News

Today, Razer is expanding its collection of battlestation peripherals with a pair of new USB-C and Thunderbolt 4-enabled accessories. Entering with a hearty about of RGB lighting in tow, the new Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma has been announced alongside its Stand Chroma V2 to turn your laptop into a full-fledged desktop gaming machine. Head below for a closer look at the new unveils as well as all of the pre-order 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 latest iPad Air falls to Amazon all-time low at $549 (Save $50)
• Home Depot takes up to 40% off Nest, Honeywell, and other smart thermostats
• Pair LG’s 27-inch UltraFine 5K Thunderbolt 3 Monitor with your Mac at $354 off (Refurb)

Solid State Logic just launched its brand-new UF8 Advanced Studio DAW Controller. Designed to handle your entire digital audio workstation, this controller is built to leverage displays, faders, and more for the best control available during audio production. Coming with eight channels from the factory, you can expand up to 32-channels should the need arise by daisy-chaining multiple UF8’s together. What all can the Solid State Logic UF8 do? Well, keep reading to find out.

After taking an in-depth look at all of the gear in my current UniFi setup, I’m back today to delve into the equipment I’m hoping to change in 2021. From stepping up to Wi-Fi 6 and upgrading to one of Ubiquiti’s latest routers to expanding my storage pool and doubling down on UniFi Protect, there is a lot planned on the horizon for my homelab. Head below for all of the details.

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.

Today, we are taking a look at the wood iPhone 12 case from Oakywood. Known as the Oakywood Wooden iPhone 12 Bumper Case, it combines a real, hand-polished wood layer across a solid polycarbonate frame to offer a touch of natural protection and style to all of Apple’s latest handset models. As wood iPhone 12 cases go, it also falls into the more affordable category compared to brands like Pad & Quill and others. Head below for a closer look at the Oakywood Wooden iPhone 12 Bumper Case in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys review. 

When it comes to the world of Bluetooth speakers, there’s an overwhelming number of options out there. As with many things, the landscape clears up quite a bit once you begin to explore premium solutions. This is where Bang & Olufsen’s all-new Beosound Level throws its hat into the ring. With AirPlay 2, Google Assistant, and Apple Watch-like charging, it’s a standout offering, to say the least. As we’ve come to expect from B&O, the price tag starts staggeringly high, putting it in a league without many contenders that it can go head-to-head with. Continue reading to learn more.

H&M has collaborated with the denim brand “Lee” for a fun collection to end the season. The collection features pieces for both men and women, and it’s made of 100% recycled cotton jeans, and the water, CO2, and energy details of the collection will be available on the brand website. This sustainable collection features an array of jeans, t-shirts, and accessories that will make a fashion statement. The prices in this line are also very budget-friendly, with rates starting at $13. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks from the Lee x H&M Collaboration, and be sure to check out our guide to the adidas Ultraboost 19 new shoes that just launched.

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 TV 4K sees rare Amazon discounts starting at $150 (Save $29)
• Apple’s latest cellular 11-inch iPad Pro 512GB falls to best price in months at $62 off
• Latest Anker sale discounts iPhone, iPad, and Mac accessories from $11

Today, LEGO is announcing the results of its latest Ideas review round with two fan-inspired creations being confirmed. Bringing a classic video game character into brick-built form in partnership with SEGA, builders will soon be able to assemble a LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog kit alongside a version of the famous Starry Night painting by Vincent van Gogh. Head below for all of the details.

Update 3/9 @ 12:6 PM: Apex Legends is now available on the Nintendo Switch eShop for FREE.

Yesterday, it was confirmed that Apex Legends would be coming to Nintendo Switch on March 9. Well, to coincide with that launch, a few different accessory manufacturers are joining in on the fun to launch branded gear to celebrate. Most notably, we have PowerA launching a wireless controller, and SanDisk is releasing a custom 128GB microSD card, which will give you plenty of storage for on-the-go gaming. What all do these products offer, and what can we expect out of the Switch version of Apex Legends? Well, keep reading to find out.

Fall Guys enthusiasts rejoice – a mid-season update has arrived. It’s outfitted with a variety of features, content additions, and bug fixes, helping make the game more enjoyable to play. One standout feature of the Fall Guys update includes the new Fall Feed. It’s described as “live on-screen updates of events that happen during the round,” providing more insight into how the game is progressing. Perhaps the most exciting portion of this update is the addition of a new Snowball Survival level alongside “more than 40 variations added for existing rounds.” Continue reading to learn more.

MLB The Show 21 Xbox and PlayStation release dates have now been made official alongside the special editions and more. While we already knew the premier baseball simulator would be making its way to “additional consoles,” Sony has now made the release date official with both the PlayStation and Xbox One versions set for release later this spring. Head below for today’s new trailer and more details on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X upgrades. 

After seeing a pair of new Brick Sketches hit the scene yesterday, LEGO is jumping back over to its Technic lineup to debut a pair of new vehicles. Expanding the collection of builds we saw back at the beginning of the year, there are now two LEGO Technic 2-in-1 sets on the way, headlined by a Heavy-Duty Excavator and Rescue Hovercraft. Head below for a closer look at the new kits and for all the details on when they launch.

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 11/Pro/Max all discounted from $530, today only (Cert. Refurb)
• Apple’s M1 MacBook Pro returns to all-time low at $100 off
• elago’s MS2 MagSafe Charging Stand sees very first discount to $22

Sony has now confirmed it has tracked over 4.5 million PlayStation 5 sales. After early indications suggested Sony was already ahead in the now current-generation console war, the latest PlayStation 5 sales numbers have led Sony’s gaming business to one of its best fiscal quarters in history. While that might not make a whole lot of sense for the gamers out there still trying to get their hands on one of Sony’s latest home consoles, PS5 is clearly off to a running start here. More details below. 

Since joining 9to5 in 2017, my setup has undergone several evolutions. I originally started out working from a Windows PC, then moved to a MacBook Pro, to a Hackintosh, and eventually a Mac mini. Visually, my office hasn’t changed much over the years; however, as once I moved to the MacBook Pro setup, I picked up an UltraWide monitor and have been using that since early 2018.

Well, I recently completely overhauled my office, from the desk up. I now have a new desk, new monitors, new computers, and peripherals, oh my! Going back to my “roots” of running my setup off of a MacBook Pro, this time I’ve gone all out in other areas, making my office into a “battle station” for both productivity and gaming. So, without further ado, here’s my gaming desktop and MacBook Pro work setup.

Well known for their tank-like protective gear for mobile devices, OtterBox now offers accessories for gaming on the go. With a controller shell, gaming clip, carrying case, and of course their own easy-grip gaming case for mobile devices, OtterBox now offers hearty products to make mobile gaming easy and secure. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all the details. 

The last year has made a variety of activities rough, but arguably, travel is one of the categories that has been hit the hardest. Every country and state has taken a differing approach to the pandemic, which has made the thought of traveling an overwhelming situation, to say the least. Thankfully we could start to see the beginning of a return to some form of normalcy in the coming months. The folks at Airstream are clearly on the same page and have just unveiled an all-new trailer floor plan. It’s a part of the Airstream Flying Cloud family and celebrates remote work with an office-focused layout. Continue reading to learn more.

Today, LEGO is showcasing its latest pieces of brick-built art, bringing Mickey and Minnie Mouse to its collection of portraits. The two new LEGO Disney Brick Sketches debut with more affordable price tags than previous additions to the lineup and assemble the iconic animation icons to adorn your walls or desk with the fan-favorite characters. Head below for all of the details.

The Mass Effect Legendary Edition has been officially unveiled. The new collection brings the entire Mass Effect trilogy (not that Andromeda one) into one epic and very much enhanced package. While the franchise might have had some missteps over the last few years, there’s no denying that the legions of Commander Shepard fans out there will be stoked for this one. The lauded science-fiction trilogy remaster from BioWare is now set for release this spring in glorious 4K. Head below to feast your eyes on today’s Mass Effect Legendary Edition reveal trailer and 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:

• Apple’s 13-inch M1 MacBook Air falls to new Amazon low at $929 (Save $70)
• Anker’s latest Amazon sale has Lightning cables, smart locks, and more from $11
• Save on Twelve South gear: BookArc $49, BookBook case $81, more from $35

Today is the day you can score the free God of War update for PlayStation 5. While the 2018 God of War reboot was already backwards compatible with the new PS5 hardware, not to mention available inside of the new PlayStation Plus Collection package, the development team at Sony Santa Monica is ready to take it up a notch. The team has apparently been hard at work since the launch of PS5 to squeeze every last ounce of power out of Sony’s latest hardware and is now ready to dish out a free God of War update with new graphical modes. Head below for more details. 

Update 2/2 @ 3:54 PM: Apex Legends is officially coming to Nintendo Switch on March 9. The port will be handled by Panic Button, the developers that took charge of the Rocket League port on Switch.

First reported about back in June of last year, then delayed in October, we might finally see Apex Legends get its Nintendo Switch port in just a few weeks. A few days ago, we reported on Apex Legends Season 8 launching on February 2, and during this announcement, it seems the good folks at Respawn Japan might have leaked the release of the Nintendo Switch port. What makes us think the Switch version launches at the same time as Season 8? Keep reading to find out.

Vissles, a newcomer to the computer peripheral scene, just announced its latest V1 84-key wireless mechanical keyboard. It features Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity, as well as macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android support. With 12 dual-function FN keys, 19 colorful RGB, and nine monochrome backlighting modes with adjustable brightness and patterns, this keyboard could be your next purchase to finally go all-wireless at your desk.

Today, the new LEGO Ninjago City Gardens kit is officially available for purchase, and we’re going hands on with the latest creation. With a vibrant build bustling with detail, over 5,600 pieces, and stacking up to over 29 inches tall, is the latest expansion to the Ninjago City worth the cash? Head below for a closer look and all of our thoughts on the LEGO Ninjago City.

In September 2020, Amazon introduced a new biometric technology called Amazon One. It aimed to provide a “contactless way for people to use their palm to make everyday activities like paying at a store.” This sort of technology certainly has its perks in the midst of a pandemic and can also help prevent the general spread of illness. At launch, Amazon One was installed at two Amazon Go stores in Seattle, but as promised, the company is now expanding the system out to several more locations. Continue reading to learn more.

Happy February! This month, there are a ton of great new reads to check out, including romance novels perfect for Valentine’s Day, thrillers, documentaries, and much more. The next 28 days have an array of exciting reads for you to check out. So be sure to head below the jump to find all of our top picks, and if you haven’t already completed January’s Reading List, it’s also full of awesome books to dive into.

Today, Nike is unveiling an all new lineup of shoes centered around a hands-free experience and sleek, futuristic design. Go FlyEase arrives with a unique bi-stable hinge form factor that lets you put on and take off your shoes without ever having to let your hands touch them. Head below for a closer look at Nike Go FlyEase.

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 Nike+ has dropped to its best price yet at $232 (Save 24%)
• New Beats Flex wireless earbuds deliver Apple’s W1 chip at a low of $40 (Save 20%)
• Anker Gold Box: Save 40% off charging accessories from $10, USB-C power strip: $25

It looks like a new Netflix Sonic show is on the way courtesy of Sega, Wild Brain Studio, and Man of Action Entertainment. Netflix has now taken to Twitter to confirm the existence of a new Sonic the Hedgehog series known as Sonic Prime. After a brief unveil was quickly deleted at the tail end of last year with no indication as to why, many correctly assumed the powers that be just weren’t quite ready to make the new Netflix Sonic show announcement. Fast-forward to this morning, and it appears as though the show is now full steam ahead with 24 episodes coming down the pipeline. Head below for more details. 

Today, LEGO is expanding its collection of mosaics with a customizable set that lets you craft your very own piece of art. The over 6,000 piece set stands out from other art-focused builds we’ve seen in the past by letting you turn portraits and other photos into a unique work of brick-built art. Head below for a closer look at the new Personalised LEGO Mosaic Portrait. 

King’s Canyon is one of the most-loved maps in all of Apex Legends history. It is iconic, fun, and unique in ways that the other maps just can’t match up with. Apex Legends is enters Season 8 on February 2, and we already reported the initial changes coming to the game last week. Well, we now have more details as to what’s coming to King’s Canyon in Apex Legends Season 8, so keep reading to find out what all is changing on this iconic landscape.

With working from home and digital learning both becoming more common, companies are looking for ways to offer affordable tools to make both of those easier. ClearOne, who specializes in audio and visual communication devices, is out with a new entry-level webcam. With all of the features needed for quality video, the plug-and-play ClearOne Unite 10 makes staying connected easier and comes in at a very reasonable $70. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

While there are several smartwatches on the market that target a more feminine design, much of the time they are merely shrunk-down versions of their more masculine-focused comparisons. Additional colorways are also sprinkled in to help broaden appeal, but many would agree that something is still missing. Garmin Lily takes aim at this issue by being the “first-of-its-kind smartwatch” with a design that’s “feminine, sophisticated and rooted in fashion.” Continue reading to learn more.

With January nearly in the books, today we’re taking a look at a handful of LEGO Ideas projects that may someday join the likes of the recent 975-piece Medieval Blacksmith set. This month is highlighted by a miniature LEGO symphony orchestra, medieval castle, and old-school arcade. Head below for a closer look at all of the best LEGO Ideas projects in January.

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

Top deals:

• Apple Watch Series 5 Nike+ from $299 (Up to $150 off)
• Save up to $150 on Apple’s latest 21-inch Retina 4K iMac at Amazon lows from $1,219
• Apple discounts sports films to $5 this weekend in latest movie sale

Developer Psyonix has now announced a series of upcoming Rocket League Super Bowl events. Not only is Champions Field being transformed, the upcoming NFL Super Bowl LV Celebration introduces a new game mode known as Gridiron, complete with its own set of rules and game tweaks, as well as a series of themed in-game goodies ranging from bonus XP to the return of the NFL Fan Pack. It all kicks off on February 2, 2021, some five days before Super Bowl LV. Head below for more details. 

CORSAIR is once again getting into the NVMe SSD game, this time with three new PCIe 4.0 drives. You’ll find the MP600 CORE, MP600 PRO, as well as a MP600 PRO Hydro X Edition that sports…water cooling? Yeah, that’s right, to keep its latest NVMe drive cool CORSAIR substituted the heat sink for a water cooling block. With speeds of up to 7GB/s, these drives are the perfect upgrade for your gaming rig.

CASETiFY kicked off the year by partnering up with Disney on a collection of Mickey Mouse-themed accessories for your Apple setup, and is now back with yet another collaboration in tow. This time around, you’ll be able to outfit your iPhone and charging setup with a series of themed NBA cases and accessories that bring iconic imagery to your device. Head below for a closer look at the new CASETiFY iPhone NBA collection.

Roughly two years ago Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft finalized and released The Division 2. It remains popular to this day, and next-generation console owners will soon have more of a reason to dive in. According to one of the game’s Community Developers, this title is slated to garner support for 4K resolution with 60fps performance next week. Considering that the number of compelling next-generation games remains small at the moment, this sort of update is arguably what will help drive enthusiasm and sales of both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Continue reading to learn more.

This morning popular accessory maker Razer has unveiled what it is calling “the world’s fastest gaming mouse.” The new Razer Viper 8KHz is a gaming and esports mouse that features a true 8000Hz polling rate, which allows it to react quicker than just about any mouse on the market to your movements during battle. To those that keep a keen eye on this product category, today’s news comes as no surprise. These days it’s a constant race to remain among the best and most cutting edge as gamers continue to spend money at a rapid pace. Leaving the question to be, will Razer’s latest become the newest must-have gaming accessory?

Update: Now available for purchase for $149.99.

LEGO is out with the latest addition to its brick-built garage today, bringing the iconic Porsche 911 sports car into its line of highly-detailed Creator vehicles. Stacking up to over 1,400 pieces, this model delivers plenty of authentic details alongside the ability to build one of two versions of the iconic ride. Head below for all of the details on the new LEGO Porsche 911.

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 $100 off Apple’s M1-powered 13-inch MacBook Pro
• iPad deals abound at Woot today from $70: 6th Gen. iPad $255, Pro, mini, more (Refurb)
• New Amazon lows hit Samsung’s PRO NVMe SSD storage from $48 (31% off) + more

Originally announced back in September, Amazon’s All-new Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen.) finally has a release date: February 25. That’s right, the all-new motorized Echo Show 5 launches next month, and we’re even seeing a pre-order deal. What all does Amazon’s new Echo Show 10 do? Well, for one, it’s motorized. But that’s far from where its features end, so keep reading to find out if this is the smart display for your home.

Ahead of February, LEGO is detailing three upcoming promotional kits for builders to add to their collections for free. Headlined by its latest Chinese New Year set, builders will be able to assemble a Year of the Ox model alongside a Valentine’s Day-themed kit and more for free. Head below for a closer look at all three of the LEGO freebies available in February and all of the details on adding these to your collection. 

Whether it be a board, console, or computer game, we all have a specific title that delivers a sense of nostalgia whenever mentioned. For many, Age of Empires is at or near the top of the list (myself included). Thankfully, a large fanbase has allowed Age of Empires II to still receive updates more than 21 years after the original version was released. A new Lords of the West expansion has dropped and it shakes up the game by adding two civilizations, three fully voiced campaigns, 16 new achievements, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

Today Fujifilm is out with a new selection of digital cameras today, expanding its footprint in the competitive space. Headlining today’s announcement is the mirrorless GFX100S, which features a compact design and a massive 102MP large format sensor. The GFX100S, in fact, delivers “the world’s highest” large-format sensor, making it a particularly notable release in this year’s product cycle. Fuji is also bringing is smaller mirrorless camera to market today with the X-E4, which features a compact design and fast autofocus design. Head below for full details on all of today’s Fuji announcements.

After announcing the rollout of end-to-end encryption for its Ring smart home security lineup earlier in the month, the company is back today with the unveil of its latest video doorbell. Entering as not only the smallest iteration yet but also the most affordable, the new wired Ring Video Doorbell arrives with 1080p feeds and all of the same Alexa features we’ve come to expect. You’ll also enjoy motion detection and more. Head below for a closer look.