News

Synology is debuting three new AMD Ryzen RackStation NAS, joining other models in its rack-mountable machine lineup. Complete with up to 2,200MB/s transfer speeds, 16-bay designs, and as much as 32GB of supported RAM, these machines deliver future-proof designs for upgrading to 10GbE down the line and more. Head below for all of the details.

Hot on the heels of this week’s Spring Loaded Apple keynote event, the new 2021 Pad & Quill leather iPad Pro cases are now up for purchase. It was only a matter of time before Pad & Quill’s latest handmade covers came out of the woodwork, and it isn’t wasting any time this year. We are already seeing updated versions of its Oxford, Cafe, and Oxford magnetic leather iPad Pro cases up for pre-order alongside the linen Copertina variant, for both of the new 11- and 12.9-inch Liquid Retina Display iPad Pros. Better yet, everything is marked down for the pre-order phase, and our promo code will knock an additional 15% off of that. All of the details 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.

• HomePod mini sees rare discount to new all-time low at $89
• Woot discounts prev-gen. Google handsets: Pixel 3 at $200, more from $60
• Oculus Quest 2 delivers untethered virtual reality experiences, now on sale from $270

EA has just announced a new standalone Battlefield mobile game. Along with a new AAA console/PC title in the works, EA has now unveiled a new Battlefield game, made from the ground up from iOS and Android to “kick off all-out war on smartphones and tablets.” Likely looking to tap into the wild success its direct competitors have experienced on mobile platforms, Battlefield will finally make its way to your pocket computer sometime next year. More details below. 

Expanding on their lineup of work-from-home and streaming products, the new Razer Ring Light is an affordable way to light up your video calls or streams. With an included tripod, adjustable brightness, color temperature, and powered by USB, this $80 light is a great companion to the recent Razer Kiyo webcam, and Razer Seiren Mini. Be sure to hit the video below to check out more. 

Way back at CES 2020, we heard a new mini Street Fighter arcade was on the way from My Arcade, and it is finally here. Part of its growing Micro Player lineup of mini collectible, but very much playable, arcade machines, the latest entry in the family brings 1992’s Street Fighter II Champion Edition to a tiny screen near you. Just starting to go up for sale at Amazon and elsewhere, be sure to head below for a closer look and more details on the new mini Street Fighter arcade. 

After today’s official unveiling of the new R2-D2 set, the LEGO Group is now showing off its upcoming May the 4th promotional set. This 217-piece LEGO creation continues the recent trend of recreating iconic scenes from a galaxy far, far away, assembling a brick-built version of the Tatooine Homestead complete with miniature Landspeeder, Sandcrawler, and more. Head below for a closer look at this upcoming kit and to learn how it can be added to your collection for free.

Funko POP! is launching a new lineup of Avatar: The Last Airbender figures and pins, and I for one am glowing blue with excitement. Featuring a lineup of Fire Nation favorites, you can add Ty Lee, Admiral Zhao, and the eyebrow king himself, Fire Lord Ozai to your collection following their release. We’re also seeing a new battle-ready Suki figure, and claiming the #1000 spot for animated Funko POP!s, Avatar-State Aang in full four-element mastery. But there’s even more to this launch that meets the eye, and we’ll be going over all the details you need down below.

Sony gave its new console’s controller a significant overhaul. Not only are haptics taken to the next level, but tension in the triggers can be tweaked by developers to make interacting with a variety of items feel different in games. Unlike Microsoft, the new DualSense controller relies on a built-in rechargeable battery for power. This approach can leave you stranded once out of power until you can refuel it or rely on a tethered connection while gaming. Thankfully a new Hyperkin DualSense Battery Pack is here to save the day. Continue reading to learn more.

adidas just added a collection just for moms called “Time to Give Back.” Be ready for Mother’s Day on May 9 with an array of gift ideas from adidas. There are over 260 gift ideas in this collection, with pricing starting from $7. Whether you’re looking to give comfort to their feet, help them get motivated to workout with stylish clothing, or looking to pamper her, this guide has at all. Plus, adidas Creator Club Members (free to sign up) receive complimentary delivery. Head below the jump to catch all of our top picks from the adidas Mother’s Day Guide.

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 $111 on Apple’s latest 13-inch M1 MacBook Air
• Nomad’s 25% off spring sale discounts new leather iPhone 12 MagSafe cases, more
• Google’s refreshed Wifi Mesh System falls to new all-time low at $160 (Save 20%)

Announced today, the new Tamagotchi Pix takes everyone’s favorite pocket pet to new connected heights. Packed with Bluetooth, the ability to connect with other Tamagotchi Pix units, a full-color display, and a built-in camera, Pix is taking Tamagotchi into the next generation. It even has Pokemon Go-like exploration features and is now available for purchase. Head below for more details and a closer look at Tamagotchi Pix. 

After getting a first look at the upcoming brick-built R2-D2, the LEGO Group is now officially taking the wraps off of the upcoming creation ahead of its May the 4th debut. Stacking up to over 2,300 pieces, the latest rendition of the galaxy’s most famous droid enters in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Lucasfilm. Head below for a closer look and all of the details on when you’ll be able to bring this droid to your collection.

Just after Apple finally unveiled its new item trackers, we are now seeing the Spigen AirTags cases go up for sale. Last night Nomad was first out of the gate with its third-party leather offerings, and this morning we are taking a look at the two first models from Spigen — a company well known around these parts for its affordable, third-party Apple gear accessories. We are also seeing some early discounts and you can get a closer look down below. 

If you’re still using an older Wi-Fi 5 or 802.11ac router at home, it’s time to upgrade. Whether you need more bandwidth for wireless performance or better coverage to eliminate dead zones, TP-Link’s latest Wi-Fi 6 system is bound to be a worthwhile upgrade for your home. So, what all does the all-new TP-Link Deco X68 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System deliver? Let’s take a deeper dive.

Update 6/7 @2:11 PM: The day is here! Uniqlo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizon apparel is now live on its website.

Uniqlo has just rang the bell on a summer collection that’s sure to fly off the shelves: Animal Crossing: New Horizons shirts, tunics, and more. Packed with more looks than the Able Sisters, this collection centers around a variety of island merch. From comics to quotes to the tees pulled straight from Dodo Airlines giftshop, every piece is loaded with local pride. (Personally, I’m heading straight for the pastel tote bag no matter how many bells it runs me.) Luckily, nearly everything listed below is priced under $20, so you won’t have to borrow from Tom Nook to get your paws on these too-cute collectibles. Find all the details you need down below.

Following all of the excitement from today’s Apple Spring Forward event, Nomad is getting in on the action by debuting a new collection of its popular leather offerings. Headlined by its very first AirTags accessories including a leather keyring and glasses strap, Nomad is also introducing a new series of cases for the latest iPad Pro. Head below for all of the details and how you can lock-in pre-order discounts.

The latest RapidX gizmo has arrived, and it wants to turn a standard wall outlet into a stand and all-in-one charging base. RapidX MyCharging Station is able to power up to seven devices at once by adding Qi, USB-C PD, and USB-A ports to your existing outlet while also keeping both AC slots ready and waiting. Buyers only have to remove the AC cover and plug in RapidX MyCharging Station to get up and running, making it a much easier solution to install when compared with fully swapping out an outlet for one with USB-C. Continue reading to learn more.

Are you still on the hunt for a great Mother’s Day Gift? If so, the Carhartt Mother’s Day Gift Guide is loaded with ideas. Inside this collection there are 49 items and pricing starts at $12. Plus, Carhartt offers free delivery and returns on all orders, too. Head below the jump to find an array of gift ideas for Mother’s Day. Also, be sure to check out our latest guide to Lululemon’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide here.

Xbox Game Pass members will get MLB The Show 21, Fable Anniversary, Phogs!, Second Extinction, Destroy All Humans!, and more this month. Microsoft took to the Xbox Wire blog today for another edition of its “Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass” feature this morning. You’ll find details on when and how each of these titles will or are already available as well as details of improved touch controls for a series of cloud-enabled titles. Everything you need to know is waiting for you 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 latest iPad Pro now up to $120 off ahead of today’s event
• Woot celebrates today’s Apple event with up to $499 off prev-gen. MacBooks, more
• Mobvoi’s spring sale takes up to 40% off latest TicWatch wearables, earbuds, more

Last time we checked in on the future of LEGO Marvel creations, we had a pretty good idea of what to expect from the theme’s main creations. Now ahead of all of the releases this summer, we’re getting some reports of what LEGO builders can look forward to in terms of the rumored Marvel collectible minifigure series due out later this year. With 12 characters from Disney+ series like WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, we’re likely to see quite a few all-new minifigures from the expanded Marvel Cinematic Universe. Head below for everything we know so far.

As their first gaming headset without their co-brand partners Sennheiser, the EPOS H3 is set as an evolution of the GSP 300 for a simple, comfortable, do-it-all gaming headset. EPOS has also hooked us up with a few to give away so be sure to check out the details at the bottom of this review and hit the video to see more. 

Apex Legends is about to enter its ninth season on May 4, and with it, we’ll be getting a new Legend, weapon, and even map rendition. Valkyrie is joining the team this time around featuring a “bold, brash, fiery, and fierce” personality. She grew up in the shadow of her father’s legacy, but it’s time for her to step out on her own. Olympus is getting its first makeover in a way we’ve never seen before. Oh, and don’t forget about the new Bocek Bow, the first stringed weapon to enter the Apex Games. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect in Apex Legends Season 9 Legacy launching on May 4, 2021.

Kohl’s has just released the sporty-chic adidas x Zoe Saldana activewear collection and guess what: it’s all on sale. Choose from a selection of tees, tanks, shorts, sneakers, and more up to 33% off. While I try to keep the emphasis on feeling good over looking good when it comes to my workout regiment, it never hurts to know you’ll turn some heads on that morning jog. That’s why we’re going over our favorites from the newly dropped collection, so you can hit refresh on your summer sportswear and look as great as you feel. Head below the jump for more details, and our top activewear picks starting from $11.

Sony is a brand that is respected across several different product categories, one notably being projectors. The company doesn’t tend to take shortcuts in this arena, leading most of its units to fetch significantly more than budget-friendly competitors like ViewSonic, Optoma, and others. This continues to be the case with two native 4K solutions that are now available for pre-order. The newest Sony 4K projectors share the same X1 processor used in its BRAVIA lineup, paving the way for features like “Dynamic HDR Enhancer” and “Reality Creation.” Continue reading to learn more.

The Lululemon Mother’s Day Gift Guide has an array of gift ideas for the mother in your life. Wondering what gift will make her Mother’s Day? Lululemon has great options that she can wear daily or during her workout sessions. Inside this gift guide, you will find over 170 ideas to choose from, with pricing starting at $12. They also have it categorized with the top 10 gifts, ideas under $100, yoga apparel, casual wear, and workout styles. Plus, Lululemon offers free delivery on all orders too. So be sure to head below the jump to find all of our top picks from the Lululemon Mother’s Day Guide.

The PlayStation store closures recently announced are now being overturned. Gamers were up in arms when Sony made headlines with what appeared to be the imminent closure of its PlayStation 3, PS Vita, and PSP online storefronts. However, in a glimmer of positive news today, Sony has now taken to the official PlayStation Blog to admit that it “made the wrong decision here.” With so many gamers still making use of these stores, Sony has now decided to reverse its decision to shutdown the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita, despite going ahead with the PSP side of things. More details below. 

Vari, a company known for its home office furniture and standing desk risers, is introducing its new VariDesk Portable Laptop Stand today. With a strong focus on ergonomics and portability, the new stand offers users a set-up-anywhere approach to bring your laptop up to the ideal typing height. Marking the first option from the company that fits in your backpack, anyone looking for an elegant solution they can take with them at a moment’s notice will want to 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.

• Apple Pencil 2 sees rare Amazon discount to second-best price of the year at $115
• Twelve South gear now up to 50% off: PowerPic Qi Charger $40, more starting at $20
• Fitbit’s Google Assistant-enabled Sense Smartwatch falls to new low of $249 (Save 25%)

Update: The LEGO Group’s new Adventures with Luigi Starter Course has been officially revealed today. It’ll be launching on August 1 with a $59.99 price tag and is now available for pre-order.

After first reporting that LEGO was beginning to tease an upcoming expansion to its line of Super Mario kits that brings Luigi into the mix, we’re now getting a first look at the new starter pack. Featuring a new electric figure, the upcoming LEGO Adventures with Luigi Starter Course stacks up to 280 pieces and includes everything you need to dive into the brick-built Mario experience. Head below for all of the details.

Back to continue their disruption in the smart home market, the Wyze floor lamp is positioned to be an affordable option for those who want to add a little light to their workspace. Priced at just $30 + shipping, the lamp features a remote along with app control and smart dimming that can recall brightness settings at different times throughout the day. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

inXile entertainment just announced that Wasteland 3 is getting its first story expansion, The Battle of Steeltown. Releasing June 3, you’ll explore the “towering factory complex” of Steeltown that manufactures all of the tech that keeps Colorado running, as well as the Patriarch in power. Delivers have stopped, and all that’s going around are excuses. What happens in Wasteland 3 The Battle of Steeltown? Well, let’s take a look at the trailer as well as information released by inXile on the expansion.

adidas has just announced its latest concept shoe, the Stan Mylo Smith “Unleather” sneaker comprised of a unique leather substitute: mushrooms. While the brand is no stranger to vegan leather, this expedition into the wide world of fungus comes from its push towards a fully sustainable shoe in the near future. Because the thing nobody ever tells you about “vegan leather”? It’s just plastic. So this venture in mycelial merchandising may prove a major step forward in eco-friendly manufacturing for all, not just the iconic sneaker brand.

The LEGO Group’s collection of Super Mario kits might be getting its most anticipated expansion to date later this summer, as a recent update to the connected Mario figure is teasing the launch of his brother Luigi. Head below for everything we know so far about the upcoming release.

ViewSonic has taken the wraps off four new monitors. Each display is aimed squarely at satisfying the modern needs that require many folks to be able to work from anywhere. Two units wield a built-in webcam, one USB-C powered model features a “featherlight” design, and there’s even a massive 34-inch ViewSonic UltraWide monitor with a Type-C hub and 90-watt passthrough charging. Spanning three display categories, ViewSonic’s new monitor portfolio goes all-in on a future where the thought of working remotely is fully embraced. Continue reading to learn more.

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.

Thunderbolt and USB-C docking stations have long been the go-to solution for those who want the perks of a desktop workstation setup and the freedom to work away from the desk. And with the launch of Apple’s latest M1 Macs last year, Thunderbolt 4 hit the mainstream. Today, we’re taking a look at the new Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Mini Dock, the brand’s first Thunderbolt 4 offering, which arrives with a future-proof design that’s ideal for MacBook setups. But is it worth the more premium price tag? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys answers that and more.

Timbuk2 debuted a new collection with updated best-sellers called “Timbuk2 2.0.” The 2.0 collection has five updated styles with four backpacks and a classic messenger bag. Best of all, each of the bags in this new collection can easily fit a 15-inch MacBook, and the entire line is gender neutral, meaning anyone can wear these bags. Timbuk2 also features free delivery on orders of $50 or more. Head below the jump to find even more details about the Timbuk2 2.0 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.

Top deals:

• Apple’s official iPhone 11/Pro/Max cases now on sale from $14 (Save up to 64%)
• Razer’s Kishi MFi Controller Grip elevates iPhone gaming at $85 (New low), more from $70
• Anker heads into the weekend with discounted iPhone and Android essentials from $11

Earlier in the month, LEGO showcased six golden Harry Potter minifigures that would be included in a wave of 20th anniversary kits. Now we’re getting a full look at all eight of the creations from the Wizarding World that span the original films to give us re-creations of iconic moments from the series. Head below for all of the details.

In case you haven’t heard, a new FREE Resident Evil Village demo is on the way. One of the most anticipated games of the spring is now set for release early next month. There are some completely free demos on the way spread across all platforms, early access for PlayStation gamers, and a somewhat confusing schedule to make sense of. Head below for all of the details and timed FREE demo windows for your next chance to experience Lady Dimitrescu and her terrifying daughters. 

Days Gone, a PlayStation exclusive title, is making its way to desktops by way of Steam and the Epic Games Store. We got our first look at the title’s desktop port today, so without further ado, let’s take a closer look at Days Gone on PC.

Best Buy has begun testing the waters on its new premium subscription service, Best Buy Beta. For a one-time annual fee, Best Buy Beta members would have access to 24/7 tech support provided a la Geek Squad, 24-month protection plans on your tech purchases, and a plethora of other perks. We’d covered a similar phenomenon back in 2018 with the release of Total Tech Support, but now it seems the company is shifting towards a more general premium membership experience. And we have to ask, is it worth the dough?

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.

After featuring an exclusive price drop on its latest lineup of covers, we thought it was time to take a hands-on look at the Casely iPhone 12 cases. More specifically, the iPhone 12 Bold Collection, which is the brand’s most protective case and is available in a range of fun and wild prints, colors, and patterns — much like the rest of its gear. While at first glance they might just appear as gimmicky, overly designed iPhone cases for teenagers, and they are great for that, you are looking at quite a cable sheath that offers all of the most important elements in a mid-tier offering. Head below for more details and a closer look in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys review for the Bold Collection Casely iPhone 12 cases. 

Funko POP! has been on fire lately. Over the last month both Seinfeld and Justice League characters have been unveiled, but the brand hasn’t stopped there. It’s is now taking a wildly different path with new Funko POP! food-inspired models. Staples like Kraft Mac & Cheese, Pringles, and Fruity Pebbles have made the cut, but even more are continuing to appear. Pre-orders are now open for some, and these are bound to be popular as they are tapping into foods that many of us ate as kids (and still crave to this day). Keep reading to see photos and to learn more.

The North Face just launched a Spring Favorites line for men as well as a Hiking Look Book. Both are great for hitting the trails, and the gear is stylish as well as functional. The spring favorites collection was designed by hues that the North Face states “breathes life into spring.” The collection has everything you need to explore, from shorts to running shoes to lightweight t-shirts and more. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks.

Nike is no stranger to the world of environmental friendliness, with the launch of last year’s Space Hippie shoes leading the way towards the brand’s announcement of a new refurbished program. And while it’s not quite as extreme as another pair of 100% recycled kicks, the new mission is likely to have an even more impactful result. With added savings for those willing to grab a renewed pair of kicks, the new program is rolling out now across the country. Head below for all of the details.

Anker’s latest release is a direct result of teaming up with Amazon. The new Anker Echo Buds Charging Pad bears “made for Amazon” branding and offers up unique features that standard chargers will not be able to compete with. One of the most noticeable perks is a divot in the charging pad that precisely fits the latest Echo Buds (unveiled earlier today). Next up you’ll find several LEDs along the front that showcase power levels for Echo Buds and their wireless charging case. This unit also doubles as a standard Qi charger that can top off smartphones and more. Continue reading for additional information.