News

As it does each year, Amazon has now unveiled its list of the Best Books of 2020. This time around, Amazon is highlighting 10 different titles that were announced within the calendar year, setting the stage for what will likely be some of the most popular gifts of the holiday season. We checked in at the halfway point of the year in June as Amazon noted a few top picks so far for 2020, but now we’re getting the full list. This year’s event feels different from previous renditions of the book list, given the number of people that are staying at home these days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Head below for a look at Amazon’s top reads for 2020.

Black Friday is just over a week away but we’ve already learned through early ad leaks that this is shaping up to be a particularly notable shopping event. We’ve already highlighted some of the best deals coming down the pipeline from Amazon and Google, and now we’re turning our attention to Apple. With loads of new hardware announced this fall, it’s looking like the latest out of Cupertino will be taking center stage throughout Thanksgiving week. You’ll find our complete guide to the best Apple Black Friday deals down below for 2020.

Ralph Lauren is getting your holiday shopping done early with a Gift Guide full of ideas for everyone on your list. If you’re looking for a high-quality gift that they can enjoy for years to come, Ralph Lauren is the way to go. They even have finishing touches with signature gift boxing at checkout. Plus, you can find gift ideas with prices starting at just $8, and Ralph Lauren offers free delivery on all orders. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks from Ralph Lauren’s Holiday Gift Guide.

We’re now just a little over a week away from Black Friday, with plenty of deals starting to roll out over the coming days. Ahead of all the action, we’re diving into what you can expect when it comes to shopping for smart home upgrades, with everything from discounts on the latest speakers from Amazon and Google to smart home lighting, security packages, and more. Head below to find this year’s best Black Friday smart home deals.

Competition is heating up in the smart glasses department following today’s public release of Echo Frames 2. Up to this point, the original Echo Frames were a Day 1 Edition product aimed at folks willing to test and provide feedback regarding bugs and the overall user experience. Echo Frames are not the only Amazon product to go through this release phase — Echo Ring did the same. Having received a bundle of user feedback on both items, Amazon has green-lighted and updated Echo Frames while deciding to sunset Echo Loop. Continue reading to learn 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:

• Latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro up to $150 off before Black Friday
• Verizon’s Black Friday sale delivers a FREE iPhone 12 plus gift cards, more
• Apple’s new M1-powered 13-inch MacBook Air 512GB now $1,200

NZXT is expanding its all-in-one cooler lineup with the release of the Kraken X-3 family, as well as the Kraken Z53. The X-3 series of coolers introduces a new variant that includes the company’s AER RGB 2 fans for those who want everything to be RGB in their build. The Z53 is an expansion of the existing Z-3 lineup of coolers to add a 240mm version to the stack, which previously only had a 280mm and 360mm option.

RHA’s latest product is its TrueControl ANC headphones. These are truly wireless earbuds that offer active noise cancelation and utilize “cutting-edge technology”, providing high-quality audio in a sleek form-factor. You’ll find up to 20-hours of battery life available here, and the unique part is that the RHA Connect App allows you to completely customize your listening experience. What all do the RHA TrueControl ANC headphones offer? Keep reading to find out.

We now have our first look at the new Miles Morales adidas Superstars. A collaboration between Sony, Insomniac Games, and adidas have brought one of the latter brand’s most iconic silhouettes to the upcoming Miles Morales game, but there will also be a limited run of physical, real-world adidas originals kicks known as the Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Superstar. Head below for more details and a closer look. 

EVOO is a fairly recent brand, but it’s already growing in popularity. The company’s latest gaming laptops, which are powered by both Intel and AMD processors, offers quite a bit of power and features in fairly budget-focused packages, with machines priced as low as $850 on Amazon. Offering THX-tuned speakers and displays, the new EVOO gaming laptops are built to get the job done, whether that be gaming, content creation, or workstation tasks.

This year’s biggest Black Friday ads are out, and it’s now time to parse through all of the best Black Friday home goods and kitchenware deals. From the hottest Instant Pot multi-cooker models and $10 appliances to Ninja air fryer combo units, iRobot vacuums, and hundreds of dollars in savings on the KitchenAid stand mixers, there’s something for every household on sale this year. The deals will be kicking off as early as this week, so be sure to browse through our top picks below to ensure you’re ready to pull the trigger when the price is right and before everything sells out. 

Today, Logitech is expanding its arsenal of gaming peripherals with its latest mouse yet. The new Pro X Superlight Mouse delivers on its name with an ultra streamlined design that’s backed by an impressive 25,600 DPI sensor and 70-hour battery life. Head below for a closer look at the new Logitech G Pro X Superlight Mouse, as well as all the details on adding it to your battlestation.

Despite the fact that Age of Empires IV is in the works, this hasn’t halted updates to the classics. Age of Empires II is often considered to be the best of the bunch, and its new update further solidifies this. An Age of Empires Battle Royale game mode is easily the biggest highlight of the update. It pits eight players against one to create a fast-paced, new and exciting way to play the game. Other features include Quick Play for faster matchmaking, an updated Civ Selection UI, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

Now that most of next week’s Black Friday event has come into focus, it’s time to start sifting through the noise and pinpointing which deals are really going to be worth your time. Amazon officially announced its Black Friday gameplan on Monday, detailing a number of price drops on its most recent smart home devices, E-readers, and more. One thing is for sure: this is squaring up to be a Black Friday unlike any we’ve ever seen before. As we look towards Black Friday next week, it’s time to identify what some of the top deals will be at Amazon. Head below for this year’s Best of Black Friday guide for the online giant as we detail all of the best offers coming down the pipe.

The Ulta 2020 Holiday Gift Guide is officially here with hundreds of top brands included. Ulta hasn’t officially announced its Black Friday deals yet, but based on last year’s offerings, we can predict that they will offer up to 50% off top brands. From hair care to makeup, this year’s guide has everything for the beauty guru. So if you have a beauty lover on your list, you can find deals on MAC, Too Faced, Tarte, and many more. Plus, you can warm up to free candles with a $50 fragrance purchase and receive free delivery on orders of $35 or more. Head below the jump to find all of our favorite items from the Ulta Holiday Gift Guide.

With Black Friday just around the corner and all of the major retailers’ ads having dropped, we’re now diving into the best Google offers to expect. Ranging from price cuts on its latest Pixel smartphones to Nest smart home speakers and accessories, Google will be rolling out plenty of offers of its own to match other retailers on some of the best prices of the year. Head below for all of the details on this year’s best Google Black Friday deals.

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 new 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 gets first Amazon discount from $1,250
• Apple drops new five for $15 movie bundle sale across various genres
• AirPods Pro offer ‘Hey Siri’, stellar ANC, more for $190 ($59 off)

It’s been a busy week already for Black Friday ads, and while we’ve already seen plans from both Amazon and Walmart detailed, it’s time to take a look at what all BJ’s Wholesale will have going on for Black Friday 2020. From discounts on smart home gear to some deals that you can take advantage of already, we’ve got it all for you just below the break.

After the success of their first limited edition collaboration, two titans in the gaming and keyboard worlds are back at it again with another limited edition HyperX Ducky One 2 Mini. 6,500 units will be available November 18 at 8 a.m. PST, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Hit the video below to see and hear it in action. 

It’s now time to dive into this year’s best Black Friday game deals. Now that just about all of the biggest retailers have shown their hands with 2020 ad leaks, we have a much better idea of where the lowest possible prices for the hottest titles and gear will be this year. This is a great way to plan out your shopping strategy, if not just to get an idea of how much certain titles and items are going to be priced at various retailers — not to mention PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X Black Friday stock details. Head below for a closer look at this year’s best Black Friday game deals and more. 

Today, we’re getting a look at some of the first LEGO kits due out in 2021 with the second wave of Super Mario Bros. creations launching at the start of next year. Continuing the partnership with Nintendo, we’re getting six new builds and a second Character Pack series. Head below the fold for a closer look.

If PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S aren’t doing it for you, here’s to hoping a new Bud Light console will. The team has launched an official system called BL6 and dubbed it as “the coolest* console ever.” It’s described as “½ koozie, ½ projector & ½ gaming console,” which doesn’t add up, but if we’re honest, there is not much of this launch that actually does. The unit comes with two controllers, a built-in projector, six games, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

Eddie Bauer just released its Holiday Gift Guide with cozy and warm essentials for every adventurer. Eddie Bauer’s quote of the season is “You know them, We Know Gifts”. This guide has hundreds of ideas for the cozy person, gear junkie, adventurer, and powder chaser. They also have an array of ideas for your dogs and stocking stuffers too. Prices start at just $10, which means this guide features ideas for every budget. Be sure to head below the jump to find our favorite styles from Eddie Bauer. You will also want to check out the Oakley Holiday Gift Guide that’s sharing popular sunglasses, apparel, and more from $10. Note: prices are subject to change in the next few weeks but the prices mentioned below are current.

It seems the folks at Wyze have been quite busy lately, with the recent launch of a smart Vacuum, new camera, Video Doorbell, Headphones, Thermostat, and many other killer products more. Well, as we head into the holidays, the company is showing no signs of slowing down. Introducing, the brand-new Wyze Sprinkler Controller. That’s right, Wyze now has a product where you can control, schedule, and monitor up to 8-zones of irrigation at your home.

There aren’t many contenders in this space, and Wyze is looking to become the new go-to for smart sprinkler controllers, it seems. Does Rachio have something to worry about with the Wyze Sprinkler Controller? Keep reading to find out everything it has to offer, and make the decision yourself.

Black Friday 2020 is shaping up to be quite different from past years, with the ongoing pandemic changing the way both shoppers and retailers go about navigating the sales this time around. With more brick and mortar stores than ever opting to stay closed for Thanksgiving Day across the United States, we’re getting a good idea already of what to expect once next week rolls around. Head below for all of the details on official store closures and more to get you ready for Black Friday.

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

Top deals:

• Take up to $550 off 16-inch MacBook Pro with various models discounted heavily
• Disney and Pixar films highlight latest Apple movie sale, rentals, more from $1
• Apple’s latest 27-inch Retina 5K iMac drops $150 for a limited time

Just ahead of Black Friday 2020, Amazon is rolling out its latest initiative. In the midst of its own government regulation issues, the online giant is now turning its attention to another area of our lives: prescription drugs. Amazon Pharmacy allows shoppers to buy their various prescriptions directly online with, you guessed it, added perks for Prime members. If you’re part of Amazon’s fast delivery program, you’ll be able to save “up to 80%” off regular prices in comparison to paying without insurance alongside 2-day shipping and other perks. Full details on today’s announcement can be found below.

HyperX and Ducky are once again partnering to launch a limited-edition keyboard. This is the second time the companies have joined forces, and we’re about to get a killer looking keyboard with some awesome features. The HyperX x Ducky One 2 Mini will come in a black colorway and 60% form-factor, offering your desk a gorgeous upgrade without taking up a ton of space. What all will this keyboard have and what makes it so special? Well, we take a look at everything below the fold.

Celebrating their eighth-anniversary creating portable power solutions for the outdoor enthusiast, Jackery is taking 15% off their entire site right before the holiday season. We’ve covered many of their products in the past from the small Bolt to their biggest power station the Explorer 1000, but this time we’re taking a look at the new Jackery Solar Generator 1000 kit that consists of an Explorer 1000 and two Solar Saga 100W panels. With this combo of outputs and the ability to recharge quickly anywhere, it’s set to be a must-have for any outdoor adventure. Head below to watch the video and see it in action. 

Black Friday is starting to finally come into focus as Amazon, Walmart, and others have finally revealed their ads for Thanksgiving week. One of the final pieces of the puzzle has finally fallen into place as Target’s Black Friday ad for 2020 has now been revealed. The 36-page ad offers up some additional details on what we can expect throughout next week. This year’s ad highlights deals on the latest releases from Apple, Google, Microsoft, Sony, and more. Head below for a breakdown of what’s on the way for this year’s Target Black Friday sale.

Many of our favorite LEGO builds stand out due to just how great of display pieces they are. But when it comes to accessories direct from LEGO for showcasing these builds in your collection, there aren’t many options. That’s where the folks from Wicked Brick come in, providing specialized display stands, cases, and wall mounts for a collection of sets, minifigures, and more. Today, we’re taking a look at a few of the brand’s offerings, so be sure to head below for a closer look at how these Wicked Brick LEGO stands can elevate your collection.

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 closer look at the new MUJJO Full Leather iPhone 12 case lineup. Another mainstay in our yearly roundups of the best options for Apple’s latest, the 2020 lineup shines again with premium Japanese microfiber, vegetable-tanned leather, and stealthy, debossed branding. But with so much competition in the leather iPhone case category, it’s time to go hands-on to see how MUJJO’s $40+ iPhone 12 cases stack up in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys. 

Western Digital has historically delivered quite a few gamer-focused products. In fact, its WD_BLACK lineup is aimed squarely at them. This is further emphasized by the release of three special edition storage drives that debuted earlier today. P10, P50, and SN850 will receive the WD_BLACK Call of Duty treatment, providing a way for PC and console gamers alike to show off their love for the game. Today’s announcement comes three days after the debut of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Continue reading to learn 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.

Oakley recently released its Holiday Gift Guide with an array of eyewear, helmets, apparel, and gear for the winter season. Whether you’re looking to share the love of sunglasses, snow gear, or apparel, the Oakley Gift Guide has something for everyone. This guide also features an array of budget-friendly options, with styles under $40, $60, or $100. Better yet, Oakley offers free delivery on all orders. Hit the jump to find all of our top picks from Oakley, and be sure to check out our latest guide to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Holiday Gift Guide here.

Today, Ubiquiti is officially expanding its lineup of prosumer networking gear with Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. Entering with two new access points, those in the UniFi ecosystem will be able to expand their setups with up to 3Gb/s data rates, 4×4 MU-MIMO support, and more. Head below for a closer look at the new Ubiquiti UniFi Wi-Fi 6 Access Points.

With the Xbox Series X and S now officially out, hopefully, if you had your eye on one, you were able to pick one up. After missing the early pre-order I was able to get an order into Walmart and pick it up a few days later. After playing some games this weekend, I wanted to share some first impressions. Head below to watch the video and see it in action. 

The final Black Friday ad we’ve been waiting on has now dropped. We now have a look at what this year’s Amazon Black Friday event will bring as the online giant promises “tens of thousands of amazing Black Friday deals and low prices on top gifts.” Deals will start this Friday, November 20 and run for a solid week through Black Friday proper on November 27. This year’s event checks all the boxes, with deals on tech, home goods, toys, and much more, all at some of the best prices of the year. You’ll find all of the best Amazon Black Friday deals on this landing page. Head below for full details and an in-depth look at pricing.

Samsung has just debuted a new set of monitors that go beyond just displaying a connected device. Samsung’s new Smart Monitors offer native apps such as Netflix and YouTube along with support for Apple AirPlay and Microsoft Office.

One of the final Black Friday dominos has finally fallen. This year’s Walmart Black Friday ad has been revealed with some of 2020’s hottest deals. Walmart is making a major push to discount a large selection of Apple products, setting the pace for other retailers. This includes Apple Watch, AirPods, and iPads. Walmart is also looking to be one of the few retailers guaranteeing a selection of Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 consoles on the big day, as well. Head below for full details on Walmart’s Black Friday plans for this year.

Steam is the go-to client for PC gamers worldwide, and while many use keyboard and mouse exclusively, some titles just are better with a controller. Well, the latest Steam beta release packs support for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers, but what all is supported right now and what type of experience can you expect? Keep reading to find out.

Back with even more connectivity than the previous generation, the Naim Mu-so 2nd Gen wireless speaker packs the same premium design with upgraded sound quality. Faster digital processing and an added HDMI-ARC connection let the Mu-so 2nd Gen connect to even more devices around the home. We also have the smaller, more affordable Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Gen in our hands to try out the multi-room setup. Head below to watch the video and check out all the details on these new premium wireless speakers. 

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.

The 2020 Totallee iPhone 12 case lineup has landed. The brand is well-known around these here parts as being among the best options for those looking for that barely there coverage for their iPhone of choice, and the 2020 cases are no exception. Totallee’s latest matte and transparent offerings carry the proven ultra-thin design over from last year’s covers while ensuring compatibility with latest iteration of Apple’s MagSafe system. Head below for more details and some hands-on impressions in our Tested with 9to5Toys on Totallee’s iPhone 12 case lineup.

Today, LEGO is detailing its annual VIP Weekend sale, giving shoppers a first look at what to expect in terms of brick-built savings this Black Friday. With a series of free promotional kits and a double points offer, you’ll want to head below for a closer look at what to expect from the upcoming early Black Friday savings at LEGO.

Earlier this year Tag Heuer released its own smartwatch and unlike some, the company has been working hard to keep things feeling fresh and exciting. Back in late spring, it unveiled a golf-focused addition to the lineup and shortly thereafter unveiled a summer collection of models and bands. Now that we’re heading into the holiday season, yet another Tag Heuer Connected refresh is upon us. Shoppers now have more bands to choose from in addition to a few new watch faces. Much of these releases are the result of a collaboration with HYPEMAKER. Continue reading to learn more.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Gift Guide offers an array of top ideas. Whether you’re looking for presents for the runner, golfer, camper, or kids, there’s something for everyone. They also have gifts for every budget, with sections for ideas under $25 or below $50. Plus, you can find hundreds of top brands including Nike, Patagonia, The North Face, adidas, Yeti, Carhartt, and more. Plus, if you spend over $50, Dick’s Sporting Goods customers receive complimentary delivery. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks from Dick’s Sporting Goods Holiday Gift Guide. Plus, be sure to check out our latest guide to Target’s Coffee-themed Gift List here with prices from $4.

Back in March, game developer Ndemic Creations announced Plague Inc. The Cure — an expansion to its popular plague simulation experience. At the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, Ndemic decided it would turn the tables on its popular viral infection simulator to allow gamers to save the world from a deadly virus instead. Well, after months of focused development and working with some of the world’s leading health organizations, Plague Inc. The Cure is finally available for download. More details below. 

After being rumored for a bit now, today LEGO is officially taking the wraps off of its largest set to date and newest addition to the Creator theme. Entering as a brick-built version of one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, the new Colosseum enters with over 9,000 pieces and is packed with authentic details. Head below for a closer look at the new LEGO Colosseum and everything that makes it the largest creation to date.