash Team Rumble is a four versus four competitive showdown based in the “vibrant and zany universe” of Crash Bandicoot. It’s set to launch in 2023, and we have all the details for you down below.
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New CASETiFY iPad cases have arrived. CASETiFY has now unleashed its range of cases for Apple’s latest model 10th-gen iPad featuring some of the new technology we saw introduced in this year’s iPhone 14 case collection. Its new Ultra Impact Case for the 10th-gen iPad is also available in the multitude of colorways, designs, and patterns that has made the brand one of the most successful in the space for several years now. Head below for a closer look at the new CASETiFY iPad cases.
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If the cost of a Wi-Fi-enabled smart deadbolt has turned you away in the past, Home Depot might have something that could be of interest. The $100 Defiant Wi-Fi Deadbolt is available in a variety of styles and comes with a Hubspace smart plug that unlocks Wi-Fi control. It sounds like an affordable way to get a Wi-Fi deadbolt installed in your home, but how does it perform for that price? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.
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Welcome to the 2022 edition the best gifts for musicians. Purchasing gifts for guitar players, beat-makers, and bedroom producers is never an easy task – it is, in many ways, an inherently expensive product category, and it can be difficult to know what’s actually good if you’re not a music maker yourself. That’s why I’m here to help the cause with notable options that a broad range of musically-inclined folks can appreciate without completely breaking the bank. So head below for our 2022 edition the best gifts for musicians, beat-makers, guitar players, and audio lovers.
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Today, Audeze is announcing its Maxwell planar magnetic wireless gaming headset with ultra-low-latency technology that works with both PC and console. Packing high-resolution audio at up to 24-bit 96kHz, Bluetooth 5.3, and lossless audio over USB (which isn’t typical for wireless gaming headsets), the Audeze Maxwell is a great choice for your setup. Sound intriguing? Keep reading to learn more.
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$75Satechi today is launching its latest Apple setup companion, delivering a versatile 3-in-1 portable charger capable of refueling iPhone 14, AirPods Pro, and an Apple Watch all at the same time. The refreshed form factor of the new Satechi Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand can also fold to prop up your smartphone as it refuels, while still stowing away as a compact upgrade to your everyday carry.
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Today Amazon is launching the latest addition to its stable of Alexa-enabled devices, with a new second-generation version of Echo Auto hitting the scene. Arriving as a refreshed way to access Amazon’s voice assistant while in the car, this new version comes packed into an updated design that puts a greater focus on privacy. Now available for pre-order, all of the details are down below.
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Nintendo holiday deals continue with its official gift sale. While the big holiday eShop game sale has come and gone now, the official Nintendo Store is running a wide-ranging merchandise event featuring everything from PowerA controllers and hardware accessories to plushies from the Mushroom Kingdom, Switch console carriers, and much more. This is a great way to land a Nintendo fan on your list a sweet gift that won’t break the bank and will fit right in with their growing collection of merchandise and accessories. Head below for a closer look.
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TP-Link today is expanding its lineup of Kasa smart home accessories with three new HomeKit offerings. Delivering some of its first accessories that work with Siri right out of the box, the new TP-Link Kasa outdoor smart plug arrives just in time for pairing with holiday lighting and enters the market alongside a new in-wall light switch and dimmer switch.
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Today, Fractal Design, a leader in the PC case space, announced its latest release – the North. The Fractal Design North mixes various metals and woods for a unique mid-century modern aesthetic, and it’s something I’m quite excited for really. With an option that mingles both walnut and brass, or oak with steel, and available in either a mesh or tempered glass side panel choice, the Fractal Design North will make your PC setup more elegant than it’s ever been, at least in terms of style.
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I’ve been seeing more and more coverage of IEMs, or in-ear monitors recently, both for music and for gaming. And while there are some great entry-level and affordable options out there, when Beyerdynamic announced the new $1,000 Xelento Remote 2nd Gen in-ear headphones, I knew I had to reach out and see if I could try a pair. While they certainly aren’t for everybody, the overall experience was different from what I expected. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.
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“Where Luxury Meets Technology.” That is Cooler Master’s motto for its latest creation which it is now announcing – the ORB X. This “fully immersive” multi-purpose station will come as an all-in-one unit with seamless hardware and software integration, elevating your visual, audio, and comfort experiences. The ORB X is beyond a gaming cockpit as it will help your stay productive with the semi-enclosed design minimizing outside distractions while increasing immersion into content and games. If you want to learn more about this multi-purpose cockpit system, be sure to keep reading below the fold.
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