News

Samsung always takes CES as the opportunity to show off what’s new from its TV lineup, and 2024 is no different. We’re now getting a look at its latest lineup of home theater upgrades including a pair of new 4K and 8K Neo QLED units, as well as new glare-free OLED sets and more.

After the launch of its new modular Express 1M2 portable solid-state drive, OWC is ready to expand its “best-in-class ThunderBlade portable storage line” for CES 2024. The brand is looking to provide content creators and professional-grade video setups with what it refers to as as a new version of its ThunderBlade RAID drive that “continues to set the bar for what is possible in the realm of production drives” with increased RAID 5 performance and expanded capacity options. Head below for a closer look. 

You have the check out these new Samsung transparent MICRO LED glass displays. The Consumer Electronics Show gives us a look at what tech is actually hitting the market in the year to come as well as a glimpse into the future, and the new transparent glass displays from Samsung certainly fit the bill. Delivering something that looks like it comes straight from the set (or CGI workstation) of futuristic sci-fi and cyberpunk films, the world’s first transparent MICRO LED glass displays from Samsung are easily one of the must-see items from the show floor at CES 2024. Head below to see them in action. 

Hyper is now joining in on the CES 2024 reveals with a new collection of gadgets. While there’s power banks, Thunderbolt docking stations, and portable SSDs for your iPhone 15, the real stars of the show are the two new Hyper Qi2 chargers – the company’s first releases with the new charging standard.

Last week, 9to5Toys was able to report exclusively on one LEGO Star Wars set that would be joining the 2024 lineup. It was just a single bullet in our original coverage from the start of the year, noting that there would be a BrickHeadz bundle based around The Phantom Menace. Now a few others have corroborated the news, and we’re ready to speculate on just what might be included. After all, Episode I theming means there’s a chance we finally get a LEGO Jar Jar Binks BrickHeadz figure…

Jackery is making its first reveal of the year this weekend ahead of CES 2024, showing off a new rooftop tent kept that yields 1,000W of solar power. It may only be a concept, but we could see units officially launch as early as the end of the year.

Acer is joining in on the CES 2024 news this weekend ahead of the official start to the Las Vegas showcase with a first look at its newest suite of portable Windows PCs. The new Acer Swift laptops come outfitted with much of the same AI prowess that has been all the talk of this year’s consumer tech event like dedicated Windows Copilot keys, alongside some new Intel CPUs and refreshed designs with OLED displays.

Urbanista has announced an overhauling of its solar charging headphone lineup with the new second-generation versions of both its Los Angeles over-ear headphones and the Phoenix true wireless earbuds. Both devices are still designed and built around Powerfoyle solar charging material from Exeger, but are now being updated with more power-efficient components, adaptive noise cancellation, and more streamlined designs.

Now that 2024 is underway, 9to5Toys can share some updates on what to expect from the upcoming LEGO Ideas lineup for the year. The LEGO Group wasted no time showing off the theme’s first creation earlier this week with the debut of the Family Tree, but there’s so much more in-store. From the long-awaited LEGO Dungeons and Dragons set to the Red London Telephone Box and the long-awaited Jaws set, we break it down below.

Hazel Quinn – a modern kitchen appliance brand with a flair for retro-style designs – is now offering some deep deals on electric kettles, toasters, and its slow masticating juicer. If you missed out on the Black Friday sale, the brand is offering folks another shot at scoring some of its best-selling products without paying anywhere near full price. You’re looking at up to 58% off the regular price tags to upgrade your setup for 2024 with deals starting from just over $46. Head below to scope out 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 are available.

• Apple’s 10.9-inch iPad returns to Black Friday pricing for only second time at $349 (Save $100)
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 starts off the year with second-best discounts from $239 (Reg. $300+)
• Anker’s new Nano 10,000mAh power bank has a built-in 30W USB-C cable at $36 (Reg. $50)

Yesterday, MSI showed off the teaser for its first entry into the Steam Deck competitor space. Now today we’re getting a first look at what to expect from the new MSI handheld, which has been deemed the Claw.

Next up in our coverage of CES announcements, LG Display has announced today that it has completed the development of a new 27-inch 480Hz QHD OLED gaming display with an official showcase prepared for CES 2024. This big news has many excited for what lies in store, opening the doors to a new era of OLEDs with ultra-high refresh rates.

Today, accessory and iPhoneography brand SANDMARC is introducing its new content-creator Pro Headlamp. While we have come to adore the brand’s iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands, it actually cut its teeth in the smartphone-based photography space and is now expanding its lineup of accessories beyond the tripods, Creator Camera grip, and ring light we featured previously. The new SANDMARC Pro headlamp is now available for purchase ahead of delivery this month and we also have an exclusive discount code for you as well. Head below for more details. 

The new Razer Blade 16 and Blade 18 gaming laptops are next on deck for the CES 2024 announcements. The leading gaming brand is now revealing details on what its calls “world’s first display innovations” in the latest iterations of its portable gaming rigs that “underscore Razer’s commitment to being at the forefront of technological excellence.” Head below 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 are available.

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 is back from the dead with a $50 Amazon discount to $749 in all styles
• Apple’s latest 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro starts at $1,400 with $199 off New Year’s sale
• Motorola’s razr+ folding smartphone includes a $50 credit with discount to $700 (Save $300)

Traditional smokers require ample outdoor storage space and optimal weather, most consumers don’t have one or the other when the cravings for smoked brisket hit. The team at GE is debuting the world’s first indoor smoker at CES 2024 in the coming days, and they have our attention, we are listening! The GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker with Active Smoke Filtration is sure to be a hit, check out what we know so far below. 

Dell’s popular XPS laptop lineup is getting a major makeover. Some of the most popular Windows laptops around are getting a refresh to have a better chance of going toe to toe with Apple’s latest MacBooks, as Dell adopts the 14- and 16-inch form-factors alongside some other changes like a dedicated Windows Copilot key ahead of CES 2024.

The next LEGO Ideas set is here. It certainly didn’t take long for the LEGO Group to reveal the next fan-inspired creation into 2024, as today we’re getting an official look at the upcoming Family Tree (21346). This over 1,000-piece model delivers a cute way to show off family photos, which can be hung on the brick-built branches throughout the family tree.

Last fall, 9to5Toys reported that 2024 would see the LEGO Group celebrate the 25th anniversary of Star Wars sets. Today, we have more official confirmation it’s happening, as the logo for the upcoming festivities has been revealed. Or better yet, leaked. Here’s everything we know so far about the celebration.

Update: Burton Goods is also now offering iPhone 13 Pro/Pro Max and 14 Pro/Pro Max versions of its new Modern Pocket Book Wallet case at $79.99 alongside the 15 models. Regularly $100, all of them will drop 20% in the cart. 

Pad & Quill has risen from the ashes better and stronger than ever with a new name…Burton Goods. The brand formerly known as Pad & Quill has retuned with a new name and a brand new lineup of American-made artisan products for your Apple gear. After an unfortunate series of events forced one of our favorite handmade Apple accessory makers to shut its doors for good, it has reemerged as Burton Goods with same dedication to creating high-quality leather goods handcrafted right here in the United States. And to celebrate the launch of Burton Goods, the brand is offering 20% off just about everything. Head below for more details. 

Samsung today is kicking off the CES 2024 action a bit early with the debut of three new gaming monitors. The company has been on a roll with its Odyssey series as of late, and now there’s a trio of new additions to the collection complete with OLED panels. Ranging from a massive new 49-inch display to the company’s first flat monitors in the Odyssey lineup, we break it down below.

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 are available.

• Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C start out 2024 with return to all-time low of $189 (Save $60)
• Leave slow speeds in 2023 with Google’s Nest WiFi Pro Wi-Fi 6E router at $140 (Save $60)
• Skullcandy’s new Dime 3 earbuds are even more affordable with first discount to $25

Today we are getting the first official details on the new 2024 LG OLED TV lineup. With CES 2024 right around the corner now, the latest in the world of tech is on full display this month and one of the first out of the gate is LG. Every year around this time, the brand unveils what’s next in its popular lineup of OLED TVs and this year the focus is on lifelike displays with “4-fold higher AI performance.” Head below for more details on the 2024 LG OLED TV lineup. 

Ubiquiti is wasting no time starting out 2024 with some new reveals. Today, we have the new Swiss Army Knife Ultra hitting the scene, delivering an indoor and outdoor access point that we can only hope lives up to its ambitious name. But with Wi-Fi 5 at the center of the experience, things aren’t looking good.

UGREEN is starting out 2024 by launching a new lineup with some of its most capable chargers yet. The new Nexode Pro series earns its name by packing even more power into smaller packages than before. There’s two models now available at launch with some discounts attached, as well as two more announced that’ll be available in the near future.

Today we are taking a closer look at the new clear MagSafe wallet from elago. The brand is one that generally takes a unique approach to its accessories, whether it be the vintage Apple gear-inspired designs or the retro Nintendo vibes, and its new clear MagSafe wallet follows suit. While it might not be as gimmicky or as playful as some of the aforementioned pop culture and tech references, it does deliver something a little bit different from the sea of black and brown vegan leather options out there. The question is, how many folks are going to feel safe with a completely clear case (not) covering their credit card numbers and the like? Head below for a closer look and more details on elago’s new clear MagSafe wallet. 

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 are available.

• M2 Mac mini deals kick off the New Year starting from $499 (Reg. $599+)
• New Amazon lows take $100 or more off Samsung Galaxy Tab S9/+ starting from $700
• Anker’s MagGo Cube 15W MagSafe Charger is a 9to5 favorite at $127 (Reg. $150)

We’re getting a first look at five new 2024 LEGO BrickHeadz today ahead of their debut next month. Bringing five new iconic characters into the collection of brick-built figures, soon you’ll be able to assemble Stitch, a potted version of Groot, Peter Parker in his Iron Spider suit, and a combo pack with two Sonic the Hedgehog characters.

One of the biggest waves of LEGO sets all year is launching today to start off 2024. As the LEGO Group normally does every January 1, the company is launching a whole batch of all-new creations. This time around, you’ll find everything from the latest Star Wars and Marvel recreations to Technic, City, Ninjago, the new LEGO Ideas Polaroid, and many other new sets. Head below for the full scoop on all of the new LEGO sets available for January 2024.

As has become a tradition around 9to5Toys as the year comes to a close, all of the writers here on the site are getting a bit retrospective on all of the gear we’ve taken a look at in 2023. Alongside all of the tech, toys, and fashion we’ve reviewed since January, there is a selection of things each of us bought for ourselves that might not have been covered – or perhaps that we just want to highlight again. You’ll find all of 9to5Toys’ Favorite Things of 2023 down below, including Fujifilm cameras, PreSonus speakers, and more.

The year is coming to an end after seeing hundreds of different LEGO sets hit store shelves. While we’re gearing up to start covering all of the new creations come 2024, beforehand we’re taking a retrospective look at what this year already delivered. Including some of the largest models ever made to more affordable and display-worthy creations, you’ll want to head below for our best LEGO sets of 2023.

We are now rounding up all of our favorite on-the-go storage options in our 2023 collection of the best portable SSDs. While we didn’t see a ton of big-time standout new releases in 2023, there have been some next-generation releases from major brands worth consideration. Something like the new Samsung T5 Evo with up to 8TB capacities is going to be far less universally appealing to most folks, but its new T9 and mainstay T7 series is quite the opposite, much like the new X9 and X10 Pro models from Crucial. This year has also seen some unfortunate controversy in the portable SSD space with some issues arising among the formerly quite popular SanDisk Extreme lineup – my units work just fine, but there have been a ton of failures reported across the interwebs – however there are plenty of reliable solutions out there and we are breaking down our favorite options right now in our 2023 collection of the best portable SSDs to close out the year. Check them out below. 

It is now time for our annual roundup of the best iPhone cases of the year. As we approach the new year, we come together to choose our favorite models in each category for Apple’s latest handsets. While you’ll find our wider range of favorites across a large selection of brands and styles in our collection of the best iPhone 15 cases right here, this is the place to find some particular highlights in various categories – this year marks the return of some mainstays, but a few new options are standing out among the pack in 2023 as well. Head below for a breakdown of some of our favorite iPhone cases of the year. 

Throughout 2023, we’ve reviewed a collection of the latest true wireless earbuds. Including a wide range of brands, form-factors, and price points, we’ve settled on five of our favorite alternatives to first-party offerings from Apple, Google, and Samsung. Including Sony’s new XM5, Anker’s latest budget-friendly buds, and some other unique offerings, you’ll find all of the best earbuds of 2023 outlined below.

Today we are taking a hands-on look at the Harber London Leather Tech Dopp Kit. We have come away impressed with the brand’s higher-end leather carriers this year, including its MacBook backpacks, MacBook sleeve, as well as the iPhone 15 leather pouches, and now it’s time to test out the brand’s tech accessory solution. Head below for our hands-on impressions of the Harber London Leather Tech Dopp Kit as part of the latest entry in the Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

Now that the holidays are officially behind us, it’s time to continue an annual tradition here at 9to5Toys – Write-Off Week. The year is winding down and time is running out to make last-minute purchases to deduct from 2023’s taxes. Many have been on the work-from-home journey for well over a year, and some are just starting out. It doesn’t matter what camp you’re in, this week is your last chance to score some tax deductible gear that’s able to be written off in April. Keep reading for all of our favorite Write-Off Week deals.

Running for almost a decade at this point, each December we kick off the annual tradition of seeing what’s in the year’s LEGO Advent Calendars. And for 2023, there’s so much to be excited about. With 24 days of different creations on tap, we’ll be taking a day-by-day look to highlight all of the miniature creations, minifigures, and other builds in the countdown to the end of the month. This year, we’re checking out the latest LEGO Star Wars, Marvel, City, and Friends Advent Calendars for 2023.

Normally when we talk about Decluttr here at 9to5Toys, it’s because the company is our official trade-in partner. But with the holidays approaching and the goal to get all of the best tech for everyone on your list without spending full price, we’d be remiss to not mention all of the great deals you can score by shopping Decluttr and its catalog of refurbished gadgets.

After getting a chance to go hands-on with the brand’s gorgeous leather iPhone 15 case, it’s time to weigh-in on the new SANDMARC Leather MagSafe wallet. The brand unleashed its very first foray into the leather MagSafe wallet business at the tail end of September, shortly after the debut of the new series 15 handsets, to expand its growing lineup of iPhone accessories. Considering how much I love its leather iPhone cases I had high hopes for the new wallet add-on, but you’ll definitely want to review our hands-on impressions below before dropping any cash down on one. 

As more direct-drive wheelbases become available, and some of them at a more entry-level torque power, the need for an affordable sim-racing cockpit that supports direct-drive wheelbases is growing. Next Level Racing, which provides entry-level wheel stands up to robot-like robust sim racing cockpits saw the need and now has the GTRacer that we are looking at today. Coming in at $399, it’s a setup from the foldable GTLite for those who need a bit more stability for more powerful wheelbases. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

If you can’t decide what to gift the special someone on your list, a Setapp subscription is going to do just the trick. On top of not having to worry about shipping times, Setapp offers gift cards for its curated collection of Mac and iOS apps by MacPaw that are sure to help supercharge their workflow to start off 2024.

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 are available.

• Save $749 on Apple’s original 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro at $1,250 all-time low
• Twelve South’s new ButterFly charger sees first discount to $104 with our exclusive code (Reg. $130)
• Logitech’s latest Crayon iPad stylus with USB-C has never sold for less at $55 (Reg. $70)

Remember Apple’s MagSafe Duo? Because Twelve South sure does. The company just launched its new ButterFly portable charger earlier in the month with a design that looks and feels like the next-generation of Apple’s 2-in-1 charger. I’ve been using it the past few weeks and have to say that it really is everything I’ve wanted from a portable MagSafe and Apple Watch charger.

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 are available.

• Apple’s latest 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro sees $170 discount to new low of $1,429
• Save $100 on JBL’s new Authentics 500 retro smart speaker with first discount to $600
• eero’s new Max 7 Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems see first discounts from $540 (Reg. $600+)

The LEGO Ideas team today is officially revealing what’s next on tap for the Ideas theme. With a record-breaking 71 different creations vying for the chance to be turned into an official set, now two have been chosen. And they are some pretty interesting ideas. Coming to the LEGO Ideas lineup, the builders will be able to soon assemble a Botanical Garden, and the Cullen House from Twilight.

Just after leaked rumors on a potential upcoming PS5 Pro were divulged, it appears as though malicious hackers have gleamed details on upcoming projects coming from Spider-Man 2 developer Insomniac. After releasing arguably the most exciting PS5 title of the year with the latest web-slinging adventure, not to mention Marvel’s Wolverine officially on the horizon, it looks as though more details about the dev’s partnership with Sony and other Marvel IP have now surfaced. Head below for the details.