News

Lenovo is announcing today a couple of new laptops to join the ThinkPad lineup. The ThinkPad C14 Chromebook Enterprise will enable higher productivity with the latest hardware while the ThinkPad P16 is designed to pack a punch for demanding workloads while on the go.

OWC – known for everything from enterprise tech solutions to consumer storage and Apple gear accessories – is introducing its brand new mini SSD. Positioned as a “pocket-sized SSD with full-sized SSD performance,” the new OWC Envoy Pro mini is essentially a fully-featured solid-state drive that fits in a housing the size of a typical flash drive. Reaching impressive speeds with basically universal compatibility, it is designed to work with everything from the latest Apple gear right back to legacy devices from over the last 15 years as well as game consoles – it can even be configured as a boot drive. Head below for a closer look and more details on the new OWC Envoy Pro mini SSD. 

Today, ASUS announced an update to its ROG Flow lineup of gaming laptops with the X16. Designed as “the most powerful convertible gaming laptop,” there’s plenty of specs here to run your on-the-go gaming setup. You’ll find a Ryzen 9 6900HS processor, the RTX 3070 Ti graphics card, and DDR5 RAM in tow. It also has up to a 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD for large projects or games, and there’s a second M.2 slot for even more storage, should you need it. There’s a lot more to like about the new ASUS ROG Flow X16 miniLED gaming laptop, so let’s take a closer look.

Update: Now available for purchase for LEGO VIPs.

At long last, today we’re getting a first look at the latest LEGO Ideas creations. Over a year in the works, fans of Vincent van Gogh’s iconic The Starry Night will be able to bring the painting into their LEGO collection with an over 2,300-piece brick-built rendition.

Update June 21, 2022: Fall Guys free to play now live on all major platforms as per the original announcement details below: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and Epic Store PC.

Get ready for more bean-based shenanigans as multiplayer party game Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is preparing to go FREE and hit new platforms. Fans of the game have been waiting for the hit to new platforms, and today, developer Mediatonic announced it would be getting the free-to-play treatment come next month, alongside its debut on Nintendo Switch, Xbox consoles, and the Epic Games Store for PC gamers. Head below for more details on the soon-to-be-free multiplayer party game as well as details on cross-play features and the new content coming to Fall Guys. 

Today, the LEGO Group is launching its latest creation brought to us by the Ideas community. Stacking up to just over 200 pieces, the new Cosmic Cardboard Adventures set arrives as the most recent gift with purchase set from LEGO is is now available for free on select orders. Head below for a closer look at the new LEGO model and everything you need to know for adding it to your collection.

Sony has now unveiled the new PlayStation Plus games lineup. Set to launch this summer, Sony has finally decided to revamp its monthly subscription service to combine it with PS Now, putting it more or less on the same page with what Xbox gamers have been enjoying for years now with what is known as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The new PlayStation Plus games will include big-time hits from Ubisoft, Insomniac, FromSoftware, Housemarque, Naughty Dog, and much more. Head below the fold for a complete look at the launch titles for the new PlayStation Plus ahead of launch next month. 

Portable storage is becoming more and more common nowadays. It is very handy to be able to carry around important documents and programs on drives to be used on different computers. PNY is adding to this market with its new 500GB and 1TB Pro Elite V2 USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 Type-C Portable SSDs.

Late last year, Synology announced the new RT6600ax Wi-Fi 6 router. Serving as the modern update to its previous combination router and NAS, this new offering finally began shipping this week. With Wi-Fi 6 support out of the box, we’re seeing just what Synology’s usual NAS expertise brings to the table for its latest networking upgrade.

Welcome back to another installment of Jordan’s Favorite Friday deals. This week we’re seeing some notable discounts on mobile gaming controllers, powerful laptops, and feature-packed mice that are still extremely viable. So grab a coffee, check out the deals, and pick up anything that stands out to you.

Nintendo took to its official Twitter feed to announced Kirby 64 for Switch Online. After Kirby’s latest adventure to the Forgotten Land received solid reviews while delivering the titular character’s first true jump into three dimensions, Nintendo will be dishing up a chance for its Expansion tier subscribers to revisit the N64-era Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards via its online service later this month. Head below for more details and a closer look at the brand new launch trailer as well.

After first being revealed back in March, today we’re going hands-on with the new Pokémon Astral Radiance. Slated to release later this month, the latest expansion to the Pokémon TCG is the first to bring new forms and artwork from Legends: Arceus into card game with 180 refreshed or entirely new releases. So ahead of launch, we’re diving into some first impressions for the new cards to see how everything Astral Radiance stacks up.

Have you been looking for a robot vacuum cleaner that can also mop your home? Starting today, you can order one of yeedi’s vacuum and mop combo robots from its vac 2 series that delivers “the most advanced cleaning technologies at incredibly affordable pricing.”

Gear4, one of the popular accessory makers under the Zagg stable, is now expanding its lineup to include Apple Watch bands. Debuting with a pair of different styles, Gear4 notably delivers a braided nylon Apple Watch band that’s half the cost of the official alternative with recycled materials in tow.

The new official pink Xbox controller is now available for pre-order. Microsoft unleashed the latest addition to its current-generation Xbox wireless controllers recently with the vibrant Deep Pink colorway. It’s joined by the matching Razer magnetic Quick Charging Stand. This controller joins the existing lineup, which includes the shiny Aqua Shift treatment we saw unveiled last summer. Head below for more details and a closer look. 

Roku today is refreshing the flagship end of its streaming media player lineup with the latest Ultra. Bringing its Voice Remote Pro into the package, scoring the brand’s most capable home theater streaming upgrade will now let you take advantage of hands-free voice control, the dedicated Apple TV+ button, remote locator tech, and more.

Now that Switch Sports is out in the wild, it’s time to turn our attention to the new Mario Strikers Battle League ahead of its launch next month. The next big sports outing for the Mushroom Kingdom has Mario and friends taking the pitch in Nintendo’s latest themed soccer title. Centered around what sounds like a version of European football Nintendo has invented known as Strike, it is described as a “soccer-like sport with no rules” where players do whatever it takes to win. Nintendo has just launched a new overview trailer with nearly five minutes of gameplay footage and details. Head below for a closer look. 

After the LEGO Group confirmed that it would be teaming up with Hasbro to bring the leader of the Autobots into brick-built form yesterday, we’re now getting an official look at the new Optimus Prime set. Stacking up to over 1,500 pieces and recreating the iconic converting robot, the set will stand over 13 inches tall and releases on June 1. Head below for all of the details on the new LEGO Optimus Prime Transformer.

The new Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field has arrived. After debuting its hybrid TX-6 audio interface mixer and synth combo last month, the design team at Teenage Engineering has now unveiled its latest creation, the gorgeous new OP-1 Field. Saying its an updated version of the original OP-1 that took the boutique hardware synth world by storm years ago is accurate, but it’s also a serious understatement. TE has packed in “100 new features” leaving musicians, song makers, sound designers, and content creators with a beautiful and powerful new device that delivers a host of synthesizers and sampling engines, loads of built-in effects, a series of hardware recording options, enhanced version of its wacky and wonderful sequencers, and so much more. Get a closer look at the new Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field instrument and recorder below. 

Brydge is finally entering the ever-competitive Thunderbolt 4 dock market with its very first offering. Looking to stay competitive, the brand is employing a unique vertical design to go alongside 11 ports and 5K 60Hz display output support. But is it worth choosing over other models on the market? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review is unboxing the Brydge Stone Pro TB4 for a closer look.

Some new Converse Pokémon sneakers are about to drop. In the world of sneaker video game collaborations, many of designs tend to be, let’s say, a little over the top and not something someone might actually want on their feet. But the new Converse Pokémon sneakers buck the trend with an arguably more pared down, minimalist approach outside of the flashy, mostly flat colorways on display here. The crossover capsule collection will deliver four Pokémon Chuck Taylors, each themed after some of the most beloved pocket monsters in the long-running series. Head below for a closer look. 

Update: The LEGO Group has officially revealed the new 1,500-piece Optimus Prime, which you can check out right here.

Today, the LEGO Group has officially confirmed that its rumored partnership with Hasbro is in fact on the horizon. Rolling out later this summer, the two iconic toy companies will be joining forces to assemble a brick-built version of Optimus Prime in LEGO form. While we wait for an official reveal, everything you need to know about the Transformer is detailed down below.

With its rich heritage of legendary headphones like the M50x, the new Audio-Technica M20xBT adds 60 hours of wireless listening to its #1 selling wired headset. Coming in at just $80, it doesn’t break the bank, either. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Right now is the time to upgrade your gaming setup with Razer‘s all-new Viper V2 Pro gaming mouse. Coming with the new Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor and improved Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3, the Viper V2 Pro is an ultralightweight wireless mouse that was designed “hand-in-hand with eSports pros’ feedback.”

Today, 1MORE is expanding its stable of true wireless earbuds with an all-new pair. Enter the EVO ANC Earbuds, which take on a unique focus to try and court audiophiles over to the cordless side of personal listening. With a long list of features that make 1MORE’s latest compelling on paper, we’re taking a hands-on look to see how the EVO ANC Earbuds actually stack up.

Apple revealed the new Alpine handset colorway back in March and Caudabe has just unleashed its brand new Mountain Green iPhone 13 case to go alongside it. Caudabe has been a mainstay in best of roundups for quite some time and it is now ready to reveal its latest colorway to accommodate the new green iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Max. Best of all, pre-orders are 15% off from now through the end of the week. Head below for a closer look and more details. 

Today, the LEGO Group is showcasing the latest addition to its Architecture lineup. Bringing the Great Pyramid of Giza out of Egypt and into your collection, the new LEGO set stacks up to nearly 1,500 pieces and stands over 13 inches tall. Launching on August 1, you can get all of the details and a closer look below.

SUPCASE – a brand regularly featured in our yearly roundup of the best options out there – has just released its brand new protective MagSafe case for iPhone 13 Pro Max. The just-released Unicorn Beetle Pro Mag Case is the brand’s first MagSafe offering in its highly-protective UB lineup delivering a dedicated magnetic connector that transforms into a kickstand alongside a host of other features to make it stand out from the pack like an included and removable belt clip attachment. Head below for a closer look. 

This morning at its What’s Next Western Digital Event, the company unveiled the latest additions to its WD_BLACK gaming SSD lineup. Looking to offer gamers more options for upgrading their PC or console storage capabilities, WD unsheathed the new WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD and WD_BLACK P40 Game Drive SSD with the latest PCIe technologies and latency optimizations. Head below the fold for a look at the additions to the WD_BLACK gaming SSD lineup. 

Today, UGREEN is expanding its stable of USB-C chargers with the most capable solution yet. Centered around GaN technology, the new Nexode 200W charger is complemented by a 6-port design that can dish out 100W to two 16-inch MacBook Pro at a time. Seeing a launch discount, all of the details are down below.

All of these new sets are now available for purchase!

Back in February we reported on nine new LEGO Star Wars summer 2022 sets, and now we’re getting some additional info on what to expect from the lineup. 9to5Toys can now detail nearly all the new creations, including everything from pricing to minifigures and more.

The “F1.4 Mirrorless Trio” from SIGMA is now available in the FUJIFILM X Mount system after being announced back in February. Another mirrorless lens that is currently available in the Sony E-Mount and L-Mount systems will get a FUJIFILM X release, expected in December 2022.

Bellroy, known for its iPhone 13 cases, EDC organizers, and MacBook sleeves, is unleashing its new plant-based leather wallet. A refined version of its previous-generation pocket carrier, the new Slim Sleeve plant-based leather wallet is now available in limited quantities featuring a custom-developed leather alternative “with 100% natural inputs” and a series of convenient design elements to make the wallet experience as seamless as possible. Delivering a form-factor aimed at folks that require more capacity than those compact card carriers out there, be sure to head below for a closer look at Bellroy’s new plant-based leather Slim Sleeve wallet. 

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is hitting theaters today, and we’re diving in to take a hands-on look at what LEGO’s tie-in set has to offer. Including three exciting minifigures, the new Gargantos Showdown set delivers Strange alongside exclusive new Wong and America Chavez releases.

May the 4th may have come and gone, but today we’re getting a look at a pair of new life-size collectibles from the Hasbro Black Series collection. Debuting ahead of Kenobi’s Disney+ premiere later on in the month, the upcoming Obi-Wan Force FX Elite Lightsaber is joined by a new Hasbro electronic Darth Vader helmet. Now available for pre-order, all of the details are down below on these authentic collectibles.

Turtle Beach beach is out with an updated version of its flagship wireless headset – the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max. While the headset itself might look very similar to the older non-Max variant, there are two huge changes that take cross-platform compatibility to a new level for Turtle Beach. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Some Lenovo laptops in the Yoga lineup have been refreshed, and the company is also launching a new all-in-one desktop to “meet the needs of the new hybrid home office.” These devices will be running the latest hardware from Intel 12th Gen CPUs and NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel Iris graphics.

Earlier this spring, Bowers & Wilkins launched its new flagship soundbar in the form of the Panorama 3. Premium design aside, it also arrives with Dolby Atmos and AirPlay 2 to try and justify the steep $999 price tag. But does Bowers & Wilkins actually deliver a worthwhile home theater in the box for the cash? Let’s take a closer look.

IK Multimedia is out with a brand new camera audio interface today that can also be used for podcasting and other applications. The new iRig Pro Quattro I/O field recorder audio interface delivers four inputs alongside compatibility with video camera rigs as well as iOS and Android devices with a built-in microphone and some interesting tricks up its sleeve. The new hybrid camera audio interface and field recorder is now available for purchase, and you can get a closer look down below at the launch trailer. 

Today, CORSAIR announced a brand-new gaming headset dubbed the HS65 SURROUND. Designed to be a lightweight headset with Dolby surround support as well as Sonarworks SoundID technology that personalizes your audio experience, this headset will change the game for budget-focused setups. Coming in at just $80, there are quite a few premium features to be found in the CORSAIR HS65 SURROUND gaming headset, all of which we take a look at below.

We got our hands on the new Wyze Bolt Lock. Taking things a bit further than the Wyze Lock we reviewed over two years ago, the Wyze Lock Bolt features a numeric keypad as well as a fingerprint scanner to make unlocking a deadbolt even easier. And coming in at just $70 ($80 on Amazon), it’s much more affordable than a lot of the competition. While it doesn’t feature Wi-Fi, it does have quite a few handy features. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Each May the 4th the LEGO Group celebrates a galaxy far, far away with the debut of a new Ultimate Collector Series set. This year, things are circling back on the film that started it all by recreating Luke’s Landspeeder from A New Hope. But even with this being the most detailed version of the vehicle to date, is it still worth a spot in your collection? Head below for a closer look at the new LEGO UCS Landspeeder.

Right now, Microsoft is running a giveaway to win a limited-edition LEGO Star Wars-themed Xbox Series S and controller to celebrate May the 4th. The giveaway runs through May 31, 2022, and you must be 18 years or older in order to enter.

CITIZEN is unleashing its latest timepieces from a galaxy far, far away for Star Wars Day 2022. Now joining the plethora of price drops on tap today, the watch brand is reaching back into its archives to reinvigorate one of its historic silhouettes with some of the most beloved (and infamous) characters from the Star Wars universe with the new CITIZEN x Star Wars Tsuno Chrono models. Head below for more details and a closer look at the four new timepieces. 

Annual Star Wars Day is now upon us, and as retailers begin ringing in all of the usual May the 4th festivities, 9to5Toys is ready to cover all of the best deals. Like every other year, there is a vast galaxy of discounts out there ranging from LEGO, collectibles, and other toys to games, tech, and so much more. Head below for all of the action, which we’ll be updating over the next few days.