News

Now that just about all of the winter LEGO 2022 lineup for January has been unveiled, we’re now turning our attention to what can be expected from later on in the year. Specifically, what the summer lineup has in store on the LEGO Star Wars side of things. With a whopping $530 Master Builder Series set looming for the summer alongside 11 the kits, head below for everything we know on the LEGO summer Star Wars 2022 lineup.

We now have some exclusive price drops on the rarely discounted MUJJO full grain leather iPhone 13 cases and more just for 9to5 readers ahead of the holidays. Very seldom ever seeing any price drops and regularly landing in our yearly roundups of the best options out there every September when Apple unleashes its latest, the gorgeous full-grain vegetable tanned leather MUJJO cases (also lined with Japanese microfiber) are now sitting at some of the best prices of the year with quick and easy Prime shipping via its official Amazon dealer. And while the direct 10% off our code brings doesn’t seem like all that much, in the case of the MUJJO full grain leather iPhone 13 cases it actually is, and there are ways to get those prices down even lower below the fold. 

Today we’re taking a closer look at the highly rated XGIMI home and portable projectors. The brand’s lineup of 1080p and 4K projectors just got a whole lot more affordable, thanks to major price drops for the holidays, and make for great gifts for anyone looking to get an up to 300-inch display on the wall. Featuring audio courtesy of the world-class engineers at Harman Kardon, you’ll also find things like Intelligent Screen Adaption (ISA) for obstacle avoidance when projecting the display, alongside Chromecast streaming from your mobile smart devices and more. Head below for a closer look at each of the models in the lineup. 

Let’s take look at the best gifts for musicians, beat makers, audiophiles, and guitar geeks. It’s time for my annual lineup of options you (most likely) won’t find on those played-out boring lists that litter the internet every year. Most musicians already have what they need, or just want something that’s far too pricey for most folks to purchase as gifts. While you will find some options that are a bit more expensive than most would like this year, I’ve tried to include some gear that’s lesser-known, incredibly useful, and not something every musician and home producer already has. Hit the fold for our picks of the best gifts for musicians, beat makers, audio nerds, and guitar geeks. 

PUBG: Battlegrounds really kickstarted the popularity of the battle royale genre back in 2017 when it launched. Bringing realistic gunplay and “non-stop action” to the community was what made PUBG famous in those early months. With a large player base, the game ultimately remained paid and other titles, like Fortnite and Apex Legends, began to rise. Well, starting January 12, 2022, PUBG: Battlegrounds joins the free-to-play ranks and will reach the “broadest possible audience” finally. What does this mean for those who have already purchased the game? Let’s take a closer look.

With the first-generation Siri Remote finally in the rearview mirror, it may be time to pick up a new case for the next-generation remote. From slim to retro, there are all sorts of options on the market, and now Spigen is offering an AirTag Siri Remote Case. It’s not the only case that makes room for an Apple AirTag, but it does happen to be the first that is made by Spigen. As usual, Spigen’s marketing photos are aesthetically pleasing and show off exactly what owners should expect. Continue reading to learn more.

Joining what seems to be an ever-growing number of recent releases this fall, Anker today is back with yet another new addition to its lineup of Apple charging accessories. This time around, Anker is delivering a new 3-in-1 charging station design that’s geared towards refueling all of the gear in your Apple kit, including an iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch.

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

• Apple’s new AirPods 3 have dropped to the best price yet at $140 (Save $39)
• Latest Apple TV 4K with refreshed Siri Remote falls to new Amazon low of $150 (Save $29)
• Woot’s 1-day refurb Apple Watch and iPhone sale starts at $160: Series 6 from $350, more

With the holidays right around the corner, today, the LEGO Group is rolling out a pair of promotional sets to sweeten any gift orders. Giving you a free LEGO Star Wars or Harry Potter kit to put under the tree on select orders, there is now another chance to score the previously-released Tatooine Homestead and Gryffindor Dorms gifts with purchase. Head below for all of the details.

After offering 9to5 readers an exclusive 30% off its existing 2021 models, Totallee is now launching is first minimalist MagSafe iPhone 13 model. One of our favorite case makers in the barely-there, branding-free category, Totallee is now jumping into the Apple magnet game with its new clear and black transparent model featuring that coveted MagSafe logo for compatibility with the wide range of stick-on accessories out there, and more. Head below the fold for a closer look at the new Totallee minimalist MagSafe iPhone 13 case and how to score 30% off right now. 

Anker’s new MagGo collection recently launched with a series of chargers that all pack unique designs. Among the lineup, none are quite as interesting as the Anker MagGo Charging Station, which delivers seven different ports on top of MagSafe and a spherical design. But is this power orb worth the price? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review seeks to answer.

If you’re still on the hunt for a product that will streamline iPhone navigation and charging in your vehicle, the new UGREEN Magnetic Wireless Car Charger could be just the thing for you. It attaches to a vent and features a MagSafe-compatible design that allows iPhone 12 and 13 devices to easily snap into place. A USB-C port sends power to an integrated Qi charging pad that can fully refuel an iPhone from 0% to 100% in 3.3 hours. Continue reading to learn more.

SCUF recently announced the “first high-performance controller” created for the PlayStation 5. Designed to provide a suitable replacement for the stock DualSense, the SCUF Reflex offers some high-end features for FPS gamers who “prefer a competitive playstyle,” according to the company. The Reflex brings all of SCUF’s traditional features to Sony’s latest console while also offering some industry-firsts. So, what all does the SCUF Reflex for PlayStation 5 bring to the table? Let’s take a closer look.

Whether you’re crushing spreadsheets from home or crushing the competition in Battlefield 2042, having the right mouse can be a great addition to your setup. Covering everything from the best all-around budget mouse to high-end wireless gaming, we’ll take a look at some of my top picks in the mouse gift guide. Stick around and be sure to pick up the best mouse for the members of your house. 

After seeing its handcrafted wallets come back in stock alongside the launch of the Valet Leather 14 and 16-inch MacBook Bags, Pad & Quill is now introducing its new leather and felt iPad Pro case. The new Bradford Magnetic Leather and Wool Felt iPad Pro Case are part of the brand’s holiday “Leather Drop” campaign that is introducing (and bringing back) some new Apple gear accessories and wardrobe add-ons. The latest leather and felt iPad Pro case from Pad & Quill starts at $129.95, but this is 9to5Toys after all, so you’ll find a nice 20% off holiday coupon ready and waiting below the fold. 

PUMA is collaborating with Helly Hansen for an exclusive collection for this winter season. Inside this collection, you will find 22 items, including long-sleeve layering tops, shorts, jackets, running tights, and even a backpack. Pricing in this line starts at just $22 and would be a perfect option for holiday gifting. Plus, PUMA offers free delivery on orders of $50 or more. Head below the jump to find out more information and our top picks from the PUMA x Helly Hansen collection.

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

• Apple’s M1 MacBook Air bests Black Friday pricing following $150 discount
• Nomad’s 20% off holiday sale is packed with leather iPhone cases, MagSafe chargers, more
• Apple Magic Trackpad and Keyboard see rare discounts to Amazon lows at $112 each

After launching its new Hello Kitty collection yesterday, it’s time to look at the new colorway for arguably the best smartphone sanitizer on the market, the simplehuman cleanstation. There are certainly more affordable solutions out there, but simplehuman’s gorgeously elegant cleanstation with laser-cut edges and 30-second cleaning action is easily one of the best. Now available in a matte silver finish “to match your tech devices,” head below for a closer look at one of the best smartphone sanitizer options out there. 

Just when we thought that all of the winter LEGO 2022 sets had been unveiled, yet another new model has been announced! And this time around, it’s looking like the largest creation of the upcoming wave. Stacking up to over 1,900 pieces, the LEGO Group is assembling a classic motorbike with the launch of its Technic BMW M 1000 RR coming in 2022.

While we got our first glimpse at the Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection in September, we now finally have an official PlayStation 5 release date: January 28, 2022. Not only that, but the Collection is also coming to PC after the PlayStation 5 release. Delivering a single-player experience from the award-winning Uncharted 4 game, there’s plenty to love here. What does the Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection include? Let’s take a closer look.

Most will agree that the latest smartphone games look impossibly good given the constraints they need to overcome. Since mobile devices rely on passive cooling instead of fans, there are thermal limitations that undoubtedly prevent games from looking and performing even better than they already do. Unsurprisingly, Razer is out with an aftermarket smartphone fan that’s ready to “defeat the heat” while emanating colorful lighting that is produced by 12 customizable RGB LEDs. Razer Phone Cooler Chroma pairs a heat sink with a seven-blade fan to produce “maximum airflow with minimal noise.” Continue reading to learn more.

With yet another year of working from home behind us and another on the horizon, refreshing your space with some smart home tech is a great way to liven up your space. Today, we’re rounding up some of our favorite accessories that would make great gifts this holiday season, ranging from modular multicolor lighting sets to portable lamps and everything in-between. With top picks of Nanoleaf lines and Philips Hue Go being joined by some more nostalgic offerings, all of our top picks in this year’s smart home gift guide are down below.

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

• Apple’s white iPad Pro Magic Keyboards fall to new Amazon lows from $250 (Save $49)
• Google Pixel 4XL sees refurbished discount to $230 in 1-day sale, more from $90
• Anker Soundcore ANC over-ear headphones start from $60 for today only (Reg. up to $130)

The simplehuman Hello Kitty collaboration has arrived. Simplehuman – makers of gorgeous and intelligent home goods and accessories – is introducing its new Hello Kitty collection today with a pair of themed round step stainless steel trash cans and its liquid sensor soap pump. Now available for purchase from $40 and coming in matching gold- or silver-accented designs, these would make for a wonderful gift option for the Hello Kitty fans on your list. Head below for a closer look. 

After stealing our hearts in 2019, Grogu (formally known as Baby Yoda) has gone on to become one of the most lovable aspects of Star Wars, period. With the holiday gift-giving season in full swing, today I’m taking a look at the ultimate collectible for fans of The Mandalorian, this life-size Grogu from the folks over at Sideshow.

Batteries have forever changed the game. We no longer need to be tethered to a stationary electrical outlet but can instead continue to work and play when we go out. This portability comes with a bit of risk, though, as many of us have come across news stories that show how fragile batteries can sometimes be. Thankfully, Anker has teamed up with Amazon to deliver a new rugged power bank that can “withstand bumps and drops.” It is also marketed specifically for Amazon’s Fire tablet lineup. Continue reading to learn more.

With modern mobile graphics cards providing more than enough power to game on the go, it’s only fitting that monitor companies are starting to release mobile-focused displays that have features we used to only find in desktop setups. ViewSonic’s latest VX1755 portable 144Hz gaming monitor is made specifically for gaming on-the-go with a dual USB-C connection, 1080p resolution, and 144Hz refresh rate – all of this comes in a large 17.2-inch form-factor, which is sure to upgrade any mobile gaming setup. What is this monitor capable of, how much does it cost, and how can it make you a better on-the-go gamer? Let’s take a closer look below.

As part of its Technology Day showcase, Sony unleashed a next-generation prototype of an 8K VR headset. With dual OLED displays in tow, this technology might very well end up inside of a PlayStation virtual reality rig sometime down the line, as well as catering to host other applications in the medical, industrial, and entertainment industries. With a focus on a super high-resolution experience, it is also looking to mitigate motion sickness some gamers experience with these sorts of headsets, among many other things. Head below for a closer look. 

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

• iPhone 12 mini sees $209 discount in cert. refurb sale at $490, more from $116
• Skip Apple’s new releases and score its prev-gen. AirPods 2 at just $100 instead
• Amazon’s all-new Alexa Smart Thermostat is on sale for the first time at $48 (Save 20%)

While Battlefield 2042 has been out for a few weeks now, it’s already an evolving game. EA has been releasing multiple updates to both fix bugs and tweak the game in reaction to players’ feedback. Most players who have been able to play so far have had a bug-riddled experience. But does the gameplay make up for the shortcomings of the state of the game at launch? I got to play in the pre-release preview event and have put in about 30 hours since release. Below I’ll share some of my thoughts on my experience so far as a semi-casual player. Be sure to hit the video to see plenty of gameplay.

We have spotted some interesting and official new Discord mechanical keyboards with 100% of proceeds going directly to charity. The folks over at Discord are teaming up with Kono for the latest release in its merchandise line, the Snowsgiving 2021 Discord TKL Mechanical Keyboard. Now available for pre-order in a dark or light theme, with your choice of mechanical switches, some interesting add-on novelty keycaps, and more, head below for a closer look and more details. 

Now that the Thanksgiving and Black Friday holidays are behind us, it’s time to look forward to Christmas and the gift-giving season. We’re here to help you find the perfect present for everyone in your life, and today we’re going to focus specifically on the outdoor cook and griller that loves the open flame as a way to craft great meals for the family. Sometimes it can be hard to find just what that griller needs for Christmas, but we’ll do our best to help you make an informed decision in various categories, ranging from full grilling setups to accessories that are a bit off the beaten path but still welcomed in all toolkits. So, without further ado, here’s the 9to5Toys gift guide for the best grilling essentials.

Bluetooth keyboards have become an overwhelmingly popular tablet accessory these days, but most designs lack an integrated trackpad. This is part of what differentiates Fintie’s new Fire Tablet Keyboard from most of the rest. The company touts that its new keyboard can “easily convert your tablet to a mini-laptop” thanks to a “built-in touchpad [that] allows multi-gesture controls.” Made with Amazon’s kid-friendly tablets in mind, this new keyboard features a shock-absorbent design that’s paired with a detachable case for additional protection. Continue reading to learn more.

December’s Reading List is full of top-notch books that are great for gifting or enjoying yourself. Whether you’re looking for a swoon-worthy romance, sci-fi novel, a book that will take you back in time, or a thriller, there is something for anyone to love this December. Be sure to head below to find all of our top picks that are hitting the shelves this season. You will also want to check out our guide on the new Columbia Star Wars Boba Fett Jacket that’s available now.

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

• Save on nearly all of Apple’s official iPhone 12/Pro/Max/mini cases starting at $20
• Save up to $130 on Hue Gradient Lightstrip bundles, outdoor packages, more from $13
• Fitbit Charge 5 sports ECG, 7-day battery, and a $130 price tag following $50 discount

Update: The campaign is now live!

The Silicon Valley-based accessory maker HYPER is launching an updated version of its flagship HyperDrive USB-C hub for MacBook Pro today (should be live any minute now) known as the HyperDrive DUO PRO. This form-fitting, milled aluminum hub – an update to what HYPER refers to as “the world’s most crowdfunded USB-C hub” ever – brings the brand’s detail-focused, feature-rich design to Apple’s latest 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros while retaining compatibility with every other MacBook released from 2016 on. The original raised over $3.1 million during its crowdfunding campaign, and HYPER is launching the HyperDrive DUO PRO on Indiegogo today with a solid 50% price drop for early backers. Alongside a flawless track record with crowdfunded product launches, the company is scheduled to begin shipping its new USB-C Hub for MacBook Pro starting next month. Head below for a closer look at the new HyperDrive DUO PRO. 

Each December, the LEGO Group unveils a new addition to its long-running Modular City building theme. Today, we’re finally getting a first official look at what next year’s entry to the collection will look like. Celebrating 15 years of sets from the lineup, the upcoming LEGO Boutique Hotel Modular arrives with over 3,000 pieces while assembling a vibrant build that pays homage to the past decade and a half of kits.

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

• Apple’s 24-inch M1 iMac undercuts Black Friday following $100 discount
• Apple Watch Series 7 styles are now matching Amazon lows starting at $379
• Anker’s new Thunderbolt 4 docks go on sale for the first time starting at $160

With the Book of Boba Fett just under a month away from debuting on Disney+, Columbia is celebrating by launching its new lineup of apparel inspired by the galaxy’s original favorite bounty hunter. Arriving with an eye-catching new 3-in-1 jacket design, there’s also hoodies, tees, and other gear included in the Columbia Star Wars Boba Fett collection. Head below for all of the details and info on securing your own.

Projectors are a great way to get a massive theater-like screen in your home, but sometimes it’s inconvenient to mount them or place them at the back of a room where anyone walking around can block the image. That’s where ultra-short throw or UST projectors like the XGIMI Aura come in handy. A 4K laser projector, the Aura sits below a screen on a TV stand to create up to a 150” display while only being about a foot away from the wall and packing 2400 ANSI lumens, integrated Harman Kardon audio, and Android TV OS 10.0. While $2,500 is a lot, a competing TV panel would cost much more for the same size. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

After seeing a collection of new LEGO 2022 sets released this morning, we’re also getting a look at the long-awaited 150th BrickHeadz figure. In what has been the better part of two years of waiting, the LEGO Ashoka BrickHeadz has now been unveiled alongside three additional releases coming in 2022.

Today, in its Synology 2022 and Beyond keynote, Synology announced a series of new features for its existing NAS solutions, including enhancements to DSM, Synology Photos, and more. But on the hardware front, one announcement is stealing the spotlight. The upcoming Synology RT6600ax arrives as the brand’s first Wi-Fi 6 router and will be launching next year.