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 are available.

• M2/Pro Mac mini models see rare discounts at up to $150 off all-time lows from $719
• Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC review: There’s no way these new earbuds cost just $100
• Belkin’s July 4th sale takes 20% off StandBy-ready 3-in-1 MagSafe chargers at $120, more

Earlier this month, Anker revealed its new Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds. After getting a first look at them in person, I went home with a pair of the brand’s latest true wireless earbuds and have been daily driving them since. The verdict after a few weeks? These may be some of the more affordable options on the market, but the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC punch well above their weight class and may very well be the best $100 earbuds out there.

Synology today is debuting the latest budget-friendly addition to its collection of NAS. The new DS223j may reside in a similar enclosure to the previous-generation model, but don’t let its unassuming appearance fool you. There’s an improved set of internal hardware that will mean Synology’s two-bay NAS remains the go-to, all while keeping the same $190 price tag.

If your Wi-Fi has been lacking, and you’ve been looking for ways to enter the whole-home mesh market, Linksys’ brand-new Velop Pro 6E system could be the perfect solution. With a starting price at $50 less than the MSRP of eero Pro 6E and with similar features, the new Velop Pro 6E system sets up in less than 10 minutes, offers a new external design, and packs the latest Wi-Fi standard for Gigabit networking. So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of mesh Wi-Fi 6E networking, then head below, where we unpack all that the brand-new Linksys Velop Pro 6E has to offer.

The July PlayStation Plus free games have been officially unveiled. Taking to the PlayStation Blog this morning, Sony has now unveiled what’s on tap for the free game library next month for PlayStation Plus subscribers. Last month we saw NBA 2K23, Jurassic World, and the moody Trek to Yomi, but this time it around it’s all about hardcore Cold War-era shooters, the mysterious town of Bright Falls, and a heart-warming eco-conscious adventure experience. Head below for more details and a closer look at the July PlayStation Plus free games. 

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 Pencil 2 complements your new M2 iPad Pro at second-best price of $89 (Save $40)
• Samsung Galaxy S22/Ultra all-time lows arrive from $498 (Reg. $850+)
• Anker’s just-released 100W USB-C charger on sale for $29 (Reg. $36), 30W charger at $16

With summer in full swing, now is the time to update your outdoor gear to take you seamlessly throughout any adventure. That’s why Thule has the perfect outdoor gear, whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or going solo. They have expanded a lot over the last few years, and below we’re showcasing their new strollers, bikes, and more. Be sure to check out all of our top picks, and you will want to check out our news guide for additional coverage today.

We are getting a brand-new Western Digital solid-state drive in the form of the latest WD Blue SN580 NVMe. The brand has been a leader in the storage space, both internal and portable, for quite some time, and its latest is focusing on delivering a purpose-built solution “for the creative enthusiast community and professionals to use when upgrading current PCs or elevating a custom build.” Now available for purchase in a range of capacities, you’ll want to head below for a complete breakdown of what to expect from the new Western Digital solid-state drive release. 

Today we’re getting our first look at the largest LEGO Technic set of all-time. The upcoming LEGO Liebherr LR13000 (42146) won’t have the most bricks of any kit from the Technic theme to date, but it will stack up to have the largest footprint at over 3 feet tall. Backed by nearly 2,900 pieces and six motors, this massive kit will be launching later this year for a whopping $700. Everything you need to know is below the fold.

LEGO today is launching the latest addition to its collection of Art creations. Taking a page out of Marvel comic books, the company is tapping into the hottest hero around these days for its latest creation. The new Amazing Spider-Man Art set (31209) refreshes the typical mosaic builds we’ve seen in the past with a more three-dimensional build that has everyone’s favorite friendly neighborhood hero climbing out of the frame.

Some new SEGA Switch Online games are launching today. Nintendo has now taken to its official Twitter feed to unveil the next batch of SEGA Genesis titles landing in its Switch Online library. While most folks are still reeling of the announcement of the new Super Mario Bros. Wonder game, the upcoming remake of Super Mario RPG, and everything else it showcased in its latest Nintendo Direct presentation, the Genesis Switch Online library is being infused with some classics starting today. Head below for more details. 

A few years ago, it felt like it was just myself, some colleagues, and a few select others that really even knew what Bellroy was. These days, it’s hard for me to bump into an EDC or travel pack-up video anywhere without at least a mention of the brand’s range of accessories. From passport wallets and backpacks to sling bags and just about anything else we all use when traveling or loading up our EDC, Bellroy makes some wonderful options for just about any situation. So let’s take a closer look at its latest, the Lite Sling Mini bag, down below.

Just after seeing the new LEGO Disney Castle officially revealed ahead of its July 1 debut, the LEGO Group is back to show off an upcoming gift with purchase landing on the same day. The new LEGO Disney 100 Years Celebration will arrive as set number 40600, stacking up to over 200 pieces and includes an exclusive Mickey Mouse minifigure.

Today, iconic gaming brand Razer is introducing its very first set of in-ear monitors. The Razer Moray is designed for “all-day streaming. All-day comfort,” according to the company. There’s a hybrid dual-driver acoustic design as well as “expert non-fatiguing tuning” to let you enjoy some high-fidelity audio at your desk. This is an “exciting new chapter for Razer,” according to the brand’s vice president of the hardware business unit, and brings the company into an all-new market as well. Ready to take a closer look at what the Razer Moray in-ear monitors have to offer? Head below for everything you need to know.

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 13-inch M2 MacBook Air lands at $999 all-time low after $100 summer discount
• iPhone 13 now starts from $540 all-time low at Woot in latest cert. refurb sale (Save $259)
• TP-Link’s just-released Matter smart light and dimmer switches see first discounts from $20

After just taking a closer look at what’s new for Pikmin 4, I am back with some insight on the latest party game from Nintendo. Everybody 1-2 Switch! is slated to land on consoles at the end of the month, and ahead of time I got to experience just what will be arriving come June 30.

Today, Insta 360 is out with its latest thumb-sized action camera – the Go 3. Taking some of the most critical feedback from the previous two generations, this new versatile camera comes with an action pod that turns it into more of a GoPro-like camera with a flip touchscreen and the ability to record for up to 170 minutes. We got our hands on an Insta360 Go 3 camera, so be sure to hit the video below and see all of the details. 

Meta is no stranger to the gaming space at this point, but something they’re just now getting into is the game subscription space. In a post on the Meta blog, we now have details on Quest+, a VR subscription service that gives you two hand-picked VR titles every month for just $8/mo or $60/yr. And, to kick things off, Meta is offering the first month for just $1. Ready to find out what games are part of Meta Quest+ and how it all works? We break everything down below the fold.

Today, LEGO is officially announcing the next set to land in one of its most popular themes for adults. LEGO Architecture hasn’t been getting the love it previously received when it comes to new sets, but the company still has something exciting in store with the reveal of the new 2,100-piece Himeji Castle (21060).

It’s time to take a closer look at the new Totallee matte AirPods cases that debuted back in early May of this year. Once again delivering on the branding-free minimalist approach we have seen on its iPhone cases for years, the new Totallee AirPods cases feature a similar vibe in three different colorways with models available for both the latest AirPods Pro 2 and the 3rd generation of the standard model Apple earbuds. We had a chance to give them a try over the last couple weeks and it’s time to let everyone know how it all went in the latest entry to the Tested with 9to5Toys series down below. 

Since featuring the original version shortly after the launch of iPhone 14, Caseology is now back with a new vegan leather MagSafe wallet. Sliding into its two-tone colorful Nano Pop range, the latest model adds a couple of notable enhancements to the experience while still maintaining a similar overall design. Caseology is one of those brands that brings folks good quality accessories without breaking the bank, not unlike its actual iPhone cover lineup we featured in our roundup of the best iPhone 14 cases, and its MagSafe gear is no exception. Head below for a closer look at the next-generation Caseology Nano Pop MagSafe wallet. 

Update: The new Super Mario Limited Edition OREO Cookies now available at Amazon for $3.27 Prime shipped after you clip the on-page coupon – Regularly closer to $5 at most retailers this is the lowest Amazon price yet. 

New Nintendo Super Mario OREO cookies featuring Mario, Luigi, Toad, Yoshi, and more are inbound. Well, it’s been a busy day so far in crossover gaming gear with the new Barbie Xbox consoles/add-ons and the LeBron James DualSense controller, but now it’s time for some Mushroom Kingdom OREO cookies. OREOs are no stranger to collaborating with the world of gaming – we saw the Xbox embossed take on the delicious sugary snacks at the top of the year – and now it’s teaming up with Mario and friends for its latest promotion. Head below for a closer look, more details, and the sweet little commercial for the new Nintendo OREO cookies. 

Microsoft has now unveiled a new Barbie Xbox console alongside additional goodies as part of its collaboration with the upcoming film. The new Barbie movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, is set to hit theaters next month, but first let’s take a look at the new custom Barbie Xbox console, in-game content, and controller faceplates. Before the film hits the silver screen on July 21, 2023, Microsoft is bringing Barbie’s signature flair to its platform in the form of in-game content for Forza Horizon 5, the first-ever Xbox Barbie dolls, and its “most stylish” custom Xbox hardware yet. Head below for a closer look at the new Barbie Xbox console and more. 

SK hynix is ready to unleash its new mini portable SSD to the US market. SK is a storage brand we have featured around here a number of times including the launch of its latest internal Platinum SSDs before going hands-on with the lineup late last year. The brand has, thus far, been responsible for delivering highly-rated and relatively affordable internal solutions but is now stepping into the portable space with the new SK hynix Beetle X31. The miniature, golden portable SSD solution enters with a unique form-factor, specs that sit alongside the biggest names in the space, and what the brand refers to as “exceptional heat management capabilities.” Head below for a closer look at the new SK hynix Beetle X31 mini portable SSD. 

Pikmin 4 is set to release next month on July 21. Ahead of time, Nintendo invited me to come check out what the fourth installment of the franchise is all about. Last Thursday, I got to spend over an hour and a half playing Pikmin 4, exploring all there is to be excited about from the upcoming game. Here are my first impressions on the story mode, refreshed gameplay, and the new Dandori Battle versus mode, alongside nearly 10 minutes of new footage from the game.

When it comes to thermometers, ThermoPro is generally a go-to brand for many. Well, the iconic brand is expanding its offers with a new entry into its TempSpike lineup with the Twin TempSpike. Offering much of the same as the original TempSpike, there are a few notable improvements here over the previous generation and offering. We’ve spent the past bit with the new release from ThermoPro, and found that it’s a solid contender in the wireless meat/smoking space… but with one major drawback. Head below the fold to find out all our thoughts in this ThermoPro Twin TempSpike review.

Earlier this spring, Sony announced the latest addition to its family of portable Bluetooth speakers. Now with summer just starting to get cozy, we’re taking a look at just how the new Sony XB100 speaker stacks up. I’ve been rocking out to the compact serenader for the past few weeks and on top of simply loving the form-factor, have become quite partial to just how good of a value the speaker is.

At-home laser engravers are becoming more and more popular. From the ever-popular Glowforge to brands like xTool, using a laser engraver/cutter at home is now easier than ever. However, for the longest time, diode lasers (which are easier to use than CO2, by far, and we’ll break down why below) have lacked in power. Sure, they’re easy to use, but the limitations in speed, capability, and overall power always made CO2 more compelling if you were looking for something to start your business with. I mean, that’s why companies like Glowforge, OMTech, and Monport have taken off recently. But, xTool, a Makeblock company, wanted to change the game when it came to diode lasers. And change the game it did. We’ve spent the past few weeks with the most powerful diode laser…ever. xTool’s D1 Pro 40W laser system might not be easy on the wallet, but it’s easy to use and delivers absolutely stellar results on basically everything it’s compatible with. Have you been looking for a laser just like that? If so, head below the fold to read our full hands-on review of the xTool D1 Pro 40W laser where we help you determine if spending nearly $2,000 on a diode is really worth it… or if you should pursue other options.

Last year it introduced the world to its outdoor multi-function smoker and grill and it is now ready to unveil the Ninja pizza oven known as the Woodfire 8-in-1. Whether it’s for outdoor pizza parties, wood-flavored BBQ action, smoking, or roasting, the latest from Ninja’s growing lineup of backyard-ready cookers has arrived with an upgraded feature set and is now up for pre-sale. Head below for more details and a closer look at the new Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven. 

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 M2 Pro MacBook Pro falls within $1 of all-time low at $2,250 (Save $249)
• Apple TV HD brings a HomeKit hub and Fitness+ to your TV with rare discount to $93 (2023 low)
• Belkin’s original 15W 3-in-1 MagSafe charging stand hits $105 Amazon low (Reg. $150)

After officially announcing the release date and then showcasing new gameplay earlier this week during the latest Nintendo Direct, the new HORI Pikmin 4 Switch case has emerged. Much like the Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Splatoon 3 gear before it, HORI is now ready to unleash its latest officially licensed accessory in celebration of the upcoming release of Pikmin 4 on July 21, 2023. Adorned with adorable iconography and characters from the new game, the HORI Pikmin 4 Switch case is now available for pre-order, and you can get a closer look down below. 

If you’re planning a summer road trip and have a newer, more powerful computer, then UGREEN’s latest portable battery is a must-have item. Coming in with a 25,000mAh capacity, the brand-new UGREEN 145W power bank has enough juice to charge even Apple’s M2 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro while on the go. No matter what you plug in, this battery can handle it. With two USB-C in/out plugs and a third USB-A, this is the ultimate road trip battery for sure. Ready to find out everything it has to offer? Head below where we break it all down.

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 Magic Keyboard for 11-inch M2 iPad Pro hits second-best price of the year at $240
• Apple Watch Series 7 fall to new all-time lows in 1-day refurb sale from $220 (Orig. $399+)
• Apple’s latest 10.2-inch iPad now an even better value at $250 ($80 off)

A completely new MacBook stand, bags, and more are on the way from Pad & Quill. Last time we checked in with Pad & Quill, it was relaunching its Gladstone leather MacBook bag collection. But the new Modern line features all new designs across a range of leather goods from the new portable Travel Leather Desk Stand for MacBook and a redesigned desk pad to a range of travel luggage and overnight bags. Featuring its usual use of premium American full-grain leather, this time around the brand is pulling inspiration from the iconic styles of midcentury and Bauhaus aesthetics to upgrade your EDC and tech carrier in style. And everything is now seeing early-bird deals for folks willing to scoop one up during the launch campaign. 

Over the weekend, we shared some first looks at the new LEGO Disney Castle that’s coming out next month. Today, it is finally getting a full reveal. With much of the excitement lost from the 4,800-piece recreation of the most magical place on earth, we can at least show off all the details on the upcoming LEGO set number 43222.

Last week at Anker’s Recharge press event, the company revealed its new PowerCore Reserve 192Wh. The new addition to its family of portable power banks arrives with as something of a mix between the brand’s usual everyday carry upgrades and its more capable power stations meant for keeping your gear powered on camping trips and at tailgates. Today, the new release is going up for sale via Amazon, launching with some savings attached.

Today, Amazfit, a leading smartwatch manufacturer, is launching two new running-focused fitness trackers with its latest Cheetah lineup. Packed with “industry-leading GPS technology” as well as AI coaching, the Cheetah series from Amazfit is perfect for runners and walkers alike. You’ll find extreme positioning accuracy here, as well as an AI assistant that will help train you in your runs and answer workout questions through a generative AI with a large language model. Ready to hit the trail this summer with Amazfit’s latest wearable? Keep reading for everything we know about the new Cheetah Pro and Cheetah (Round) from Amazfit.

After official Xbox game price hikes officially went into effect back in October of last year and speculation ran rampant that console and Xbox Game Pass would be next, the inevitable is now on the way now. Xbox hinted at as much, but it is really hitting home now. Various reports are now suggesting official Xbox Game Pass price hikes are on the way as early as next month alongside a price jump on its flagship consoles as well. It’s time to lock in your subscriptions now before the price increases go live folks. 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.

• Save $1,600 on Apple’s maxed out 14-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro with 2TB SSD and 64GB of RAM at $2,499
• Anker’s latest midweek sale discounts USB-C GaN chargers, Thunderbolt 4 docks, more from $14
• iPhone 12 Pro Max sees $487 discount in Woot’s latest refurb Apple sale, more from $370

Continuing its quest to become a one-stop shop for computers and peripherals, today NZXT is out with a new line of audio equipment. The new NZXT Relay audio system currently consists of a headset, speakers, and a handy auto-switching headphone stand. We got our hands on all of them so be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Just after seeing Amazon announce its Prime Day festivities, Best Buy is stealing back the spotlight to announce its own summer savings event. The upcoming Black Friday in July sale will usher in a collection of discounts across every tech category from Best Buy.

Today’s mid-year Nintendo Direct is scheduled to go live at 7 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET, as we detailed yesterday. After what can only be described as a more than exciting year for Nintendo Switch owners, mainly, if not entirely, because of the incredible new Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, it’s time to see what else Nintendo has up its sleeve for the remainder of 2023 and potentially into 2024 – that’s where the most exciting stuff will likely land after all. Having said that, you never know what Nintendo might have in store for this year’s holiday season and we might very well get a surprise or two there. Head below to watch today’s Nintendo Direct presentation.