News

While Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 have arguably stolen the show for gaming over the last few months, PC gamers have every reason to double down on their investment. This is because outside of storage, consoles cannot be upgraded. Internals will pale in comparison as PC gamers tend to always have something new to trick out their battlestation with. The latest example of this is Razer Naga X. This RGB-enabled mouse boasts 16 programmable buttons that far outpaces the capabilities often found with consoles. Continue reading to learn more.

There are a ton of diaper bags on the market that are stylish and functional. There are also options out there that are gender-neutral so that both mom and dad can carry it. That’s why, today, we are rounding up the top five options that are both fashionable and functional. We also found a few styles that are budget-friendly, as well. So be sure to head below the jump to find our top five picks in diaper bags. Also, you will want to check out our latest guide to Pottery Barn’s Valentine’s Day Guide too.

Today, the Raspberry Pi foundation is out with the latest addition to its collection of miniature computers. Entering as the smallest release yet to the Raspberry Pi family, the new model departs from models with a new microcontroller-class design. Entering to take on Arduino, Raspberry Pi Pico stands out with a compact form factor and affordable $4 price tag. Head below for a closer look. 

Hironobu Sakaguchi —  the guy who conceived the first design documents for Final Fantasy — has a new RPG on the way known as Fantasian. The game was initially announced years ago alongside Apple Arcade and was featured as part of Apple’s “Meet the Creators” campaign for the service. Now, after 3-years or so in development, it sounds like Fantasian is finally nearing development completion and has its sights set on 2021. Head below for a closer look at the game and the physical dioramas it is being made of. 

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:

• Beats Solo Pro Wireless Headphones drop to all-time low price at $150
• HomeKit highlights this $27 Meross Smart Table Lamp (Reg. $45)
• Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021 delivers image editing guidance for $60 ($40 off)

It’s been a particularly busy stretch for elago as the popular accessory-maker has been rolling out new add-ons for iPhone, AirPods, and more. Just yesterday we went hands-on with elago’s new MagSafe-compatible stands for the latest iPhones. Now today, we’re getting a new accessory for Apple TV. The elago T4 case turns Apple’s streaming media player into a Nintendo console, at least on the outside. This continues the brand’s long-running approach to turning Apple’s first-party devices into fun and often nostalgic visuals modeled after gaming consoles. Head below for full details on today’s announcement.

Alongside letting fans vote on which of its classic themes to bring back for the 90th anniversary next year, LEGO has showcased a new lineup of collectible coins. With five versions to collect, the series commensurates classic themes like Castle, Space, and more as unique pieces of memorabilia. Head below for a closer look and all of the details on scoring these limited-edition collectible LEGO coins for yourself.

With a sea of smart locks, it can be hard to feel confident when buying anything out there. Factors like price, connectivity, and security play a large role with these categories ranking higher on the totem pole than others. The latest eufy Smart Lock tries to adequately juggle features in order to deliver a well-balanced product. It can be unlocked using a passcode, fingerprint, and smartphone app. Unlike preceding Anker solutions, this offering boasts both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, propelling the range of direct connections to 650 feet. Continue reading to learn more.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Earlier this week, elago introduced a new line of MagSafe-compatible accessories, including various charging docks, cases, and more. Alongside that announcement, elago is also bringing two more iPhone standalone docks to market with MagSafe functionality, too. Today, we’re taking a look at the elago MS2 Charging Stand for MagSafe, which has a familiar HomePod mini kind of design that won’t take up too much space on your nightstand. Head below for a quick look and a few hands-on thoughts.

Moog — one of the premier synth brands since the mid 1960s — just announced the Model 15 Modular synth for Mac. The brand has now updated its “award-winning” Model 15 Modular Synthesizer App with a number of new features and compatibility with macOS Big Sur. Originally developed as an emulation of the iconic 1973 hardware and an educational tool for modular synthesis, the Model 15 is also a wonderful creation tool for music producers/sound designers, and is now available on the big screen, inside your favorite DAW, and is free to existing owners of the iOS version. More details below. 

The Pokémon Company kicked off its 25th anniversary celebration earlier in the month with some announcements of its own, as well as details on upcoming collaborations to expect. We’re now getting a look at one of its first partnerships of the year, as Casio has just unveiled the latest edition to its BABY-G collection. Decked out in a unique Pokémon-inspired colorway, the new Casio Pokémon G-SHOCK Watch arrives next month. 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:

• Take up to $100 off Apple’s M1-powered MacBook Pro, deals from $1,219
• Official Google Pixel 4 cases hit all-time lows in select colors from $16.50
• Save on various third-party Tesla Model 3 accessories from $18: USB Hub $25.50, more

If you’ve ever used a Rubik’s Cube, then the WOWCUBE likely sports a familiar design. It’s a “one-of-a-kind” device that allows you to interact with eight connected cubical modules by twisting, tapping, tilting, or shaking. While it’s not a Rubik’s Cube, WOWCUBE really has the potential to become a must for kids who want simple on-the-go entertainment. Launching Spring 2021 for $249, WOWCUBE has some interesting features that set it apart from other similar products, so let’s dive in and see what all it has to offer.

As mobile gaming becomes more popular, more companies are jumping on the opportunity to create controllers that turn your phone into a console-like experience. We took a look at the Razer Kishi for iPhone recently, but today we have another similar option from a company called Backbone. With all of the dedicated buttons you would find on a console controller and an app that integrates friends, video captures, and quick launch options, the Backbone One is a great way to up your mobile gaming experience. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Smart plugs remain the best way to explore all of the perks of having a connected home, as well as versatile options to expand existing setups. But with an over-abundance of options to choose from at Amazon, finding the most ideal model for your Siri, Alexa, or Assistant kit can be tedious at best. So now, we’re back again for 2021 to showcase the best smart plugs on the market and highlight our favorite entries in various categories. Head below for all of the details.

Update 1/20: Samsung has lowered official pricing and this article has been updated accordingly.

When it comes to solid-state storage, Samsung has a knack for building some of the best solutions out there. Back in September it unveiled an NVMe solution with 7,000MB/s performance, and a couple months before that the company took the wraps off a 2.5-inch offering with an 8TB capacity. Today the Samsung 870 EVO has been unwrapped and it boasts “up to 38% higher performance speeds.” Continue reading to learn more.

Pottery Barn’s Valentine’s Day Gift Shop is now live with an array of gift ideas for your loved ones. These gifts are made to be heartfelt and provide something extra sweet. You can find budget-friendly ideas with pricing starting at just $6, and it goes up to $870. Inside this gift guide you can find ideas for women, men, and the family. Head below the jump to find our top picks from Pottery Barn and be sure to check out our guide to Target’s Spring Refresh Threshold Collection with home items to refreshen your home from $7.

Wyze is starting 2021 off strong with the announcement of a new product in a different category than many of its other items: a handheld vacuum. No smarts are included here, but the company is boasting quite a few great features. You’ll find 30-minutes of cleaning time, with the ability to recharge via USB-C once you’re done. The 100,000 RPM brushless motor delivers 16,800 pascals/42.8AW of suction capacity, which is enough to lift…three 8-pound bowling balls? Yeah, you read that right. All of this and more will be available soon for just $59.99 with the Wyze Handheld Vacuum, so keep reading to find out more.

Update: The new LEGO Ideas Medieval Blacksmith set is now available for purchase for $149.99 direct from LEGO.

Today, LEGO is officially taking the wraps off of its latest fan-inspired Ideas creation. Marking the first of the theme we’ve seen in 2021, fans will soon be able to head back to the Middle Ages and assemble a nearly 1,000-piece Blacksmith building complete with Medieval minifigures and more. Head below for all of the details on the new LEGO Ideas Medieval Blacksmith set.

Oakywood is introducing its new wood MagSafe iPhone 12 cases today. We have seen our fair share of MagSafe iPhone 12 gear recently with the latest from Anker, Pad & Quill’s new leather options, and this morning’s elago iPhone and Apple Watch accessory launch, but for now we are turning our attention to the walnut and cherry wood options from Oakywood. Compatible with the full suite of Apple’s magnet-laden accessories, the new wood MagSafe iPhone 12 cases from Oakywood are now available for purchase. 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:

• Anker’s affordable cameras feature HomeKit support, more from $34
• Apple Watch Series 5 with Nike branding go on sale from $299
• elago leverages MagSafe on new line of affordable iPhone and Apple Watch accessories

In recent weeks we’ve seen Anker and a number of other retailers introduced new MagSafe-compatible accessories for Apple’s latest iPhones. Today, elago is bringing its fun touch to this category with its own batch of products that work in tandem with Apple’s MagSafe technology, featuring various designs, cases, and docks for your devices. We have full details on the entire lineup down below, including launch day discounts, and more.

It’s that time again, the time when we get a new season in Apex Legends. I didn’t partake much in Season 7, but Season 8 looks to be too good to miss out on. We’re getting a new Legend (Fuse), a new weapon (3030 Repeater), and a new map that’ll be all too familiar. What all does Apex Legends Season 8 have in store? Well, we got our first peek today, so head below to see what we know.

We’ve reviewed all but one of the new LEGO Star Wars 2021 sets so far, with only the most affordable remaining. Now for today, we’re taking a look at the latest addition to LEGO’s collection of Microfighters, with a refreshed version of the Millennium Falcon. As the latest version of the fastest ship in the Star Wars universe, how does this compact model stack up? Head below for all of the details on the LEGO Millennium Falcon Microfighter.

As technology marches on, it becomes clearer and clearer which pieces of hardware are slated to be up next on the chopping block. Now that Samsung Blade Bezel has been officially shown off, it’s obvious that bezels and visible cameras may be it. A minute-long video has been published by Samsung and it signals what could be a massive leap forward in the technology hardware department. Some of the first feature-related words to appear in its demonstration video include “invisible camera hole” and “93% screen-to-body ratio.” Continue reading to learn more.

Target’s refreshing your home decor with a new collection called “Spring Refresh” that’s debuting with Threshold and Studio McGee. If you’re not familiar with Studio McGee, it is a popular home design studio and has over 2.3 million followers on Instagram. Studio McGee also has a TV show called “Dream Home Makeover” on Netflix. The collection features over 300 items, including home decor, organizers, kitchenware, patio essentials, and much more. Plus, it’s budget-friendly with prices starting at $7 and going up to $900 for select furniture. Target also has free delivery on orders of $35 or more. Head below the jump to find our top picks from Target’s Spring Refresh Line, and be sure to check out our latest guide to Le Creuset’s Valentine’s Day Collection.

Even though we just landed in 2021, LEGO is already thinking ahead to next year, which will mark the company’s 90th anniversary. And to celebrate, LEGO is getting fans in on the action a bit early to decide on which of its classic themes will be brought back in 2022. With fan favorites like Classic Space, Bionicle, Rock Raiders, and Castle, 30 different themes are vying to be released once again down the line. Head below for all of the details and information on how to cast your vote.

There’s no denying how tough last year was, and it looks like there’s more of that to come still for many of us, but the 2020 Game is here to add a bit of levity. The online game folds some of last year’s biggest trends into a light-hearted and very much free side-scrolling experience you can enjoy on the browser — mobile or otherwise. Last year wasn’t a year many of us want to remember, so 2020 Game certainly isn’t for everyone, but for the rest of us, it is a creatively designed experience with some light-hearted humor that only takes around 10 minutes to complete, if you’re good at it anyway. More details below. 

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed.
New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

Top deals:

• Best Buy 4-day sale discounts MacBook Pro, smart home accessories, more
• Drop $122 from Apple’s latest 27-inch Retina 5K iMac
• New Anker sale at Amazon discounts iPhone, iPad, and Mac accessories from $15

While I enjoy exercising outdoors, Indiana winters aren’t the best for outdoor activities. And it will probably be a while until I’m comfortable going into a gym. Enter the exercise bike. While there are great connected options, those can be expensive, and there are more affordable options on Amazon if you aren’t ready to invest a ton into at-home fitness. With a familiar spin bike design, The Ancheer exercise bike is simple with some nice features for $500 and is often on sale for much less than that. Currently, there is a promotion on the co-branded FUNMILY version that brings the bike down to a very reasonable $280. Be sure to hit the video below and see all of the details.

Now that we’ve taken a look at two of the larger builds from the new LEGO Star Wars 2021 lineup, we’re shifting gears to go hands-on with one of the more affordable creations from a galaxy far, far away. Finally giving fans the long-awaited Beskar-clad Mandalorian figure, the LEGO Trouble on Tatooine set offers the most affordable way yet to bring Baby Yoda to your collection on top of other notable builds. Head below for all of the details. 

Love it or hate it, video calling has gained a lot of momentum over the last year. While in-person communication is slated to rebound later this year, there’s no question that many will continue to embrace remote work even after we’ve made our way through the COVID-19 pandemic. Logitech has already made this calculation, and that’s arguably why it’s launched a bunch of new video conferencing equipment today. Think of these offerings as business-grade Logitech webcam devices. Instead of trying to capture a single person, these 4K units are made with entire conference rooms in mind. Continue reading to learn more.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Anker’s PowerHouse batteries have long been a favorite here at 9to5Toys. The latest of which arrives with a smaller design and capacity but still packs an AC outlet, which is one of the defining features of this line. With multiple USB-A and C ports along with a flashlight, this battery can do it all. Head below for an overview and brief hands-on of the Anker Powerhouse 100.

Do you have your goals for 2021 in place? If so, you can easily boost the workouts you have in mind with Nike’s new gear. From running shoes to apparel and accessories, Nike’s new arrivals are ready to rock your workouts. Better yet, Nike’s new arrivals are very on-trend and stylish to standout. Head below to find all of our top picks from Nike’s 2021 new arrivals, and be sure to check out our latest guide to Amazon Fashion’s ‘New Year New You’ section with all of its best-selling activewear.

Synology is closing out CES week with the debut of its latest NAS systems. It’s debuting as just some of the very first releases from the brand to be powered by AMD processors. Geared toward small businesses and homelab owners, the latest additions to the RackStation family pack plenty of value that’s sweetened by user-upgradable components, not to mention up to 2,300MB/s transfer speeds. Head below for a closer look at the new Synology RS1221 NAS series.

Tascam is expanding its lineup with the new TM-70 podcast microphone. Just ahead of this month’s winter NAMM show, Tascam has now unveiled some of its latest offerings headlined by the TM-70, which is a “dynamic microphone specifically engineered for broadcasting, podcasting, and audio streaming.” Alongside its relatively affordable $100 price tag, Tascam is throwing in everything folks need to either upgrade or jump into the podcast/broadcast streaming game including a stand, cable, and more. Hit the jump 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:

• Drop $100 from Apple’s latest M1-powered 13-inch MacBook Pro
• iPhone and Apple Watch deals from $100: XS $380, 11/Pro/Max $525+, more (Refurb)
• Anker discounts iPhone and Android essentials from $9.50 in latest sale

At CES 2021, ASUS announced a brand-new monitor with HDMI 2.1, a 4K resolution, and 144Hz refresh rate. This is designed to take advantage of what Microsoft and Sony are offering in the latest Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 but is also awesome for PC gamers just the same. What all does this brand-new monitor bring to the table? Well, keep reading to find out.

Olive Pro is a really unique product from Olive Union. They’re 2-in-1 headphones. You can use these for listening to music like traditional bluetooth earphones, but they also serve as certified FDA Class II hearing aids. Let’s take a look:

Now that the first batch of new LEGO sets have been released, we’re turning our attention to what to expect from later on in the year. 2021 is slated to be one of the biggest years for LEGO Star Wars in recent memory, and now we’re getting wind of some of the upcoming kits due out this summer and beyond. Starting with the upcoming UCS Republic Gunship, the year’s new LEGO kits will culminate in what will likely be one of the largest builds ever assembled. Head below for everything we know so far on the LEGO Summer 2021 Star Wars lineup.

Despite the launch of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the PC gaming arena shows no signs of letting up. Tons of companies have invested in PC gaming peripherals, with even Amazon attempting to cash in. More capable desk, monitor, and chair releases continue to surface alongside even more unique accessories like Hachi’s touchscreen projector. Bearing all this in mind, Razer came into CES 2021 with a bunch of exciting new gear, including Razer Project Brooklyn. This concept gaming chair includes a 60-inch OLED display, modular armrests, and more.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Chances are, you’ve seen some of elago’s Apple Watch and iPhone accessories we’ve featured here over the years. While there are plenty of add-ons that feature fun and nostalgic designs, elago has also made a push into the more premium side of this product category. The new elago M5 stand for iPhone and select tablets. With a brushed metal design that looks right at home next to Apple’s Pro displays, there’s a lot to like here. Head below for a quick overview and a few hands-on thoughts.

The star of the show Tidying Up With Marie Kondo partnered with the Container Store for a new collection of organizers. Inside this collection, you can find kitchen storage, closet organizers, decorative bins, drawer inserts, kids containers, and more. Prices in this collection start at just $4, and inside, you will find over 115 items. However, to view the entire collection, you must sign in to your POP account (free to sign up). Head below the jump to find all of our favorites from this line, and be sure to check out our guide to the hottest golf wear on the rise in 2021.

After first being announced back in April of 2020, Amazon today is officially out with a way for Blink smart security owners to store recordings and footage without having to rely on the cloud. The new Blink Add-On Sync Module 2 allows you to store up to 256GB of footage locally on your network with a built-in USB port for connecting hard drives and the like. Head below for a closer look and details on locking in your pre-order.

Today, Denon is debuting the latest addition to its lineup of smart HEOS speakers with the introduction of a new sound bar. Entering as the first product geared towards the home theater in Denon’s Home collection, its new Sound Bar 550 arrives with AirPlay 2 support alongside Dolby Atmos audio, Alexa integration, and more. Head below for all of the details on the new Denon Sound Bar 550.

Alongside yesterday’s 25th anniversary announcement, Nintendo has now dropped the New Pokémon Snap release date. The sequel to the beloved Nintendo 64 original marks the first time the photography-based Pokémon title will make an appearance on Nintendo’s Switch hardware and is now set for release later this year in April. Head below for more new details on the experience and to take a look at today’s trailer. 

Just on the tail end of CES 2021 and ahead of this month’s winter NAMM show, IK Multimedia is introducing the new UNO Synth Pro. Available in two form factors with Mac/PC and mobile device connectivity, the new flagship synth expands just about every aspect of the previously released UNO Synth with a host of new features, routing possibilities, and more. Head below for a closer look. 

LOCKLY has set itself apart from many competing smart locks in the past by implementing PIN Genie, a passcode unlock system that is arguably more secure than others. Instead of keeping all numbers in the same place, the company’s offerings shuffle where digits appear. With the release of LOCKLY Duo and Guard, it aims to take both residential and commercial security even further. Duo boasts a 2-in-1 latch and deadbolt design while Guard aims to level up security on sliding and swing-style doors. Continue reading to learn more.