News

Cricut is well-known in the crafting world as a go-to brand for machines that can cut, draw, and score with ease. My wife even has the Maker, and it’s honestly a really cool tool. Well, one of the most recent introductions from the company is its Infusible Ink platform that allows you to permanently transfer patterns to items, like shirts, bags, and more. However, until now, mugs were left out, and you were forced to use standard vinyl for that, which removed some of the fun patterns that the company offers. In comes the Cricut Mug Press, which aims to solve that simple problem.

Razer’s new Anzu smart glasses look to give Amazon Echo Frames and others a run for their money. This is the company’s first attempt at smart glasses, but this doesn’t mean Razer Anzu isn’t packed with features. There are two styles and two sizes for each, providing shoppers with a total of four models to pick from. Each solution wields lenses with 35% blue light-filtering capabilities while also acting as 99% UVA/UVB protective polarized sunglasses. Touch controls are paired with open-ear audio to deliver a “one-of-a-kind wearable.” Continue reading to learn more.

Nomad is expanding its collection of Apple Watch straps with a new and utterly unique style. Entering with a minimalist design and the brand’s usual quality, the new Nomad Lunar Sport Strap stands out from the rest of its offerings, as well as Apple’s own collection of first-party bands. Now available for purchase, you can head below for a closer look and all of the details on the recent release.

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.

Apple’s official Lightning cables have received a lot of flack over the years for how poorly they hold up to prolonged wear and tear, making third-party MFi offerings a go-to for many. Anker has time and time again rose through the ranks to deliver some of our favorite options out there, and the brand’s new Powerline III Flow cords continue that, but arrive with a new soft touch design and USB-C connectivity. Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys answers whether these unique cords deserve a spot in your charging setup or everyday carry.

After detailing the new Mario crossover content as part of its massive 2021 Direct presentation, Nintendo has now released the March Animal Crossing update details. Today’s New Horizons video showcases the influx of new content the game will be receiving throughout the month. Alongside the new Mario gear, in celebration of springtime and Shamrock Day, there will be new creatures to collect, items to craft, and more. 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:

• Best Buy discounts Beats Solo Pro, iPhone 12, much more in latest 3-day sale
• Score three Nike-style sport Apple Watch bands for just $8.50 (Save 35%)
• adidas takes extra 30% off sale styles including popular shoes from just $15

There’s no doubt that the Oculus Quest 2 has been turning a lot of heads. The performance for the price point is taking VR to the next level and making it easier than ever to get started in VR with a high-quality headset. And we’re now starting to see some cool accessories becoming available as well, like the Anker Charging Dock for Oculus Quest 2. With specific battery covers for the controllers and a magnetic connection for the headset, the Anker Quest 2 dock is perfect for displaying and keeping the Quest 2 batteries topped off. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Elgato, a fan favorite for streaming gear, just launched a new LED light strip. While you might think this is a bit outside of the company’s normal portfolio of gear, adding LED lighting to your streaming setup is becoming very common as a way to add depth to your stream. The company already makes the Key Light and Key Light Air, so expanding their portfolio with the Light Strip is only natural. What all can the Elgato Light Strip do? Keep reading to find out.

If you’re entrenched in the Alexa ecosystem, there’s now yet another way for you to tap into compatible smart devices. An Xbox Alexa app update is up for grabs, and it turns your console and television into a large smart display. Not only is it compatible with the latest Xbox consoles, but also last generation’s Xbox One. Microsoft’s console has been had its own Alexa skill for quite some time now, but a dedicated app is arguably a significant upgrade. Once enabled, the new Alexa features will let you see who’s at the door, check the weather, and the list goes on. 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:

• Woot’s huge 1-day Apple Watch and iPhone sale starts at $120 (Cert. Refurb)
• Apple’s latest iPad Air delivers Touch ID, Pencil support, more at $69 off
• Score rare discounts on Philips Hue Bluetooth lightstrips, outdoor floodlights, more from $42

Satechi is expanding its stable of aluminum Apple accessories today with a new entry into its collection of USB-C hubs. The latest model packs much of the signature Satechi design and quality we’ve come to expect from the brand, but delivers one of its most versatile selections of I/O to date. Head below for a closer look at the new Satechi Multiport Adapter and all of the details on locking in a launch discount.

Reports suggest the next Nintendo Switch, or what could be considered the long-rumored Nintendo Switch Pro, is in the works. New information for Bloomberg’s sources are pointing at a new model Nintendo Switch console with a larger OLED display, and you guessed it, a 4K output. It could be set for release as early as this year and ready for the 2021 holiday season. More details below. 

Update: The new 1,265-piece Winnie the Pooh set is now available for purchase for LEGO VIP Members.

Today, The LEGO Group is unveiling the latest addition to its collection of fan-inspired creations. Entering as yet another beloved children’s series, the new LEGO Ideas Winnie the Pooh set brings all of the characters into brick-built form with five all-new minifigures, over 1,200 pieces, and all of the charm you’d expect from the Hundred Acre Wood. Head below for a closer look at the model and all of the details on when you’ll be able to assemble it for yourself.

Today, Marshall is unveiling the latest addition to its collection of retro-themed audio products. Marking the first time the brand is getting into the true wireless earbud space, the new Marshall Mode II arrive with all of the usual vinyl-wrapped stylings you’d expect, but also with transparency mode, a compact design, and up to 25-hour playback per charge. Head below for all of the details on the new unveils as we take a hands-on look at the latest that Marshall has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you play video games on a PC or Xbox, Microsoft has several new games slated to hit Xbox Game Pass this month. The March Xbox Game Pass additions are heavily comprised of sports-related titles like NBA 2K21 and Football Manager 2021, but you’ll also find Star Wars: Squadrons. Subscribers will also stand to benefit from some DLC discounts. Some content is limited to console or PC, which is unsurprising, given the fact that EA Play is still missing from Xbox Game Pass for PC. Continue reading to learn more.

Mattel is launching a series of new UNO products in celebration of its 50th anniversary, some of which are now available for purchase. The UNO Iconic series includes five individual decks, starting with the “groovy 1970s,” that feature nostalgic designs and represent each decade the popular family card game has been around. While the UNO 50th Anniversary Premium Card Set features deluxe-box packaging, it also includes some new gameplay tweaks to the classic rules. Head below for a closer look. 

Today, Twelve South is debuting the latest addition to its stable of Apple accessories with a versatile new iPad mount. Arriving with a unique design, the Twelve South HoverBar Duo features a premium build and highly-adjustable form-factor. Alongside being able to rest on your desk to turn your iPad into a secondary display, the mount also can attach to cabinets in the kitchen and more with a bundled clamp. Head below for all of the details.

AMD just announced its latest graphics card, the RX 6700 XT. Expanding upon its Radeon RX 6000-series, this GPU sits firmly in the 1440p gaming range, while the initial trio was geared toward higher-fidelity with 4K in mind. Featuring 12GB of GDDR6 memory, 40 “powerful enhanced” Computer Units, and standardized power connections, this could be the graphics card for the masses…if AMD can keep up with production.

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:

• Google Pixel deals from $70, today only: Pixel 3/XL $130, more (Refurb)
• PowerPort Atom III Slim Charger falls to $39 in latest Anker sale, more from $15
• Apple’s Leather MagSafe iPhone 12 Sleeves fall to now lows from $115, more from $34

In their quest for total smart-home tech disruption, Wyze has once again delivered a quality product at an incredible price. The latest, the Wyze Bulb Color, comes in a four-pack with the pre-order price of $34 plus shipping and features a 91 CRI, voice control, and 1,100-lumen brightness. Following our announcement coverage, we were able to go hands-on with some in-use thoughts on these affordable RGB lights. Be sure to hit the video below and see all the details. 

The Sims 4 is the latest in lifestyle simulation from EA and is a way that we can all live out our dreams without leaving the comfort of our own homes. While the base game goes for $40 (though you can pick it up fairly low-cost quite often), expansions range anywhere from $10 to $40 by themselves. Well, that is, until now. EA just announced Sims 4 Kits, which is an expansion option that comes alongside Stuff, Game, and Expansion packs. Kits are the lowest-cost way to expand your Sims 4 game, costing just $5 each. For the first installment of Kits, EA is offering Throwback Fit, Country Kitchen, and Bust the Dust expansions here. What all do each of these entail? Keep reading to find out.

If previous NERF blasters felt a little too childish for you in the past, it may be time to have another look. An all-new NERF HYPER line has been unveiled and these blasters can pack a punch. There are three new units, each of which “fires rounds at extreme speed [of] up to 110 feet per second.” All of the new blasters are made with “high-energy, competitive action,” which is probably why the new NERF lineup will be sold alongside a collection of protective masks. Continue reading to learn more.

A new Aliens game has been officially unveiled today. After a slew of acquisitions and years of development work, Cold Iron Studios has finally unveiled its new Aliens game. Set in the famous Sir Ridley Scott film universe, Cold Iron is working directly with 20th Century Studios to self-publish the new Aliens game known as Fireteam. Head below for more details and the debut trailer for the upcoming squad-based survival shooter experience. 

Today, Anker is growing its stable of USB-C hubs with a new offering geared solely towards Apple’s MacBook lineup. Entering as the latest model in the PowerExpand family, the new 9-in-2 USB-C hub arrives with a bevy of ports ranging from USB-A slots for connecting legacy devices to 4K HDMI, USB-C PD, and more. Head below for a closer look at the new Anker PowerExpand USB-C Hub and all of the details on scoring a launch discount.

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 latest 10.2-inch iPad falls to Amazon low from $299
• Save up to $100 on Apple’s M1 MacBook Pro from $1,200
• Save on just about all of Apple’s official iPhone 11/Pro/Max cases from $15

Sony dropped the release details for its world-class MLB The Show 21 baseball simulator last month, and we now know R.B.I. Baseball 21 will release one month before that. The once arcade-focused baseball game is coming with a slew of new enhancements that, while retaining that fast-paced simplicity of yesteryear, offer up an even more realistic and engaging experience than ever before. While it won’t give MLB The Show 21 a run for its money among the hardcore crowd, R.B.I. Baseball 21 is arriving for the rest of us in under two weeks’ time. More details below. 

Today, Crucial, a well-known brand in the computer storage and component industry, is launching a brand-new portable solid-state drive lineup. The Crucial X6 series of portable SSDs offer storage ranging from 500GB to 4TB with incredible prices, given what they offer. Compatible with both macOS and Windows, these portable SSDs feature up to up to 800MB/s transfer speeds, 6.5-foot drop protection, and ship with a 3-year limited warranty. What all can these drives handle and how much will they cost? Keep reading to learn more.

On top of next-day shipping, Walmart offers an Express Delivery service that can get something to your door in a matter of two hours or less. Until now, you had to place a $35 minimum order to take advantage of the service, which would be on top of your standard $8 to $10 charge, making the total delivery fee up to $20 for some shoppers. Well, the retailer has listened to consumers and decided to waive the minimum order requirement, only charging the Express Delivery fee this time around. Interested in finding out what all this change includes? Keep reading to find out more.

After collaborating with The Pokémon Company in December, today JINS is unveiling its latest collection of eyewear in partnership with Evangelion. Just in time for the release of the series’ latest theatrical film, there are three new styles of Evangelion glasses on the way from JINS, bringing some streetwear-inspired designs to the popular sci-fi series. Head below for a closer 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.

Today we are taking a hands-on look at the new felt AirPods case from Oakywood. Officially unveiled earlier this month, just after the brand’s MagSafe wooden cases hit, the new Oakywood felt AirPods cases feature merino wool exteriors with a handy keychain clip and a nice snap closure. We recently got a chance to put the Felt AirPods Case to the test over the last couple weeks and are now ready to feature it in our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review. Head below for a closer look. 

With no shortage of projectors on the market, it has become increasingly more important for manufacturers to deliver new features or lower price points. The latest ViewSonic portable projector performs well in both categories. One standout is USB-C connectivity, which paves the way for a direct connection with Nintendo Switch, MacBooks, and more. While nice, USB-C is not the headlining feature. This is reserved for “instant auto focus,” a feature that is said to deliver “impeccable optical precision” alongside an “effortless setup” process. Continue reading to learn more.

The latest fitness-focused wearable is launching today, but not from a company you’d expect. Gatorade is now stepping outside of its lead in the sports drink market to unveil its new Gx Sweat Patch. This single-use wearable sticks to your arm to analyze sweat from your workouts or training sessions. 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:

• AirPods Pro deliver ANC, Hey Siri, more on sale for $190, today only
• Google Pixel 4a 5G falls to new Amazon all-time low at $449
• Apple’s latest iPad Air delivers Touch ID, Pencil support, more at $50 off

Elden Ring is the next FromSoftware game, although it has been entirely quiet after the development team went dark after the teaser trailer that was shown at Microsoft’s E3 2019 showcase. Anticipation is high to say the least for the upcoming collaboration between the Dark Souls/Bloodborne visionary, Hidetaka Miyazaki, and Game of Thrones/A Song of Fire and Ice creator, George R.R. Martin. But after leaving gamers with nothing but a dream since 2019, and questions of whether or not the project was still in development, it now appears a new trailer has leaked online giving a very first look at Elden Ring gameplay, and more. Head below for additional details. 

March has arrived and so has a collection of all-new LEGO kits. With over 30 builds spanning everything from Star Wars and Disney to Technic, Creator, BrickHeadz, and more, there are plenty of new sets now available for purchase. Head below for the full scoop on all of the new LEGO sets available in March 2021 so far as well as our top picks from the batch.

Ghost Recon Breakpoint is Ubisoft’s latest installment in the Ghost Recon franchise. I am a huge fan of Wildlands, the predecessor of Breakpoint. While I only have a few hours in the latest game, it’s one on my list that I’m planning on playing this summer, so today’s news of further updates was very welcomed. What all is coming in 2021 for Ghost Recon Breakpoint? Keep reading to find out.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a future-proof hub, Anker may have just delivered. A new Anker Thunderbolt 4 hub has emerged, and it does what many solutions that preceded it could not: turn one port into several. It doesn’t stop there – a DC power cable provides enough juice to charge MacBooks at 85-watts via an upstream Thunderbolt 4 input. Three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports provide a maximum 15 watts of power and can “transfer a 20GB file in just over 10 seconds.” And for those one-off situations when you need USB-A, a 3.1 Gen 2 port is also made available. Continue reading to learn more.

After getting a first look at the upcoming LEGO Ideas Sonic the Hedgehog and Starry Night kits earlier in the month, we’re now turning our attention to all of the fan-made builds that are still vying for official set status. Highlights for this month include a village post office, brick-built astronaut, and motorized Spot robot. Head below for a look at all of February’s best LEGO Ideas.

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:

• Save up to $679 on Apple iPad Pro models in cert. refurb condition, today only
• Nomad’s Lightning Carbon Carabiner sees exclusive 50% discount to $17.50
• Anker ends the week with deals on ANC headphones, Qi chargers, more from $15

We are in for a special Pokémon presentation today in celebration of the franchise’s 25th anniversary. We have already seen some notable releases to mark the occasion including life-size Poké Balls, classic reprints from TGC, and even some crossovers with Casio, but it sounds like we are in for some game announcements today. The presentation is set to kick off at 10 a.m. today, and we will have the live stream and updates waiting for you below. 

PUBG: New State is the latest battle royale title in the popular franchise. It’s built by PUBG Studio, the company behind PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS, and will launch as a free-to-play title on both Android and iOS sometime this year. Optimized for mobile play, PUBG: New State delivers the “full battle royale experience” on your smartphone or tablet. What sets this apart from the standard PUBG? Well, keep reading to find out what makes PUBG: New State special.

Magnets have a way of making products easier to use and often kick clutter to the curb. Apple has been implementing them into its products for many years now, and the company arguably began to pick up the pace ever since the magnetic Smart Cover for iPad 2 was unveiled. Fast forward to today, and each and every one of its iPhone 12 devices now comes with MagSafe. This has paved the way for wallet cases, battery packs, first- and third-party chargers, alongside many other exciting products. ESR’s new HaloLock MagSafe Kickstand Wireless Charger arrived today, and it aims to simplify FaceTime calls, gaming, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

After seeing the likes of Anker and several other brands get in on the magnetic wireless charger action in the time since the iPhone 11 launched, Aukey is now stepping up with its own offering. Undercutting the competition in price, the latest addition to the Aukey charging roster delivers MagSafe compatibility alongside a sleek design. 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:

• iPhone 11/Pro/Max fall to new lows from $510, today only (Cert. Refurb)
• Save up to $100 on Apple’s M1 MacBook Pro from $1,219
• Strap this stylish stainless steel link band onto your Apple Watch for just $13 (Save 37%)

OK, folks, this is it. Sony’s next State of Play showcase event is set for today with new PlayStation games and deep dives into some titles we already know about. Today’s presentation marks the first State of Play for 2021 and is expected to feature 30 straight minutes of games. After seeing an impressive Nintendo Direct last week, it’s now Sony’s turn to give us an idea about what to expect on PlayStation over the next year or so. New PlayStation games, updates on third-party titles, and more will be included and the whole thing kicks off at 5 p.m ET. Head below for more details. 

Lately, the trend in gaming mice has been how lightweight can you make them. With crazy-light offerings from Razer, Glorious, and Logitech, there are plenty to choose from. But, despite the light weight, they can get pricey. If you’re looking for a high-performing mouse on a budget, then the new Katar Pro XT from Corsair might tick the right boxes. Coming in at just $29.99, this updated mouse comes in at a reasonable 73g and feels great in the hand. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all the details. 

Star Wars Republic Commando was originally released back in 2005, some 16 years ago at this point. While Microsoft made it backward compatible with Xbox One, and in turn Series S|X back in 2018, PlayStation and Nintendo gamers haven’t been able to play this iconic piece of gaming history in over a decade…until now. Aspyr Media is officially bringing back Star Wars Republic Commando with a launch on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch on April 6. It’s been quite a while since we took a look at this game, so let’s dive into what all Star Wars Republic Commando entails.