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:

• 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.

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.