Another month, another update to the Game Pass library. Last month, we saw the usual inclusions with the addition of Outriders on day one. And now that we’re into April, it’s time to see which titles are launching this month on Xbox Game Pass. Hint: GTA V is back.
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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 taking a look at the brand’s latest MacBook sleeve, we are now diving into the Bellroy Tech Kit. The latest entry in its gear accessory organizer lineup features the same antimicrobial tech found on the MacBook sleeve alongside providing a home for all of your chargers, cables, power banks, and more. In today’s Tested with 9to5Toys we are taking the Bellroy Tech kit for a hands-on spin to see if it’s worth the price of entry. All of the details are down below.
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Anyone who spent their quarantine racking up bells and decorating their island to perfection on Animal Crossing: New Horizons can tell you they’d rather be a beautiful island with my small animal friends than stuck in a global pandemic. But until VR technology can plug me into the Nintendo Matrix and set my soul free like a muppety San Junipero, we can all be excited about Build-A-Bear’s newest collection which dropped earlier today. The Nintendo collaboration features fan-favorite Isabelle sporting some chic island-couture, (and also Tom Nook is there too, I guess.) Head below to find out how you can score one of these adorable little stuffed animals.
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A nice click when typing delivers a satisfying and upgraded experience that can make all the difference for anyone who spends a lot of time at their desk. The latest variant to the HyperX Alloy Origins Core keyboard integrates blue switches to achieve “clicky key sounds” and better “operating action.” The new version sticks with the familiar HyperX formula that’s loved by thousands in the red switch edition. This means buyers will benefit from USB-C connectivity, dynamic RGB lighting effects, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.
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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.
Will there be an E3 2021? Or will it just get canceled like last year and devolve into a series of disparate digital events? These are the questions many gamers are starting to think about as we begin to move toward the summer. But as of right now, it appears there will indeed be an E3 2021 kicking off in June according to recent reports. After COVID-19 left gamers with an unorganized mess of gaming events and reveals last summer, the Entertainment Software Association has now officially announced a totally free digital event that, thus far, will see all of the major players participating. Head below for more details.
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Buy nowToday, Nomad is launching its latest premium Apple accessory, pairing your existing MagSafe charger with a unique stainless steel build for a deck-mounted iPhone 12 docking station. Fittingly named the Nomad MagSafe Mount, the new unveil aims to solve the inconvenience of having to manually remove the charger while still delivering all of the brand’s usual Apple-friendly and high-end stylings. Head below for all of the details.
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LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga was announced in 2019 at the Microsoft E3 press conference and showcased an open world design with an all-new combat and camera system. Well, the game was supposed to launch this spring but has since been delayed. TT Games, the publisher behind the launch, took to Twitter recently to outline that the title wouldn’t be ready in time for spring, and we’re unsure when it’ll launch. But we do have some new details, so let’s dive into what we know so far about LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.
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Today, we’re getting a first look at the most recent collaboration between the LEGO Group and adidas, bringing a new pair of shoes to the market. Arriving later in the week, the new LEGO adidas UltraBoosts merge both of the brand’s iconic stylings into a unique piece of streetwear complete with built-in LEGO studs and included bricks. Head below for all of the details on how to score these for yourself.
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Spring weather is upon us in full force and that means longer days, warmer nights, and spring fashion collections dropping left and right. Today, we’re taking a look at the S21 Supreme x Dr. Marten collaboration that is daring to ask: is there such a thing as too much zebra print? This small, hard-sole collection is headlined by the bold black and white colorway, but don’t worry, these kicks also come in classic black and a summer-ready, citrus pop. See below for more details.
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Order Now!If you’ve got your mind set on having an exciting Esports career, yet another piece of gear is here to help bolster your gaming performance. It’s the Cooler Master Connect Stand. This unit is made to keep your networking gear cool, thanks to an elevated design with an integrated fan. It aims to cool modems, routers, and more. The rectangular shape and overall size conforms to what’s typically seen across brands like TP-Link and Linksys, allowing it to accommodate a large number of units. Continue reading to learn more.
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Le Creuset dropped its spring collection that will have you cooking in color with bright hues and beautiful touches. The new collection has a color palette designed to mix and match with a variety of homes. From purple and orange to a new mint color, you will be sure to love all of the new items. Plus, Le Creuset is offering one of their spring cocottes free with any purchase of $200 or more as well as free delivery on orders of $99+. So be sure to head below the jump to find all of our top picks. You will want to check out our guide to the best spring wreaths from Amazon with prices starting at $30.
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Today, the LEGO Group is showcasing a collection of six upcoming golden Harry Potter minifigures. With this year being the 20th anniversary of the theme, there are six upcoming kits that pay homage to the two decades of brick-built moments from the Wizarding World. And to add even more to the celebration, there will be six limited-edition golden Harry Potter minifigures included in the upcoming LEGO kits. Head below for all of the details.
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Today we are taking a look at the latest Rode USB-C mic for Android smartphones and compatible Apple gear. The Rode VideoMic Me-C, initially unveiled as part of Rode’s larger Vlogger Kit range, is now being sold as a standalone product for Android users not interested in the entire bundle. It is also the first time the range of gear will directly support USB-C-equipped Android devices (as well as anything from Apple with that connection). Head below for a closer look at the now available Rode USB-C mic for Android.
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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.
Today we’re getting a first look at the latest expansion of the LEGO Collectible Minifigure Series with an entirely new property. Giving 12 classic Looney Tunes characters their brick-built debut, the upcoming collection features a range of all-new characters including Bugs Bunny, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, Porky Pig, and more. Head below for all of the details on the upcoming LEGO Looney Tunes minifigures.
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As more devices support wireless charging, we’re seeing more affordable multi-purpose charging stands become available. Aukey, which is already well established in the charging market, is out with a few new combo charging stands in the Aircore lineup. With a solo pad, a 2-in-1, and a 3-in-1 stand, Aukey has some great affordable new wireless charging options for those with multiple devices. Be sure to hit the video and see all the details below.
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ROCCAT is expanding its gaming PC peripheral lineup with the all-new Vulcan Pro Optical-Tactile RGB Gaming Keyboard. This new keyboard features the “ridiculously fast speed” of the company’s “groundbreaking Titan Optical Switch” technology. However, ROCCAT combined this technology with the brand’s “fan favorite Titan mechanical switch feeling” for those who like a tactile click when they type. Interested in what sets this keyboard apart from others on the market? Head below to find out more.
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Buy nowYou’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.
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Order Now!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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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Order Now!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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Order Now!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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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…
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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.
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Order Now!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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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