News

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.

Today we’re taking a look at the new Grovemade Wood Notebook. Known for implementing premium materials into its lineup of Apple gear and desktop office accessories, Grovemade has once again tapped into natural walnut and maple hardwood for its latest writing pad. Manufactured and hand-finished in Portland, Oregon, head below the fold for a closer look at the American-made Grovemade Wood Notebook. 

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 deals abound in this 1-day sale at Woot from $230 (Refurb)
• Powerbeats Pro drop to $150 in even more colors ($100 off)
• Honeywell T9 Smart Thermostat packs Alexa and Assistant for $140 (All-time low)

Whether you’re ready or not, CES 2021 is just around the corner and various manufacturers are starting to share details about new products in the pipeline. The first of which is Samsung, which is now releasing its first look at a new massive 110-inch TV that is slated to go on sale in 2021. Based on the brand’s MicroLED technology, which it has shown off extensively at the last two CES events, this TV is set to be one of the biggest we’ve ever seen. Head below for full details on everything we know so far about the upcoming Samsung MicroLED TV.

SCUF, a brand known for its customized gaming controllers, just announced its first headset, the H1. True to its brand, the H1 will be fully customizable, wired, and based on the overall design and technology of CORSAIR’s VIRTUOSO headset. Offering a lightweight design, this headset is bound to have a home on your desk if you’re in the market for a new set of cans. Costing $130, let’s take a look at what makes the SCUF H1 different from other gaming headsets on the market.

Amazon has taken the wraps off an all-new Fire TV update. The company is touting the overhaul as a redesigned experience that aims to make usage “more personal, faster, and easier.” Overarching changes include a streamlined main menu with quick access to search, profile switching, and more. Amazon touts this update as its biggest yet, and best of all, it’s free and will be supported across new and many existing Fire TV devices. Continue reading to learn more.

John Legend has a new Holiday Edit partnered with Sperry featuring gift ideas for your feet. If you’re not familiar with John Legend, he’s a multi-platinum artist and Sperry’s 2020 Global Brand Ambassador. Inside the John Legend x Sperry Holiday Edit you can find gift ideas for everyone on your list. This includes timeless boat shoes, modern boots for winter, and more. Better yet, Sperry offers free delivery on all orders. Head below the jump to find all of John Legend’s top picks from Sperry and be sure to check out our guide to the best new perfumes to pick up this December that are great for gifting.

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.

While there are plenty of HomeKit accessories on the market that bring Siri control to your outlets, you’ll find fewer illumination options that feature an all-in-one design. Of course, Philips hue comes to mind, but its fully integrated lights tend to be on the pricey side. Enter meross. The affordable HomeKit accessory company has to come market with a slew of new products in recent months with Apple’s blessing. That includes its Smart Wi-Fi Ambient Light that packs compatibility with HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Alexa, all for under $40. Head below for a quick hands-on review and a few thoughts on this popular affordable lamp.

It’s now time for our 2020 roundup of the best gifts for musicians. After detailing our favorite options in the smart home category earlier this week, we turn our attention to some great gift ideas for musicians. Whether it seems like they already have everything out there or you’re having a hard time finding something affordable, we collected some particularly notable ideas just about any musician and home producer would appreciate under the tree this year. Hit the fold for a closer look at our picks for the best gifts for musicians this year. 

Meross is expanding its stable of smart home accessories today with its latest garage door opener remote. Armed with support for Siri, Alexa, and Assistant, Meross Collie enters with a refreshed design, improved Wi-Fi connectivity, and other new features. Head below for all of the details and a closer look at how the latest from Meross stands out from the competition.

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:

• Today only, refurb Apple Watch Series 4 models start at $220
• Get two Wyze Cams for $40 in this Black Friday re-run (20% off)
• August’s Smart Lock drops to new 2020 low at $69 (Save 31%)

Halo Infinite is no stranger to delays, as we saw back in August when 343 announced that it would be 2021 before we’d see the latest installment in the series. Many were saddened by this, but in a way, it was good, as it gave the development team more time to polish things up and get them ready for the big release. Well, we finally have a more detailed timeline as to when Halo Infinite will launch, as well as developmental updates and new screenshots to view. So, while we wait for Halo Infinite to launch in fall of 2021, let’s take a look at the latest information we have as of right now.

Bringing their technology from the popular Mobius gaming headset, Audeze delivers planar magnetic drivers to the console crowd with Penrose and Penrose X. While the wireless adapter and Bluetooth connectivity enable use with many different platforms, Penrose X brings premium audio to the Xbox Series X|S along with a premium price tag of $299.99. So how does the Audeze Penrose X perform for the price? Be sure to watch the video below and see all the details. 

The 35th anniversary of Super Mario brought plenty of new ways to enjoy the Nintendo action from a battle-royale style title to an official collaboration with LEGO. But one of the releases from earlier this fall that was overlooked by the limited-edition release of Mario All-Stars fell to Mario Kart Live. The remote-controlled car brought the wildly-popular racing game into the real world with an augmented reality experience to tie everything together. And today, we’re taking a hands-on look at what to expect from Nintendo’s latest out of the box idea, so head below for a closer look at everything in our Mario Kart Live review.

Folks intrigued by the thought of tiny homes have yet another option to choose from now that GoSun Dream is up for grabs. The new tiny house touts a solar-powered design that’s ready to go off-grid, hook up at an RV resort, become your permanent household, and the list goes on. It boasts a modern style that’s outfitted with many of GoSun’s tried-and-true essentials. Examples include GoSun Fusion Solar Oven and GoSun Chill, among many others. Continue reading to learn more.

After Apple recently brought back the MagSafe name to a new line of products with the latest iPhones, accessory makers have been rushing to bring new add-ons to market. The latest of which is Gear4, a subsidiary of ZAGG, which today is introducing a handful of cases for iPhone 12, 12 mini, and 12 Pro/Max. These new cases focus on a lightweight design that won’t add too much bulk while delivering compatibility with MagSafe functionality and the ability to quickly charge devices through the case itself. Head below for full details on today’s announcement and more.

Wyze is on a roll to close out 2020. After announcing the Wyze Watch, Sprinkler Controller, Vacuum, and several other products this year, the company is now entering the home security market. We got our first glimpse of this back in May when the company announced a partnership with Noonlight, offering a panic button of sorts to its camera lineup. But, now, Wyze is pushing that further with a full home monitoring solution, still partnered with Noonlight. Wyze Home Monitoring is built off the company’s all-new Sense v2 platform and will cost $5 per month. Equipment will run $60, though, if you pre-pay your first year (which is also $60), you’ll get the equipment included for free. What all does Wyze Home Monitoring cost? Well, let’s dive in.

Today, we’re getting another look at the latest LEGO creations due out in 2021 with a pair of Technic sets. In collaboration with Monster Jam, fans will be able to assemble either the iconic Grave Digger or Max-D monster trucks complete with pull-back features and plenty of authentic details. Head below for a closer look at the two new LEGO Technic Monster Jam sets.

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 SE deals return before Christmas from $259
• OnePlus 7T touts a 90Hz AMOLED display, three cameras, more at $330 (Save 33%)
• Latest Apple movie sale offers up sports films, holiday favorites, rentals, more from $1

The classic Star Wars KOTOR 2 is now scheduled for an official release on iOS and Android on the same date as The Mandalorian season 2. The original KOTOR game has been available on mobile platforms for quite some time now, but after fans asking for a mobile port of the sequel for “so long,” publisher Aspyr has now officially announced the mid-December launch date. Head below for more details and a look at today’s announcement trailer. 

Every year, Call of Duty gets a new iteration, and we’re coming off one of the best releases we’ve seen in many years. While Infinity Ward handled Modern Warfare quite well, this year, it’s Treyarch’s turn to take the helm, and with that comes Black Ops: Cold War. A familiar story to many, Black Ops: Cold War takes place in the ‘80s during the height of the Cold War, where you’ll play as various characters in the infamous time period. Sit with the president, fill him in on details, and make decisions along the way…be careful here, as they can change the outcome of the game. Without further ado, let’s take a deep dive into our hands-on review of Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War.

With the new year on the horizon, we’re getting more and more of a complete picture of what to expect from LEGO once 2021 rolls around. Today, we’re getting another official look at what to expect, thanks to the very first LEGO catalog that’s been released. Head below for a closer look at the new creations in the first LEGO catalog for 2021.

HP has taken the wraps off its latest laptops today. PC shoppers will have several more options to choose from now that the HP EliteBook 800 series and ZBook Firefly G8 have debuted. All configurations are powered by Intel’s 11th generation processors. A couple of standout features happen to be support for up to 64GB or RAM and integrated Tile support. HP is aiming these new devices at remote workers, product designers, creative professionals, data scientists, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

Amazon is expanding its AmazonBasics offerings with a line of new products for your home and more. This product group has always been popular with those looking to save on everyday essentials and it’s served as just another way for Amazon to take advantage of its in-house offerings. New additions to the AmazonBasics lineup include products for your kitchen, office, and much more with prices from $4. Down below you’ll find an overview of what to expect from Amazon’s latest additions.

This December, cozy up to a new book with one of the many new releases. Whether you’re looking for a romance, thriller, educational read, or fiction, this month’s list of must-read books has you — or the reading lover on your holiday gift list — covered. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks from the December Reading List.

Smart home tech has proven to be a great way to refresh your space with some ambient lighting or provide a more immersive home theater experience. Today, we’re rounding up some of our favorite accessories that would make great gifts this holiday season. Perfect for the people on your list who already pick up the latest and greatest tech for themselves, these next-level smart home upgrades are sure to excite once unwrapped at the end of the month. Head below for all of our top picks in this year’s smart home gift guide.

Disney is teaming up with NERF and Hasbro to release an all-new Amban Phase-Pulse Mandalorian NERF blaster replica. Inspired directly by Din Djarin’s primary weapon from the hit Disney+ show, Star Wars: The Mandalorian, the new NERF blaster is also one of the longest the company has ever produced. Head below for a closer look and pre-order details. 

Continuing their quest for the ultimate collectible retro line-up, New Wave Toys’ latest miniature replica arcade cabinet is the Dragon’s Lair x RepliCade. Officially licensed by Digital Leisure and Dragon’s Lair LLC, this new premium cab has the same incredible attention to detail that we’ve seen on all of New Wave Toys’ earlier offerings. Head below to watch the video and see 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:

• Apple’s 12.9-inch Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro hits all-time low at $300
• Sonos smart speakers with AirPlay go on sale from $139 before Christmas
• Anker’s Gold Box discounts Nebula projectors by up to 33%

Today, LEGO is taking the wraps off its latest creation, giving us a better picture of what to expect from the upcoming 2021 wave of kits. Bringing the iconic Jeep Wrangler into LEGO form for the very first time, the new Technic model arrives as just the latest set to debut ahead of the new lineup of kits next year. Stacking up to over 660 pieces, you’ll find a working winch alongside other authentic details. Head below for all of the details on the upcoming LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler.

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 nearly $100 off Apple’s new M1 13-inch MacBook Pro (New Amazon low)
• HomeKit highlights this affordable smart plug at $22, perfect for Christmas trees
• Eve Cam delivers HomeKit Secure Video, more for $135 shipped

Glorious PC Gaming Race has cut the cord on one of its beloved gaming mice. The Glorious Model O Wireless packs the same ambidextrous design as its wired variant while only adding two grams to the overall weight and comes in at just $79.99. Head below to watch the video and check out all the details on the new mouse. 

With the holidays around the corner, LEGO is back to start the month here with its latest winter-themed creation. Stacking up to over 300 pieces, the new Ice Skating Rink brings some festive charm to your LEGO city complete with two minifigures and a working mechanism to actually let them skate. Head below for a closer look at the new LEGO Ice Skating Rink kit and to learn how it can be added to your collection for entirely free.

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:

• Powerbeats Pro drop to all-time low price at $150 ($100 savings)
• Today only, prev-gen. iPad Pro starts at $585, more from $100 (Refurb)
• Anker Cyber Week sale start at $13: Stocking stuffers, speakers, USB-C cables, more

Despite a global pandemic, lagging economy, and overall uncertainty, Amazon is reporting today that it has returned one of the best Black Friday and Cyber Mondays ever. Calling it “record demand,” Amazon is detailing the news in a blog post today detailing how, despite being fresh off Prime Day, sales numbers continued to be very high through the month of November. There was quite a bit of uncertainty on the way in to the holiday shopping season, but it appears that Amazon largely came out unscathed. Head below for a full breakdown of the most popular items from Amazon’s holiday shopping events and more.

With a wireless dongle that enables use across Xbox as well as PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Android Mobile devices, the SteelSeries Arctis 7X offers huge compatibility for next-gen consoles. Match that with 24-hour battery life and one of the most comfortable designs, and the 7X has a lot to offer for $149.99. Head below to watch the video and find out more. 

Today, LEGO is taking the wraps off its latest roster of collectible minifigures with 12 new characters. As one of its most diverse selections yet, this time around, fans will be able to expand their collections with everything from a centaur archer to beekeeper, Aztec warrior, violinist, and more. Head below the fold for more details and a closer look at all 12 of the new releases in the LEGO Collectible minifigure series 21 set.

Hot on the heels of the Wyze Sprinkler, Vacuum, Cam V3, Doorbell, Thermostat, Headphones, and more, the budget-focused smart gear company is entering the smartwatch game…again. Wyze released their first fitness tracker/wearable back in March, and we went hands-on with it a few months later. Designed more like a fitness tracker and less like a watch, Wyze Band, as it was called, cost $25. That in and of itself was a bargain, but Wyze decided that it was time to launch a true smartwatch, the Wyze Watch. This time, however, they decided to come in at an even more affordable price: $19.99. What all does Wyze Watch do? Well, there’s quite a bit packed into this budget-focused wearable, including blood oxygen tracking, so let’s dive in.

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:

• Bundle a Nest Mini and Smart Plug for just $20 to automate your Christmas lights
• B&H Cyber Week Apple sale takes up to $300 off latest iPad Pro, Macs, more
• Apple’s 10.2-inch iPad returns to $299 in this post-Cyber Monday deal

It’s officially Cyber Monday here at 9to5Toys and many of the mainstream retailers have already kicked up a number of promotions. With everything from the latest iPads and Apple Watches on sale to Android phones, smart home gear, and more, there’s a lot to check out this year. Down below you’ll find our Black Friday deal hub for the week, which will be constantly updated with all of the latest offers in one central location. Head below for all of the best Cyber Monday deals and 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:

• B&H Cyber Monday Apple sale: $100 off latest M1 MacBooks, 2020 iPad Pro deals, more
• Cyber Monday deals take $100 or more off the latest Apple Watches
• eufy’s affordable HomeKit cameras are even more so from $28, today only

Today, LEGO is unveiling the latest expansion to its collection of modular Creator Expert buildings with what will likely be the very last creation showcased in 2020. Stacking up to over 2,900 pieces, the new LEGO Police Station pairs a New York City-style headquarters with donut shop and more to expect your brick-built city. Head below for a closer look at the new LEGO modular Creator Expert building and for all 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:

• Anker’s Black Friday Gold Box starts at $6 with USB-C accessories, Qi chargers, more
• Apple’s new M1-powered MacBook Air/Pro on sale for Black Friday from $899
• LEGO Black Friday up to 50% off sale: Vestas Wind Turbine, Bugatti Chiron, more from $6

Adding a great sounding set of desktop speakers to a WFH or gaming battlestation can pump more enjoyment to your favorite playlists or the latest AAA gaming titles. For me, music is a great productivity booster when I am writing. Combining the tried and true 2.1 speaker system with a wireless control dial and multiple connections, the Logitech Z407 takes desktop audio to the next level. Head below to watch the video and see all 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:

• Latest Beats headphones get Black Friday discounts from $100
• Apple Watch Series 5 marked down by as much as $250 across various models
• Nanoleaf’s sitewide Black Friday sale takes rare 10% off latest HomeKit lighting kits, more

Today, we’re getting another look at what to expect from the LEGO 2021 lineup with a pair of new Creator Expert sets that stand out from anything we’ve seen from the existing brick-built catalog. Assembling two botanical creations, the new kits bring a buildable flower bouquet and bonsai to your collection. Head below for a closer look at the new LEGO Creator Expert 2021 lineup.

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:

• Black Friday pricing arrives for Apple’s 10.2-inch iPad at $299
• Lenovo’s 14-inch S330 Chromebook sees 33% discount to $199
• GAP’s Black Friday Sale refreshes your wardrobe with 50% off sitewide + extra 10% off