Review

The LEGO Group today is out with a new collection of sets for September 1, and we’re diving in to take a look at what the latest from the Star Wars collection has to offer. Starting off, today we’re taking a hands-on look at how the new LEGO Ghost and Phantom II stacks up and if it’s worth your $160.

Update: The new Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen audio interfaces are now available for purchase on Amazon starting from $139.99 shipped. 

The new 4th Gen Focusrite Scarlett audio interfaces are debuting today. The brand’s lineup of striking red recording interfaces has been among the most popular around for years, and it is finally ready to introduce the enhanced new Scarlett boxes. Three new models are making their first appearance today with updated designs alongside reengineered specs, and we have had the pleasure of testing out the new 2i2 dual input variant over the last few weeks. Head below for a closer look at the new Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen audio interfaces. 

While I work on putting together a full “behind the screens” tour of my YouTube studio, I wanted to call out a particular piece I recently added. I’ve used Flexispot desks in the past and use one for my main editing setup, but adding the Flexispot Q8 Comhar Pro feature-packed standing desk as an additional main angle and b-roll table has been a welcomed improvement to my workflow. It’s not all perfect, though. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Marshall today is refreshing its flagship pair of true wireless earbuds. The vinyl-wrapped Motif first hit the scene back in 2021, and now two years later are being refreshed with the same iconic stylings in tow. Pairing with the company’s signature design, Marshall is now releasing the new Motif II with notably improved ANC, extra battery life, and a case made of recycled plastics. Not to mention, my favorite sound on the market.

Last week, Anker first showed off its new Space One ANC Headphones. Today, the latest over-ear listening experience is finally available for purchase. I’ve been using a pair for the past few days and have walked away impressed by the Anker Space One headphones’ ANC performance.

Earlier this month, Satechi launched a new docking station for MacBook that delivers as unique of a design as we’ve seen. Resting underneath your machine, the new Satechi Dual Dock Stand packs nine ports alongside an NVMe SSD slot for streamlining your workstation.

We feature loads of different portable SSD options around here, but there are so many out there a few models will inevitably slip between the cracks and the OWC Envoy PRO portable SSD is one of them that really shouldn’t. Clocking in with pro-grade speeds faster than most of the competition out there and a build quality reminiscent of the robust metal offerings we have seen from the brand time and time again, the OWC Envoy PRO portable SSD should be on your radar and we have recently been giving it a run for its premium price tag to see if it’s worth the cash. 

After coming away impressed with the brand’s Day Sling 3 bag, I was expecting much of the same when it came to the Aer Travel Pack 3 hybrid carry-on backpack and that, for the most part, is exactly what happened. The brand’s TP3 sits somewhere between a larger backpack and a carry-on suitcase – something that, at least on paper, is just what I need for most of my travels – and features plenty of organization pockets, carrying options, and a mostly subtle design aesthetic free of ugly logos and branding. Needless to say, despite not being exactly perfect, I do like this thing quite a lot. Head below for a closer look to find out if it’s right for you in our hands-on Tested with 9to5Toys review of the Aer Travel Pack 3. 

Today, Moza Racing is announcing the cheapest direct-drive sim-racing bundle for the Xbox – the Moza R3. $400 gets you an Xbox-compatible wheel with a new base and pedals. Moza has also nailed the timing of this release with Forza Motorsport set to release in October of this year. While it won’t be available for purchase until later in September, we were lucky enough to get our hands on it, so be sure to hit the video below and see all of the details. 

The Sennheiser HD 660S2 audiophile-grade headphones launched earlier this year and it’s time to put them through their paces for review. I am, admittedly, not overly picky when it comes to these sorts of hi-fi cans. I can certainly appreciate the sound quality, but not I’m not type to spend thousands on a pair of cans and that’s where the Sennheiser HD 660S2 come in. They, at least for me, seem to hit the sweet spot between really high-quality sound reproduction without being so expensive than I just can’t bother caring all that much. And I’m happy to say I’ve come away (mostly) quite impressed with the experience thus far. Head below for a deep dive into our time with the Sennheiser HD 660S2 headphones. 

Bailey Hikawa is one of the few creators in the tech space applying a more artistic touch to the typical takes we see for smartphone accessories. I’ve been admiring her work for quite some time and finally managed to score one of the covers for myself during a restock. And let me tell you, I might have just found my new favorite iPhone case.

Earlier this year, JBL came out with some of the most unique pairs of true wireless earbuds on the market. The new JBL Tour Pro 2 don’t set themselves apart with industry-leading battery life or unmatched ANC but, instead, arrive with the headlining feature of an onboard touchscreen display.

The latest mouse from Glorious skips its typical release schedule by both cutting the cord and jumping directly to the next generation. The Model I 2 Wireless packs the same customizable ergonomic bones as the original Model I but also has a few notable updates including the $100 Gen 2 wireless price tag. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

In February, I got the Mini-LED version of the AGON Pro AG274QZM 27-in 1440p monitor and I’ve been using it ever since. Today, though, we have its brand-new OLED counterpart – the AGON Pro AG276QZD. With the same 1440p resolution and 240Hz refresh rate, the OLED version packs an identical price tag of $1,000 but delivers an incredible gaming experience. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Today, Synology launches the new DS224+ NAS. Its latest piece of networked storage brings a little something for everyone to the table with a flexible design that packs enough power for media server and business applications a like – all without breaking the bank.

Anker just launched its new Nano Lightning Power Bank. It’s a simple and yet equally peculiar charging accessory for iPhone 14, with a compact build, 5,000mAh internal battery, and the signature fold out Lightning connector. All of which are reasons why it hasn’t left my everyday carry since I unboxed it.

Last month, ZAGG launched a new series of keyboards that, at first glance, seem to be fairly standard options for your workstation. The macOS and iOS support out of the box is a very nice touch, as is the ability to pair the keyboards with multiple devices. But the real reason I’m taking a hands-on look at the new ZAGG Pro Keyboards is the one feature that makes these truly unique – Qi charging support.

Grovemade introduced its latest collection of desk accessories in mid July, and we have been testing it out ever since. This time around it is offering customers the new Display Rail for perching up notes, smartphones, and the new Notebook that also debuted in the bundle. A small Vertical Organizer is also making its debut with the Note-Taking Kit to organize paperwork and things of that nature. All of it, as anyone who knows the brand will have guessed, is beautifully crafted from natural and premium materials, but is it actually useful? Dive into our hands-on review as part of our ongoing Tested with 9to5Toys series below to find out. 

Today we’re checking out the latest from DJI, the Osmo Action 4 – and there are some impressive but familiar features here but also some things that I kind of thought would have been ironed out by the fourth generation of this camera. Let’s dive in and check it out.

Twelve South today is launching a new, and more affordable addition to its lineup of MacBook stands. The new Curve SE arrives at the bottom of its current lineup, delivering the same ergonomic upgrade as some of the more premium models in the collection – just at half the price.

While there has been a recent push for the convenience of true wireless earbuds, Beyerdynamic is taking a different approach with its neckband design Blue Byrd ANC in-ear headset. There are pros and cons to this throwback style of earbuds, and we went hands-on to see how it performs in the real world. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

It’s now time to take a closer look at the latest model Samsung PRO Plus microSD cards. The brand’s storage business has had a solid run over the last couple years delivering the T7 Shield portable SSD we went hands-on with previously – an updated version of the standard issue T7 that’s easily one of the most popular models among 9to5Toys readers – alongside its popular range of microSD cards. Earlier this year back in April it refreshed its top-of-the-line memory cards with the latest-generation PRO Plus models, pushing the transfer speed capabilities to keep up with the competition and once again offering tech users another compelling choice for gaming consoles, Android handsets, camera rigs, and more. Head below for a closer look at the latest Samsung PRO Plus microSD memory cards in the latest addition to the ongoing Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

Plugable, a brand known for producing well-made and competitively-priced docking stations, hubs, and more, unleashed its latest Thunderbolt 4/USB4 dock last week, and it’s time for some hands-on impressions. Its latest comes in the form of an 11-port hub complete with USB4 specs for Windows users, Thunderbolt 4 action, dual HDMI display support (more on this below), card readers, and just about everything else you might expect from something in this category. Alongside an ongoing launch price drop on Amazon, we have now had a chance to give the new Plugable USB-C Docking Station a run for its currently discounted money and we are now ready to hit you with the latest entry in the ongoing Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

The new “first-of-its-kind” SKYVIEW lamp made its official debut last week, and we are now ready to weigh in after putting it to the test. The not quite smart lamp actually has a number of intelligent features in tow, most of which surrounding research done in the way outdoor light conditions can effect our mood and productivity levels, but it also syncs up with the sunset/sunrise conditions in your neck of the woods to provide “light as it was meant be experienced” directly on your nightstand, workspace, or living room end table as well. Head below for our hands-on review of the now available new SKYVIEW lamp. 

Earlier this year, Belkin launched a new addition to its lineup that looks to simplify traveling with your Apple Watch. The new Belkin BoostCharge Pro at first glance looks to arrive with some pretty unremarkable specs at first glance – 10,000mAh batteries with 20W USB-C are hardly anything to be excited about. But where the new release does standout from everything else on the market is the built-in Apple Watch fast charger.

Pikmin 4 is finally here. If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent the past few days exploring what the miniaturized world filled with treasure and funky creatures has to offer. And if you haven’t been, then let this be my chance to convince you why Pikmin 4 is entirely worth all of the hype.

The new “first-of-its-kind” SKYVIEW lamp made its official debut last week, and we are now ready to weigh in after putting it to the test. The not quite smart lamp actually has a number of intelligent features in tow, most of which surrounding research done in the way outdoor light conditions can effect our mood and productivity levels, but it also syncs up with the sunset/sunrise conditions in your neck of the woods to provide “light as it was meant be experienced” directly on your nightstand, workspace, or living room end table as well. Head below for our hands-on review of the now available new SKYVIEW lamp. 

For console gamers, one of the most consistent battles has been getting a quality controller that holds off the inevitable stick drift as long as possible. Some companies like Thrustmaster have even gone as far as to make replacement hot-swap modules for when the sticks do start drifting. Gamesir is doing things differently with an Xbox controller that uses contactless hall-effect magnetic sensors that should, in theory, last much longer than the industry-standard potentiometer. So how does the Gamesir G7 SE perform for the reasonable $45 price point? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Sony today is launching its latest pair of flagship true wireless earbuds. In a naming scheme that few will be surprised by, the new WF-1000XM5 arrive with some notable improvements over their predecessor and are now available for $300. I’ve been daily driving them over the past week and am excited to talk about just how well-rounded of an experience the new Sony XM5 offer.

CASETiFY’s latest collaboration is officially hitting store shelves today, with the eagerly awaited Evangelion iPhone 14 case collection now available. I’ve personally been waiting for weeks to share my thoughts on the lineup, and if I didn’t write home enough about the accessories in my launch coverage, I am back to gush all about the new releases.

One thing we take pretty seriously around here is our EDC kits. I, for one, am always on the hunt for the best possible way to carry my day-to-day tech as well as something that can support traveling abroad, day trips, and things of that nature. In need of a new crossbody or belt bag-style solution and after hearing more and more about the brand Aer over the last few months, I decided to test out its Day Sling 3 to see if it was up to the task. Head below for our hands-on review of the Day Sling 3 as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys. 

Throughout 2023, the LEGO Group has been celebrating the 100th anniversary of Disney animation. Now culminating all of that fanfare in one of the largest kits of the year, today we’re taking a hands-on look at the all-new LEGO Disney Castle (43222) to see if it’s a worthy build to headline such a massive milestone for the company.

The kitchen gadget gurus at Ninja have done it again. This time, the Ninja 12-in-1 Smart Double Oven with FlexDoor is pulling out all the stops. With 12 cooking functions and a family-sized capacity, this versatile countertop oven has a lot of exciting features for a beginner in the kitchen or even a seasoned foodie. For $349.99, you’ll be baking, air frying, toasting, and dehydrating in no time.

Last month, Nintendo first revealed its new pastel Joy-Con sets, and now they’re finally here. I instantly had to order the new colorways for Nintendo Switch, and at long last both pairs have landed on my front porch. Toning down the usual neon stylings from past controllers, the new pastel releases bring summer-ready vibes to your hybrid console.

One of the collaborations I have been looking forward to most this year has just landed on my doorstep. Earlier in the month, CASETiFY revealed that it would be tapping into the most popular superhero out there right now to deliver a new series of Peter Parker-inspired Apple accessories. Donning the signature red and blue suit design, I just got my hands on a few of the new CASETiFY Spider-Man iPhone 14 cases and its eye-catching AirPods Pro cover.

This week, Nvidia is lifting review embargoes on its new RTX 4060 cards. Yesterday the MSRP embargo lifted and today the non-MSRP lifts, which means we can talk about the PNY XLR8 RTX 4060 with RGB, triple fans, and support for overclocking in the PNY VelocityX software. Compared to other cards near it and with a price tag of $340, is this new card the answer for budget gaming? 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Earlier this spring, Anker announced its latest foray into an entirely new product category with its EverFrost-powered cooler. Now beginning to ship today for the first time, the new debut effectively arrives as a portable mini fridge with up to 53L of capacity. After trying it out for the past few weeks and even impressing some dads at a recent barbecue, I’m ready to explore if the $799 starting price is worth the cash.

Last month, Logitech continued marching through its catalog to refresh yet another one of its most popular Mac accessories. We’ve been seeing these new S-series releases over the past couple of years, but just what does Logitech bring to the table for its latest keyboard, the MX Keys S? I’ve been spending some time with the new Mac-ready release and can clear everything up below the fold as I take a hands-on look at the new Logitech MX Keys S and its environmentally-conscious design.

Anker’s latest MagSafe charging stand just hit the scene earlier this spring, arriving just in time to pair perfectly with the new StandBy mode for iPhone 14 coming in iOS 17. Capable of refueling your entire Apple kit, our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review is investigating if its more affordable price tag means it’s actually worth a spot on your nightstand.

It’s been just over one year since my first video about sim racing. In that comparison between two entry setups, I chose the Logitech G923 over the Thrustmaster T300RS GT – much to the dismay of plenty of YouTube commenters. While the wheelbase on the Thrustmaster was good, the wheel wasn’t great and the pedals were abysmal. Considering that the bundle was $450 at the time of my review and you might quickly want the $250 T-LCM pedals, and perhaps a new wheel, wouldn’t it just be worth it to jump up to an entry-level DD wheel? Sure, the budget still plays into those decisions, but that’s getting easier with more affordable hardware like what we have today – the $530 Moza R5 Bundle. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

IK expanded its AmpliTube amp and guitar tone creation ecosystem earlier this year with the Tonex Pedal. A hardware multi-FX stomp box unit made to allow guitar players and sound designers to load up and design their own amp and tone rigs onto a stage- and studio-ready unit, it also doubles as an audio interface for recording and is backed up by thousands of premade amps patches. We have had a chance to crank this thing up to 11 over the past few weeks, and it’s time to break down the experience for folks interested in this sort of hybrid guitar sound design experience as part of the latest entry to our Tested with 9to5Toys series.

Samsung today is officially launching the world’s first 49-inch OLED gaming monitor with the new Odyssey OLED G9. Arriving with a launch discount attached, we got to spend some hands-on time with the new display to see just how it stacks up.

First unveiled at CES 2023 earlier this year, it’s time to take a closer look at the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock – the “first full-featured Thunderbolt dock with a built-in power adapter.” OWC is one of the better Apple gear accessory brands out there, from docks and hubs to memory solutions, portable storage, and more. Much of its gear borders on enterprise-grade quality that carries over to its consumer and prosumer lines in the best way possible. Just about every piece of kit from the brand I have got my hands on over the years has impressed me in terms of overall build quality and performance, and the Thunderbolt Go Dock is no exception. But now, after getting a few weeks to put it through its paces, let’s dive in and take a closer look to see if it’s right for your setup. Head below for our hands-on review of the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock as part of the latest entry in the Tested with 9to5Toys series.