News

No Man’s Sky can be a pretty lonely game. I mean, when it first launched, you couldn’t even play with other Travelers unless you happened to stumble upon someone randomly…which wasn’t likely. While we now have a fully-fledged multiplayer experience, it’s not always possible to play with friends. Well, the team at Hello Games decided to do something about that and finally delivered on something the community has asked for almost since the game starter: companions. In the latest No Man’s Sky update, you’ll be able to tame and adopt creatures that you find roaming the universe and bond them to your Traveler, allowing them to be summoned anywhere you are.

From soundbars to massive surround sound systems, there are plenty of different ways to outfit a space for watching the latest movies with the latest in sound design. While they may take up more space, full-range towers like the Definitive Technology BP9060 are one of my favorite ways to both watch movies and listen to music. Don’t be fooled by the simple, elegant design, though. Under that sleek black fabric are eight drivers ranging from a 1-inch aluminum tweeter to a 10-inch powered sub with dual 10-inch bass radiators. And, the BP9060 can be expanded to wear a Dolby ATMOS module on top for an even more dynamic movie experience. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all the details of these tech-filled towers. 

Well, this is it, the latest Nintendo Direct presentation is here. After well over a year since the last full-length Nintendo Direct showcase, outside of those focused on indie games, single titles, and other Nintendo projects, the wait is finally over. Today’s lengthy 50-minute showcase was officially announced yesterday, seemingly out of nowhere, and it starts right now. Watch for yourself below or head back here shortly for up-to-the-minute updates. 

Loads of new and innovative product ideas are out there but never make it to production. Kickstarter and Indiegogo have attempted to create an easier path, but a lot more goes into the development of a product than simply finding backers. Today, Amazon Build It was unveiled, a new program that aims to motivate employees to come up with the next big thing. Enough Amazon shoppers will need to back a Day 1 edition product in order for it to be manufactured. Three new Alexa-enabled products were unveiled today. Continue reading to find out precisely what they do.

Today, we’re getting a look at the latest additions to the LEGO BrickHeadz collection with an expansion of the Pets line. Having debuted at the beginning of the year, the lineup of brick-built critters is now growing with two upcoming kits. Builders will soon be able to assemble a pair of goldfish as well two birds in the blocky style. Head below for all of the details on the new LEGO Goldfish and Birds BrickHeadz to see when you’ll be able to adopt these new creations.

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 iPad Pro Magic Keyboards are now up to 33% off from $199
• Fossil Stock-Up Event offers extra 30% off all sale items + extra 40% off 2 styles
• Upgrade to Apple’s latest iPad Pro models from $749 (Save up to $100)

Originally announced in 2018, Amazon’s New World is a unique title from the game that was supposed to launch in August of last year. Well, in July, the company announced that it would be delayed until spring 2021. Well, with spring around the corner, Amazon announced today that New World would be delayed again…until August 31, 2021. It’s not all bad news though, this time we have a set date for when the closed beta will begin, and some developmental updates as well.

If you get your gaming fix on Xbox or PC, Microsoft has a brand-new headset for you. An all-new Xbox Wireless Headset with a sleek design is now available for pre-order. Microsoft touts this offering as having “best-in-class audio and chat performance,” features that can prove to be a big deal for every gamer. Wearers will benefit from industry-leading spatial sound technologies like Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone: X. Another great feature is that the microphone can detect when a player is not talking and automatically mute itself to keep background noise to a minimum. Continue reading to learn more.

After first teasing the theme back in January, LEGO is back today to fully showcase its upcoming iPhone-enabled VIDIYO kits. As the latest attempt to merge physical bricks with an in-app experience, the new LEGO VIDIYO collection arrives with six core sets that enter at affordable price tags compared to previous toys-to-life lineups. Head below for all of the details on the new augmented reality theme and how LEGO plans to let builders create their own music videos with the help of VIDIYO.

Are you ready to hit your 2021 goals? Under Armour just launched its new spring arrivals with hundreds of items to boost your warm-weather workouts. This spring collection features running shoes, apparel, accessories, and more that are very on-trend and highly functional as well. Under Armour also stated that “we just added hundreds of new styles, all built to help you hustle harder than ever.” Plus, Under Armour offers free delivery on orders of $60 or more. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks from Under Armour and you will want to check out the New Balance and David Sunflowers collaboration.

Wyze, our favorite budget-focused smart home company, is out with a new product today: Wyze Bulb Color. The company is known for its low-cost smart home gear, including a security system, Watch, outdoor plug, camera, and even its original Wyze Bulb. Well, they’re expanding their footprint with a color version of its popular light bulb, and Wyze has a few tricks up its sleeve.

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 now up to $69 off at Amazon
• Save up to 45% on Speck iPhone 12 cases starting at $20
• HP’s latest 14-inch Chromebooks fall to as low as $211 at Amazon (Save up to $50)

The next Nintendo Direct presentation has been announced, and it’s going to be a big one. It has been quite a long time since we have seen a full-on Nintendo Direct — it has been mostly Direct Minis, indie titles, and other Nintendo projects for over a year — but Nintendo has now scheduled a lengthy 50-minute presentation for tomorrow. Seemingly out of nowhere, the official Nintendo Twitter page, and subsequently the official Nintendo Direct site, now feature updates for what could be the most exciting Switch presentation in quite a long time. Head below for more details on what to expect and when to tune in. 

The Room is a title almost as old as mobile gaming itself. Well, the latest installment is finally available on PC after being on mobile since 2018. While the gameplay might be similar to your smartphone or tablet, the graphics won’t be as Fireproof Games completely overhauled all of the in-game textures and lighting objects for a “considerable visual upgrade” from what its mobile version could offer. What else does The Room 4: Old Sins bring to the series? And is it worth picking up on desktop? Let’s find out.

If you’re like me, you love when video games feature a built-in co-op mode. It allows players to work together instead of competing against each other, something that can cause non-gamers to dip their toe into the world of video games. Overcooked! All You Can Eat aims to ace this with flying colors. The latest Overcooked update will merge both the original and second game into one while managing to add a plethora of new features. Standout examples include new kitchens, chefs, online multiplayer for all kitchens, and the promise of cross-play. Continue reading to learn more.

After launching the most recent addition to its video doorbell lineup at the most affordable price point yet, Ring is back to give us a glimpse of its new flagship model that’s on the way. The upcoming Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 looks to be a notable upgrade over the existing model at the price point, with the second-generation version delivering higher-quality video, 3D motion detection, and more. Head below for a closer look.

Free Metro Exodus upgrades are on the way for next-generation consoles, but we now have details on the complete upgrade the 4A Engine is getting to support them. Metro Exodus — a somewhat under-appreciated first person shooter with elements of survivalism, stealth, and post-apocalyptic crafting — is getting some serious visual upgrades on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X consoles along with the freshly-announced Metro Exodus PC Enhanced Edition. A game that was already oozing with atmosphere and even visual story-telling to some degree, 4A games is completely overhauling its game engine to realize “a fully Ray Traced experience on next-gen. consoles and high-end PC.” 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.

Top deals:

• Anker’s latest sale discounts HomeKit cameras, projectors, more from $10
• iPhone XR falls to $330 in certified refurbished condition
• Blink’s All-New smart camera lineup goes on sale from $28 (Save up to 30%)

The Division 2 released back in 2019 and was supposed to receive updates through 2020, and then after that, be done. Well, the community asked for post-launch content so much, it seems, that Ubisoft has decided to not only release new content in 2021 for the game but also going into 2022, according to the company’s earnings call.

We’ve covered the Glorious Model O Wireless before, but I feel that a follow-up review is in order. Typically, I have used ergonomic gaming mice in the past, like the wildly popular Deathadder lineup. But, after reviewing the Model O Wireless, I tried to go back to my old mainstay and it just didn’t feel right anymore. Two months later and I’m still using the Glorious Model O Wireless as my daily driver for editing and gaming. And at just $80, I’m even more impressed by what it offers for that price. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

Split-screen Stardew Valley co-op has arrived on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles as a part of a massive version 1.5 update. Until now, each player would need to have their own console in order to enjoy the game together. While this is already a big update in and of itself, ConcernedApe hasn’t stopped there. In addition to split-screen Stardew Valley co-op, players will also gain access to an entirely new region called Ginger Island. You’ll also find new NPCs, dialogue, events, minigames, and much more in this update. Continue reading to learn more.

Ubiquiti’s UniFi ecosystem has been growing significantly as of late with the introduction of Wi-Fi 6 access points and other new gear. But its most recent release arrives in the form of its most affordable Protect camera yet. Entering at just $29, today we’re taking a closer look at the all-new G3 Instant to see how it stacks up to the greater Ubiquiti lineup, as well as your average smart camera. Head below for all of the details on the UniFi Protect G3 camera.

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 President’s Day sale discounts HomePod mini bundles, 4K OLED TVs, more
• Satechi President’s Day sale takes 20% off MagSafe stands, chargers, more
• Apple M1 MacBook Pro sees $100 discount down to all-time low

DBrand’s new PlayStation 5 face plates are now up for sale. Designed to offer gamers an alternative to Sony’s techno-looking white exterior PS5 wings, the new Darkplates are basically precisely cut slabs of plastic created to replace the stark white stock shell. For how long Sony allows this to be the case is unknown — it previously took legal action against a company known as PlateStation that was selling a very similar product. Head below for more details. 

Kingdom Hearts has long been a fan-favorite of console players and is one of the few large titles that has never had a PC release…until now. The Kingdom Hearts series will become available on PC for the first time ever in 2021, being released on the epic Epic Games Store on March 30. What all is included with this release? Well, keep reading to find out more.

It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I finally began to try out the PlayStation ecosystem. I grew up on NES and SNES consoles, and arguably Super Mario All-Stars was one of my favorite cartridges. Naturally, I was roped in by Ratchet & Clank on PlayStation 2, as it was a lighthearted game much like Mario. Fast-forward to today, and Sony has now released three updated consoles since PlayStation 2. Several new Ratchet & Clank games have also debuted since then, and Rift Apart will be the next. Today, Sony has opened pre-orders for the game and has also unveiled a release date. Continue reading to learn more.

Today, Arcade1Up is debuting the latest addition into its collection of retro gaming thanks to a unique collaboration with Steve Aoki. This limited-edition cabinet debuts as not only the first time we’re seeing Street Fighter II in the Countercade lineup, but also the first Arcade1Up release in the bar top cabinets with two pairs of built-in controls. Head below for a closer look at the new release.

Alongside many of the other updates and new releases in the Ring lineup we’ve seen over the past month, the brand is now introducing a new feature that lets its popular Video Doorbells answer the door for you. With customized responses to help package deliveries go off without a hitch and the ability for Alexa to step in to help visitors, the new Ring Smart Responses are now beginning to roll out. Head below for all of the 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.

Top deals:

• Nearly all of Apple’s official iPhone 11/Pro/Max cases are on sale from $16
• Google Pixel 3a XL falls to one of its best prices yet at $239
• Apple’s latest iPad Air falls to Amazon all-time low at $540 (Save $59)

While the folks at CD Projekt Red might be busy with ransom demands for its stolen source code right now, a new Witcher game is on the way. Well, a board game to be exact. Made in conjunction with publisher Go on Board, CDPR is ready to bring its Witcher world of magic and monster slaying to board game night, once again. Head below for more details and The Witcher: Old World game announcement trailer.

Just over a year ago, we took a look at the pre-production version of the Drop Panda Bluetooth wireless headphones. Packed with high-end features like planar magnetic drivers and a THX AAA amplifier catered to audiophiles, they sound great and also feature a discrete design for use on go. Recently, we were sent a final production pair with the boom mic attachment that can enable the Panda to be used as a gaming headset. Be sure to hit the video below to hear how it sounds. 

EVGA just announced a selection of new gaming mice and keyboards that offer some unique features. Starting off with the mice, we’re now seeing the “world’s first” triple sensor array that delivers unique 3-dimension technology, thanks to the dual LOD sensors and a Pixart 3335 optical lens. On top of that, you’ll find a 0.125ms response and several other great features. For keyboards, you’ll find interesting features like dedicated macro keys, a 4KHz polling rate, and more. Want to find out everything EVGA’s latest mice and keyboards offer? Keep reading to find out.

Every major console out there has an online subscription of some kind. Microsoft has Xbox Live Gold, for Sony it is PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo’s take is called Switch Online. Each puts their own spin on it, but a selection of bundled games is one of the perks found on every platform. Unlike Microsoft or Sony, Nintendo doesn’t offer recently released titles, but instead leans into the magic of nostalgia with an ever-growing list of NES and SNES games to pick from. February’s Nintendo Switch Online expansion will include one NES title alongside three SNES games. Continue reading to learn more.

Crate and Barrel recently collaborated with cookware brand Caraway on a limited-edition collarway pan set. Just in time for spring, this new 7-Piece Non-Stick Ceramic Cookware Set is available in an array of gorgeous hues to brighten up your kitchen space. The set is priced at $445 and has a retail value of over $595. Head below the jump to find even more details about the Crate and Barrel x Caraway cookware set.

Also, be sure to check out our latest guide to the adidas Valentine’s Day Collection here.

Today, Satechi is expanding its collection of Apple accessories with a new 2-in-1 charger. Sporting a reversible form-factor, the new USB-C accessory can serve double duty to refuel AirPods or an Apple Watch with the usual aluminum design you’d expect from Satechi. Head below for all of the details on the new Satechi Apple Watch and AirPods Charger.

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:

• Adorama discounts M1 MacBook Air 512GB to $1,190 and much more
• Samsung’s all-new Galaxy Buds Pro see very first discount to $170
• Apple’s new MagSafe Charger falls to its lowest price yet at $34

A series of new IKEA gaming furniture, accessories, and gear is set for release later this year in the US. Designed in collaboration with ASUS’ gaming arm, Republic of Gamers (ROG), the new product lineup consists of gaming chairs and desks as well as unique headphone holders, ring lights, a gaming-focused drawer unit, neck pillows, and much more. All in all, there are more than 30 products here, most of which with particularly affordable pricing, spread across six different product families. Head below for a closer look at the new IKEA gaming furniture and accessories. 

After launching last year on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is finally coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, as well as Nintendo Switch on March 12. That’s right, the latest Crash Bandicoot 4 is going to be optimized for next-generation consoles, as well as your favorite handheld gaming system in a month. What all does this mean, and what will it cost? Well, keep reading to find out.

After covering the launch of its new MagSafe covers and taking a hands-on look at its iPhone 12 case lineup, it’s time for Oakywood’s new felt AirPods cases. Today the brand is unveiling a pair of new covers for Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro models with wool construction and soft fiber lining in two different colorways and with handy metal clips. Head below for a closer look. 

Today, Twelve South is debuting a new way to keep cords in place at the desk and fight cable clutter with its new SurfaceSnap accessories. The leather accessories bring the usual premium build quality and design that we’ve come to expect from Twelve South to your desk or nightstand in order to assist with cable management woes. 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:

• Apple’s latest 10.2-inch iPad returns to some of the best prices yet from $299
• Apple Pencil 2 sees a rare discount to $104 (Reg. $129)
• Twelve South kicks off Valentine’s Day: PowerPic BOGO FREE, much more from $25

Today we are taking our first look at the new JLab Talk USB microphones. The brand is taking its expertise in the affordable audio gear space into the world of USB microphones with three new models known as Talk Go, Talk, and Talk Pro. Starting at $49, these new mics enter as a great choice for folks looking to up their recording quality from built-in solutions at an affordable rate. Head below for a closer look. 

If you’re using one of Apple’s latest computers, be it a M1-powered MacBook Pro or Air, 16-inch MacBook Pro, or even the Mac mini, then you know the struggle of not being able to use things like USB-A, SD, or 4K HDMI output natively (well, Mac mini can do some of this, but MacBooks can’t.) Moshi, a well-known player in the mobile accessory industry, recently launched its brand-new compact USB-C hub, the Symbus Mini. This hub features ample connectivity in a compact form-factor, ensuring that you’ll be able to use whatever I/O you need for work without having to lug around something big, bulky, and heavy.

Brightness is an area where televisions tend to win when pitted against projectors. This is thanks to an array of backlights or LEDs that can easily illuminate a display. Since projectors have to beam light several feet, the result is often a dimly-lit image that pales in comparison. That being said, remarkably-bright projectors have begun to show up lately, and one example includes NEC’s 5,000-lumen unit. An even more impressive Optoma laser projector has now been unveiled, and it takes things even further with a brightness of 7,000 lumens. Continue reading to learn more.

A lot of people have set goals to eat better in the new year. If you’re just starting or looking to try some new recipes, today we’re sharing the most anticipated cookbooks of 2021. Plus, most are either available now or on pre-order, so no need to worry once the release date hits or if it sells out quickly. So be sure to head below the jump to find all of our top cookbooks of 2021, and be sure to check out our latest guide to the best new perfume to gift for Valentine’s Day.

Today, Samsung is announcing all of the details on its 4K and 8K Neo QLED TV lineup that was originally teased at CES. The two upcoming series of home theater displays arrive with flagship specs to match their high-end price tags, including Mini-LED backlighting, up to 8K image quality, and personalized 3D audio support. Head below for a closer look at the upcoming TVs due out next month.

Owners of the PlayStation 4 version will be able to upgrade to Final Fantasy 14 on PS5 for FREE alongside an upcoming open beta. As announced during the recent showcase, Square Enix’s ongoing Final Fantasy 14 title is about to see some major new updates as well as a current-generation console upgrade just ahead of the next mainline expansion known as Endwalker. 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.

Top deals:

• Save up to $70 on Apple’s latest M1 Mac mini starting at $649
• Samsung’s all-new Galaxy S21/+/Ultra see very first discounts at up to $200 off
• Anker’s latest sale discounts HomeKit cameras, 3-in-1 Qi chargers, more from $16