Smartphone Accessories
Just a couple of years ago, truly wireless headphones seemed futuristic and many years away from being a reality. Once Apple released its AirPods, that changed everything. Many criticized the design, saying that AirPods looked a lot like earrings. Over time, the market started filling with alternate options from Samsung, Anker, Bragi, and more, that didn’t mimic Apple’s design. Adding to that list of options are Crazybaby’s latest earbuds dubbed, “Air 1S”. The Crazybaby Air 1S are the company’s follow-up to its Air truly wireless earbuds that reached 5514% funding on Indiegogo back in December 2016.
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These days our iPhones provide some of the best and most convenient ways to capture special moments on video. While they will surely get the job done for your casual videographer, including live location audio from the subjects in the shot in combination with the ambient noise of the setting isn’t always that simple. Whether it’s wind noise or just a busy public area, picking up high quality voices and things of that nature with basic iPhone videos can be a chore at best.
Clearly, some kind of mic system is needed to ensure you get high quality voices and there are some options out there for that specifically tailored to mobile recording environments. But the new Sennheiser Memory Mic looks to bring a level of simplicity to the whole process, but does the functionality here justify the somewhat steep price tag?
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About two months ago, Anker announced that it was teaming up with Nintendo to release a line of Switch-compatible battery packs. After reports surfaced earlier this year that some power supplies were bricking Nintendo’s portable console, consumers have needed to show greater caution when powering their systems. Fast forward to today and Anker’s official USB-C battery packs are up for pre-order.
I’ve been able to spend a few days with these new battery packs and put them through some testing. For Anker, having an official partnership with Nintendo is a big deal. Just a few years ago, the company was only beginning to roll out its Amazon store and now it’s partnered with the one of the biggest gaming brands in the world. A few thoughts and a quick hands-on below with the 13400mAh model.
Nintendo has been getting a lot of love ever since the debut of its overwhelmingly-successful Switch console. With official partnerships being struck with lots of companies, including Anker, it is clear that Nintendo has the marketshare to be remain relevant for quite some time. Although it’s latest partnership with stationary and bag manufacturer, Moleskine, is one that I do not think many were predicting, I do anticipate that the new Mario-inspired notebooks, backpack, and phone case will be quite successful.
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Wyze Cam has become a fan-favorite around here. With prices starting at $26 shipped from Amazon, local storage, free cloud storage, and the latest model featuring both pan and tilt functions, these are must-haves for anyone building a smart home on a budget.
One area that Wyze lacked in was smart assistant connectivity. Be it HomeKit, Assistant, or Amazon’s Alexa, there was no tie-in for Wyze at all. That is, until now. Announced today, Wyze Cams will now work flawlessly with Amazon’s Alexa service.
We have seen some interesting innovations for guitar players over the last few years like the IK app-connected stomp boxes. Even Fender released it’s own iOS/Android powered amps in mid-2017, but today BOSS is announcing the availability of “the world’s first totally wireless guitar amplifier”.
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Already funded on Kickstarter and currently over 900% funded on Indiegogo, the AirPlus case for Apple’s AirPods adds Qi wireless charging functionality for just $15 as a special preorder price. That’s 50% off the planned retail price of $30.
Apple has yet to officially launch its previously announced wireless charging case for AirPods along with its Qi wireless charging pad called AirPower, but AirPlus offers what will surely be a much lower price point than Apple’s official solution, especially at the 50% off special preorder price.
Today only, Woot offers the Withings Activité Steel Fitness Tracker for $69.99 with free shippingfor Prime members, otherwise a $5 flat fee is applied. Normally selling for over $105 at Amazon, that’s good for a 33% discount and is the best offer we’ve seen this year. For comparison, today’s price drop beats our previous mention by $5 and matches the Amazon all-time low from Black Friday last year. The Activité Steel monitors your sleep, workouts, steps and more. Rated 3.7/5 stars.
Founded in the mid 1920’s, Beyerdynamic has been producing high-quality audio gear out of Germany for many years. As of late, it is best known for its over-ear studio headphones that easily rank among our favorites in the price range. But today the company is introducing a new product in an audio category the it is not normally associated with.
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Buy Now!This week, Anker has announced its new USB-C PD-equipped Wall Charger that spits out an impressive 60W of power. Anker’s been aggressively expanding its USB-C power offerings in 2018 and this new release promises to be a popular buy for Apple, Android and Nintendo Switch fans. More details below.
OLEBR Direct (98% positive all-time feedback) via Amazon offers its Apple Watch and iPhone charging stand for $9.90 when checking out with code WDLFPQPJ. Prime members will score free shipping, which is available on orders over $25 as well. That’s good for an $8 discount from the going rate, beats our previous mention by $5 and is the lowest we’ve seen it sell for. Rated 4+ stars from over 60% of shoppers.
Update (6/27): The SAVE15 coupon code is no longer active, but you can still score the original deal priced at $339 shipped using ALT50N during checkout.
Update (6/26 @ 2:20pm): Trusted seller ProElectronics Distributing Inc. via Rakuten is now offering the Nest Secure Alarm System Starter Pack for $334.95 shipped when coupon code SAVE15 has been applied at checkout.
Trusted seller Altatac via Rakuten is currently offering the Nest Secure Alarm System Starter Pack for $339 shipped when coupon code SAVE15 or ALT50N have been applied at checkout. Note: You’ll need to be logged in to your free Rakuten account to use either code. That’s a savings of $60 off the going rate found at Best Buy and is the best price we can find. The Nest Secure alarm system gives you peace of mind knowing that it will send alerts to your phone if sensors detect anything abnormal. Rated 4/5 stars. Learn more from our announcement coverage.
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$28Update 6/21: Aptoyu (98% positive feedback lifetime) via Amazon offers its Bluetooth Speaker with 7-hours of Playback for $13.99 Prime shipped when code TF3J5IBF is used at checkout (Reg. $25). Rated 4/5 stars.
Aukey Direct via Amazon offers its 16W Bluetooth Stereo Speaker w/ Enhanced Bass and 10 Hours of Playtime for $28.15 shipped when code AUKEYS01 is used at checkout. Normally closer to $45, this is just $3 above its all-time low and the best available. AUKEY’s Bluetooth speaker features 10-hours of battery life and MaxxBass technology for quality sound. Rated 4.3/5 stars.
Earlier today, a new company called Aquio announced that it has partnered with iHome to release a bottle for carrying both cold and hot liquids that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. It holds 16 ounces of liquid, packs a 5-watt speaker, and an IP67 dust/water resistance rating in a sandproof design, making it a great choice for frequent beach-goers.
Suunto, a company based in Finland, will release its next product on June 26. It’s called Suunto 9 and is a multisport GPS watch designed with long battery life and durability in mind. The Suunto 9’s target audience is high-level athletes who need a watch that can withstand extreme training.
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This morning, Nomad unveiled its new Battery Cable designed for iPhone. Fans of Nomad’s lineup will recognize this as an upgraded version of the original model. The new Battery Cable sports that familiar rugged design that we’ve come to love with the added bonus of an integrated 2800mAh power supply inside. iPhone X and 7/8 users will be able to fully charge their devices one time with that integrated battery pack, adding an extra level of peace of mind. More details and a quick hands-on are below.
$140Amazon offers the Logitech Circle 2 Indoor/Outdoor Wired Home Security Camera for $139.99 shipped. Also at Best Buy. For comparison, it has a list price of $180 and today’s offer is a match of our previous mention. Rated 4.1/5 stars.
$36Amazon offers the Twelve South BookBook Leather iPhone X Case in two colors for $35.99 shipped. Regularly $60, this is a new Amazon all-time low and the best available. This 3-in-1 iPhone X case features a removable outer shell, wallet and unique leather-bound book styling. Rated 4.2/5 stars.
D-Link is one of the most well-known names when it comes to home networking, and now the company is launching new Wi-Fi cameras along with an enhanced mydlink app in the pipeline. The cameras range from base 120-degree field of view with cloud/local recording and no movement to full pan and tilt options, but keep reading for more details.
Amazon offers the second generation Rachio Wi-Fi 8-Zone Lawn Sprinkler Controller with Amazon Alexa support for $135.99 shipped. Normally selling for around $180, that’s good for a $44 price cut and is the lowest we’ve seen it go at Amazon. Today’s offer beats our previous mention by $14 and is the best out there. For comparison, it’s still on sale for $150 at The Home Depot. As a #1 best-seller, it carries a 4.6/5 star rating from over 2,500 home owners.
Pro Electronics via Rakuten offers the Ring Video Doorbell Pro for $182.71 shipped when code SAVE15 has been applied at checkout and you’re signed into your free Rakuten account. Normally selling for $250 at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, that’s good for a $67 discount and is the lowest we’re currently seeing. Over 11,000 shoppers have left a 4/5 star rating at Amazon.
Update 5/25 @ 2PM: Amazon has now matched many of the Hue discounts in Best Buy’s sale, head below for our top picks.
Best Buy has now officially kicked off its full Memorial Day Sale and is offering 15% off its entire lineup of Philips Hue smart lighting accessories. Regardless of if you’re just diving into smart lighting and need to pick up a HomeKit-enabled Color Starter Kit for $170 shipped, or just want to expand your current setup with some additional bulbs, you’ll save up to $30 in today’s sale. Be sure to shop the entire selection of Hue discounts here as well as the rest of the Memorial Day sale.
Anker is probably best known for its power-related smartphone accessories, but it also makes a whole host of other useful items like Bluetooth speakers. Anker’s most popular speaker, the SoundCore is a constant fixture on Amazon’s best seller list. Is it worth checking out? Watch our video for a brief hands-on look.
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Amazon offers the Garmin vívosmart HR Activity Tracker for $69 shipped. Originally $150, this tracker has fetched around $100 for quite a few months and this is the lowest Amazon has offered it. We’ve seen it on sale for $50 once before in a limited time holiday promotion late last year. Recording your steps, heart rate, sleep, and more, this tracker can even be viewed in direct sunlight. Rated 3.9/5 stars from thousands of Amazon shoppers.

BuyDig is offering the Garmin Vivofit Jr. Activity Tracker for Kids w/ 2 Bands in either Flower and Purple or Digi Camo and Black for $54.99 shipped (Reg. $90). Garmin’s Vivofit line is well-rated.
Anker is back at it again this afternoon with a fresh batch of Amazon deals. You’ll find new offers across nearly every category, including chargers, smart home gear, audio and much more. Promo codes are required in some instances, so be sure to keep an eye out there. The usual $25 shipping minimum or a Prime membership is required for free delivery.
Our top pick is the Atro E1 5200mAh Ultra Compact Charger for $12.99. Typically $17-$20, this candy bar-sized 2A battery is perfect for throwing in your bag when you’re away from home. Rated 4.4/5 stars.
$298Amazon offers the Sony Noise Cancelling WH‑1000XM2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones for $298 shipped. Also at B&H or Best Buy for $1 more. Even better? Focus Camera includes a free portable Bluetooth speaker with purchase, as well. Regularly $350, you can choose from both colors in today’s sale that brings the price back down to its historical Amazon all-time low. These headphones feature up to 30-hours of playback, digital noise cancellation, and touch controls. Rated 4.3/5 stars.
National Teacher day is coming up on May 8th, and schools celebrate Teacher Appreciation week from May 7th–11th. I have many teachers who made a positive difference in my life, and I am sure you did as well. If you want to surprise your child’s teacher with a few tech-related gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week, here are some things I recommend from personal experience in the classroom.
If you’re anything like myself, travel these days usually involves hauling a backpack full of your most necessary gear. That likely includes an iPhone or Android device, perhaps a Nintendo Switch, iPad and a pair of Bluetooth headphones. Charging all of that gear away from home requires a bit more planning than say 10 years ago when you were only worried about your phone’s battery life.
I find it crucial to have a solid charging plan every time I leave my home. How many nights am I staying? Which devices am I bringing? Do I need USB-C or not? We’ve rounded up four options below that are a perfect accompaniment to any night away from home.
OtterBox has launched its latest lineup of themed cases. The new Avengers: Infinity War collection includes cases featuring Iron Man, Black Panther, Thanos, and more. They even have a glow-in-the-dark option and one with a 3D effect. Otterbox is also offering a 20% off discount at launch.
Buy Now!This morning, popular accessory-maker Anker has unveiled its new Soundcore Vortex Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones. While hardly its first foray into wireless audio, this is the first time that it has gone away from the earbud design. In typical Anker fashion, these new headphones blend sleek looks and affordability. More below.
FIBARO via its Amazon storefront offers 9to5 readers an exclusive 20% off The Button. This new Apple HomeKit-enabled wireless controller allows you to control Scenes and any of your other HomeKit products with a sturdy but micro-sized hardware switch. Check out 9to5Mac’s hands-on with The Button and some of FIBARO’s other HomeKit products in the video below.
Canon has added a new photo printer to its line-up today. Called the IVY, it is Canon’s smallest and lightest photo printer to date. It weighs less than 6 ounces and measures just 4.7-inches long, 3.2-inches wide, and 0.7-inches high. With a product this portable, you can easily pocket this device alongside your smartphone. In fact, those two items are all that you will need to print photos on the go.
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$100As of today, Amazon officially owns Ring. In typical fashion, the online giant is already cutting prices. The first generation Ring Doorbell is now priced at $99.99 in various colors. Inventory is still rolling in at Amazon but we’re seeing the price changes already beginning to pop up. The new MSRP returns the Ring Doorbell to its historical Amazon all-time low and around 33% off the previous going rate. Over 29,000 Amazon reviewers have left a 4.1/5 star rating. More details on the acquisition below.
From $65Best Buy is offering several BeatsX and Powerbeats3 headphones in Geek Squad Certified Refurbished condition on sale from $65. You can pick up BeatsX in black or white for $64.99 shipped. Also available in blue and gray for $69.99 shipped. Originally $150, these headphones still fetch as much at Amazon right now with this being one of the lowest prices we’ve ever seen offered. Rated 3.8/5 stars from over 1,400 at Amazon.
Ikea is known for “some assembly required” affordable furniture, but now, the housing megastore is selling Bluetooth speakers. Ikea literally made just about everything besides speakers before. I mean, you can walk into the store and buy everything, even the kitchen sink.
I have several Ikea items in my office/studio, from the company’s Alex drawer units to Linnmon desks, I love Ikea’s affordable home solutions. The Eneby Bluetooth speaker comes in two sizes and two colors, 8×8-inches or 12×12-inches, and either white or black fabric. But, what makes these speakers something to get? Let’s take a closer look.
Newegg is currently offering the EZVIZ Mini O 720p Wi-Fi Security Camera for $19.99 shipped when code EMCPTER74 has been applied at checkout. That’s good for a 50% discount from the going rate at Amazon and Best Buy, beats our previous mention by $20 and is the lowest offer we’ve seen historically. With iOS/Android app control and Alexa support, EZVIZ’s security camera is a budget-friendly way to monitor your home without sacrificing features. Rated 3.9/5 stars from over 100 shoppers.
From $9Nordstrom Rack currently has a huge sale on Incase products. Our top pick is the Metallic Level iPhone 7 Case for $12.97 with free shipping in orders of $100+. Normally $50, this is one of the best prices we’ve tracked and the lowest available. Incase is well-known here at 9to5 and is often our top pick when it comes to protecting your devices. Generally, Incase products are well-rated on Amazon.
Today only, as a part of its Special Buys of the Day, Home Depot is taking up to 40% off Schlage Smart and Traditional Locks. The deals start at $32 but the standout for us the Camelot Connect for $179 in various styles. With a list price of close to $600, today’s offer is good for around $70 off the regular price and a match of the all-time low. Features include compatibility with Z-Wave systems, a no wiring design and “easy installation with a Philips screwdriver”. Rated 4.3/5 stars by 700 Amazon customers.
Today, ROLI is announcing the availability of the Songmaker Kit. The bundle brings together two of company’s latest multi-touch controllers with the Loop Block and over $400 worth of software along with them. The previous kit offered for a very brief time earlier this year and for a limited time in 2016 sold out so quickly the company decided to give it another run.
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Altatac via Rakuten offers the Nest Hello Smart Wi-Fi Video Doorbell for $182.74 shipped when promo code SAVE15 is applied during checkout. Note: you must be logged into your account to use this discount. Regularly $229 at retailers like B&H, today’s offer is $12 less than our previous mention and the best that we can find. Features include full 1080p feeds at up to 30fps, two-way audio, and noise-cancellation. Read more in our launch coverage. Rated 4.6/5 stars.
AnkerDirect is back again with a new sale at Amazon, this week focusing on chargers and cables. The usual Prime shipping requirements apply here with free delivery on orders of $25+. You’ll need to apply an item-specific promo code on most of today’s offerings.
Our top pick is the Anker QuickCharge 3.0 39W Dual-USB Wall Charger for $16.79 when promo code ANKEBEST is applied during checkout. Typically $24, today’s offer is a 30% savings and the best that we can find. This wall charger is perfect for travel with 39W of power, Quick Charge 3.0 capabilities, and a smart light sensor that denotes charging. Rated 4.4/5 stars by over 740 Amazon customers.
$249Amazon offers the Beats Studio 3 Wireless Headphones for $249 shipped in matte black, blue, red, and white. Also at Best Buy in matte black, blue, red, and white. Normally $349, this is one of the lowest that we’ve tracked and the best available. If you’ve been holding off on Beats’ high-end headphones for a good sale, this is about as good as you’ll get. Rated 4.1/5 stars.
It’s Monday and that means a fresh batch of Anker deals via its Amazon storefront. Our top pick is the 12W USB Car Charger with built-in Lightning cable for $11.89. Free shipping is available for Prime members or in orders of $25 or more. This car charger sports an integrated Lightning cable (so you won’t lose it!) and pushes out 2.4A while in-use. Rated 3.9/5 stars by over 2,400 Amazon customers.
$34Amazon offers the official Apple iPhone X Silicone Case for $34 shipped in black or pink. Typically $39, this is the first notable discount that we’ve tracked at Amazon and an all-time low there. We’re huge fans of Apple’s official iPhone X cases and Amazon customers have largely agreed with the sentiment.
Amazon is offering the Sphero BB-9E App-Enabled Droid with Trainer for $79.99 shipped. Also at Best Buy. That’s $20 under the regular $100 price tag at Apple, the lowest Amazon has offered it for and the best we can find. Rated 4+ stars.
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Anker has been in the smartphone accessory business for some time now, and not only are the company’s products some of our favorites, they’re also many of the most trusted and highly-rated gear for smartphones. Today, Anker has announced 2 new Qi accessories that are the first in its lineup to bring 7.5W charging to iPhone. And to celebrate, Anker is taking up to 20% off its newly-unviceld chargers.
On the heels of Amazon recalling over 250,000 portable battery packs, it might be hard to know which ones you can trust and what you can’t. Well, we’re here to help you make that decision.
When it comes to choosing a portable battery to keep your phone, tablet, or laptop powered while on-the-go, there are many things to think of. Sometimes it can be hard to know whether the battery you’re looking at will suit your specific needs, or whether it will be reliable. Read below for our top picks of what portable battery to keep in your backpacks when your devices are running low.
Last we heard from Pad & Quill the company debuted the Heritage Leather iPad Pro 10.5 Case after the world’s first handmade all-leather iPhone X bumper case made an appearance late last year. Today the company is back to expand its accessory lineup with the new TechFolio Cord Organizer.
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