News

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 up to $99 on Apple’s 11-inch M1 iPad Pro with Thunderbolt starting at $749
• Apple Watch starts at $105 in Woot’s 1-day sale ahead of next week’s event (Cert. Refurb)
• Anker Gold Box from $8: Power banks, wall chargers, Qi stands, more up to 40% off

After getting a teaser yesterday, the LEGO Group has now fully unvieled the next set in its ongoing collaboration with Nintendo. Delivering a massive recreation of the iconic Question Block from Mario, the over 2,000-piece build arrives with micro-scale recreations of levels from Super Mario 64. Head below for all of the details on the all-new LEGO Mario Question Block.

The new iRobot Roomba j7+ Robot Vacuum is here. Touted as its “smartest robot vacuum to date,” iRobot is announcing its latest flagship model today with advanced iRobot Genius 3.0 Home Intelligence, a spun-metal finish, and a focus on personalized autonomous cleaning to meet your daily schedule. Set for release next week, you can head below to find out more about the smart iRobot robotic vacuum to date. 

Today, Amazon is refreshing its lineup of Fire TV offerings, delivering an all-new streaming media player alongside full TVs and more. With the Fire TV Stick 4K Max leading the way with Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, there’s also the new Fire TV Omni series, all of which are available for pre-order. Head below for more.

As the popularity of bubbly drinks grows, so do the options for making your own at home. Sodastream has long been a household name for home-brewed fizzy drinks, and now they’re out with the latest iteration of their soda makers. The SodaStream Terra makes the process a little bit easier and comes in basic colors that fit in any kitchen while starting at $99.99. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

If the news that the Razer Crest would be the latest Microfighter wasn’t enough LEGO Mandalorian action for you, a new report indicates that there will be even more to assemble come next year. As only the third LEGO Star Wars 2022 rumor so far, we can now report that there will be a LEGO Mandalorian helmet joining the lineup come next year. Head below for all of the details.

The new Razer Halo Infinite gaming gear is now going up for pre-order. Razer has unleashed a collection of themed gear ahead of this year’s highly-anticipated Halo Infinite release in December. You’re looking at Halo-themed versions of some of Razer’s most popular keyboards, headsets, and mice models, among other things, with pre-order details now available for everything. Head below for a closer look.

While there are a lot of furniture pieces up for grabs at Amazon, many would agree that only a fraction of the items listed have an eye-catching design. The same can be said for just about every product category out there, making it all the more refreshing to find something with a sleek look. For some, the new Hartman furniture collection from Baxton Studio may fall into this group. We’ve identified six reasonably-priced new releases that range from a coffee table to a TV stand, dressers and even a shoe cabinet. Continue reading to see photos and learn more.

Today, eufy announced two new vacuums with the HomeVac H30 handheld and the latest RobvoVac X8. Designed to help overhaul your cleaning routine, these two vacuums feature very different functions while still arriving at a similar end result. How can the eufy RoboVac X8 and HomeVac H30 help take your cleaning routine to the next level? Well, let’s take a closer look down below.

Today, Razer is out with its latest battlestation upgrade, delivering its signature Chroma RGB lighting to a new peripheral. Arriving with 11 programmable buttons, the new Razer Basilisk V3 refreshes one of the brand’s most popular mice with added RGB, an adjustable scroll wheel, and a side-mounted DPI adjuster. Not to mention, it comes with a more affordable price tag than its predecessor. Head below for all of the details.

Today we’re taking an early look at the new PowerA Mario Holiday Sweater Edition controller for Nintendo Switch. While the 2021 holiday season is still a few months out, PowerA has now unleashed its first Christmas offering well ahead of the holiday rush so folks most interested can lock-in pre-orders now and ensure there’s one ready to go under the tree. The new Mario Holiday Sweater controller features a sort of 8-bit looking knit pattern, although it does appear to have a trimmed-down feature set by comparison to the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controllers we feature on a regular basis. Head below for a closer look and pre-order details. 

Update: All of the details have now been announced. Get the full scoop right here.

Today, the LEGO Group is teasing its latest collaboration with Nintendo. Delivering a mysterious showcase of what may very well be the next Super Mario creation, or just a clue as to what we can expect, you’ll want to head below for all of the details about the upcoming set.

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.

• Anker discounts iPhone and Android essentials + smart home gear in latest sale from $13
• Apple Magic Keyboard see some of the first discounts of the year starting at $111
• Save up to $180 on OnePlus 9 Pro bundles with OnePlus Watch and Buds Pro

Best known for their pre-built gaming PCs and cases, NZXT is stepping into the audio realm with their brand-new Capsule microphone. A USB mic with a sleek design, the NZXT Capsule was designed to be a plug-and-play streaming mic with a 25mm cardioid capsule tuned for speech. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details and hear a comparison with some other popular streaming mics. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Even with the picture quality of new TVs getting better and better, the internal speakers on even the latest releases are just no match for a dedicated system. I’ve recently been testing out the newer Hisense HS218 Soundbar, which arrives with an affordable price tag attached. But does it actually make a difference for movie night? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys looks to answer.

While the latest Thunderbolt specification continues to wear the crown when it comes to data transfer speeds, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 is more versatile with no need to get Intel involved. This makes the new Kingston XS2000 solid-state drive lineup a great alternative for folks on the AMD bandwagon. When connected to a Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS-powered device with support for the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 specification, Kingston promises up to 2,000MB/s transfer speeds. Best of all, it’s incredibly compact, measuring roughly 2.7 by 1.3 by 0.5 inches and weighting in at just over an ounce. Continue reading to learn more.

Bose today announced the Smart Soundbar 900, a Dolby Atmos-enabled sound bar that delivers the company’s proprietary Spacial Technology to your home theater for the “Ultimate All-in-One Wireless Speaker.” While Bose already has the Soundbar 700, the new Smart Soundbar 900 is replacing it as the flagship all-in-one powerhouse for the company. Sporting Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and even support for Alexa and Assistant voice control, this sound bar is poised to take a solid seat in the high-end home theater game. Sound interesting? Head below for a more detailed look.

Pottery Barn has collaborated with Peanuts to make Halloween delightful. This fun collection features an array of items for your home including indoor and outdoor decor. The line features 15 new items with pricing starting at $29. Plus, Pottery Barn is currently offering free delivery on orders of $99 or more with code LABORDAY at checkout. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks from the Pottery Barn x Peanuts collection. You will also want to check out our latest guide to the Timex x Coca Cola collection with three new vintage styles.

Today, we’re getting a first look at the latest LEGO Ideas creation, this time with some rock and roll emphasis. Stacking up to nearly 1,100 pieces, the upcoming LEGO Ideas Fender Stratocaster delivers a brick-built version of the iconic guitar that stands over 14 inches tall and pairs with a bundled amp. Launching this fall, you can head below for all of the details.

Today, we’re taking a look at the brand-new Samsung microSD card lineup. In fact, the brand is unveiling the new PRO Plus and EVO Plus microSD and SD cards today, specifically designed for “professional and enthusiast photographers, videographers, and content creators.” According to Samsung, the new lineup sports faster speeds, enhanced reliability, and are built to last with a focus on durability and protection from the elements. Read on for a closer look at the Blue Wave Samsung microSD card lineup. 

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 $100 on Apple’s new 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro with Liquid Retina XDR display
• iPhone 12 sees pre-paid discount with a bundled $200 Mastercard at $600 ($999 value)
• Anker’s all-new PowerWave Go charger sees first discount to $153 with our exclusive code

Today, Anker is expanding its stable of USB-C chargers with some of its more colorful and compact offerings yet. Delivering 20W of USB-C PD power in a compact design, the new Anker Nano Pro chargers arrive in four unique colors. Head below for all of the details on the new releases and a hands-on look at what to expect.

After our report on the first LEGO Star Wars 2022 set last week, 9to5Toys has now confirmed that yet another new creation slated to launch at the start of next year. As one of the year’s upcoming microfighters, fans of The Mandalorian will soon be able to assemble a miniature version of the bounty hunter’s iconic ship. Head below for all of the details on the LEGO Razor Crest Microfighter.

Update: The LEGO Group has now officially announced the Santa’s Sleigh set, which will arrive on October 1 for $35.99.

After seeing the new Advent Calendars go up for sale at the start of the month, we’re now getting a first look at yet another festive creation. Slated to launch ahead of the holiday season, the upcoming Santa’s Sleigh will be delivering on all of the holly jolly Christmas action you’d expect with Old Saint Nicholas himself alongside four reindeer and a pretty detailed version of his iconic ride. Head below for all of the details on the upcoming LEGO Santa’s Sleigh set.

Update: We’ve now received an official look at the new LEGO Mini Disney Castle, which will be launching on October 1 with a $34.99 price tag.

With the 50th anniversary of Disney World around the corner in October, it looks like the LEGO Group will be looking to honor the celebration with a new set fitting for the occasion. Stacking up to over 550 pieces, the upcoming LEGO Mini Disney Castle will assemble a miniature version of the iconic landmark complete with a hard to find Mickey Mouse minifigure. Head below for all of the details.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

GravaStar might not be the most well-known speaker brand out there, but it’s certainly one of the more unique. After seeing a photo of its recent Venus speaker online, I knew I had to try one out for myself, which leads us to our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review. Packed with a futuristic, mecha-inspired design, we’re taking a closer look to see just how eye-catchingly unique the GravaStar Venus Speaker is.

Racing games are a blast. They let you try to pull off all sorts of crazy shenanigans without taking them onto the actual road where it can put your life or someone else’s at risk. Using a game controller can take away much of the realism, however, which is why several companies make steering wheels and pedals. Thrustmaster T248 is the latest to catch our attention, and it takes things even further with an integrated Race Dashboard Display that can display more than 20 different driving statistics. The wheel is parked with a new T3PM pedal set that boasts “thousandth-of-a-second precision.” Continue reading to learn more.

Intel Gamer Days are in full swing right now, and with it comes a slew of discounts across the board in various categories. This includes things like gaming laptops, components, and even giveaways. Most major retailers are taking part in this wide-ranging event, and we’re breaking down the best news from the event in one easy-to-browse place.

TUMI is collaborating with Missoni for a new fall collection that’s spectacular. This 10-piece collection is perfect for all of your fall travel plans and the bold print will make you stand out in style. If you’re not familiar with Missoni, it’s a luxury fashion brand with a signature zig-zag print that TUMI used throughout this collection. Pricing in this line starts at $95 and ranges up to $1,125. Be sure to head below the jump to find all of our top picks from the TUMI x Missoni collection. You will also want to check out our latest guide to the new adidas x Ivy Park Rodeo line here.

JBL is now expanding its stable of Bluetooth speakers and headphones with a slew of its most capable offerings yet. Lead by a new and even more rugged Flip 6 portable Bluetooth speaker, JBL is also rolling out some new party offerings, gaming headphones, and more. Head below for all of the details.

After taking a hiatus through 2021, next year will be seeing the grand return of the fan-favorite LEGO Star Wars Battle Packs. Arriving with an emphasis on The Empire Strikes Back, a new Hoth army builder set will be joining the lineup come 2022. With an assortment of four Imperial minifigures and some other builds, head below for everything we know so far about the upcoming set.

Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy titles are reportedly on the way. Nintendo’s online service is already filled with titles from its classic game systems, but judging by a series of reports this week, including various independent sources close to the matter, Nintendo might very well be announcing the inclusion of Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles as early as this month. Head below for more details. 

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.

• Best Buy’s annual Labor Day sale discounts Apple gear, Chromebooks, 4K TVs, more
• HomePod mini brings Thread to your Siri smart home with rare discount to $75 (Save 24%)
• Official Apple Watch bands see rare up to 33% discounts: Modern Buckle, Link, more from $29

There’s no denying the importance of audio for gaming. Cues for enemy positions are critical to staying on top of the competition. Turtle Beach’s Recon controller combines quick action buttons with deep audio customization to bring EQ control and SuperHuman Hearing to any wired headset. And it’s only $60. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

After launching the popular accessories at the beginning of the year, Anker recently refreshed its MagSafe 5K Power Bank with some additional colors. Arriving in four new styles at the end of last month, we’re now taking a hands-on look at the updated colorways. Complete with all of the MagSafe charging features that have made these a go-to already, head below for a closer look at what the new styles bring into play.

If you’re an iPad power user and find yourself in need of more than a single USB-C port, the new StarTech USB-C Multiport Adapter could be an accessory that’s worth adding to your workflow. It not only replaces the sole USB-C port on the latest iPad Air or Pro devices but also adds AUX, dual USB-A, and HDMI. The HDMI port supports 4K with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is a feat that has also been accomplished by Anker. An up to 100W passthrough charging rate is where this StarTech hub manages to beat out many of its direct competitors, however. Continue reading to learn more.

No Man’s Sky just celebrated its five-year anniversary, and with it Hello Games released the title’s largest update yet. Frontiers, as it’s called, finally lets you run your own alien settlement and become an Overseer. That’s far from the only thing in this update, as there will be prebuilt planetary settlements, “breathtaking” nebulas in space, an all-new base-building grid menu, and much more. So, let’s take a closer look at everything in the No Man’s Sky Frontiers update.

After first reporting on the new alternative color schemes of sets at the start of last month, the LEGO Group is now rolling out the first of these refreshed sets. Entering as a limited-edition release, the new Creator Expert Fiat 500 now comes in a baby blue coat of paint with all of the same retro stylings as before. Head below for all of the details and how you can score one of the blue LEGO Fiat 500 for yourself.

Remember Big Brain Academy for Nintendo DS? Well, a new version is now coming to Nintendo Switch. Taking to its Twitter feed and official YouTube channel this morning, Nintendo has now unveiled the new Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain — it’s new brain-teasing puzzler party game for Switch. This one continues Nintendo’s support of more casual, family-oriented games on its flagship platform with a Mario Party-like experience that is specifically tailored toward brain teasers, puzzlers, and other challenges to get you thinking, just without the colorful Mushroom Kingdom characters. Head below for a closer look and the Big Brain Academy announcement trailer. 

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 AirPods Max drop to the second-best prices yet from $450 (Save $99)
• Here’s another chance to save $149 on Apple’s latest 13-inch M1 MacBook Air
• Apple’s latest Mac mini brings M1 to the desktop with $99 in savings

Earlier this summer I picked up a set of Moment’s iPhone lenses alongside Nomad’s new companion MagSafe case. As cool as they were for taking photos around the house, I’ve been waiting for just the right opportunity to properly test out the iPhoneography upgrades. Last weekend I took a quick trip to the coast of Harpswell, Maine, and it was the perfect chance to put them to the test. Delivering a notable upgrade to my stock iPhone 12 Pro cameras, you can head below for a closer look at just what Moment’s lenses bring to the table.

With so many USB-C hubs and docking stations on the market, it can be difficult to find new releases with uncommon features. The new StarTech Quad Monitor USB-C Dock passes this test with flying colors, allowing Windows, macOS, Chrome OS users to drive up to four displays using just one Type-C port. All four monitors can run at 4K with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is an admirable feat, to say the least. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also have access to three 5Gbps USB-A ports, one 10Gbps Type-C input, Gigabit Ethernet, AUX, and 100W passthrough charging over the host USB-C slot. Continue reading to learn more.

Today, iBUYPOWER announced a new sub-brand, HYTE. This brand’s first product is the Revolt 3 mini-ITX PC case, which was announced back at CES 2021. The Revolt 3 MK3 and Revolt 3 were designed “with careful consideration for DIY PC enthusiasts, gamers, and creators.” Packing a compact 18.4L form factor, these cases offer those with limited desk space the ability to utilize most RTX 30-series graphics cards and even up to a 280mm All-in-One liquid cooler. iBUYPOWER is offering this as both a DIY PC case, as well as a pre-built desktop, depending on what your needs are. So, what all does the HYTE Revolt 3 case deliver? Let’s take a closer look.

It looks like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X Cyberpunk 2077 upgrades alongside the promised next-generation Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are still on pace to land in 2021. As per a recent CD Projekt financial report, the Polish-based game developer is still targeting a late 2021 release date for the proper next-generation versions of its two flagship titles. We already knew both upgrades were slated to launch this year, but with all of the delays hitting the industry still, it was becoming harder to believe CDPR could make it happen. However, it, at least, sounds as though both upgrades will hit before the year is out. More details are below.