News

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.

As one of BenQ’s first portable projectors, its recent GS2 release arrives with a compelling list of features like 1080p visuals, AirPlay 2, and three-hour battery life despite its compact design. But how does it stack up to other portable offerings in the market? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys is putting this projector through its paces to see if the BenQ GS2 is a must-have for summer movie nights or not. Head below for all of the details.

Anker never seems to quit. The brand has unleashed several new products lately, and many of them unfortunately tend to fly under the radar. Some of what we’ve seen over the last month or so include new Soundcore Bluetooth speakers, its first MagSafe cases, a PowerWave Sense iPhone stand, and a Thunderbolt 4 Hub that turns a single port into three. Today we’ve discovered a new Anker SD card reader that sports not only Type-C connectivity, but also USB-A. As with the company’s other popular USB-C card reader, this offering supports both micro and full-size SD cards. Continue reading to learn more.

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:

• OtterBox iPhone 12 cases and more are 20% off in today’s Gold Box from $15
• Beats Solo Pro ANC Headphones see 37% discount to low of $145, more from $60
• Anker’s end of week sale discounts iPhone and Android essentials from $9

Update: The LEGO Ulysses Space Probe promotional set will be going live tomorrow, April 14, at 9 AM EST via the LEGO VIP Rewards Center and sells for 1,800 points.

The LEGO Group kicked off April by officially launching its new Space Shuttle Discovery set yesterday, and now we’re getting additional details on the upcoming Ulysses Space Probe add-on creation. Delivering a secondary payload for builders to deploy in their brick-built NASA diorama, the promotion kit is slated to be launching in the near future and assembles yet another piece of space exploration history. Head below for all of the details.

A series of new Justice League Zack Snyder Cut Funko POP! figures have now been unleashed. Full-color versions of the Darkseid, Diana Prince, Black Suit Superman, and Dasaad that hit last month as part of special promotion for the re-cut film are going up for general release and are now available to pre-order. Originally released in a sort of “Justice is Gray” black-and-white metallic paint job with very limited availability, it looks like the rest of the DC Comics Snyder cut fans will be able to get in on the action now. Head below for a closer look. 

PowerA, Hori, PDP, and others have become viable brands to turn to when Nintendo-branded controllers are out of stock, priced too high, or for a variety of other reasons. But even these offerings tend to be made solely with Nintendo Switch in mind and leave other platforms in the dust. This is where 8Bitdo steps into frame. The company has made a name for itself by supporting a wide range of platforms while also delivering a nice selection retro-themed controllers. 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro Gray Edition is the brand’s latest release, and it’s now available for pre-order. Continue reading to learn more.

It’s National Burrito Day, so you know what that means: deals on burritos from our favorite restaurants! We’re rounding up discounts from Taco Bell, Del Taco, Chipotle, Moe’s, and much more here. You’ll find BOGO free, $5 burritos and bowls, as well as a chance to win Bitcoin, all down below.

April is finally here along with warmer weather. If you’re looking for a new read, we’ve rounded up some great options, from romance novels to thrillers and autobiographies. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks for April’s Reading List. Also, be sure to check out the new Cole Haan Golf Line with shoes, bags, and more.

After showcasing a pair of Marvel and DC busts throughout March, we’re now getting a look at yet another iconic character’s brick-built re-creation to complete the trinity. Assembling the fearsome Venom out of 565 pieces, the upcoming set launches alongside five other superhero builds at the end of the month. Head below for a closer look at the upcoming LEGO Venom helmet and the rest of the 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 Watch deals start at just $130 in this 1-day sale (Refurb)
• Nomad’s Base Station Pro sees 50% discount to new low of $100 with our exclusive code
• Belkin’s new 15W MagSafe 3-in-1 Charger sees very first discount to $120 (Save 20%)

Some of the latest PowerA Xbox Series X controllers are now up for pre-order. Last September, PowerA initially launched its first accessories specifically tailored for Microsoft’s latest-generation home console, and we are starting to see the expanded Enhanced Wired Controller lineup go up for sale at Amazon and elsewhere. Head below for a closer look. 

No Man’s Sky received the Expeditions update today with a slew of changes across the game, including an all-new way to play, updated elements, and more. Beginning today, you’ll be able to use the new Expeditions game mode and start from a fixed point in the universe with other Travelers, allowing you to join the entire community as you embark on a shared journey. So what else has changed in the No Man’s Sky Expeditions update? Let’s dive in and take a look.

The wide selection of Anker Soundcore speakers has been expanded even further today following the release of two new models: Mini 3 Pro and Select Pro. Both units bear an IPX7 waterproof rating that the brand attributes to rugged casing that acts as an “impenetrable barrier against liquids.” While sizing between the two models varies greatly, battery life for both is between 15 and 16 hours. Continue reading to learn more.

Another World Backup Day has arrived, and while it’s always a good idea to be securing important files, that mission is particularly pertinent today. And to help kickstart your efforts, we take a look at three different Synology NAS that are perfect for everything from configuring daily Time Machine backups to running Plex and even bypassing Google Photos, thanks to Synology Moments. Head below for all of our tips, tricks, and recommendations.

Microsoft has announced an interesting expansion of Xbox Cloud Gaming today. It is “embarking on a new journey” for Xbox backwards compatibility by “taking it to the cloud.” Over on the official Xbox Wire, Microsoft has announced that it is bringing a collection of its older backwards compatible titles to Xbox Cloud Gaming, all of which are playable on Android phones and tablets. Head below for more details and a complete look at the first wave of games. 

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:

• Amazon World Backup Day HD and SSD sale from $42.50: SanDisk all-time lows, more
• Anker’s Elite Thunderbolt 3 Dock falls to low of $183 (Save $67), more from $27
• Apple’s official iPhone 11 Pro/Max leather cases go on sale: Folio $66, more from $20

Lorex, which has been around in smart home security for a while, is adding new security products to its extensive lineup. Expanding on the entry-level 1080p video doorbell, the newer Lorex 2K Video Doorbell offers a clear 2560×1920 164° image, no monthly fees for recording events and person detection, and easy setup, making it a great way to keep your eyes on your doorstep. And, thanks to the brand’s catalog of additional lights and cameras, it’s easy to build out a system for your home. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

CORSAIR just announced two new keyboards in its K55 family: the K55 RGB PRO and K55 RGB PRO XT. Featuring RGB backlighting and six dedicated macro keys that can tie into the Elgato Stream Deck software, these keyboards are great for those looking at a more budget-focused setup, given that pricing starts at $50. So what all do these keyboards do? Let’s take a look.

Today, Anker is expanding its stable of MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 accessories with its first collection of cases designed for Apple’s latest handsets. Available for everything from the iPhone 12 mini to the flagship 12 Pro Max, the affordable cases look to undercut the official offerings while providing a similar silicone design and all of the magnetic wireless charging features. Head below for all of the details.

The world of truly wireless earbuds has continued to rapidly expand ever since the release of AirPods. Many brands attempt to go head-to-head with Apple with similar pricing, but the all-new Skullcandy Dime earbuds take a different approach. These clock in at a fraction of the cost and the company is hoping to capture quite a bit of market share as a result of this. Unsurprisingly, not all features compete on the same level as AirPods and pricier earbuds from others, but they may strike a good-enough balance to turn some heads. Continue reading to learn more.

Cole Haan just launched a new performance golf wear line for its members (free to sign up). The new Cole Haan Golf Collection features styles for both men and women alike, including shoes, bags, and more. Be ready to tee off in style and comfort with all of Cole Haan’s supportive features. Plus, with a Cole Haan Membership, you will receive free delivery on any order. Be sure to head below the jump to find all of our top picks. Also, you will want to check out our latest guide to Lululemon’s spring sale that’s offering leggings, shorts, light layers, and more.

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 Watch Series 6 Nike+ models see rare $50 discounts from $349
• Apple Watch Woven Sport Bands in various styles fall to new 2021 lows at $18 (Reg. $49)
• Save up to 25% on Anker eufy HomeKit cameras, video doorbells, more from $29

Today we are taking a look at the new Twelve South MagicBridge Extended. Twelve South — one of our favorite Apple gear accessory makers — is out with a new extended MagicBridge today to combine your full-size Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2 into one integrated unit. While the standard MagicBridge has been around for a while, the new MagicBridge Extended variant is releasing today to accomodate the over-sized Apple Magic Keyboard with the numeric keypad hanging off one side. Head below for a closer look. 

My first Videography Diary piece explained how I chose the BlackMagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC from now on). This piece talks you through my BMPCC 4K Rig.

If you’re not familiar with videography rigs, it’s basically a system to give you everything you need to shoot effectively and efficiently in one solid unit so you can just pick it up, mount it on a tripod or other stabilizer, and start shooting.

This piece provides a video walkthrough, with links to all of the components I use…

TP-Link is announcing an addition to its Archer AX lineup of Wi-Fi 6 routers, the AX73. This new router delivers 802.11ax 5400Mb/s wireless performance that offers you the ability to enjoy full-speed Gigabit data transfers without having to plug in Ethernet. There are quite a few features here that are perfect for modern smart homes, including enough signal strength for up to 200 wireless devices, beam forming, six antennas, and more. Ready to dive in? Head below to learn why this should be your next Wi-Fi router.

LG has made a name for itself in the monitor manufacturing space. Even Apple teamed up with the company to sell tailor-made displays. The latest LG 4K Monitor is now up for grabs and packs a plethora of handy and noteworthy features. When it comes to I/O, buyers stand to benefit from 96-watt passthrough charging over USB Type-C in addition to a selection of HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-A inputs. The 27-inch screen supports HDR 400 with DCI-P3 95% Color Gamut, making it a solid choice for creatives. Gamers may also be intrigued given built-in support for AMD FreeSync. Continue reading to learn more.

Do you have Easter baskets ready for your kids? If not, the Nordstrom Easter Shop has you covered with free delivery before the big day. Nordstrom offers an array of items to fill their baskets, and adorable outfits, too. The Nordstrom Easter shop features more than 230 items with pricing from $10. Be sure to head below the jump to find our top picks. Also, check out our latest guide to the best spring wreaths to pick up from Amazon from $30.

Today, OtterBox is expanding its stable of rugged Apple accessories with its very first selection of devices geared toward kids. The new collection of cases, cables, and accessories arrives with all of the same protection that many have come to expect from the brand, but with added durability, antimicrobial features, and some more colorful designs. 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.

Top deals:

• M1 MacBook Air drops to second-best price yet at $950 (Save $49)
• Apple’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro Magic Keyboard falls to new low of $249 (Save $100), more from $199
• Anker’s latest sale includes Soundcore Pro ANC earbuds at $100 (Save 23%), more from $11

Today we are taking a look at the new NutriBullet Immersion Blender. We regularly feature the brand’s smoothie blenders like the Magic Bullet around here, but the company is now stepping into the hand immersion space with its latest release. Designed to be used on everything from “pancake batter and smoothies to soups, salad dressings, and even ice cream,” all of you pro home chefs will at least want to take a quick look at today’s new NutriBullet blender. Head below for all of the details. 

Laptops and tablets both have their own pros and cons when it comes to life on-the-go, but there are some interesting products that bridge that gap. Released in late 2020, the Lenovo Yoga 9i has some features that will make it appealing to those who want a versatile computer for work or home use. A 2-in-1, the Yoga 9i can fold itself backward to work in a tablet or tent mode making it great for travel, presentations, and more thanks to the garaged stylus. Packing a powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i7, the Yoga 9i is ready to work, as well. Be sure to hit the video below to find out more about the Lenovo Yoga 9i.

It Takes Two is the latest game from EA and Hazelight Studios featuring a unique co-op only experience. That’s right, you’ll only be able to play this game with a friend. While not all of your friends will be jumping to pick up the title, there’s a unique feature that allows them to join your game for free. So, what type of gameplay can you expect from It Takes Two? Let’s find out.

Fire TV has held the crown as Amazon’s best-selling device in the electronics product category for quite some time now. For this reason, it’s no surprise that the company continues to spend a reasonable amount of time refreshing its streaming media player lineup in a variety of ways. The latest redesign involves the primary input device for Fire TV, the Alexa Voice Remote. This release is the result of three iterations, and it attempts to simplify finding what you should watch next. Continue reading to learn more.

Heading into the spring season, the LEGO Group has certainly been busy readying a collection of buildable helmets and busts of iconic Star Wars or Marvel characters, and now you can include DC superheroes as well. Entering with 410 pieces, the upcoming LEGO Batman Cowl debuts with a unique twist on the brick-built character lineup. Head below for a closer look and all of the details.

Are you looking for some stylish wreaths to decorate with? Elevate your front door, mantel, and more with a beautiful spring wreath. If you didn’t know, Amazon has hundreds of great options to pick from this spring. Plus, all of our top picks are available with Prime delivery, which means you will receive your wreath within two days. All of our top picks from Amazon are all under $100 and look very high-end, in my opinion. Plus, they all feature faux materials, which is awesome for using them for years to come. So be sure to head below the jump to score all of our favorites from Amazon.

Today, Anker is launching a pair of new Apple charging accessories headlined by a 2-in-1 PowerWave Sense stand geared towards streamlining your iPhone and Apple Watch setup. That’s alongside a new compact 20W USB-C wall adapter with folding plugs and a first look at the upcoming PowerWave Magnetic Pad Lite. Head below for a closer look at all of the new releases.

Back in January during CES 2021, we featured a concept Razer face mask, complete with RGB lighting, N95 filtration, and more. Simply known as Project Hazel at the time, it appeared as though it was going to remain in the concept phase indefinitely — until now. Once just an interesting idea, the high-tech Razer face mask now appears as though it will indeed go into production and up for sale thereafter. Head below for more details on Project Hazel, “the world’s smartest mask.”

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:

• Anker’s latest sale ends the week with up to 33% off ANC earbuds, Lightning cables, more from $9
• Pair your Apple Watch with this braided solo loop band for $13 (Save 35%)
• Bose Headphones 700 fall to $238 (Save 40%) in new cert. refurb eBay sale, more

After showing off its latest collectible Star Wars creations earlier in the week, the LEGO Group is back with a first look at its upcoming May the 4th UCS-style set. Bringing one of the most well-known droids in all of science fiction to your collection, we’ve gotten a first look at the new LEGO R2-D2 kit slated to arrive later this spring. Head below for everything we know so far.

SIGMA, an industry leader in photography equipment, just launched the newest member of its fp series of cameras. Part of the “world’s smallest and lightest full-frame digital single-lens mirrorless cameras,” the all-new SIGMA fp L delivers a 61 megapixel sensor that is perfect for both still and video work. What does this unique camera bring to the table? Let’s take a look.

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.

Lately, we’ve been taking a look at some higher-end earbuds that look to go head-to-head with AirPods, but today, we’re moving onto the more budget-friendly end of the true wireless spectrum. The recently-released Tribit FlyBuds C1 enter with a more than impressive list of on-paper specs for the $70 price tag, but are they actually worth the cash? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys dives in to take the earbuds and their 50-hour battery life for a spin.

Smith & Wesson isn’t the only knife manufacturer with new releases landing ahead of peak camping season. A new Old Timer Trail Boss lineup is now up for pre-order at Amazon. It’s available in several variants, with both folding and fixed-blade designs. Each unit is intentionally made with outdoor activities in mind but will unquestionably come in handy when opening packages, knocking out projects around the house, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

Razer is out today with the latest gaming accessory geared towards PC users in the form of a new wired headset. Entering with 7.1-channel surround sound, 40mm drivers, and the brand’s signature Chroma RGB lighting, the new Razer Kraken V3 X delivers a stacked feature set alongside a compelling price tag. Head below for all of the details.

Last year we featured those adorable TUBBZ gaming collectibles, and we are now seeing the Sonic The Hedgehog range up for pre-order, alongside some others. The Numskull TUBBZ gaming collectibles are essentially miniature rubber duckies cosplaying as your favorite gaming characters, not unlike the popular Funko POP! vinyl collectibles, just in duck form. Head below for a closer look at the Sonic The Hedgehog TUBBZ, and to lock-in your pre-order. 

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:

• AirPods Pro fall to $160 in Woot refurb sale (Orig. $249), more from $100
• Apple’s latest iPad Air delivers Touch ID, Pencil support, more at $70 off
• All of Apple’s official MagSafe chargers and iPhone 12 cases are now 30% off or more

NZXT is no stranger here at 9to5Toys, and when they reached out with an opportunity to check out their first-ever AMD motherboard, we were all for it. We’re also huge AMD fans around here, though Intel is absolutely great in its own right. The NZXT N7 B550 is the company’s first motherboard based on an AMD platform, as they’ve previously only launched Intel-based boards. So, without further ado, let’s dive into what makes the NZXT N7 B550 a great choice for your next build.

Microsoft is announcing new Xbox wireless controllers today with upcoming Electric Volt and Daystrike Camo Special Edition models. After seeing new-generation carbon black, robot white, and shock blue models hit alongside Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft hit us with a Pulse Red model back in January (now available for purchase). But the collection is expanding today with a vibrant Volt colorway and camouflaged red variant. Head below for a closer look. 

Back in January, Microsoft announced that they would be raising the price of Xbox Live Gold. This received quite a bit of backlash, and Microsoft quickly reversed the change, as well as announced that they would no longer require Xbox Live Gold to enjoy free-to-play multiplayer titles. Well, it’s finally time for that to start being integrated, and Microsoft is beginning with its Alpha Skip Ahead release cycle. While this is a private release (invite-only), it’s at least progress toward it being integrated into the public release.