Smartphone Accessories
$119Walmart offers the LIFX Tile HomeKit-enabled Smart Lighting System for $119.90 shipped. As a comparison, Best Buy is currently asking $250 and we’ve seen it as low as $135 at Amazon previously. This is the best price we’ve tracked to date. LIFX Tile delivers a unique take on smart home lighting with its build your own design capabilities. Each Tile can reproduce 16 million different colors with compatibility for HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant and more. Includes Command Strips for easy mounting. Rated 3.8/5 stars.
Despite CarPlay and Android Auto becoming quite popular in newer vehicles, there are many of us that don’t plan on buying a new car anytime soon. Thankfully many companies have stepped up to the plate to deliver aftermarket solutions to consumers. Today’s release is far from Sony’s first attempt to bring aftermarket support for CarPlay and Android Auto to legacy vehicles, but it is however the biggest Sony CarPlay receiver has released to date.
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Back at the beginning of July, CASETiFY launched the second installment of its Pokémon-themed iPhone accessories. Now the proprietor of Apple gear is back for its last collaboration with The Pokémon Company. Filled with Kanto-inspired designs, the latest collection is filled with Mac accessories, iPad covers and much more. Head below for a closer look at the new series of Pokémon gear.
If you’re tired of the normal plastic and rubber Qi chargers, and if you hate losing your AirPods and want to make sure nobody mistakes your white floss case for theirs, X-Doria’s latest launch is perfect for you. With the announcement of a premium Qi charger made from both metal and leather, alongside the announcement of an AirPods case that features a similar design, all of your friends will be asking you where you got your latest accessories. The X-Doria Defense Trek is an AirPods case made from aluminum and polycarbonate, with a removable carabiner. The X-Doria Defense Vertical Charger is a Qi stand with both aluminum and leather stylings.
Wyze Cam is the budget-friendly security system that keeps on giving, especially with the latest update that features person detection. Whether it’s the recently-released Wyze Bulb, Wyze Sense, or the Wyze Cam Pan, the company is determined to provide premium features for those on a budget. In Wyze’s latest update, they introduced person detection through AI, available as a free update to all existing Wyze Cam V2 and Wyze Cam Pan customers.
Buy Now!If you’ve ever tried to film a video with your iPhone, you know how hard it is to keep it stable. Plus, no matter how you hold your phone, it’s inevitable that your finger will get in the way at some point. That’s where SANDMARC’s Film Rig comes in. It’s designed to help stabilize your footage and give your hands a great place to hang onto. Plus, the mounting points further expand your options for accessories like lights or microphones.
Best Buy’s official eBay storefront offers the Pioneer 7-inch CarPlay + Android Auto In-Dash Receiver (AVH-3300NEX) for $349.98 shipped. Also available in an open-box “excellent” condition model for $317.99. You’ll find both options at Best Buy direct as well. Having originally retailed for $600, it’s more recently been selling for $430 or so. Today’s offer saves you nearly 20%, beats our previous mention by $150 and is the best we’ve seen. Pioneer’s in-dash receiver brings CarPlay and Android Auto to your ride with a seven-inch touchscreen display that makes it easy to keep an eye on navigation directions and more. Plus it features a unique design that allows the display to fold into your dashboard when not in use. Rated 4.7/5 stars from over 550 customers and you can learn more in our launch coverage.
Summer is finally here and school is out of session, but that doesn’t mean that the learning has to end. Coding kits and robots have been growing in popularity as a way to not familiarize STEAM concepts, as well as teach programming fundamentals. Today we’ll be diving into some of the best coding kits on the market, with top brands like Sphero, Kano and littleBits leading the way. Head below for an in-depth rundown on our favorites.
Elago has been behind some of our favorite Apple Watch docks over the last few years. Its W3 stand was an instant recommendation in our hands-on review. Subsequent releases have sustained this trend as the brand has mastered nostalgia in many ways. The new Elago W6 stand continues this trend with killer iPod vibes, bringing Apple’s iconic music player to your nightstand or desk in a whole new way. Much like Elago’s other vintage releases, this is a must-have for any Apple fan looking to show off their Apple Watch and keep it charged all night. Head below for more.
There are plenty of portable power chargers out there – most offer a USB port which can be used with any cable to charge a specific device. But, if an iPhone or other iOS device is a common being charged, there are some options out there that are more sleek and convenient – like the $29.99 Bolt from Jackery. Fast 2.4A charging via two built-in cables top the feature set on the Bolt – one of which is a Lightning cable. Check out the video below.
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CASETiFY, a proprietor of Apple accessories well as Samsung handset cases and more, is gearing up for its latest product launch. In collaboration with The Pokémon Company, CASETiFY is set to debut a new lineup of iPhone cases and other Kanto region-themed gear. Head below for a closer look at the collection and to learn how you can catch these legendary accessories for yourself.
If you’ve ever had to grill or smoke meat outdoors, you know how crucial temperatures are. It’s a fine art to not overcook the outside and leave the inside raw, or just sear the entire piece of meat. Normal thermometers are great and all, but if you’re trying to keep track of temperatures inside, or even on-the-go, it’s nearly impossible. That’s where MEATER Block, a Wi-Fi-connected smart thermometer, comes in.
ROLI is introducing the new Lumi keyboard today. Best known for its professional Seaboard and Block controllers, the company is looking towards the beginner space this time around. The new Lumi offers up an app-integrated, color-coded learning experience with a focus on a “smarter way to learn and play”. All the details are down below.
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With some upcoming travel and flights, I wanted to find a more convenient way of watching videos on my iPhone while on-the-go. I have a Quad Lock case installed on my iPhone 8, so mounting something else to the middle of my case isn’t really an option. A quick search for a phone kickstand on Amazon brought up the Amazon Choice Spigen Universal Kickstand for $10. Check out the video below.
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Unless you enjoy motion sickness with your vacation videos, it’s a good idea to keep your phone steady while shooting. VILTA gimbals help you capture smooth footage, even when you’re walking around. You can get the VILTA-SE now for $89.10 (Orig. $99), or upgrade to the more powerful Model M for $116.10 (Orig. $149) via 9to5Toys Specials with promo code: DAD10.
Monoprice’s catalog of smart home accessories just got a bit larger today. With the debut of its new Z-Wave Plus Light Strip Controller, the brand is looking to bring multicolor lighting into your home on a larger scale. As Monoprice’s first Z-Wave light strip accessory, the new controller enters with an affordable price tag. It also launches with support for plenty of popular smart home platforms. Head below for a closer look.
Shop nowThe Ring Father’s Day sale is now live over at Amazon with deals video doorbells, security cameras and more. This is a rare chance to save on Ring products directly from Amazon, delivering some of the best prices we’ve seen this year. Free shipping is available for all. Our top pick is the Stick Up Cam HD Security Camera for $149.99 shipped. That’s down $30 from the regular going rate and a match of the Amazon all-time low price. With full HD feeds, a rechargeable battery and near-anywhere mounting system, this is an easy way to keep track of happenings around your property. Rated 4.3/5 stars.
With summer quickly approaching, there are plenty of ways to put your preferred voice assistant to work. We’ve rounded up some of the best devices for both Alexa and HomeKit setups to prepare your smart home for summer. So whether you’re looking for some help monitoring allergens, controlling outdoor lights or automating your lawn care routine, you’ll want to check them out below.
Today we are diving in head first with the IK Multimedia iRig Micro mini guitar amp. This tiny device offers up a ton of value on paper with an integrated audio interface and software emulation system, but does that justify the price tag? We went hands-on to find out. Head below for all the details.
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Pre-order!In 1996, Tamagotchis entered the world for the first time and quickly found their way into the hands of just about every kid on the playground. Bandai’s smash hit still lives on as a piece of 90’s culture and now the company is trying to take advantage of that by bringing the toy into the 21st century. Behold the Tamagotchi On, a smartphone-enabled version of the brand’s virtual pets which bring more modern features to a classic toy. More details below.
AnkerDirect via Amazon is currently offering the Anker PowerPort Mini Dual Port Wall Charger for $8.79 Prime shipped. That’s down from its usual $12 going rate, saving you 27% and dropping the price to the best we’ve seen in some time. Rocking dual 2.4A USB charging ports, this wall adapter also touts a folding design. It’s ideal for travel, as it takes up very little space in your bag and can handle powering your smartphone and more with ease. Rated 4.7/5 stars.
Don’t forget to swing by this week’s roundup for even more discounted Anker accessories.
Today, popular accessory manufacturer iOttie has unveiled its new iTap 2 wireless car mount series. Alongside continuing its reign as arguably the best smartphone mounts on the market today, iOttie is bringing Qi charging to the mix on each of today’s new items. Like its well-established line of products, there will be three different iterations of the iTap 2 for your car’s dashboard, air vent and CD slot. With Qi charging hitting the mainstream over the last year on Android and iPhones across the entire lineup, more consumers are interested in charging on-the-go. Head below for a look at the new iOttie iTap 2 lineup.
A company that we’ve all come to know around here is Wyze. They started out near the end of 2017 with the first Wyze Cam for $26 and introduced V2 only a few months later. In late 2018, Wyze launched the Pan, and now the company is back at it with its latest device: Wyze Sense. This new sensor brings all-new smarts to your Wyze system, converting it from just a monitoring setup, to a more full-fledged security system, and all at just $20.
Update 3/26 @ 4:50 PM: The new Wemo 3-Way Light Switches are no longer available for pre-order on Amazon. The listing is still live for the time being, though unavailable for purchase. Belkin has noted that we’ll be seeing more details on pricing and availability in the near future.
Back in January at CES, Belkin first showcased this year’s lineup of upcoming Wemo devices. Now one of the company’s latest devices is available for pre-order ahead of its release later this year. We’re also getting additional details on the upcoming Wemo HomeKit 3-Way Switch from our first look a few months ago. So be sure to head below for all of the details including pricing and availability.
Nobody likes to see their weight, but if you’re on a weight loss journey (no matter how much you’re trying to lose), keeping track is always a must. While we used to have to write down our weight, it’s now easier than ever to record it with our smartphones. These are the best smart scales to track your weight loss starting at just $30 shipped.
From lawn mowers to grills, it seems that all the tools we know and love are getting smarter each day. In some instances it is arguably unnecessary, but when it isn’t, we are all left wishing that we had a bit more expendable income to throw at whatever the new gadget may be.
Today’s new Wi-Fi-enabled tools include a line up of new Traeger smart grills. Technology packed inside the grills is largely what most would expect, allowing users to tweak temperatures, set timers, and keep an eye on how warm or cold the food is. The companion app offers a variety of recipes that can be downloaded directly to the new Traeger Smart Grills.
Buy nowWhen it comes to smart home lighting, Philips Hue has become synonymous with the gold standard. Color Accuracy? Check. Reliability? You got it. HomeKit support? Done. All of that comes with a higher barrier to entry; the Hue Hub, a dependency that drives many away from the ecosystem. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Enter the new Eve HomeKit Light Strip.
As one of the latest HomeKit-enabled smart home device from Eve, the Light Strip touts an improved color profile and more all in a Wi-Fi-centric package. Head below for our full hands-on review and to see how it stacks up to the competition.
$290/$200Walmart offers the Anker Eufy RoboVac 11c Pet Edition Wi-Fi Robot Vacuum for $199.99 shipped. That’s good for $90 discount from the going rate, beats our previous mention by $20 and is the best we’ve seen outside of Black Friday. Notable features here include an up to 100-minute runtime alongside a three-stage cleaning system. Plus, because this model is made with pet owners in mind, it features a scratch-resistant cover and more. Rated 4+ stars from 60% of Amazon shoppers and we loved it in our hands-on review.
While there is no shortage of smartphones lens kits, this doesn’t mean that finding high-quality solutions for your next trip is not a difficult process. Amazon is flooded inexpensive options that can be prove to be quite tempting, but they may not end up delivering photos worth the effort of lugging them around.
With the launch of high-end Black Eye smartphone lenses, companies like Moment and Olloclip will face stiffer competition than before. Black Eye refers to its new offering as its Pro Kit G4. It is comprised of three lenses made for wide-angle, telephoto, and fish eye shots, along with a handy carrying case makes it fit nicely in purses, backpacks, and more.
One of the centerpieces for improving your home’s security is the smart lock. Not only do the deadbolts provide peace of mind, but also allow you to ditch a traditional key for pin codes, automated unlocking and more. But with so many options to choose from, which option is right for your smart home? Whether you fancy HomeKit, Alexa, Z-Wave or another ecosystem, we’ve highlighted the best smart locks for your smart home. Head below for the full report.
If I had to start from scratch and rebuild my smart home, outside of lighting accessories, Alexa-enabled wall outlets and plugs would easily qualify as one of my highest priorities. While this is largely due to the easy toggling of fans, lamps, and more, it’s also partly because of the energy usage information that most tend to offer.
This feature has provided me with the ability to zero in on which electronics suck up the most energy in my home. Not only do they provide this information in kilowatt hours, but some even offer an estimated cost, laying out an easy-to-understand figure that allows you to tailor usage habits.
Anker Direct is back at Amazon with a new sale focused on smart home gear, various accessories, USB-C hubs and more. Free shipping is available for Prime members or in orders of $25+. Our top pick is the eufy Smart Plug for $13.99. That’s down from the usual $20+ price tag and the best offer currently available. Expand your Alexa or Google Assistant-powered smart home with a Eufy plug. This model can track energy, set schedules and much more. Rated 4/5 stars.
For February only, Hyper has teamed up with our friends at 9to5Mac for its first ever 9to5Mac Deal of the Month. That means today is your last chance to get the HyperJuice AirPods Wireless Charging case for 60% off regular price:
Head below for a video hands-on look…
Order Now!For the Anker fans out there still on the fence about installing security cameras, the company has a new offering that could check all the boxes for most. One look at the Anker eufyCam E Security Camera paints a clear picture who the company is competing with and that’s Arlo.
Many of the features offered in the Anker eufyCam E are quite impressive. At the top of the list for many is 365-day battery life. Additionally a ‘top-of-the-line’ Sony Exmor sensor yields “crisp” footage (even at night) and no monthly subscription fee required are sure to help many make the Anker eufyCam E their obvious choice.
While this McIntosh may not be made by Apple, the attention to detail in McIntosh Lab’s new Wireless Loudspeaker System certainly matches up with what we’d expect to see if it were. Dubbed the RS200, this powerful speaker system is a clear step up from McIntosh’s nearly two-year old RS100.
This should not come as too much of a shock when considering the RS100 is a bookshelf form-factor that sells at 1/3 of the price. That being said, features like AirPlay 2 and Alexa support make McIntosh’s latest release a no-brainer when going all-in on audio equipment.
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After being previously teased back at CES 2018, Anker has now officially released its new PowerHouse 200 portable generator. This model is a follow-up to the previous generation model which we loved in our hands-on review. The latest version includes a USB-C port for the latest devices and compatibility with MacBooks. It’s also $100 less than the original model. Head below for more details.
Qinxi (An Aukey-affiliated seller) via Amazon offers its Latitude Lite Bluetooth Earbuds for $16.89 Prime shipped when code VLKDC9CR has been applied at checkout. That’s good for a 35% discount from the going rate, is $1 under the previous price drop and one of the best offers we’ve seen. Aukey’s Bluetooth earbuds bring eight hours of battery life, Hi-Fi sound and more to the table alongside sweat-resistance. They’re great options for dedicated workout earbuds, or as a backup pair. Over 140 customers have left a 4.3/5 star rating.
Turntables have been making a comeback over the past several years. There are loads of options out there that folks love to use for consuming both old and new records alike. While I can understand the appeal of this, I find the bulkiness of most turntables to be off-putting.
By combining a turntable with a slew of other additional features in its latest offering, McIntosh has produced an option that hits not two, but several birds with one stone. By taking this approach, consumers may find themselves more inclined to add a turntable to their home.
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Best Buy’s official eBay storefront offers the Insignia 90W USB-C PD Wall Charger for $39.99 shipped. Also available at Best Buy direct. That’s good for a 20% discount from the going rate and is the lowest we’ve seen so far. Outputting up to 90W of power, this wall charger works with a plethora of USB-C devices and is a must for you everyday carry or desk’s charging arsenal. Rated 4.3/5 stars from over 180 customers.
Jabra’s official eBay storefront offers its Sport Pulse Special Edition Bluetooth Earbuds for $59.99 shipped. Originally selling for $160, which it still fetches at Jabra direct, it has more recently been selling for around $120 or so. That’s good for a 40% discount and is the lowest we’ve tracked. For comparison, this is also one of the first times we’ve seen these earbuds drop below $100. Jabra’s Sport Pulse features built-in heart rate monitoring, five hours of audio playback and more. Rated 4.1/5 stars.
Amazon offers the Mophie 10W Charge Stream pad+ $44.46 shipped. That’s good for an over 25% discount from the going rate and is a new all-time low at Amazon. Mophie’s 10W Qi charging pad is a great option for desks and nightstands alike. It can power up an iPhone at the max 7.5W charging speed and features a premium design. Rated 3.7/5 stars.
Of course, you’re paying a bit of a premium for Mophie’s option compared to other 10W Qi charging pads. Anker’s option is highly-rated and will only run you $22 at Amazon, if you’re looking for a more budget-conscious buy.
IK Multimedia has just unveiled the new iRig Micro Amp. This announcement comes on the heels of the new AXE I/O audio interface we got last week and continues IK’s push for solid guitar player-focused tech at this year’s NAMM. Head below for all the details.
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Best Buy offers the Nomad Leather Folio iPhone X/S Case for $19.99 with free shipping on orders over $35. Otherwise, opt for in-store pickup to dodge the delivery fee. That’s good for a $30 discount from the going rate at Nomad direct and is one of the lowest prices we’ve seen. This case is a great blend of form and function, as it wraps your iPhone in genuine leather while packing room for six credit cards or IDs. Rated 4.3/5 stars.
Aukey Direct via Amazon is currently offering its 10050mAh Portable Power Bank in Silver or Gray for $17.81 shipped when code INBLHV46 has been applied at checkout. Normally selling for $27, that’s good for a 33% discount and is one of the lowest prices we’ve seen for this model. Aukey’s portable charger packs enough power to refill your iPhone nearly four times over and sports a single 2.4A USB port. With over 1,600 customers having left a review, it carries a 4.1/5 star rating.
With AirPods coming already over two years old, and no update date set in stone, other companies are starting to take the scene. The latest to announce truly wireless earbuds is Tivoli Audio with Fonico.
These earbuds feature simple Bluetooth pairing, voice control with Siri, Assistant, or even Skype, and up to 3.5-hours of battery on a single charge. Keep reading to learn more.
At CES 2019, Ecovacs Robotics showed off its latest robot vacuum, the Deebot Ozmo 960. What differentiates the Ozmo 960 from some of the company’s other high-end cleaners is the implementation of AI that detects obstacles like cables, socks, and more. Once it finds these items, the robot avoids them entirely so it doesn’t clog itself and or damage the item in question.
Without a doubt, this is a feature that every robot vacuum should have, but don’t. Thankfully this type of innovation is bound to expand throughout the rest of the market since it is what consumers expect from automated devices.
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AnkerDirect via Amazon offers its 10W Wireless Qi Charging Stand for $17.99 shipped. That’s down from the usual $25 price tag and the best offer that we can find. This model is perfect for charging Android devices at 10W speeds or the latest iPhones at 7.5W. Its stand design is perfect bedside tables or your desk, making it easy to see notifications and more. Rated 4.4/5 stars.
Music company Roland is unveiling a new Alexa GO:PIANO alongside a new larger version with Bluetooth built-in. The existing lineup of GO: instruments and keyboards is to some degree geared towards educational applications and now it’s getting some brand new features along with a new flagship model this week.
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