Drop Sense75 review: Do the updates finally make it worth the premium tag? [Video]

drop sense75

When the Drop Sense75 was announced last fall with some reviews of the prototype version of the board going live from well-known keyboard enthusiasts, it did not go well. Priced at $350 for the black colorway or $400 for the Polar White that we have here, the sound didn’t live up to the ultra-premium price point. Since those early prototypes, Drop has tweaked the design to address that feedback. So is the Drop Sense75 now worth that premium price? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Here’s how MG-1: Shroud Edition, NZXT Player: Three PCs compare to a custom rig [Video]

When looking for a new gaming PC, there are pros and cons to buying a prebuilt computer or building your own custom rig. Over the last few months, we’ve looked at building a custom PC in the NZXT H9 case, checked out the NZXT Player: Three, and now we are adding the Maingear MG-1 Shroud Edition to the comparison. All three of these builds are packing near-identical processing power with an Intel 13700K or KF as well as an Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the performance and price details.

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Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 review: Summer’s best speaker just got greener 

Buy now $100

Last fall, the folks over at Ultimate Ears launched a new generation of its most portable speaker before refreshing it with some new colorways at the beginning of the year. Ahead of spring, we’re taking a hands-on look at a top contender for the year’s best portable Bluetooth speaker. The new WONDERBOOM 3 arrives with all of the usual Ultimate Ears fixing, but also some firsts for the brand like a recycled build.

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Tested: Hands-on with SANDMARC’s soft as butter leather Apple Watch Band [Exclusive deal]

Today we are taking a hands-on look at SANDMARC’s latest leather Apple Watch band. After releasing what are easily some of my favorite leather iPhone cases over the past couple years, alongside a slew of particularly well-made iPhoneography gear, the brand set its sights on Apple Watch accessories at the tail end of last year to particularly successful effect. Its stainless steel and titanium Apple Watch bracelets look like something from a high-end house of horology, not to mention being some of the more popular options among 9to5Toys readers in 2022, and we wanted to see if its leather Apple Watch bands could keep up. So head below for the latest Tested with 9to5Toys for our hands-on impressions of SANDMARC’s leather Apple Watch band.

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Hands-on with CASETiFY’s new Mandalorian iPhone 14 cases: As premium and cute as it gets

Buy now From $38

Today, CASETiFY officially launched its latest collection of Star Wars iPhone 14 cases, this time putting everyone’s favorite bounty hunter in the spotlight. The new lineup of gear from The Mandalorian includes more than just phone cases for Apple’s latest, and carries over to a whole host of other accessories. Though CASETiFY’s bread and butter really is the covers, and we’re taking a hands-on look at some of the all-new releases including the shiny Beskar Ingot case.

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Glorious Model O 2 Wireless review: Is the price increase worth it? [Video]

The Model O Wireless from Glorious was one of my favorite mice when we reviewed it in December 2020. Today, Glorious is launching the next-generation Model O 2 wired and wireless. As with many products these days, the new model means new updates and a higher starting price as well. Are the updates worth the $100 price tag? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

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Review: Here’s how LEGO’s new Commander Cody, Captain Rex, and Boushh helmets stack up

Buy now $70

Over the past few years, we’ve been annually reviewing the new additions to the LEGO Group’s collection of new Star Wars helmet sets. Back at the start of March, we saw the company officially launch three new additions to the lineup with some iconic Clone Wars characters finally getting the brick-built treatment alongside one of the more unique faces from Return of the Jedi for its 40th anniversary. So if you’re still on the fence, we’re taking a hands-on look to see how the new LEGO Commander Cody, Captain Rex, and Boushh helmets stack up.

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Macro Keyboard shootout: Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro vs Corsair K100 [Video]

When looking at the new Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro that was recently released, I was reminded of the K100 RGB that we reviewed back in October of 2020. With macro keys and extra dials, they both sit near the top of the line for their respective brands. So, which one is the right pick for you? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

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NZXT Player: Three pre-built PC – First impressions of the 1440p power-house [Video]

Building a PC from the ground up can be a rewarding experience that helps to better understand the whole system if there are issues or the time comes to upgrade. But with parts shortages and pricing, sometimes you want to open a single box and have a PC that just works. The NZXT Player: Three is a higher-end option from its new Player series of pre-built PCs – and with an Intel 13700KF and an RTX 4070 Ti, it’s a direct comparison to the from-scratch H9 build we completed earlier this year. So be sure to hit the video below and see all of the details of the new NZXT Player: Three pre-built gaming PC.

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Behind the Screens: Patrick’s Mac- and PC-powered productivity and gaming workstation

Since joining the 9to5 team back in August of 2017, my setup has gone through many iterations. Some have come out of boredom with the setup and others have come from replacing gear entirely, but today, we’ll be taking a look at how my setup has been for the better part of the past year. In fact, I think it’s been this way almost longer than any other iteration I’ve had. So, without further ado, welcome to my Mac and PC productivity and gaming setup.

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FPV RC car: Kobotix Real Racer is a fun take on the popular hobby [Video]

RC cars are already a lot of fun, but Kobotix has upped the ante with the Real Racer FPV car. Combined with an app that enables recording video, taking photos, and even streaming, it’s a fun way to experience RC racing around a house or office. Priced at $150, is the Kobotix Real Racer a must-have RC toy? Be sure to hit the video below to find out.

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Review: GravaStar launches sci-fi Supernova Bluetooth speaker and mecha USB-C charger

Pre-order $180

Today, GravaStar is launching the latest addition to its lineup of Bluetooth speakers. Known for their unique designs, the all-new Supernova steps that up a notch with an even more eye-catching design that integrates LED lights with a distinctly mecha form-factor. Plus, a companion USB-C charger that delivers even more of the robotic elements in a compact and adorable build. Now for launch day, we’re taking a hands-on look at both of the new reveals down below.

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Hands-on: CASETiFY’s new iPhone 14 cases from ‘The Office’ deliver Dunder Mifflin stylings

Buy now From $68

Earlier in the month, CASETiFY launched its latest collaboration. Tapping into one of the most iconic sitcoms in history, The Office finally got the iPhone case treatment from one of 9to5Toys‘ favorite brands. After having the covers finally arrive in the mail, today we’re taking a hands-on look at just how these Dunder Mifflin-infused accessories stack up for Apple’s latest.

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Behind the Screens: Justin’s organic and natural wood Mac mini rig with dual studio monitors

We have recently relaunched our Behind the Screens feature, offering readers a chance to see where we work everyday and the gear we use to do it. Rikka gave us an in-depth look at a colorful and inspiring MacBook setup last week, and now it’s my turn. Centered around a Mac mini and a more than modest display, my setup focuses on high-quality audio, saving money wherever possible elsewhere, and a generally natural, minimalist, and organic design approach. 

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Review: Sony’s new DualSense Edge for PS5 makes gaming’s best controller even better

Buy now $200

Sony today launched the new DualSense Edge, a next-generation PlayStation 5 controller that marries all of the original next-generation features with some entirely new additions. Complete with swappable joystick modules, there are also back paddles, adjustable trigger depth, and remappable button profiles to elevate the experience. Now that it is widely available, we’re taking a closer look at how the $200 gamepad stacks up.

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Tested: Anker’s new 3-in-1 Charging Cube delivers its first 15W MagSafe experience

Buy now $150

Anker is finally out with a 15W MagSafe charger, packing Apple’s full magnetic charging spec into a compact design. The new MagSafe 3-in-1 Cube delivers more than just the ideal iPhone 14 companion, with a fold up stand that reveals spot for AirPods to refuel, as well as a hidden Apple Watch charging puck to deliver one of Anker’s most capable power stations yet. But is the Anker 15W MagSafe Cube worth the premium price tag? We take a closer look.

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Playseat Trophy Logitech G Edition review: Stylish but limited for the price [Video]

While announcing its Pro Wheel and Pedals, Logitech also revealed its collaboration with Playseat for a branded version of the Trophy racing cockpit. A small tubular cockpit that has the rigidity to handle the max 11nm torque of the Pro Wheel, the Playseat Trophy Logitech G Edition is a solid sim racing cockpit choice, but it does come with some limitations. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Behind the Screens: Rikka’s writing and podcasting workstation with custom Pokémon keyboard

Over the years, we’ve shared the workstations of where past and current writers spend our time during the day, and now we’re relaunching that Behind the Screens series. To kick things off, welcome to my recently-renovated workstation. Centered around a 14-inch MacBook Pro, my setup only gets more unique from there with custom Pokémon keyboards, podcasting gear, and some other oddities that make this a uniquely Rikka workstation.

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Corsair HS55 and HS65 Review: Wireless and Bluetooth at a budget price? [Video]

Corsair is out with a few new wireless gaming headsets. They feature a 2.4gHz connection as well as Bluetooth. At first, they look pretty similar and the differences are few but those differences are key to choosing the right headset from Corsair. Today, we’re taking a look at the Corsair HS55 and HS65. Which one is the best fit for you? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Tested: Plugable’s latest iPad docking stand doubles as an 8-in-1 USB-C/HDMI hub

Just before its latest Chromebook solution hit, Plugable launched its new 8-in-1 USB-C iPad Dock. The brand is no stranger to hub and docking solutions of all kinds, but its latest looks to combine the typical iPad stand with an integrated USB-C hub. A compelling feature list and overall aesthetic, we though it would be a good idea to give the new Plugable 8-in-1 USB-C iPad Dock a run for its money as part of our Tested with 9to5Toys series and our findings are waiting down below. 

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Tested: Twelve South’s new SurfacePad for iPhone 14 is the best leather wallet folio around

Buy now $50

A bit later to the usual launch bonanza that is the weeks following the reveal of a new Apple iPhone, Twelve South eventually got around to launching new covers for the iPhone 14 toward the end of 2022. Of course, the SurfacePad delivers a unique take on the wallet folio form factor, with a slim design that adheres to your device, and today, we’re taking a closer look to see just how this sleek leather build stacks up.

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Tested: elago’s Magnetic iPad Stand elevates your workstation with an iMac-inspired design

Buy now $99

Lately across 9to5 we’ve been boasting about just how good of an experience Apple’s latest iPads make as a full-fledged computer. To help in elevating iPadOS from just a glorified mobile operating system, today we’re taking a look at the new Magnetic iPad Stand from elago. Arriving with an iMac-inspired design, the accessory magnetically holds your iPad Pro in place in order to give it a more desktop-worthy home at your workstation.

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Roccat Magma Mini review: Get the RGB gamer keyboard look for 1/2 the price [Video]

Roccat’s latest budget keyboard embraces the trends in gaming with a 60% layout and bright RGB. While it cuts the price by utilizing membrane switches, at just $50 the Magma Mini might be the sweet spot for gamers on a budget. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Review: JBL launches new Pulse 5, a unique Bluetooth speaker that shines above the rest

Buy now $250

JBL just announced the new Pulse 5 speaker, a refreshed version of the brand’s flashiest way to listen to music. Much like its predecessors, this portable offering pairs battery-powered playback with integrated LED lights for a unique design that sets the JBL Pulse 5 apart from other speakers on the market.

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Review: Wyze Cam OG, OG Telephoto, and Cam Pan v3 bring affordable new features [video]

Last month, Wyze announced three brand-new cameras – the Cam OG, Cam OG Telephoto, and Cam Pan v3. While the OGs are a more affordable return to the basics, the Cam Pan v3 is a complete upgrade over the v2. Be sure to hit the video below to see them in action. 

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Hands-on with LEGO’s new BIONICLE gift with purchase: Are Tahu and Takua worth the $100 price tag

Score now Freebie

At long last, BIONICLE is back! Well, sort of. Today the LEGO Group launched its latest gift with purchase, and we’re going hands-on to see just how the modern-day remakes of Tahu and Takua stack up. Available now as a free add-on to select orders over $100, the latest promotional set has been long-awaited by fans of the heroes from Mata Nui. Now to see if the promotion is worth your cash, I’m taking a closer look at BIONICLE and its 2023 comeback.

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Review: UGREEN’s 100W DigiNest Pro GaN II power station conveniently solves charging woes

Buy now $130 or less

With a move on the horizon, I’ve been figuring out just what combination of chargers and power strips were going to help me streamine the family room setup. UGREEN’s recent DigiNest Pro has tapped in just in time to save the day, delivering seven ports for topping off everything from my own personal everyday carry to friend’s smartphones and more. Below, I see how the entire package stacks up in this latest edition of Tested with 9to5Toys.

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Hands-on: Battlefield 2042 returns to the class system in update 3.2 [Video]

With another big update, Dice invited a bunch of people to a pre-release capture event showcasing the new class system in Battlefield 2042. In addition to this return to a beloved battlefield staple, the snowy map Breakaway has also seen a huge rework that keeps the action much closer, and there have been quite a few new and old items added back into the Battlefield mix. Be sure to hit the video to see some of the Battlefield 2042 3.2 updates in action. 

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ModMic comes to IEMs: Antlion Kimura Duo review [Video]

ModMics have been one of the most well-known ways to turn any pair of headphones into a gaming headset; we went hands-on with the entire lineup last year. For those who prefer IEMs (or in-ear monitors) to over-headphones, though, the brand-new Kimura may be right up your alley. Adding a microphone on an adjustable boom, Kimura comes in a few different flavors to fit most IEM needs, like the Kimura Duo we were able to get our hands on. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Review: LEGO’s new Hulkbuster set delivers the best version yet of Iron Man’s mech

Buy now $50

At the start of the year, the LEGO Group released its latest version of Tony Stark’s Hulkbuster armor from the MCU. As a massive Iron Man fan and an even bigger enjoyer of the brick-built versions of the Golden Avenger, I finally picked up the kit to add to my collection. Comparing it to some of the previous versions, I go hands on below to see just why the new LEGO Hulkbuster is the best one yet.

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Tested: Hands-on with Journey’s new 3-in-1 MagSafe Stand and modular Apple Watch charger

After going hands on with the brand’s unique ALTI charging desk mat late last year, we have recently had a chance to to give Journey’s new Rapid TRIO 3-in-1 Wireless MagSafe Charging Stand a run for its money. The brand officially unleashed its new magnetic all-in-one charging and organization solution a couple weeks ago now with a familiar form-factor and design but with a few neat tricks up its sleeve as well. And, you’ll want to check out our review of the new Rapid TRIO 3-in-1 down below while it’s still available at 20% off for the launch phase. 

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Tested: Satechi’s new Duo Wireless Stand pairs premium form with versatile charging function

$100 Buy now

As one of its final releases of the year, Satechi in December released its new Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand. This unique offering delivers a complete charging station for your Apple kit in a design that can fit right in the palm of your hand, while also delivering a premium metal build. But is the final package premium enough to warrant the $100 price tag? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys is on the case.

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NZXT H9 is a big, beautiful way to showcase a powerful PC [Video]

As its latest release for PC builders, the NZXT H9 is a dual-chamber PC case that offers massive expandability and glass on the front and side to showcase the internals of a build. Starting at $160 for the H9 flow and $240 for the RGB-laden H9 Elite, it’s the new top-of-the-line from NZXT. We got our hands on one with a few other new components to showcase the building process including a PNY RTX 4070ti. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

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Tested: Spigen’s new MagSafe charger delivers solid performance with an even better price tag

25% off $19.50

It is now time to take a closer look at the new Spigen MagSafe charger that just launched. Hitting Amazon and the official site under the radar over the last couple weeks, not only is the puck-style charger already on sale at under $20, but we thought we would give it a run for its already affordable price tag for review as well. Spigen has become known for delivering accessories that hit above their pay grade and it appears the new ArcField magnetic charger is no exception. Head below for our review of the new Spigen MagSafe charger as part of our latest Tested with 9to5Toys feature. 

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Tested: Form meets function with Shargeek’s transparent 130W STORM2 Slim power bank

Buy now $199

Over the past few months, I’ve started taking a look at transparent charging tech as the trend picks back up from the early 2000s. At the top of the list of accessories that embody those nostalgic design cues is one of the latest releases from Shargeek, with its Shargeek STORM2 Slim power bank. Delivering more than just a slick, transparent design, the portable charger also comes outfitted with an eye-catching 130W output to charge all of the gear in your Apple setup away from home.

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PRO-G40 review: SanDisk’s new 2700MB/s portable Thunderbolt SSD is one of the best, but it’s going to cost you

It’s time to take a closer look at the new SanDisk portable SSD, officially known as the PRO-G40. The SanDisk portable solid-state drive lineup is easily one of the best and most popular out there. Previously headlined by the generation 2 Extreme and Extreme Pro variants, the Western Digital brand updated its offerings last fall with new SanDisk PRO-G40 – one of the fastest models yet with its usual rugged sensibilities and modern spec sheet. We have been lucky enough to go hands-on with the new PRO-G40 over the last few weeks to give it a run for its money and detail the experience for prospective buyers down below. 

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Making my sim rig more immersive with the Buttkicker Gamer Pro [Video]

Being I’ve been slowly building out my sim rig for racing and drifting. The latest addition is the Buttkicker Gamer Pro which does just what its name would suggest – adds haptics in your seat thanks to a large transducer attached directly to a gaming chair or cockpit and an amplifier connected to a gaming console or PC. It can even be set up in multi-unit configurations. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Tested: Perkons HD-01– An insanely powerful content creator’s dream drum machine

While we don’t tend to feature all that many full-on drum machines around here, the Erica Synths Perkons HD-01 is just so powerful and interesting I had to give it some air time. After spending more than a few weeks hands-on with the hybrid digital-analog sound maker, it was immediately clear that it sets itself apart from much of the competition in many ways while still providing content-creators, beat-makers, and home producers with a particularly powerful workhorse that’s so much more than just a drum machine. Head below for our impressions of the Erica Synths Perkons HD-01 as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys feature. 

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Best LEGO sets of 2022: Check out our favorite Star Wars, Marvel, Ideas, and other builds

Another year of LEGO is now one for the history books. While we’re gearing up to start covering all of the new creations come 2022, beforehand we’re taking a retrospective look at what this year already delivered. Ranging from new creations that take the throne of largest set to authentic recreations of both historic and cinematic marbles, you’ll want to head below for our best LEGO sets of 2022.

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Tested: The truly supple, tumbled leather Mous MagSafe wallet hits above its pay grade

Today we are taking a closer look at the Mous MagSafe Wallet. Mous is probably best known for its protective iPhone cases that don’t really give off that heavy-duty look and feel, but rather something of a more refined look in many cases that fall into the casual or even dressy category. While its MagSafe Card Wallet isn’t overly robust or rugged, it certainly caught our eye with its supple, tumbled leather build and slightly more unique design than many of the vertical-oriented options out there. But is it the right choice for you? Head below to find out in our hands-on review of the Mous MagSafe Card Wallet as part of our Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

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Best iPhone 14 cases of the year: Affordability, leather, wallet-style, and more

As any avid 9to5Toys reader will know, we test and go hands-on with an inordinate amount of covers for Apple’s latest handsets every year, and it’s time to weigh in on the best iPhone 14 cases of 2022. While like most Apple gear accessory categories, the established brands and products tend to shine every year, this time around we have both a few mainstays and some new options that made their way to the top of the pack. If you’re looking to upgrade your case beyond the model you purchased at launch or just recently acquired a new iPhone 14 over the holidays, you’ll definitely want to take a closer look at our list of the best iPhone 14 cases to at least ensure your well-informed of some of our favorite options out there. 

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Tested: Audio-Technica takes on AirPods Pro 2 with its latest ATH-TWX9 Wireless Earbuds

They might not feature the stark white minimalism of the latest Apple buds, but Audio-Technica’s new ATH-TWX9 set is clearly looking to take on the AirPods Pro 2 to some degree. After debuting back in November, AT’s latest is loaded with noise-cancellation tech, spatial audio, a similar form factor, and built-in sterilization in the wireless charging case, not to mention a somewhat lofty price to match. It’s time to take a closer look at the Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys feature. 

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Wicked Cushions for Nova Pro Wireless: What the high-end gaming headset needs [Video]

If you saw my review of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, you may remember that comfort was my only issue with it. As a $350 headset, it has all of the bells and whistles, but I could also feel the ANC bumps in the earcups when wearing the headset in normal, everyday use. Wicked Cushions has developed a line of aftermarket earpads for many gaming headsets. When it announced a new pair of Wicked Cushions for the Nova Pro Wireless, I immediately purchased a set to see if it worked to make the SteelSeries headset my favorite of the year. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Hands-on: Marshall’s new III series vinyl-covered speakers are perfect gifts for music lovers

Earlier this year, Marshall refreshed nearly its entire lineup of speakers from the portable offerings to models meant for rocking out at home. We already reviewed a pair of the battery-powered form-factors, and now ahead of the holidays are back to take a look at the brand’s latest at-home speakers. Wrapped in the iconic stylings you’d expect from Marshall, we’re going hands-on with its new III series speakers to see how the Acton, Stanmore, and Woburn stack up.

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Teenage Engineering TX-6 Review: A wild, one-of-a-kind music-making tool that’s going to cost you

It’s time to go hands-on with the Teenage Engineering TX-6 mixer and interface hybrid music machine. The TX-6 is much more than just a mini mixer. It certainly does sum individual audio signals/inputs into a single stereo output, six to be exact, like any good mixer should, but it can also act as a sort of audio hub on-the-go, completely tether free, for on-site recordings, live music sets, DJing, and one of the most feature-rich portable audio interfaces out there. Connecting to your DAW over USB-C for 12-track multi-track recording – it is also MFi certified for use with iPhone – plus you’ll find a built-in, albeit relatively basic, drum machine/synthesizer and a series of both standard issue workhorse and more boutique FX that can be used on all of it. Head below for a closer look.

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Tested: Anker’s latest MagSafe power banks make perfect gifts for iPhone 14 owners

Whether you’re looking to score some extra juice for your iPhone 14 on-the-go or need to lock-in a last-minute gift, Anker makes some of our favorite chargers here at 9to5Toys. Recently the company sent over its latest lineup of MagSafe power banks, and today we’re going hands-on with three different models to see how each of the new releases stack up and compare to other models on the market.

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Best Bluetooth ANC headphones: Which comes out on top from Sony, Apple, B&W, & Focal? [Video]

After hearing about the high-end Focal Bathys Bluetooth ANC headphones launch, I was curious how they would stack up against some competition. With other high-end options from Bowers & Wilkens, Apple, and Sony, what is the best pair of Bluetooth ANC headphones? Well, that answer might a bit complicated. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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Tested: Shargeek’s classic Macintosh-themed 35W USB-C charger is the perfect stocking stuffer

$32 Buy now

Nostalgic tech is making a comeback to close out 2022, and today we’re taking a look at a charger imbued with all of the charm of a classic Macintosh. Having launched earlier in the year, the recent Shargeek Retro 35 arrives with the latest GaN III tech to power your entire Apple setup with an eye-catching design.

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