News

Last week, we shared a look at the upcoming LEGO Disney BrickHeadz that’ll be kicking off the 100th anniversary series when the 4-pack drops next month. But as we originally reported, it looks like the LEGO Group and Disney have plenty more in store with a lineup of new summer 2023 sets. As the official wave of the collection, we’re getting a better idea of what to expect with nine confirmed sets so far.

As more rumors come out on what to expect from the 2023 LEGO lineup at large, 9to5Toys today can confirm a report that has been circulating this week on the future of the company’s collaboration with SEGA. Come this summer, everyone’s favorite blue blur is going to be getting the brick-built treatment once again in a lineup of five LEGO Sonic sets due out in the summer of 2023.

With CES 2023 well underway, Panasonic is announcing the latest additions to the LUMIX mirrorless camera lineup, the S5II and S5IIX. This time around, Panasonic has implemented Phase Detection Auto-Focus into these cameras thanks to its newly developed 24.2MP full-frame sensor, which makes these cameras great for photos and videos. On the video side of things, the new imaging engine allows these cameras to provide 4:2:0 10-bit 6K (3:2)/5.9K (16:9) and unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit C4K/4K recording capability. Another unique feature here is the ability to apply a LUT in-camera which is loaded from the SD card and can apply to videos and pictures, and you can even live stream while applying the LUT in real-time. Keep reading below the fold to learn more about these new LUMIX mirrorless cameras.

Have you heard of Loona yet? She is a smart pet robot that has now garnered millions of dollars in backer funds on crowdfunding sites and has already started shipping to early investors. It seems as though tech companies have been starting to push smart home robot tech more and more over the last few years, not unlike the many learning and coding bots we have seen out there and the upcoming Amazon Astro household helper, but Loona is taking a slightly different and more adorable approach here. Coming in the form of a little robotic puppy, she is looking to become your new best friend and help out around the house too. Head below for more details. 

Ring has become something of the name in smart home security, and now for the New Year is looking to extend that reach even further. Debuting its very first dash camera, the new Ring Car Cam debuts with the same stable of features you’d expect from its at-home releases and is now available for pre-order with some savings attached.

Today, GIGABYTE officially announced its CES 2023 lineup of laptops featuring up to the 24-core 32-thread i9-13950HX processor and the 175W TGP RTX 4090 graphics card. These laptops are among the most powerful that GIGABYTE has ever made, and should allow both gamers and creators to work or play from anywhere as if they had a desktop with them. Sound intriguing? Keep reading to learn more.

Amongst all of the other reveals now that CES 2023 is officially underway, Anker is also getting in on the showcase by offering up a look at a suite of new releases. Launching all throughout the coming year, the company has a wide range of releases including everything from new workstation docking stations to chargers, microphones, and more.

Today at CES 2023, Razer is announcing a slew of new gaming-focused products. Leading the way is a new lineup of Razer Blade laptops, with refreshed sizing all around as it now sports either a 16- or 18-inch display. Plus, the Leviathan V2 Pro is the “world’s first beamforming sound bar with head tracking technology.” Having recently tried out both products at CES 2023, here’s what all you can expect from Razer’s latest gaming lineup.

After launching its Squares LED wall pixels last fall, Twinkly is attending CES 2023 and unveiling its latest addition to its application portfolio, the Twinkly Entertainment Hub. Aimed at content creators and gamers, the Entertainment Hub will allow Twinkly lights to seamlessly synchronize with audio and visual content to create an immersive experience in your home. It’s nice to have your lights making patterns on your wall, but imagine if they synced with your games and screen. Make sure you keep reading below the fold to learn more about this new application from Twinkly.

Back in October, the LEGO Group announced how it would be partnering with Wizards of the Coast in order to bring the popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons to life in brick-built form. Today we finally know just what that collaboration is going to look like, as the results of the LEGO Ideas contest have now come to a close.

As announced on the official Xbox Wire today, Microsoft has now unveiled a new Xbox Series X bundle. Available for pre-order right now, the new package is officially known as the Xbox Series X and Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition Bundle. And as the name suggests, it delivers Microsoft’s flagship home gaming console with a copy of Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition alongside the plethora of goodies that version of its impressive racing title includes. Head below for a closer look and more details. 

OWC is heading to Vegas for CES 2023 with its new Thunderbolt Dock. Known as the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock, it is described as a first-of-its-kind solution delivering an 11-port hub to expand the I/O potential of Thunderbolt and USB-C compatible Macs, PCs, iPads, Chromebook, and even Android devices. Designed for professionals, students, and content creators alike, the Thunderbolt Go Dock is looking to streamline your setup with an integrated power supply without the limitations of a bus-powered dock alongside its usual higher-end and robust build quality. Head below for a closer look at the new OWC Thunderbolt dock. 

Update: Both of LEGO’s new Botanical Collection sets are now available for purchase. That includes the Wildflower Bouquet at $59.99 and the Dried Flower Centerpiece at $49.99.

Having quickly become one of the most popular LEGO themes for older builders, the Botanical Collection is now being expanded into 2023. Today, we’re getting a look at two new kits that join the other builds from the series and branch out into some eye-catching new directions. Both the LEGO Wildflower Bouquet and Dried Flower Centerpiece will be hitting store shelves next month as the theme’s latest kits.

The CES 2023 news continues today as Nomad, one of our favorite Apple accessories, is debuting its latest offering. Bringing the usual premium stylings that we expect to Apple Watch, the new Nomad Aluminum Band is just the latest accessory to hit the scene from the brand. Pairing the usual elegant build with an easier-to-swallow price tag.

With CES 2023 just around the corner, companies are now starting to unveil their latest tech, and LG is among the pack with its 2023 OLED TV lineup. Bringing in the latest image processing power, self-lit picture quality, and an enhanced webOS experience, this lineup will include LG’s most advanced range of OLED TVs to date. If you’re ready to learn what’s new and enhanced in LG’s 2023 Z3, G3, and C3 OLED TVs, make sure you keep reading below the fold.

Today, ASUS Republic of Gamers is announcing four new products at CES 2023. Leading the way is the Azoth gaming keyboard, which packs a 75% form factor and wireless connectivity with DIY features. Then, there’s a new PC gaming controller, mouse, and even a new chair. There’s a lot to unpack here, so if you’re looking for any new PC gaming gear, then keep reading to find out everything ASUS has to offer.

GE today at CES 2023 is announcing its latest collection of smart home lighting accessories, including the first additions to the lineup compatible with Matter. Also joining the new reveals are some more novel lights that take aim at the likes of Nanoleaf and Govee, delivering more vibrant colors and unique designs as part of the fittingly named Dynamic Effects lineup.

Update: The new 100th anniversary Disney BrickHeadz pack is now available for purchase for $39.99.

Late last year, 9to5Toys was first able to report that the LEGO Group would be once again teaming up with Disney to deliver some 100th anniversary fanfare. Now that 2023 has arrived, we’re getting an official first look at just how all of that will stack up. Arriving as a collection of BrickHeadz figures, four Disney icons are fittingly making their debut in the upcoming 100th anniversary set. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Originally 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.