Reviews

Often times, when we take a look at what LEGO’s roster of kits from a galaxy far, far way has in store for builders, we focus on some of the more massive, collectible creations. But with social distancing in full effect, we’re now turning our attention to one of the latest, more affordable kits, Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder. This Star Wars set is perfect for veteran builders, younger fans, or those who find themselves with more time and want to rekindle their love of LEGO while stuck inside. Head below for a closer look and our thoughts on the affordable set.

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Available today, Jackery has just released its largest power station yet – the Explorer 1000. With 1002Wh capacity and eight outputs, the Explorer 1000 is poised to power whatever you need wherever you are. That large capacity does come with a large footprint and price tag, though. Head below to see some more of the features and check it out in action.
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Adding some custom colors to your work or battlestation can be a great way to make it your own. But oftentimes there aren’t many color options available from manufacturers. That’s where Colorware comes in. With custom skins and full custom painted options, Colorware is a great way to get the color scheme you want on a wide range of products. Here’s a look at what that whole process looks like with one of Colorware’s newest offerings – a custom Logitech G703 wireless gaming mouse. Check out the video below for more.
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If you’ve ever dreamed of having a soundboard to use while playing on an Xbox or PS4, Nyko has you covered. With 11 sound buttons that can be customized to your sounds, the Nyko Sound Pad makes it easy to add some fun sounds to your party’s chat. Head below to see how this $25 console accessory performs.
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Keeping a clean desk always helps with productivity, and ElevationLab has recently expanded its desk cleaning product line by adding the ElevationShelf that easily mounts under a desk to fight clutter. With a similar black industrial design as the AnchorPro, we took a look at last year; the $25 ElevationShelf can be mounted with either the 3M adhesive pads or with screws to make it more secure. Check out the video below to see it in action.
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Earlier this week, popular audio manufacturer Ultimate Ears announced its new HYPERBOOM Bluetooth speaker. The brand’s largest offering yet arrives with a hefty design and price tag to match. With a 360-degree design and robust bass, the HYPERBOOM looks past traditional speaker offerings and focuses in on parties instead. Specifically, it’s pointed towards warmer weather activities, but Ultimate Ears also sees it finding a place somewhere else in your life: the home theater.

So after a few weeks with the Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM, I’m ready to offer a recommendation. With booming audio and a price tag sure to make some shutter, it falls in an interesting place in today’s highly-competitive speaker scene. Head below for more.

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Last year we took a look at the Pan Cam from Wyze, and we’ve been blown away by the features for the price. Since then, Wyze has been aiming to get more into the smart home market. Coming in at $90 and compatible with existing single-cylinder deadbolts, the Wyze Lock is a very easy way to get some smart control in your house. Be sure to check out the video below to check it out in action. 
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Having a wireless headset for gaming is really great – as long as you remember to charge it. Usually, you need to plug in a micro-USB cable to top off the battery life, and if you don’t, you might be tethered while playing a game so that your headset can recharge. HyperX’s latest headset, the Cloud Flight S, makes refueling in-between games a little more convenient by adding wireless Qi charging. Check out the video below to see it in action.
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Just like with their Panda wireless headphones we got a pre-release look at recently, Drop has worked its active community to create a few keyboard options that are excellent choices for those wanting a mechanical keyboard that is well built and can be easily modded. We got our hands on the Drop ALT keyboard, the 67-key aluminum-bodied RGB entry point. Check out the video below for some more thoughts and to see and hear it in action.
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When it comes to portable power devices, Anker is one of the most well-known names. They’re often at or near the top for recommended power packs. One of their newer lines though, the PowerCore III Sense 10k, offers a fresh design along with Anker’s beloved quality and feature set. Coming in four colors, the Sense portable charger comes in at $49.99, is a slim 10,000mAh battery that can deliver up to 18W power delivery for today’s latest devices. Check out the video below to see more of it in action.
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Air purifiers are a great way to help control air quality in homes and other tight spaces. Coway’s Airmega AP-1512HH has been an editorial top pick on Amazon for a while with over 1,600 reviews and 4.5 stars, but they’ve improved upon it even more by adding Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone control with the $299 Airmega Smart Air Purifier. Head below to see it in action and check out the new functionality.
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LEGO kicked off the year with a bang by debuting one of the most highly-coveted creations in quite a long time, the Ideas International Space Station. Entering the vast LEGO Ideas lineup, this fan-inspired kit caught our attention back when it was first showcased at the end of January, and now we’re taking a hands-on look to see if it is truly as out of this world as we thought. Hit the jump as we dive into our full review of the LEGO International Space Station.

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Anker has been diving into home devices with their RoboVac line, smart doorbells, and security cameras. One of their newer home items is the HomeVac H11. This $60 1.2lb cordless vacuum is easy to use and because of its small, upright design can be stored almost anywhere. Head below to see it in action.
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In a few recent headset reviews that I’ve done, I mentioned that one of the weak links, in my opinion, is the sound of the microphone. The latest I tested like this was the Razer Kraken Ultimate. It has some great sound and features built into its wired USB design, but the microphone is lacking and doesn’t sound good for teammates in a casual gaming situation. Let’s take a look at one way to improve the sound of the microphone on your headset. Be sure to watch the video below for more visuals and to hear how these changes sound in use.
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Arlo first unveiled its Pro 3 camera system back in September with a friendly price tag and promises of eventual HomeKit support. While Apple’s ecosystem has yet to be integrated, there’s still a lot to love about the latest from Arlo. A truly wireless design, various DVR options, and easy installs make it one of the best options on the market in 2020.

However, slow response times and quirky settings provide some challenging steps along the way to securing your home. Our Arlo Pro 3 review dives into all of the best features and notes a few areas of improvement that we hope to see this year.

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Anker’s latest pocket projector, the Nebula Apollo, packs a ton of features into its small size and $400 price point. This puts it squarely between two other portable projects we’ve taken a look at recently, the Nebula Capsule II for $580 and Vankyo GO300, which costs $280 with our coupon code 9to5Mac. Be sure to check out the video below to see some more comparisons between all three of these projectors.
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A common name in high-end kitchen gadgets, Breville’s new 3X Bluicer Pro combines two common kitchen appliances into one. Just like the name is a mash-up of blending and juicing, that’s what you get with this $399.95 combo. This way, you can juice right into the blender jug, and then place it on the base and blend your creations with other ingredients. Be sure to watch the video below to see the two recipes from Breville that we tested!
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If you just saw the SRS WS-1 without any context for what it is, you might be pretty confused – wearable speakers aren’t super common yet. Sony has come up with a pretty interesting device in the $250 SRS WS-1 wearable neck speaker. It provides immersive audio around your neck without wearing anything over or in your ears. It uses a wireless transmitter to take an analog or optical signal and send it to the SRS WS-1 that you wear draped over your shoulders. Be sure to watch the video below to hear some more thoughts on the SRS WS-1.
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Anker released a bevy of new products to close 2019 and open the new year, highlighted by a trio of low-profile chargers for any situation. We’ve already gone hands-on with the PowerPort Atom PD 4 and the smaller Atom III wall chargers. Today, we’re turning our attention to the middle-ground, and final new release, in this series: the PowerPort Atom III Slim 4-port desktop charger. At around $50, it fills the gap between slower portable power stations and more robust alternatives. Head below to find out this sleek 4-port 65W charger handles when put through the paces.

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Making a good cup of coffee when away from your normal kitchen or normal appliances can sometimes be difficult – which is something Wacaco has been trying to remedy. Last year we took a look at one of their popular products, the Nanopresso, which is an Amazon bestseller for portable espresso makers. But we were excited to try out their newest coffee maker, an all-in-one vacuum brewer, the Wacaco Pipamoka. Head below to watch the video and see it in action.
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Projectors have been getting more and more powerful, but there has also been a push for portable projectors that can bring the big screen anywhere. Last year we took a look at the Nebula Capsule II from Anker, but today we’re excited to check out another small portable smart projector in a similar vein from Vankyo. The GO300 is one of Vankyo’s newest products and offers an Android-powered smart projector in a small package. Head below to check out the video.
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After purchasing an Avantree Leaf for my PlayStation 4, I recently got the urge to find a similar product that would allow me to seamlessly pair AirPods with Nintendo Switch when playing portably. After a bit of searching, I came across HomeSpot. This nifty device plugs directly in via USB-C, which ensures it is always powered up and ready to go. I purchased both HomeSpot and HORI Split Pad Pro (recently reviewed). Continue reading to learn about the pros and cons HomeSpot.

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I took CES 2020 as an opportunity to try out a camera I’ve had my eye on for a while – the Canon EOS R. As I’ve mentioned before, I used to shoot photos and videos on almost exclusively Canon DSLRs. But because of the video features that companies like Sony and Panasonic have been packing into their camera bodies, I switched over to Sony a few years ago. So how did the new mirrorless camera from Canon suit me for a run-and-gun trip like CES? Check out the video below for some more thoughts and video examples.
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The second-half of 2019 saw Anker release several compelling charging solutions for today’s modern devices. We recently went hands-on with the brand’s 100W PowerPort Atom PD 4, which is arguably the best charger on the market in 2020. However, today we’re looking at something a bit more travel-friendly. Anker’s PowerPort Atom III Slim wall charger arrives with an uber-portable design and 30W USB-C charging speeds.

While there are plenty of portable chargers that push this type of USB-C output on the market today, Anker has nailed a few key elements on the Atom III Slim. First and foremost is the low-profile design that’s comparable to a credit card in size. Head below for a few quick hands-on thoughts and more.

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Ever since I initially covered the debut of HORI Split Pad Pro, I’ve been anxious to take it for a spin. While my PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch both take up a bit of my time, the portable option has made the latter my go-to console more often than not. One gripe that I have had is that when in portable mode, Nintendo Switch can become uncomfortable to use over time. On top of that, I find Joy-Con joysticks to be very stiff, making any sort of aiming maneuver difficult. This is why I bought HORI Split Pad Pro. I’ve spent more than three weeks with it, continue reading to see what I think.

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Now in its second generation, the Elite controller for Xbox has been refined and touts even more customizability. The $180 Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 features more options for thumbstick performance, hair-triggers, and has additional quick-swappable button mapping profiles. It’s also packed with some nice updates to make the controller more current. Check out the video below to see more.
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Razer has been coming out with a ton of new technology for mice. We started seeing it in the Viper, and the Basilisk Ultimate, but now Razer has brought new life to two of it’s most popular mice with the $70 DeathAdder V2 and the $80 Basilisk V2. These wired variants sport Razer’s top of the line sensor, the 20,000 dpi Focus+ and Razer optical switches. Head below to see more in our hands-on video.
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Today we are taking a closer look at the Alexa keyboard from Roland. The latest entry in its hobbyist GO:PIANO lineup brings Amazon’s wildly popular virtual assistant to the experience along with wireless Bluetooth transmission and integration with the company’s learning platform. But does the Alexa integration amount to a gimmicky experience that unjustifiably increases the price of entry or not? Read on for all the details.
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Language can be a considerable barrier to travel, medical attention, or conducting business. But technology keeps making that barrier easer to get over. The Jarvisen translator is marketed as the fastest handheld translator available, but at the starting price of $429, that comes at a premium price. Check out the video below to see what else it has to offer.
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In our recent coverage of the Hi-Fi headphone line from Focal, we also mentioned that we had the Focal Arche amp/DAC. Just like the Hi-Fi headphones, the $2,500 Arche is aimed at producing a clean and accurate audio signal. That may sound like a lot, and it is. Still, if you’re invested in the Focal audio ecosystem, you’re probably well accustomed to those numbers, and this is the perfect accompaniment to a pair of Focal Hi-Fi headphones. Check out the video below for more details.
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Anker recently introduced its new PowerPort Atom PD 4, its latest desktop charger that pushes 100W of power across two USB-C and two USB-A ports. Just a few years ago, this type of power supply was mostly uncalled for, but throughout 2019, it became apparent that more juice was required for most modern setups. Apple, in particular, sets this standard by shipping a 96W USB-C wall charger with its 16-inch MacBook Pro. I’ll dive into the value proposition later, but it’s clear that Anker’s new PowerPort Atom PD 4 deserves your attention if you need a secondary charging solution. Full hands-on details below.

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Having an external monitor is great when you’re shooting video – especially when your camera doesn’t have a screen that flips to be visible from the front. I had been looking for a monitor to supplement my Sony a7sII and thought I would share my experience thus far with this budget option I found on Amazon for $160 – the Feelworld F5 4K monitor. Check out the video below for more thoughts.
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With the resurgence of vinyl, Fluance has been introducing some record players that have been receiving high marks with audiophiles. The reference line-up from Fluance is meant to give the pure analog sound. We’re checking out the RT82 – the entry point into Fluance’s reference turntable collection. Check out the video for more on the RT82.

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With the final installment of the Skywalker Saga opening in theaters tonight, we decided to take a hands-on look at one of the latest LEGO kits from the Star Wars theme. Stacking up to two new BrickHeadz models, the Kylo Ren and Sith Trooper creations are ripe with unique techniques, printed elements, and more. Head below for a closer look at the two new BrickHeadz figures and all the details from our most recent review.

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We’ve covered quite a few USB mics this year like the HyperX Quadcast, Blue Yeti X and the Razer Seiren Emote, but the $100 Samson Satellite offers some unique features that sets it apart from these other microphones. Designed to be used on the go, the Satellite can be plugged into an iOS or USB device and has legs that fold out to be ready anywhere. Check out the video below to hear how it sounds.
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Starting with loudspeakers, professional reference audio, and even car audio, Focal has built a reputation on hi-fidelity audio. One line of hi-fidelity headphones has been making huge waves since 2012. We were sent samples of their entire hi-fi line, which isn’t all they offer for headphones and are excited to share some thoughts on the collection with you. Be sure to check out the video below for more details.
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When I was asked in July if I wanted to check out the budget minded Momentum Meri smart thermostat, I didn’t think that it would almost five months until I posted the review. But, because of some issues with the original firmware and a new update that I wanted to test before posting, here we are. Check out the video for more on my time with this $100 budget-minded smart thermostat.
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Razer’s latest additions to their line-up of popular mice are wireless variants of the FPS focused Basilisk. The Basilisk X Hyperspeed features wireless functionality with a long battery life while the Basilisk Ultimate packs all of Razer’s latest tech along with Chroma and a charging dock into an ergonomic gaming mouse. Head below for more details on the latest from Razer.
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Most of what you see is shot here in my studio where I don’t need to carry anything around. But I do a fair bit of other freelance shooting and travel with equipment for events, so I wanted to take you through what’s in my camera backpack on some of these trips. Head below and check out the video for even more details.  
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I have pretty fond memories of playing shooter games at the Arcade. House of the Dead was one of my favorites, and I even had it for my Xbox. So when PDP reached out about checking out their new Mars Lightcon Starter Pack for Xbox One and PS4, I was excited to see how they perform. Check out the video below to see some more of my thoughts.
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When Call of Duty: Modern Warfare was announced earlier this year, I have to say…I was extremely excited. Surely, you were too, which is why we’re giving away a few copies of the game, so keep scrolling to find out how to enter. The Modern Warfare series was a favorite of mine many years ago, and to see it brought back in its former glory made me super excited. Through many hours of gameplay over the past few weeks, I’ve dove deep into the campaign and online game modes. In our Call of Duty: Modern Warfare review that you’ll find below, there are some huge wins in my book, but also…a few ways that Activision and Infinity Ward need to improve if they want to see the player base for this game continue to grow instead of shrink.

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Today we are taking a closer look at the new iRig Keys 2 from IK Multimedia. Known for its affordable music production gear, its recently released controller works with all of your favorite devices and has a few interesting tricks up its sleeve. Head below for our full iRig Keys 2 review.

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Recently we took a look at the Mini Soccer and Mini Activity Kit from Sphero. These fun programmable robots are a lot of fun and open a secure door to get into coding. So when Sphero reached out about taking a look at the larger, more capable and expandable robot, the RVR, we were excited to take it for a spin. Check out the video to see how easy it is to make a block program.
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Just recently announced, we had the opportunity to go hands-on with the Razer Kraken Ultimate. This addition to the high-performing and affordable Kraken line delivers THX Spatial Audio, an active noise-canceling microphone, and an extremely customizable sound profile. Check out the video below for our hands-on review and more.
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Last Friday, Sword and Shield launched as the eighth generation title to the widely popular Pokémon franchise. Marking the first mainstream debut for the series on Nintendo Switch, the two new games have been some of the more controversial releases from Game Freak. So over the weekend, we dove into Pokémon Sword and Shield to review in order to see how the new titles stack up. Packed with enhancements that longterm fans will enjoy, some missteps and more, you’ll want to head below for all of the details.

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