News

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:

• Cert. refurb iPad deals start at $100, today only via Woot
• Today only, Apple Watch and iPhones from $100: XS $405, 11 Pro $700, more (Refurb)
• ecobee Smart Thermostats with HomeKit start at $147: Latest model $190, more

After making its console debut on Nintendo Switch earlier this week, Among Us will be coming to Xbox Game Pass for Console sometime next year in 2021. Already available on Xbox Game Pass for PC, this marks the second console-based launch of the unique game. But, this poses a few potential issues for players, so let’s take a look at what hurdles both companies have to jump before the launch of Among Us on Xbox.

Each month, we highlight our favorite fan-made LEGO creations from its Ideas platform, but today, we spotted a model that might be one of the most eye-catching builds of the year. With the second season of The Mandalorian coming to an end tomorrow, builder Jerac has shared an impressive recreation of the bounty hunter’s iconic vehicle. Giving us an idea of what to expect from a future UCS-style version, be sure to head below for a closer look at this fan-made LEGO Razor Crest model.

After countless attempts to get their hands on a PlayStation 5, many still have nothing to show for their efforts. Both of Sony and Microsoft’s new consoles have been back in stock several times since launch, but supply never seems to last very long. Only folks who are at the right place at the right time get to take advantage of this approach. Thankfully, PlayStation 5 fans will soon have another way to score a brand-new console, the Fortnite Generations Cup. PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 players go head-to-head in solo matches with the winner of each match winning Sony’s latest console. Continue reading to learn more.

For this year’s gift guide, I spent a lot of time pondering my own 2020 experience, filled with time at home and more room for tinkering with the everyday aspects of my life. I started with year, long before the pandemic arrived, embracing the Peloton experience, which ended up becoming a cornerstone of my pandemic experience. With just a few weeks left, I’m glad to say I have a nearly 52-week streak complete of workouts, giving me a new appreciation of what the at-home fitness experience can bring. So my 2020 gift guide centers around a handful of affordable items that can help jumpstart a fitness routine in the new year. Spoiler, Peloton didn’t make the list. Head below for my favorite fitness accessories for 2021 and beyond to gift this year.

Do you have your Christmas gifts wrapped already? If not, we’re here to help with the best gift wrap that can still be sent to your home before the big day. Whether you’re looking to wrap your gifts in bright red paper or neutral colors to match your house aesthetic, we’ve got an array of options for you. Plus, many are available at a budget-friendly price, starting at just $6. So be sure your gifts are ready to go next week, and head below to find all of our top picks. You will also want to check out our latest feature on Ali’s favorite fashion gifts for men including Nike, Ray-Ban, Cole Haan, and much more.

With the second season of The Mandalorian coming to a close, Microsoft is getting in on the hype by showcasing a pair of new limited-edition gamepads inspired by the series. With two eye-catching designs inspired by the popular Disney+ series, you’ll want to head below for a closer look at the unique gamepads and for all of the details on adding the Mandalorian Xbox controllers to your collection.

A new Cyberpunk 2077 Death Stranding update is now adding some interesting new wrinkles and goodies to the latest Hideo Kojima title. Yes, you read that correctly. A crossover campaign between CD Projekt Red and the Hideo Kojima camp is bringing a series of Cyberpunk 2077-themed in-game items, abilities and content into Death Stranding. But it looks like this content is only for PC gamers at this point. Head below for more details and today’s announcement trailer. 

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

Top deals:

• Amazon 1-day storage sale from $13.50: SanDisk memory cards, portable SSD, more
• Latest Anker sale discounts Powerhouse 100 to $127, USB-C accessories, more from $14
• Samsung’s Galaxy A51 Smartphone is even more affordable at $325 (Save $75)

Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War came out last month and is now entering its first official season. Each game always has a bit of time before Season One officially kicks off, and now’s that time. Both the Black Ops: Cold War and Warzone games are being updated here, with new content already available on all platforms. There are 1,00 Season Levels to climb, as well as new weapons, maps, modes, operators, Season Challenges, and Prestige levels to achieve and check out. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War Season One patch notes and see what’s new.

After spending some time with quite a few headsets for the new Xbox Series X and S, I wanted to run through what I like, what I don’t like, and which one I reach for most often. There are pros and cons to each headset, so bear in mind that just because I like one over the other doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice for everyone. If you need Bluetooth connectivity, value the utmost in competitive sound clarity, or just want the best sounding headset, these are all things to take into consideration, and I try to highlight those throughout this comparison. So which is the best headset for Xbox Series X and S? Be sure to hit the video below and see all the details.

It’s a wonderful thing to have clothes that fit like a glove. Unfortunately, sizing can be inconsistent from brand to brand and even when buying the same two matching articles of clothing. While waist and shoulder measurements can be similar across several individuals, the same cannot be said for necklines, leg sizing, and the list goes on. Thankfully Amazon Fashion is here to save the day with a new Made for You service that delivers tailored shirts using modern technology. 3D scanning allows shoppers to share a couple of photos, select a few preferences, and that’s it. 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.

A few months back, ElevationLab introduced its latest accessories for Apple’s line of MacBooks. The new ElevationHub takes your USB-C wall charger and brings a level of added functionality, including an extra USB-A port and SD card reader. The included USB-C cable brings it all together in one tidy package that makes it a unique option for frequent travelers. Head below for a brief overview and hands-on thoughts.

Eddie Bauer has debuted four new collaborations with unique brands you may have never heard of but will want to know. The four brands are Sub Pop, JJJJound, Karla, and Ebtek. These exclusive and limited edition styles won’t be here for long, so if you have your eyes on a piece, it’s the time to grab it. Head below the jump to find out details about each new Eddie Bauer collaboration, and be sure to check out our latest guide to Ali’s favorite fashion gifts for men including Nike, Ray-Ban, Cole Haan, and much more.

Amazon Prime members can now score some free Fall Guys content for PC and PlayStation. Prime Gaming — formerly known as Twitch Prime — is free to all Amazon Prime members and is now offering up some winter-themed Fall Guys content in celebration of the party game’s season 3 launch. That, on top of a slew of completely free games to score right now, might make you want to head below for more details. 

Today, LEGO is announcing yet another new creation to look forward to in the near future. But unlike all of the 2021 unveils we’ve seen recently, today’s news is centered around the results of LEGO’s most recent fan vote to decide what the 150th BrickHeadz figure should be. But now the votes are all tallied, and LEGO is ready with an answer. Head below for all of the details and to see whether the new figure will be based on Star Wars, Minecraft, Jaws, or Lilo & Stitch.

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 Mac mini gets discounted with free next-day delivery
• Current and prev-gen. iPad Pro models up to $370 off in early B&H Christmas sale
• Add a Solo Loop band to your Apple Watch in various sizes and colors for $12

Nintendo’s Indie World Showcase happened earlier today, and the most notable announcement was that Among Us would be available on Switch. The game is already live and costs the same $5 that it does on Steam, the App Store, and Google Play, making it a title that many will instantly pick up to have on Nintendo’s portable console. What all is available here? Well, keep reading to find out more.

As the VR industry grows, the choices for good headsets keep growing and getting more affordable. Oculus, now owned by Facebook, is probably the most widely known brand with its catalog and history of headsets. Its latest, Quest 2, takes technology the platform to the next level while also making it more affordable. A stand-alone headset that doesn’t need a gaming PC or separate base stations for tracking, Quest 2 is packed with features and is seamless to use. Be sure to check out the video below and see all the details of the Oculus Quest 2. 

It wasn’t long ago that we covered the debut EA Play for Xbox Game Pass on console. At that point we cited a planned December 15 launch for PC subscribers, but at the last minute Microsoft has announced an EA Play delay. With many arguably looking forward to today’s launch, taking so long to share this unfortunate news is bound to be both frustrating and disappointing. Being in the midst of a pandemic is likely part of the reason for a delay, but Microsoft hasn’t come out and said as much, perhaps because spending more time at home is the very reason many subscribers could be very excited for this update. Continue reading to learn more.

It’s been a somewhat tumultuous year for Fortnite as the battle royale game has sought to keep its spot as one of the hottest titles out there. Looking to bank on the success of Among Us, Fortnite is adding a spy mode playlist called “The Spy Within.” There will be plenty of similarities to other Werewolf-style game as Fortnite looks to capture the popularity of this style of gameplay being found in other titles this year. Head below for full details.

Looking for a gift for the man in your life? Today we are sharing amazing options in men’s fashion at varying price points for that special guy in your life. Whether you’re looking for that last splurge item, a stocking stuffer, or just started shopping, we’ve got an array of ideas for you. Plus, each of the items below is still offering shipping to arrive by Christmas. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks for men.

After seeing the launch of its 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 dock back in November, Plugable is looking to close out the year with the debut of yet another new Mac and PC accessory. This time around, there are some upgraded specs like 100W passthrough charging alongside the ability to drive two 4K 60Hz monitors and more. Head below for a closer look at the Plugable 100W Thunderbolt 3 Dock and all the details on locking in a launch discount on the new release.

To end out 2020, Wyze is launching a smart outdoor plug. After releasing a Home Monitoring setup, a new Watch, Sprinkler Controller, Vacuum, and much more, Wyze is further expanding its footprint in your home with a new outdoor-rated plug. This will allow you to control things like Christmas lights next season, or just a set of string lights on your patio during the summer. You’ll find some great features here, like Wi-Fi, two independently-controlled outlets, energy monitoring, and more. Would you like to learn more about the latest $10 Wyze product? Well, just head below the break to find out everything about the Wyze Plug Outdoor.

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 Intel Mac mini drops to new all-time low at $299 discount
• Apple movie sale brings Star Wars and Disney films to new lows at $10, more from $1
• Drop as much as $200 from Apple’s latest Retina 5K iMacs

Nintendo has announced the next batch of Switch Online NES and SNES titles headlined by Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble. This week’s additions to the growing online library of Nintendo classics complete the Donkey Kong Country trilogy Nintendo started back in July, while also bringing a slew of titles from the SNES and NES library of titles. Head below for a closer look and more details on Donkey Kong Country 3 for Switch Online. 

ORIGIN PC is one of the go-to companies when it comes to high-end custom gaming desktops that you don’t have to build yourself. Well, the company’s latest venture is a limited-edition retro-inspired NEURON desktop based on the all-new CORSAIR 4000D case dubbed the RestoMod. It looks just like the 90’s desktop that you or your family had way back when, with a floppy drive, CD reader, turbo buttons, and that classic and iconic beige. But, this time around, you’ll find AMD Ryzen 5000-series or 10th generation Intel CPUs alongside NVIDIA 30-series or AMD 6000-series graphics cards. That’s right, these high-end desktops take what’s old and make it new again. So, what all goes into the ORIGIN RestoMod PC? Well, keep reading to find out what all it entails and how you can be one of 50 to own it.

Star Wars is back today for another installment of its Mando Monday festivities with a collection of new collectibles from the new Disney+ series. This time around, you’ll find a pair of stylish Meister watches from The Mandalorian alongside upcoming Black Series figures and more. Head below for a closer look.

Hyper today announced the launch of a hybrid USB-C hub that aims to satisfy the charging and external display needs of Nintendo Switch, MacBook, and iPad users. The new HyperDrive Power Hub wields four ports made up of USB-A, Type-C, and HDMI. Using a single USB-C cable, it can both deliver 60 watts of power and output to an external 4K display at 60 frames per second. This technology fits in a package, which Hyper touts as being “smaller than a deck of cards.” Today’s release joins an ever-growing list of Hyper products. Continue reading to learn more.

Cookbooks are always a great gift idea and a perfect way to spruce up your everyday recipes. Today, we’re rounding up the best new holiday cookbooks. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer, entree, or new treat to indulge in, we’ve got a cookbook that you will love. Head below the jump to find all of our favorites, and be sure to check out our latest guide to the best new books to pick up this December.

With 2021 just around the corner, LEGO builders are already eagerly anticipating the new creations, and today, there’s a new collection on kits on the way. While we’ve already gotten many of the more popular LEGO kits covered, details on what to expect from some of LEGO’s in-house themes have now arrived. With a series of new BrickHeadz figures, as well as Ideas promotions and more slated to launch in the new year, we’re diving into yet another batch of upcoming creations. 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:

• iPad mini 5 discounted from $350 as holiday pricing returns
• Samsung T7 Touch 1TB Portable SSD returns to Amazon low at $160 (20% off)
• NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro offers 4K and HDR support, Assistant, more for $179

Cyberpunk 2077 refunds are now available for players not happy with the previous-generation console performance. Ever since the game released late last week, console players (mainly those on the base-model PS4 and Xbox) have been experiencing a series of sometimes game-breaking bugs as well as much lower resolution visuals than were expected. Developer CD Projekt Red is now issuing an apology, update/patch schedule, and Cyberpunk 2077 refunds for those affected. Head below for more details. 

After first being announced back in August to mixed reviews, Amazon Halo is now available to the masses. The $100 fitness tracker is meant to serve as a middle ground between smart wearable and Apple Watch competitor for Amazon. Its display-less design has always put it in a somewhat peculiar place from a comparison perspective but for those deeply integrated to Amazon’s ecosystem of smart home accessories, apps, and streaming media players, this may be a logical next step. With today’s news, anyone can take advantage of Amazon Halo now that the beta period has concluded. Head below for more details and to learn how you can score one.

With Christmas less than two weeks away, time is of the essence when it comes to gift shopping. While you may have already checked most of the people off list, the few that remain may be left over because they are the most difficult to shop for. Technology lovers can often fall into that category. So what do you give someone that loves and already owns a bunch of gear? Space-saving tech that allows them to enjoy it no matter where they’re headed. Continue reading to find my top recommendations, each of which I personally own.

It’s that time of the year again — the time when we try to find our loved ones exactly what they’ve been waiting all year for. Maybe you’ve got a PC gamer in the house and have absolutely no idea what to get them. There are quite a few different options when it comes to storage, monitors, keyboards, mice, and the lot, making it all a bit confusing. Well, that’s what we’re here for. In this PC gaming gift guide, I’ll outline exactly what gifts you should be looking at, from budget-focused $50 NVMe SSDs to high-end desktops, monitors, and everything in between.

After spending 38 years of releases on PC, Microsoft Flight Simulator will finally make its way onto game consoles — Microsoft’s latest Xbox Series X/S units, to be exact. The company announced these plans last night, and one could argue this move may help sell consoles to gamers and non-gamers alike. While this experience is unlikely to rival the graphical capabilities that gaming PCs are able to pull off, many are bound to agree that Flight Simulator on Xbox is going to look great on the big screen. Continue reading to learn more.

Nike just launched new gear including sneakers, holiday sweaters, accessories, and much more, just in time for gifting. So if you have an athlete on your gift list, be sure to check out the new Nike holiday gear. Nike Plus members (free to sign up) receive complimentary delivery. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks from the Nike holiday new arrivals and be sure to check out our guide to Oakley holiday gift list here.

iOttie has now debuted the latest addition to its stable of car mounts with its most intelligent model yet. Deemed Aivo Connect, the new in-car accessory brings Alexa into the mix alongside built-in Qi charging and an auto-sensing mount that automatically grips your smartphone. Head below for a closer look and 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:

• AirPods return to Black Friday pricing at $110 shipped (Reg. $149)
• Google’s Nest Wifi Router with Point falls to 2020 low at $199 (Save 33%)
• Official iPhone cases are on sale from $10 in this Black Friday redux

The Game Awards 2020 took place last night and now it’s time for a quick recap of the award winners and the biggest game announcements. Much like years past, the yearly award show brought it with major price drops on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch games, but we also got a slew of the new game announcements, reveal trailers, and more. Hit the fold for a closer look at the Perfect Dark trailer and much more. 

Today Leica has unveiled the latest addition to its line of cameras with the new SL2-S. This run-and-gun camera is “cheaper” than the flagship SL2 but still comes in at a salty $4,895. Branded with all of the familiar matte black finishes and the iconic red dot logo, the latest from Leica brings the barrier to entry down a bit, but still keeps many out. That said, for longtime fans of the brand, there’s a lot to like here that will make it a popular option for many. Head below for full details on the new Leica SL2-S, including availability, specs, and more.

AMD’s latest processors were announced two months ago and released last month. Though they’re still extremely hard to pick up right now, we were lucky enough to get the Ryzen 5 5600X on launch day courtesy of AMD for our review. I’ve been using it for the past month or so, and I have quite a few thoughts on AMD’s latest Zen 3 processor platform. Utilized for both gaming and transcoding in my workflow, I’ve been testing out the 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600X as an upgrade from my Ryzen 5 3600 PC that I built earlier this year, and let me say, it’s been a great processor so far. So, without further ado, here’s my review of the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X.

For larger homes, getting a mesh WiFi setup can be a much better solution than a WiFi extender. Instead of setting up a completely separate network, a mesh system uses multiple units to create a single network that users can roam between and ensure they have a solid connection without the hassle of connecting to a different network. TP-Link has a large selection of mesh solutions, and the Deco X20 is an Amazon choice for “wifi 6 mesh.” Be sure to watch the video and check out all of the details on the TP-Link Deco X20 mesh system. 

After getting a first look back in November, LEGO is now officially detailing its upcoming Disney Art set. The upcoming 2,600-piece creation expands LEGO’s lineup of brick-built mosaics with two of the most iconic characters in all of animation history. Giving you the choice to build either Mickey or Minnie Mouse, the latest pieces of LEGO home decor will be arriving next month. Head below for a closer look at the latest LEGO 2021 set.

Next-generation consoles have officially debuted, and many would agree that it was unclear which manufacturer would win the highest market share this time around. While PlayStation 4 won last time around, Xbox 360 was more pervasive the time before that. Pairing this game of leapfrog with odd behavior from Sony in the realm of crossplay, a lower entry price for Xbox Series S, alongside Microsoft services like xCloud or Xbox Game Pass, and it wouldn’t seem far-fetched to anticipate a potential loss for PlayStation 5. Surprisingly, it seems like the exact opposite could be the case if the PS5 resale market can serve as an indicator. Continue reading to learn more.

If you haven’t already picked up one for yourself, beauty advent calendars are now out, whether you’re looking for makeup, hair products, body care, and more. These calendars give us something to look forward to each day. Better yet, prices for the calendars start at just $12, and most have free delivery. So we’ve rounded up the best ones you can buy for yourself or your favorite beauty junkie. Also, be sure to check out our guide to December’s best new perfumes including top brands from Valentino, Jo Malone, Tiffany, and more.

Today, Synology is out with the latest expansion to its lineup of NAS with a new high-end model geared towards home networking enthusiasts and small business owners. The new Synology DS1821+ NAS debuts with an 8-bay design and as one of the brand’s first releases to be powered by an AMD Ryzen processor. Head below for a closer look at performance, features, and more.