Review

Out with its second generation, Amazon has made some small upgrades and updates on two of its Alexa-powered smart displays. The Echo Show 5 and Show 8 2nd gen both offer increases in camera resolution, though more updates will be noticeable on the larger screen. Be sure to hit the video below to take a peek at which one might best fit your needs. 

Today, we are taking a hands-on look at the Volonic Valet 3 charging system. This high-end wireless solution takes a cue from fashion design houses and Apple aesthetics to provide a luxurious and elegant charging pad with a price to match. Yes, there are more affordable options out there, but not very many that are quite as gorgeous — this is a true piece of functional art, in my opinion, with a sophisticated look and precision design approach. But is the steep price tag worth the price of entry? Read on for a closer look at the Volonic Valet 3 charging system.  

No strangers to smooth camera moves, Zhiyun’s new Smooth-Q3 3-axis gimbal provides impressive stabilization for a phone with a ton of features alongside it. Everything from a rotating light on top of the gimbal to smart follow features within the app make it easy to grab some great shots. And while it is a bit more expensive and larger than the 2-axis Smooth-XS we took a look at recently, the $89 Smooth-Q3 seems to be a worthy upgrade if you want to ditch the selfie stick for some better stabilization. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

After being in the making for quite some time, Linedock is finally shipping. We first got a look at the new accessory at CES 2020, where I was impressed by the prototype they showed off. Now, a year and a half later, the USB-C dock arrives with plenty of notable features to match its unique design. Today, we’re taking a closer look to see how it all stacks up. Head below for a closer look and first impressions with the new Linedock for 16-inch MacBook Pro.

As we add more and more devices to our daily lives, charging areas can start to become a cluttered eyesore. RapidX, which is no stranger to charging accessories, has recently released its latest clutter-cutter — the MyCharging Station. With four USB ports, a 10W wireless charging pad, a holder for an Apple Watch, and two standard outlets, it’s a great way to clean up a popular charging spot in your home. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Earlier this month the LEGO Group released its largest Marvel creation to date in the form of a new 3,700-piece Daily Bugle build fit for J. Jonah Jameson himself. With an impressive attention to detail, plenty of callbacks to the Spider-Man universe, and a staggering 25 minifigures, we’ve assembled the all-new build to see just how amazing the mainstay in NYC really is. Hit the jump to find out if the largest LEGO Marvel set yet is worth all the attention.

Mesh Wi-Fi systems are a great way to get seamless Wi-Fi throughout a large home. While they may sound difficult to understand and install, TP-Link makes it pretty easy with its Deco line of mesh systems. We took a look at the Amazon Choice for “Wif-Fi 6 mesh system,” the Deco X20 last year, and now have our hands on the $280 TP-Link Deco X68 — one of the latest systems. Rated at speeds up to 3600Mbps (though you’ll probably never see that) with enough range to cover a 5,500-sq.-ft. home, an easy-to-follow installation guide, and a robust app, it’s a great way to upgrade a home Wi-Fi system for better signal coverage. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all the details. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

With Apple’s own MagSafe wallet being a bit of a sore subject among iPhone 12 owners, third-party brands have stepped up to deliver better value in the space for touting around cash and cards with your handset. One of the more premium options as of late comes from the folks over at Twelve South, which just recently unveiled its new Book Book Leather MagSafe Wallet case. Now we’re seeing if its higher-end $70 price tag is worth paying up for in our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review.

One of the biggest names in home security, Ring is out with its latest porch protector, the Video Doorbell Pro 2. With upgraded resolution and some new motion detection features, this camera is an upgrade over previous iterations but also packs a hefty price at $249.99. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all of the details. 

Lately, we’ve seen some great simple wired gaming headsets like the EPOS H3 and SteelSeries Arctis Prime, and now, we have a look at Turtle Beach’s latest — the Recon 500. At $80, how does this simple yet versatile headset perform? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Skullcandy made headlines earlier in the year by launching its latest pair of true wireless earbuds at an eye-catching $25 price tag. We were eager to get our hands on the new Skullcandy Dime to see just how they’d actually stack up, and after a week of use, we’re ready to drop some first impressions. So should you just save your money for a more expensive pair, or are these the best bang-for-your-buck earbuds on the market? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review aims to answer.

SteelSeries’ latest lineup is aimed directly at competitive players with a simple design. The SteelSeries Prime line includes a new wired Arctis headset that borrows tech from the well-known Arctis Pro along with three brand-new mice for various budgets and needs. We got to go hands-on with the Arctis Prime headset as well as the Prime, Prime+, and Prime Wireless mice to see how they perform. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all of the details. 

Last month, Amazon first gave us a first look at its refreshed Fire HD 10 and other new tablets. With sleeker designs, improved performance, and new multitasking features, the latest releases are now shipping as of today, and we’re taking a hands-on look to see if the upgrades this time actually deliver. Head below for all of the details on if the new Fire HD 10 can live up to its promise of being a productivity powerhouse or if it’ll stay relegated to a content consumption machine. 

Furthering their offerings for the keyboard enthusiast, Razer’s latest keyboard, the Blackwidow V3 Mini, might be my favorite from the triple-headed snake so far. After switching to the Drop ALT last year, I’ve been in love with 65% layout keyboards and Razer’s new board packs this slim yet functional layout and adds their Hyperspeed wireless for even more convenience. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Growing their product offerings for mobile creators, Sennheiser is out with a new lineup including the XS Lav Mobile and 400 MKE compact shotgun microphone. Great for VOs and capturing on-camera audio, there are some nice options that go up against some stiff competition from the likes of Rode. Be sure to hit the video below to see and hear all the details, and how they stack up against some industry norms from Rode. 

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.

Having launched earlier in the year, the new 1MORE ComfoBuds Pro arrived to offer a low-cost competitor to AirPods Pro. It’s a line we’ve heard many times before, and a claim that’s very seldom met. So in order to try and deliver, active noise cancellation arrives alongside 28-hour battery and an under-$100 price tag. But is that enough to take on the gold standard in the true wireless headphones space? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review aims to answer.

Roccat is aiming high with its latest gaming mice, the Kone Pro and Kone Pro Air. Both mice feature optical switches, a comfortable shell, and weigh in at just 66g for the wired and 75g for the wireless version. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all of the details. 

The LEGO Group kicked off this year with the launch of hundreds of new creations, but one in particular caught the eye of builders both new and old, the Bonsai Tree. Since its launch, the popular build has been almost impossible to find in stock. But now that the dust is starting to settle, it’s finally starting to be readily available. So nearly six months later, we’re taking a hands-on look at the creation to see if it’s actually as much of a must-have as all the commotion would have you believe. Head below for all of the details on the LEGO Bonsai Tree.

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.

Since the launch of MagSafe last fall, accessory makers have been jumping in on the magnetic wireless charging action to pair Apple’s first-party charger with various docks, stands, and mounts. We’ve previously taken a look at some more affordable models, but we’re turning our attention today to the opposite end of the spectrum. Nomad’s new MagSafe Mount arrives with a premium stainless steel build that stands out from just about every other option on the market. But is it worth pre-ordering at such a steep price tag? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review aims to answer.

Today, Corsair is out with the latest version of the popular Virtuoso line-up. Taking a lot of the favorite features from previous forms like the 50mm drivers for clear gaming audio and one of the best mics in a wireless headset, the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT adds Bluetooth and Dolby Atmos to the spec sheet. With a huge range of connectivity, the XT is set to be the wireless headset to rule them all but that does come at a price. Be sure to hit the video below and see all the details on the $270 Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT.

We’ve seen a lot of lightweight ambidextrous mice lately, both in the wired and wireless variant. But, for those who want a little more functionality out of their mouse with a durable design and some bright RGB, then the new Rival 5 from SteelSeries might tick all the boxes. With nine buttons, a seemingly durable ergonomic build, and weighing 85g, the SteelSeries Rival 5 comes in at a reasonable $60. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Expanding on their lineup of portable and durable thin and light laptops, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano hits a new low by coming in at just under two pounds. With an 11th Gen Intel processor, huge battery life, and a bright, sharp screen, it’s an easy-to-use portable option for on-the-go professionals. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all the details.

Today we take a closer look at the Ukutune UKD90 Solid Flamed Koa Wood Ukulele — the brand’s high-end natural wood tenor model. Last time around, we went hands-on with the far more affordable UKA1 model, but today we’re stepping it up a notch with solid Koa wood construction, a walnut fingerboard, and classic detailing. This one looks great in pictures, easily standing next to the big-name brands, but let’s dive in to see how it sounds and actually feels in your hands. 

The SSL UF8 DAW control surface is completely overkill for what I do, but following our announcement coverage, they asked if we wanted to take a hands-on look at it and I couldn’t resist. Thankfully, some features do work within Premiere Pro, which is where I edit most of my audio. To take full advantage of the incredible depth of control that the SSL UF8 offers, though, you will need a compatible DAW, or digital audio workstation like Logic, Pro Tools, or Ableton. If you’re interested in learning more about the incredible UF8 and want to see some of my audio workflows within Premiere, be sure to hit the video below. 

It’s May the 4th, and while LEGO’s Star Wars Day promotion rages on, we’re turning our attention to one of the latest creations from a galaxy far, far away. Debuting as the newest set inspired by Empire Strikes Back, the new Imperial Probe Droid stacks up to over 680 pieces while assembling the latest buildable character from the Star Wars universe. But does this kit stack up to a model that’s worth putting on display? Head below for all of the details on the LEGO Imperial Probe Droid.

The new Twelve South MagSafe charging stand launched earlier this week with a minimalistic, clean look and a design that leaves your iPhone 12 floating in midair. We have been fans of the brand for a quite a while now, but with Apple reintroducing MagSafe tech this generation, it’s time to give Twelve South’s first crack at the technology a run for its money. Head below for our hands-on Twelve South Forté review. 

Expanding on their lineup of lifestyle offerings, the new Razer Anzu is an interesting combination of technology. On the one hand, eye care is becoming more important with how much time is spent looking at a screen and the blue light blocking lenses help to protect our eyes, but Razer has also packed swappable sunglasses lenses, Bluetooth connectivity, and speakers into the arms of these $200 glasses, much like the Bose Frames that we took a look at earlier. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all of the details. 

With May the 4th quickly approaching, Anker is getting into the Star Wars spirit a tad early with the announcement today of its latest projector. Bringing the most beloved droid in the galaxy to its popular Nebula projector lineup, its upcoming R2-D2 Capsule II enters with a unique design on top of a notable list of features that let you take movie night just about anywhere. Today, we’re taking a hands-on look at the new release, so be sure to head below for all of the details and a closer look at this unique Star Wars collectible.

As the world of gaming keyboards expands with smaller, enthusiast-oriented offerings like 60% layout boards, there are still affordable full-size, full-featured options from all of your favorite brands. One of the latest from Corsair is the K55 RGB Pro XT. With macro keys that can integrate seamlessly into Elgato Stream Deck, media controls, and per-key RGB, it is packed with features for the $70 price point. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Amongst all of the iPhone 12’s new features, MagSafe has easily emerged as one of the most defining characteristics of this generation of Apple’s handset. While there are plenty of alternatives to the official MagSafe charging cable, more affordable stands aren’t quite as prevalent yet. So today, we’re taking a look at two different models from ESR’s HaloLock series, which bring magnetic wireless charging to your desk or car’s dashboard. Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys explores just how good these budget-friendly ESR MagSafe Charging Stands can be.

Expanding on their lineup of work-from-home and streaming products, the new Razer Ring Light is an affordable way to light up your video calls or streams. With an included tripod, adjustable brightness, color temperature, and powered by USB, this $80 light is a great companion to the recent Razer Kiyo webcam, and Razer Seiren Mini. Be sure to hit the video below to check out more. 

As their first gaming headset without their co-brand partners Sennheiser, the EPOS H3 is set as an evolution of the GSP 300 for a simple, comfortable, do-it-all gaming headset. EPOS has also hooked us up with a few to give away so be sure to check out the details at the bottom of this review and hit the video to see more. 

Back to continue their disruption in the smart home market, the Wyze floor lamp is positioned to be an affordable option for those who want to add a little light to their workspace. Priced at just $30 + shipping, the lamp features a remote along with app control and smart dimming that can recall brightness settings at different times throughout the day. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Thunderbolt and USB-C docking stations have long been the go-to solution for those who want the perks of a desktop workstation setup and the freedom to work away from the desk. And with the launch of Apple’s latest M1 Macs last year, Thunderbolt 4 hit the mainstream. Today, we’re taking a look at the new Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Mini Dock, the brand’s first Thunderbolt 4 offering, which arrives with a future-proof design that’s ideal for MacBook setups. But is it worth the more premium price tag? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys answers that and more.

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.

After featuring an exclusive price drop on its latest lineup of covers, we thought it was time to take a hands-on look at the Casely iPhone 12 cases. More specifically, the iPhone 12 Bold Collection, which is the brand’s most protective case and is available in a range of fun and wild prints, colors, and patterns — much like the rest of its gear. While at first glance they might just appear as gimmicky, overly designed iPhone cases for teenagers, and they are great for that, you are looking at quite a cable sheath that offers all of the most important elements in a mid-tier offering. Head below for more details and a closer look in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys review for the Bold Collection Casely iPhone 12 cases. 

True wireless earbuds on the affordable end of the spectrum are rarely known for their sound quality and rarely offer any support for tweaking the EQ. Monoprice is shaking things up a bit though by teaming up with Sonarworks for the Monolith M-TWE that incorporates profiles with SoundID to create a personalized sound signature to fit your specific sound preferences. Matched with other great features like ANC and ambient modes, the Monolith M-TWE with SoundID earbuds has a lot to offer for the $99 price point. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all the details. 

Tribit is out with the latest addition to its portable Bluetooth speaker lineup, and today we’re taking a hands-on look to see just how its new StormBox Pro stacks up. Complete with a water-resistant design, this offering arrives with 24-hour playback, 360-degree audio, and impressive sound fidelity for its size. Now available for purchase, you’ll want to head below for all of the details and more insight from our review. 

Lightweight mice have been all the rage recently, and Corsair’s latest, the Sabre RGB Pro, seeks to set itself apart from the crowd with impressive performance as part of Corsair’s Champion Series of peripherals. With up to 8,000Hz polling thanks to the Axon hyper-processing technology, the Sabre RGB Pro was recently tested with the lowest mouse latency in NVIDIA’s Reflex Latency Analyzer. With a comfortable ergo shape and priced at $59.99, it’s shaping up to be a great choice for competitive gamers. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all the details.

While there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of THX in reference to certification on audio hardware, today THX is announcing their first-ever consumer product. As a longtime industry titan for certifying that audio meets certain criteria, THX is bringing its expertise in audio to the mobile market. Taking everything they’ve learned and using a third-party certification, the new THX Onyx is a cross-platform DAC amp that can deliver high-fidelity audio from a mobile device with MQA studio-quality streaming. So how does it perform for the $200 price point? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

After taking a look at the brand’s latest MacBook sleeve, we are now diving into the Bellroy Tech Kit. The latest entry in its gear accessory organizer lineup features the same antimicrobial tech found on the MacBook sleeve alongside providing a home for all of your chargers, cables, power banks, and more. In today’s Tested with 9to5Toys we are taking the Bellroy Tech kit for a hands-on spin to see if it’s worth the price of entry. All of the details are down below. 

As more devices support wireless charging, we’re seeing more affordable multi-purpose charging stands become available. Aukey, which is already well established in the charging market, is out with a few new combo charging stands in the Aircore lineup. With a solo pad, a 2-in-1, and a 3-in-1 stand, Aukey has some great affordable new wireless charging options for those with multiple devices. Be sure to hit the video and see all the details below. 

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.

As one of BenQ’s first portable projectors, its recent GS2 release arrives with a compelling list of features like 1080p visuals, AirPlay 2, and three-hour battery life despite its compact design. But how does it stack up to other portable offerings in the market? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys is putting this projector through its paces to see if the BenQ GS2 is a must-have for summer movie nights or not. Head below for all of the details.

Lorex, which has been around in smart home security for a while, is adding new security products to its extensive lineup. Expanding on the entry-level 1080p video doorbell, the newer Lorex 2K Video Doorbell offers a clear 2560×1920 164° image, no monthly fees for recording events and person detection, and easy setup, making it a great way to keep your eyes on your doorstep. And, thanks to the brand’s catalog of additional lights and cameras, it’s easy to build out a system for your home. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

Laptops and tablets both have their own pros and cons when it comes to life on-the-go, but there are some interesting products that bridge that gap. Released in late 2020, the Lenovo Yoga 9i has some features that will make it appealing to those who want a versatile computer for work or home use. A 2-in-1, the Yoga 9i can fold itself backward to work in a tablet or tent mode making it great for travel, presentations, and more thanks to the garaged stylus. Packing a powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i7, the Yoga 9i is ready to work, as well. Be sure to hit the video below to find out more about the Lenovo Yoga 9i.

Today, ECOVACS is expanding its stable of smart robotic vacuums with a pair of offerings that enter into the midrange of its lineup. Delivering quite a roster of notable features like laser guidance, Alexa voice control, and an improved suction system, the new ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ arrives with the brand’s most quiet cleaning experience yet alongside a bundled dirt disposal unit for automating even more of the process. And after putting it to the test for the last few weeks, we’re taking a hands-on look at the new release. Head below for all of the details and a closer look at the robotic vacuum’s performance.

As the popularity of 60% keyboards grows, we’re starting to see even more options from well-known brands like HyperX. Their latest addition is the HyperX Alloy origins 60. With robust build quality, clever layout, and some other nice features for a 60% board, it’s shaping up to be a solid choice in the compact keyboard world priced at $100. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

If you spend some time looking around at what microphones your favorite creators are using, chances are you’ll see a large dynamic microphone like the Sure SM7B a few times. While it sounds incredible for spoken voice, the $400 price tag can come with a bit of sticker shock compared to other viable options for dynamic microphones. At $199, the new Samson Q9U is looking to capture some of that market. With both USB and XLR outputs, mic monitoring, and internal shock mount, how does it perform? Be sure to check out the video below to hear for yourself. 

While 60% layout keyboards are becoming more common, companies are trying to come up with ways to separate their offerings for consumers. Building off of the 4,000Hz polling rate on their flagship K100 we checked out recently, the brand-new Corsair K65 RGB Mini can operate at a ridiculous 8,000Hz polling rate. With a solid build, Cherry MX switches and a standard bottom row, it’s set up to be a solid choice in the compact keyboard market coming in at $110. Be sure to check out the video below to see all the details.