News

With years of MacBooks, Chromebooks, and PC laptops adopting USB-C, it should come as no surprise that there’s a plethora of hubs on the market. This is great for consumers who can easily find an ideal solution that taps into all of the flexibility the port offers, but so many options can also make the shopping experience somewhat daunting. A new entry in the Belkin USB-C hub lineup aims to inject a trustworthy product into a sea of questionable ones. It offers up seven ports, wields support for up to 100-watt passthrough charging, can power a 4K display, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

After getting our first look at the brand’s new Wood MagSafe iPhone 12 dock earlier this month, we are now diving into the new Grovemade Stationery Collection. In its continued effort to bring customers premium desktop accessories made of gorgeous natural materials, Grovemade’s new lineup of desktop note pads features solid machined metal construction that looks fantastic on your workstation — especially if you have already invested in some of its other matching gear. 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.

• Picking up the new M1 iPad Pro today? Score Apple Pencil 2 for $104 (Reg. $129)
• Google Nest Learning Thermostat delivers energy-saving features at $199 (Save 20%)
• Apple’s M1-powered MacBook Pro returns to the all-time low at $199 off

Today, Anker’s latest additions to its lineup of home security offerings have arrived. Entering as a pair of new weather-resistant ways to keep an eye on package delivers and the like, the new eufy Outdoor Cam and Outdoor Cam Pro arrive with up to 2K recording, Wi-Fi connectivity, and integrated spotlights. Head below for all of the details.

While we got a glimpse as to what’s to come this summer for The Sims 4, June 1 will be the start of upcoming content for the game. It’s starting with the The Sims 4 Dream Home Decorator Game Pack, which will allow you to become the interior decorator that you’ve always wanted to be. The latest Sims 4 blog was translated from Simlish and is written by Patina Wainscot, an interior designer inside of the Sims 4 game, so let’s take a look at what she has to say.

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.

Having launched earlier in the year, the new 1MORE ComfoBuds Pro arrived to offer a low-cost competitor to AirPods Pro. It’s a line we’ve heard many times before, and a claim that’s very seldom met. So in order to try and deliver, active noise cancellation arrives alongside 28-hour battery and an under-$100 price tag. But is that enough to take on the gold standard in the true wireless headphones space? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review aims to answer.

Another day, another batch of new and exciting Funko POP! characters. This time around we’ve spotted seven new Star Wars models. The latest additions include Boba Fett, Ahsoka, a Dark Trooper Battle Droid, and probably the most notable, Mando holding Grogu without his helmet on. It’s pretty clear that this group of Star Wars Funko POP! releases is heavily influenced by season 2 of The Mandalorian. This makes sense as it encompasses the latest batch of episodes currently available. Continue reading to see photos and learn more.

While everyone seems to be focused on the new MagSafe chargers hitting the market, it’s time to take a look at Volonic. Created by Shawn Dougherty —  the former founder of the popular tech accessory brand (and a particular favorite around here), mophie — Volonic is a high-end luxury lifestyle brand “fusing innovative technologies with fashionable works of art.” Its first product, the new Valet 3, is the world’s “first customizable, full-surface, position-free, wireless charging solution available on the market.” It uses special wireless charging technologies to offer up a premium cord-free charging solution to folks with a penchant for precious materials, fashion-grade textiles, and gorgeous, functional artist design — all of which you can design yourself with the brand’s online configurator. Hit the jump for a closer look at the Volonic Valet 3 charging solution. 

Just launched today, Converse partnered with Todd Snyder for an awesome collection. If you’re not familiar with Todd Snyder, he’s a popular American fashion designer. Inside the new collection, you will find 10 classic styles with pricing from $35. This collaboration also celebrates the classic Converse Jack Purcell collection with a revamp. It blends old-school prep aesthetics with a modern twist. So be ready to make a fashion statement this summer with the Converse x Todd Snyder 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 previous-generation 11-inch iPad Pro is down to a new Amazon low at $104 off
• Google Pixel 4 delivers flagship features for less, now down to $499
• Pair Apple’s MagSafe Leather Wallet with your iPhone 12 while it’s down to $49.50

After showcasing its new ActionSleeve 2 for Apple Watch yesterday, Twelve South is back today with the unveiling of yet another new accessory. Moving over to the iPhone side of things, Twelve South is refreshing its popular BookBook case with support for Apple’s new MagSafe spec. Complete with the same signature leather design as we’ve seen before, this time around the wallet folio sports a magnetic design that can easily snap onto the back of your device. Head below for all of the details.

Ahead of Pride Month, the LEGO Group is unveiling its first creation to date specifically celebrating the diversity of the builders in its community. Delivering 11 monochromatic minifigures in various colors alongside a matching rainbow background display base, the upcoming Everyone Is Awesome set looks to finally give LGBTQIA+ builders some representation in the LEGO world. Head below for all of the details.

NVIDIA’s DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, is available on RTX graphics cards. It’s an AI rendering technology that allows the dedicated Tensor Core AI processors in NVIDIA’s latest graphics cards to boost frame rates while still delivering “beautiful, sharp images” for your games. Well, until now, DLSS has only been available for those who were playing standard games, and not inside of VR, which can arguably be more demanding. That’s officially changed, and NVIDIA gave us a hands-on impression with just what enabling DLSS in VR can do by playing No Man’s Sky. The results? A substantial performance increase across the board, including with the RTX 2060.

New MagSafe-friendly accessories are popping up left and right. The latest of which is a RAVPower MagSafe-compatible power bank with a 5000mAh capacity. It will arguably become a direct competitor to Anker and others. Unlike a bunch of the competition that’s currently available, RAVPower is one of few brands to enter the MagSafe power bank arena with a long track record of delivering reliable smartphone accessories. This upcoming product features a slim design that’s compatible with all iPhone 12 models. Continue reading to learn more.

Today, we are taking a closer look at the Amazon Fire HD tablet lineup to decide which is the right option for you. Amazon’s affordable tablets have long since been a great option for folks looking for that hands-on computing experience that don’t see any need in spending iPad money to get it. With the release of the All-new Fire HD 10 models on the horizon, the options are about to get even more enticing. Starting from just $50, with worry-free models specifically geared towards the kids, it’s time to parse through the options to see which model is right for your needs. 

Today, Twelve South is expanding its stable of Apple Watch accessories with a new workout-focused offering. Refreshing a popular version of its existing bands, the new ActionSleeve 2 from Twelve South arrives with a refined design that’s made with the latest wearable from Apple in mind. Geared towards providing a more flexible workout experience, ActionSleeve 2 lets you free the Apple Watch from your wrist for positioning on your upper arm and more. Head below for all of the details.

The Dick’s Sporting Goods Father’s Day Gift Guide is live with an array of top brand gifts for your dad. Whether your dad is a golf professional or loves being outdoors, there’s something perfect for every Dad at DICK’S Sporting Goods. Below, we’re covering some of our top picks from the guide with pricing starting at just $20. Plus, they’re offering free delivery on orders of $50 or more. Be sure to celebrate Dad with cool gear, and you will also want to check out the Orvis Father’s Day Gift Guide here.

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 Watch Series 6 styles now up to $133 off at Amazon from $329
• Apple Watch Leather Link band falls to all-time low at $84 (Reg. $99), more from $39
• Philips Hue starter kits, outdoor lighting, and more on sale from $13, today only

After getting a first look at the entire wave of upcoming Marvel Infinity Saga sets last week, one of the wave’s more unique creations is now up for pre-order. With all of the details unveiled, the new LEGO Infinity Gauntlet enters with 590 pieces and re-creates one of the more significant artifacts from the MCU so far. Complete with an eye-catching golden design, display stand, and brick-built versions of the Infinity Stones, you’ll want to head below for all the details on adding the gauntlet to your LEGO collection.

After seeing some enhancements to Super Mario Party and the release of PAC-MAN 99 battle royale, Nintendo has now unveiled the next entries to the Switch Online game library. While this month’s additions aren’t quite as popular as some of the Donkey Kong and Mario titles, it will bring the total number of games available to subscribers to more than 100. While new games aren’t landing on the server quite as regularly as they once did a couple years back, the library has since become an impressive one and is really the main reason most gamers will pay the $20-per-year fee for it. Head below for more details on the titles hitting the service next week. 

Roccat is aiming high with its latest gaming mice, the Kone Pro and Kone Pro Air. Both mice feature optical switches, a comfortable shell, and weigh in at just 66g for the wired and 75g for the wireless version. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all of the details. 

Elite Dangerous: Odyssey is the latest step in Frontier’s long-term vision for the game. We first wrote about it in June of last year, as the expansion that would let players take their first steps off a ship in the game’s history. Well, that update is finally here, and we now have our first trailer to showcase just what Elite Dangerous: Odyssey will consist of.

After launching another year of its Play at Home campaign, more freebies are coming our way as part of the PlayStation 2021 Days of Play program. This year’s event is focused on multiplayer action, plenty of exclusive PlayStation freebies, and bringing the community together. That’s on top of scheduled and specially themed “Share of the Week” content as well as an upcoming Days of Play game sale on PSN. Let’s dive in down below. 

The LEGO Group kicked off this year with the launch of hundreds of new creations, but one in particular caught the eye of builders both new and old, the Bonsai Tree. Since its launch, the popular build has been almost impossible to find in stock. But now that the dust is starting to settle, it’s finally starting to be readily available. So nearly six months later, we’re taking a hands-on look at the creation to see if it’s actually as much of a must-have as all the commotion would have you believe. Head below for all of the details on the LEGO Bonsai Tree.

Roughly six months after Amazon made Echo Frames available to the public, the company has now expanded the lineup of offerings. Before today, Amazon’s Alexa-enabled glasses were only available with clear lenses and folks could add their own prescription. Now Amazon will also ship two styles of Echo sunglasses in addition to a blue-light-filtering solution. This move allows Echo Frames to go head-to-head with the likes of Bose and Razer. Continue reading to learn more.

Father’s Day is quickly approaching, and retailer Orvis has a guide full of spectacular options for the dad in your life. There are 90 items throughout the gift guide, with pricing starting at just $10. Each of the Orvis Father’s Day guide gifts was designed for the man who loves enjoying the outdoors. From watching his kids play in the backyard to fly fishing, there is something for every man on your list. So be sure to check out all of our top picks from the Orvis guide 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.

• Google Pixel 5 sees first price cut of the year to $669
• Save $349 on Apple’s unlocked iPhone 11 Pro in this 1-day sale
• Apple’s latest Mac mini delivers M1 at the desktop for an Amazon low of $99 off

After seeing a new Nomad solution recently, alongside a host of covers and keychains, today we are taking a look at the new FollowPaw AirTag dog collar accessory. Apple’s new item tracker is also being leveraged as a dog microchip of sorts to allow folks to be able to keep tabs on their furry friends. FollowPaw’s original sustainable cork leather leash and collar setup has now been reworked as an AirTag dog collar to offer up pet/AirTag owners a “100% vegan, water-resistant, and durable” solution. Not to mention a solid 20% price drop. Head below for all of the details. 

Today, Nomad is expanding its collection of premium Apple Watch bands with two new offerings. Refreshing the previous premium straps for your wearable, there are now more streamlined designs this time around to complement the use of high-end materials like titanium and stainless steel. Head below for all of the details on the new Nomad metal link Apple Watch bands.

As summer approaches, so does weekend golfing. I’m a 10-plus times a year golfer and have been relying on a set of economical $300 Callaway Stratas that I pulled off an Amazon Gold box a few years ago. This summer, I’m hoping to up my mid-range game and Wilson had the answer: The $649 Wilson D9 Irons (or Amazon) that increase range without sacrificing accuracy. Here’s how it went.

Today, Apple announced a new tier of Apple Music that would offer both lossless and Hi-Fi listening experiences. Over at 9to5Mac, we took a closer look at what would be required to hear the difference with Apple Music’s Hi-Fi audio tier, and now we’re going to take a deeper dive into what gear we recommend if this is a whole new world to you. Sadly, you won’t be able to enjoy the Hi-Fi category of music wirelessly, or even wired on any of Apple’s in-house headphones, so all of the options below are wired and require you to plug a cable in. One benefit? Your entire audio setup could cost less than a single pair of AirPods Max, which don’t even support Hi-Fi listening, so that’s something to look forward to.

Summer is fast approaching and with it comes a smorgasbord of fresh styles. And if nautical nonsense be something you wish, you’ll love Vans’ latest announcement: the S21 SpongeBob SquarePants collection. And don’t worry, there’s plenty more to be seen than just a Bikini Bottom. We’re seeing custom sneakers, pullovers, tanks and tees to round out your beachside best. This collection is packed with summer looks like a busload of sardines, so hit the jump to find out how to cop the summer’s hash-slinging, mash-flinging, flash-springingest styles. That is, if yer ready, kids?

With Mario Golf Super Rush — the latest entry in Mario’s golfing career — set to launch on Switch in June, Nintendo has now released a brand-new overview trailer to give gamers a better idea of what to expect on the course next month. The game initially debuted during Nintendo’s big Direct presentation in February, but we now have a much better idea of the characters, a battle royale-style mode, RPG campaign, and more. Now up for pre-order, you’ll find even more details sown below alongside today’s new Mario Golf Super Rush overview 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’s new 24-inch M1 iMac sees first Amazon discount as a pre-order, more up to $86 off
• AirPods Pro support Apple’s new lossless streaming, Spatial Audio, more from $170
• Save up to 28% on Twelve South Mac stands, USB-C hubs, AirFly transmitters, more from $29

Update: LEGO’s new 3,700-piece Daily Bugle set is now available for purchase for VIP members.

Today, we’re getting a first look at the latest expansions to the LEGO Marvel collection. If last week’s Infinity Saga sets weren’t enough of the superhero action, the upcoming LEGO Daily Bugle kit is sure to excite for fans of Spider-Man and other iconic characters. Stacking up to over 3,700 pieces, the new creation stacks up to over 32 inches tall, includes 25 minifigures, and will be launching at the end of the month. Head below for all of the details.

After getting a first look at the upcoming LEGO Marvel wave, we’re now seeing a collection of new BrickHeadz due out later this year. Ranging from new Pets to Disney icons and characters from the Wizarding World, there are five brick-built figures on the horizon. Head below for a closer look at the upcoming LEGO Summer BrickHeadz releases and for all of the details on adding these to your collection.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, first talked about back in 2019 and then confirmed in 2020, received its first DLC today dubbed Wrath of the Druids. This isn’t just a standard DLC, either, as it’s the game’s first major expansion. It’ll bring players to Ireland and allow them to “uncover the secrets of a mysterious ancient cult.” You’ll discover the occult forests, haunted landscapes, and gain influence among regional kings. Sound interesting? Keep reading to find out everything we know about this expansion and how to get it for yourself.

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.

Since the launch of MagSafe last fall, accessory makers have been jumping in on the magnetic wireless charging action to pair Apple’s first-party charger with various docks, stands, and mounts. We’ve previously taken a look at some more affordable models, but we’re turning our attention today to the opposite end of the spectrum. Nomad’s new MagSafe Mount arrives with a premium stainless steel build that stands out from just about every other option on the market. But is it worth pre-ordering at such a steep price tag? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review aims to answer.

Every new iPhone 12 wields MagSafe. A magnetic plate that paves the way for easily attaching all sorts of handy accessories to your smartphone. It doesn’t stop there, though. Several companies have released MagSafe-friendly mounts that can prop your beloved iPhone 12 up in a clutter-free fashion. A couple of OtterBox MagSafe car mounts are the latest to show up on our radar, and each looks quite promising. One is a vent-based solution that mimics what we’ve already seen from Belkin, while another fastens to a windshield or dashboard for even more versatility. Continue reading to learn more.

Bamford is taking it to the streets with its latest watch collab – or should I say the Street? The iconic London timepiece company is releasing a new lineup of Sesame Street watches in a variety of styles. First up, we have the Cookie Monster Mayfair Date that might just leave you hungry for more. Plus, we’ve got Big Bird ready to race on a befeathered GMT. And finally the little red man himself, Elmo repping the Mayfair Sport. There’s a lot of fine tuning and aesthetic details on these designer timepieces, and we’ll be covering all of it right below the jump.

The new Sonic The Hedgehog HugMe Shake Action Plush is now up for pre-order at Big Bad Toy Store. A perfect addition to any gaming room or SEGA collection, this 16-inch plush version of the world’s fastest hedgehog features Kidrobot’s HugMe shake action that sees the affordable stuffed characters shake and wiggle when you interact with them. Sonic is one of the latest entries in the lineup, with pre-orders now live alongside the Q3 2021 delivery date. Head below for a closer look. 

Fans of the Mandalorian have had no shortage of merchandise from the popular Star Wars series to get their hands on as of late, but a popular pinball game maker is now joining the fray with the launch of some all-new arcade machines. Sporting three different designs straight out of a galaxy far, far away, these limited-edition cabinets pair the brand’s expertise with some unique Mandalorian-inspired designs. Head below for all of the details.

Vans has a new collaboration with Parks Project inspired by the great outdoors. This limited-edition capsule’s mission statement is to “Leave It Better Than You Found It.” In addition to the product collaboration, this collection will directly give back $250,000 to the National Parks Conservation Association. This new line includes both classic and current footwear styles, like the Sk8-Hi, Old Skool, Authentic, and Slip-On. It also includes apparel ranging from hoodies to tees and even trendy bucket hats. Plus, Vans offers free delivery and returns on every order. The line just launched today, so be sure to check out our favorites below.