8Bitdo rolls out free Nintendo Switch support for all its retro-style controllers

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As we all know by now, the Switch has been a massive success for Nintendo. Despite some of the reservations around the time of the unveil pertaining to what seemed like a gimmicky controller setup, Switch is for the most part a massive win for gamers as well. However, some of us still prefer the more classic D-pads for certain games. There is just something about the classic NES/SNES-style setup that just continues to be the ideal input mechanism for fighters, some 2-D platformers and other archetypical 90’s era experiences.

Thankfully, one of the bigger players in the third party controller game is looking to provide us with a simple solution. 8Bitdo makes loads of awesome vintage-inspired controllers and is now pushing out firmware updates packed with Nintendo Switch support…

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Two:35 is a computer building kit for kids that can actually get them certification

Parents obviously want the best for their kids and that means successfully preparing them for the future. Two:35, a San Diego computer company, wants to teach children a fundamental skill that will do just that. With its recently launched Kickstarter, the company hopes to gain funding for its Glo-Base 2 computer building kit for kids that can actually get them certified.

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Sphero unveils iOS-controlled Lightning McQueen racer for $300

Since the company’s launch, Sphero has grown to be a household name for many with its line of RC toys. From the standard model to interactive BB-8, Sphero has managed to capture a real sense of wonder and delight in its creations. With Cars 3 right around the corner, it only makes sense for the Disney-backed company to add yet another lovable character to its lineup. Today, Sphero has launched the Ultimate Lightning McQueen, which lets you drive, play games, and train for the next big race with the iOS-enabled racing star.

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DJI’s new $499 Spark drone offers gesture controls, compact design [Gallery]

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Today in New York City, DJI unveiled the new Spark drone with a focus on portability and gesture-controls. This comes after a busy year for the industry leader in the drone category following the release of its Phantom 4 Advanced.

DJI claims users will be able to go from in-hand to in-the-air taking photos in just seconds. Geared towards entry-level pilots looking to capture drone-quality images and video, Spark has a number of consumer-friendly features. Today’s news also includes new smartphone apps with quick and simple editing features in line with what we saw from GoPro in the fall. Full details below.

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Ambi Climate returns with its second generation Alexa-enabled air conditioner controller

It’s that time of year again where the air conditioning units are starting to kick on as warmer temperatures return again. Ambi Labs is making a return to Kickstarter to raise funds for its second generation Ambi Climate 2. After successfully releasing its first iteration (and shipping) the latest version brings smartphone and Alexa control to your air conditioning units alongside a handful of new features.

The all-new design strays from the usual ugly plastic smart hub we typically see in favor of a new, sleeker version that would look fine out in the open. Combined with the ability to work with just about any infrared-controlled AC unit and we might just be on to something here.

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BIKI is an underwater 4K camera drone that can go wherever you swim

Robosea, an entrepreneurial technology company, has set out to create a device to capture your underwater adventures in a brand new way with its “robotic fish”. The company just launched yesterday on Kickstarter and already reached its funding goal within 10 hours of being online.

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Belkin intros new line of compact Pocket Power banks starting at $20

Belkin makes accessories of all kinds. From iPad cases, and iPhone docks, to USB-C/Lighting cables, routers, smart home products and just about everything in between, the company has its hand in just about every add-on product category there is, and then some. And it is now adding to its lineup of mobile power banks with the announcement of the new Pocket Power series.

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This Vintage Vinyl Bluetooth Speaker is actually made out of reclaimed records

There is no question that you get an unmatched rich music quality from playing vinyl records. The company Vinylux firmly believes this too, and are building a new Bluetooth speaker (funded by Kickstarter) that is actually made out of reclaimed records. While there is no proof it will actually sound better based on that fact alone, it does allow for a deliciously retro spin into the mix!

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Haikara smartwatch focuses on fashion with customizable watch faces and bands

It seems as though we’ve seen more smartwatches than any other new product this year. Practically everyone from traditional watch makers to veteran tech companies have tried their hands at crafting a smart timepiece. This hasn’t stopped Haikara, a recently unveiled smartwatch that focuses its design on more fashion-based elements and customization, all without compromising on functionality.

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Beyond Zero’s liquor freezer puts your cocktail “in the rocks”

Fancy cocktails with smoking ice and artistic presentations are nothing new, but the folks at Beyond Zero are taking a unique approach. The Beyond Zero liquor freezer system is looking to revolutionize the cocktail world with what it describes as a new category of drink called “In the Rocks”.

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Mophie releases juice pack battery case for Google Pixel XL w/ 2950mAh capacity and wireless charging

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL are arguably two of the best Android smartphones on the market, but unlike other major handsets such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6, there aren’t that many cases out there for it. Today, there’s another option on the market as mophie, a well-known battery accessory company, has announced the availability of a battery case for the Pixel XL…

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Love Hultén’s new vintage-inspired mahogany Astovox Hi-Fi System

Love Hultén is known for his exclusive designs that merge function and beautiful aesthetics. Those products include everything from vintage-style arcades and cabinetry to other furniture and even the new Triaccord synthesizer lineup we mentioned in last week’s Logic Pros Music News. After taking a very quick glance over some of his work, which is all personally hand-made in Gothenburg, Sweden, it is clear these are some gorgeous and very limited pieces.

Most recently, the company is unveiling a brand new, retro-looking hi-fi stereo system with Hultén’s usual visual flair and some modern tech on the inside. The new Astovox setup is available for pre-order now, but it is certainly going to cost you…

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Monoprice is now making a professional quality 3D Printer at just $159

3D Printers are a fantastic invention with many applications and fun times to be had. The only reason we don’t all have one in our homes today is that they cost so much. Monoprice, a leading manufacturer of 3D printers and other technologies, is well aware of this problem. With its new device the MP Mini Delta 3D Printer currently being funded on Indiegogo, the company hopes to make 3D Printers much more affordable in the near future.

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WATTS is the customizable battery backup system meant to fit any home

One of the biggest struggles these days in terms of using technology is ensuring that all of our devices are fully charged. This can be quite the challenge though when disaster strikes or when something goes wrong and you lose power. Kicking old generators to the curb, a new home battery system named WATTS hopes to add ‘personal power plants’ to as many homes as possible.

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LEGO’s latest is a massive 2,800-piece Minecraft Mountain Cave set

Watch out LEGO fans, the Minecraft collection is about to expand in a big way. Today, LEGO revealed the new 2,863-piece Mountain Cave set that delivers one of the most thorough recreations we’ve ever seen. Minecraft itself is known for its friendly block-by-block building experience. That makes it a perfect companion for the iconic brand. While LEGO has slowly rolled out plenty of similar sets in the past with this theme, today’s is one of the the biggest…and most expensive.

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Kanex debuts new GoPower Magnetic Charging Apple Watch Stand, more

Accessory maker Kanex provides affordable solutions for Mac and iOS users including docks, power banks, chargers, Lightning cables and much more. Today, the company is introducing us to some new colorways for its GoPower Plus portable power banks along with a new Apple Watch companion gadget.

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Nanoleaf ditches the smartphone with its 12-sided Aurora Remote

Thanks to the prevalence of Amazon Echo, Siri and other internet connected gadgets, smart home tech seems to have finally hit the mainstream. Now with smart lights, outlets and even coffeemakers, there’s something for almost everyone. Falling into that first category, Nanoleaf has impressed us with its HomeKit-enabled Aurora smart lighting kits. Now the company has added a remote to the Aurora ecosystem.

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The Witcher takes on Game of Thrones with new Netflix series

For many of us The Witcher is a video game series developed by CD Project Red out of Poland. The series, and especially with the latest entry, has solidified itself as one of the best in the genre easily sitting alongside The Elder Scrolls franchise and others. Geralt of Rivia’s monster slaying exploits have become legend among gamers and now it looks as though the franchise will be coming to the big screen. Well, sort of…

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Moog unveils the new limited edition Subsequent 37 CV synth

Today, the world-renowned synth makers over at Moog unveiled the new Subsequent 37 CV instrument. Based heavily off the Sub37 Tribute Edition we went hands on with for Logic Pros some time ago, the updated edition will feature much of the best of its predecessor while expanding the possibilities for modular synth aficionados…

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Amazon upgrades Fire tablet lineup w/ thinner design and new features [Deal]

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Amazon has refreshed its Fire tablet lineup this morning with new features, specs and a special Kids edition. As well, today’s news includes a slight price drop on the HD 8 while the Fire 7 stays at the same price. Amazon’s budget-focused tablets have long been a hit with parents looking for an alternative to Apple’s much pricier iPads. And thanks to the recently announced FreeTime unlimited, parents are in more control over how their kids spend time than ever before. More details and a special launch-day deal are below.

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Arckit lets you build custom model cityscapes easier than LEGO

If you’ve ever thought about building your own cityscape models but felt limited by what you could construct with LEGO or other similar blocks, then take a look at the Kickstarter Arckit. This system features three-dimensional modeling sets that are designed for building professionals, aspiring designers and of course children too.

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Jammy: the new portable iOS-connected smart guitar with telescopic neck

While acoustic guitar players can just up and go play on the beach or the roof, or anywhere for that matter, it’s not so easy to lug around your Strat and an amp. Products like the Jamstik attempt to offer real players the most authentic experience possible with real strings and a proper, albeit tiny, fretboard. Since featuring the tiny mobile guitar, Jamstik has released an updated model but will now be getting some direct competition from the new Jammy.

In fact, it looks as though the portable smart guitar has pulled much of the best ideas from the Jamstik platform, including the companion app integration, while adding in a few tricks of its own…

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Polk’s new Chromecast-powered MagniFi soundbar offers 5.1-Ch. surround sound

For those serious about perfecting their home theater setups, the audio equipment that one selects is just as important as the TV model. If you’re looking for a simpler option than wired surround sound system, soundbars have grown to be a great solution. Polk, one of the largest contenders in the home audio market, has released the new MagniFi MAX SR soundbar, which offers high-end audio and is accompanied by supplemental wireless speakers and subwoofer.

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Mophie’s new Galaxy S8/S8+ cases add up to 3,300mAh of extra power for $99, available now

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ are two of the best phones you can buy today, but they don’t pack the best battery life, especially in the case of the smaller S8. Both should get most people through a day, but that’s about it. Thankfully, Mophie has a solution with its new battery cases for both phones.

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Alexa-enabled 4K TVs from Westinghouse hit w/ Fire OS built-in

Amazon’s popular Fire TV and Fire TV Stick devices have come a long way since they were initially released a few years ago. When we weren’t sure it would get any better, Amazon had sent its Fire users a revamped Fire TV software update back in December. I remember thinking to myself after updating, “Now this is what I’m talking about.”

If you’re a fan of these hot streaming devices, there’s some exciting news coming your way. Just as Roku has already been doing for a while, a few models of 4K TVs by Element and Westinghouse will be getting Amazon’s Fire TV software along with Alexa.

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LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 release date and more [Video]

While they may not be for everyone, and have had some shortcomings along the way, LEGO has had a seemingly endless run of successful game releases. The crossover titles span just about every major IP out there including Batman, Jurassic Park, Marvel Avengers and Star Wars, just to name a few. And there are also some awesome original titles in the mix including City Undercover, The LEGO Movie Game and the latest entry, Worlds. One of the games that received high praise at launch was LEGO Marvel Super Heroes and we now have an official release date along with more details on the sequel…

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Gather tames your desk’s clutter with a stylish and modular organizer

Despite our best efforts, managing to keep our workspaces clean isn’t as easy of a feat as one may contend. A quick search on Amazon lists tons of cable organizers, containers or other ways to cut the clutter. But the fact that new products continue to come out means that the war against desk messes isn’t over. Brought to us from Kickstarter, Gather seeks to organize our desks with a stylish and customizable solution.

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The Daymak C5 Blast is the “fastest Go-Kart the world has ever seen”

Daymak is a Toronto-based company that designs, develops and distributes light electric vehicles (LEV’s). As one of Ontario’s greenest companies, its mission is to become the leader of LEV’s and to “reduce the CO2 emissions one electric vehicle at a time.” Its latest vehicle, the Daymak C5 Blast, has already been dubbed the fastest Go-Kart on the planet and the company expects to shatter all sorts of records with it. 

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Nike’s new Air Jordan 13 Golf brings iconic retro style to the course

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Michael Jordan’s iconic Nike-backed Jordan Brand has dominated the world of basketball shoes for years. And while many think of MJ for his on-court greatness, he’s also known for his impressive golfing acumen as well. Jordan has expanded his empire over the years in a variety of ways, including sports other than basketball.

Following in the footsteps of the Air Jordan 9 and 1 Golf, Nike is introducing the new Air Jordan 13 this week. Leaning on the memorable 1997 design, these new golf shoes bring style and performance to the course in a whole new way. That is, if you can get your hands on them…

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Elgato’s Stream Deck brings broadcast-level control to your Twitch stream

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Live streaming of video content is everywhere these days. Media outlets, YouTube stars and every Twitch broadcaster in between stream live gameplay footage and so much more every day. Anyone who does this on a regular basis will know that customizing your stream and managing all of the various platforms, interactions with viewers, audio levels, hilarious on-screen GIFs and more, all while trying to conduct the stream itself, can be cumbersome at best. Sure there are loads of customizable plug-ins out there to allow you to trigger multiple actions at once without missing a beat on the boss battle you’re trying to stream at the moment. But you might be hard-pressed to find something with same level of immediacy and intuitive operation as the new Elgato Stream Deck.

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SolarGaps window blinds hide built-in solar panels, helps renters save on utilities

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Reducing your apartment, home, or business electricity bill is always a challenge. We’ve all heard of the solar panel idea for years but most of us probably don’t invest in such expensive things. And for renters, it generally isn’t allowed to put these on the roof. So how can we save?

SolarGaps are smart window blinds that can save us up to 70% on electric bills. It is currently past the halfway mark of its funding on Kickstarter. These blinds automatically track the sun throughout the day, adjusting position to optimal angles to generate solar electricity, which powers your home or office devices.

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The ClayXYZ 3D Printer lets anyone create ceramic artwork easily and affordably

Most of the leading 3D printers use ABS plastic which can’t be reused again. This is a problem because plastic is not the most environmentally-friendly material to waste. The ClayXYZ Printer now being funded on KickStarter uses the ordinary run of the mill clay (essentially, clay is just mud and just as biodegradable). You can dissolve it in water and reuse the material over and over again. That’s pretty environment-friendly and cost-effective too.

Just load the clay, download the model and click start to enjoy the process of creation. You’ll be able to use ClayXYZ to print out a cup of your own design, and fire it in a kiln. After that, the cup can be directly used to drink water.

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Samson Q2U Podcasting Mic Bundle hits today for under $60

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It’s not good enough to record podcasts, songs and other things like that through the built-in mic on your iPhone or MacBook. You really need a half decent mic to capture your voice and other sources properly. Considering how affordable it can be to grab a cheap audio interface, or even just a USB mic, anyone looking to get podcast famous should have one of these. Blue Microphones makes some fantastic options and even Audio-Technica on the analog side of things can get the job done nicely. Samson is a company that has provided audio pros with gear for many years and also has a number of very affordable home recording mics that are perfect for all of your internet audio projects.

Originally unveiled at CES 2017, the company’s latest Q2U Recording and Podcasting Pack is hitting store shelves today. It offers users a complete setup for recording nice quality vocals, voice-overs and more right out of the box. And it might be one of the more affordable options on the market…

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Nike’s new iPhone 7 cases have Air Force 1 and Roshe designs

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Nike is known for its iconic shoe designs, from the original Air Jordan’s to its infamous Waffle Iron cross-trainers. Now it’s bringing some of its most popular looks to your iPhone. Unveiled this week, Nike is now offering cases for Apple’s flagship device that are direct reproductions of the soles from favorite shoes such as the original Air Force 1s and its Roshe line…

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VRgluv will change the future of VR for the better

Constant news all over, especially in recent tech, revolves around what will come next for virtual reality (VR). Over the past few years we’ve introduced many different ways to use VR but it is still not mainstream, surely due to price and lack of ease of use. As gaming is the primary target for using VR, at this point most of us might prefer a nice large screen instead of a bulky VR headset weighing down our faces.

We’re seeing progress in the area as the months go by, and this VRgluv is a great example, and it is fully funded on Kickstarter. Those interested in VR in general have probably been wondering when we’d be able to “feel” virtual objects in addition to just seeing them. This is quite the game changer for sure.

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Lighthouse uses deep learning to do more than a typical security camera

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Personal security cameras have been a hot item recently. Whether you want to keep an eye on your kids or pets, monitor who may be at your front door, or as a smart home accessory, odds are you’ve debated adding one to your home. Unveiled today, the Lighthouse interactive assistant hopes to beat out competitors like Nest and Arlo with integrated deep learning, object recognition and other smart features.

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TCL just introduced a line of affordable 4K Roku TVs with Dolby Vision HDR

When TCL first introduced its Roku enabled TV in 2014 it was more or less a budget option that could get you a few Smart features without paying for the big name brand Smart TV. Now it’s building on that foundation but moving up to higher-end sets. The company just introduced its first 4K Roku TV line with Dolby Vision HDR.

High-dynamic range or HDR has been a big trend in more expensive TV brands like Sony, Samsung or LG. But, now we’re starting to see the technology move into less expensive sets. The benefit of HDR is that you can get more dynamic colors, blacker blacks, and see more detail when watching movies, TV shows or playing video games.

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Nintendo Switch gets a complete Super Famicom makeover

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The Switch has certainly been a success for Nintendo right out of the gate as one of the best selling consoles in the company’s history. It is only a matter of time before special edition versions of the machine are unveiled in order for Nintendo to cash in on alternate designs and franchise-themed bundles. It has already announced the Neon Yellow Joy-Con controllers for its new one-on-one cartoon fighter ARMS. While it is possible we might see the vintage throwback treatment on the Switch like the Retro NES Edition 3DS handheld system at some point, one company has already beaten Nintendo to the punch…

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AstroPrint + AstroBox Touch will make 3D printing as easy as Pi

If you’re into 3D printers, you’ve probably experienced a lot of the complications of using those (usually) large machines. It would be super helpful if there was an easier way to control it and to manage your 3D printer files.

Any of you who remember AstroPrint from two years ago on Kickstarter are in for a throwback, as the company has just finished funding for its new product, AstroBox Touch. This device will enhance the original one by visually (and wirelessly) connecting your 3D Printer to AstroPrint Cloud.

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Städler Made’s $300 Pizza Oven brings the restaurant experience home

Have you ever considered building an outdoor pizza oven? If you haven’t, let me spare you the pain. It’s time consuming and pricey. I’ve attempted to go down this road a few times with varying degrees of success. But I keep coming back to it over and over again. The reality is, it just doesn’t get much better than the experience of cooking your own pie over an open flame.

Despite my love affair with wood-fired pizza, it’s tough to recommend going this route. So how do we bring home that Neapolitan goodness without breaking the bank? Städler Made recently took to Kickstarter with its Euro-styled metal outdoor pizza oven that is both affordable, and clever. Made from steel alloy and capable of hitting temperatures over 750-degrees, this $300 pizza oven has me drooling over my keyboard…and the response from crowd-funders has been the same.

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PES 2017 Soccer comes to iOS/Android this month + in-game freebies

While Konami previously soft launched its PES 2017 mobile title, the game is now ready for wide spread release. The company is looking to bring its stellar console experience over to the mobile space with what it calls a natural control system for touch screens on iOS and Android devices. Head below for more details on the PES 2017 Pro Evolution Soccer for mobile…

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PBS now has an HDMI Streaming Stick w/ Remote just for Kids

As much as we try to keep our kids away from the TV set, it’s pretty inevitable that both you and your child will get tired and need to take a load off eventually. And when that happens, you’ll want to give them access to the most educational shows and protect them from mature content they definitely don’t need exposure to. The trusted TV station PBS Kids now offers its own HDMI streamer capable of providing more than 100 hours of offline viewing from its 16GB of storage.

It has Wi-Fi connectivity, but the big feature here is that you can take your kids shows and games to anyone’s TV without the need for an internet connection.

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Logitech unveils K840 Mechanical Keyboard with custom in-house switches

Today, Logitech has unveiled its new K840 Mechanical Corded Keyboard, which targets a mainstream audience rather than focusing on gamers or programmers. Mechanical keyboards are typically fairly expensive and come with a bunch of extra bells and whistles that may deter some from adopting them. Logitech’s latest model shines by offering a simple but attractive design, custom mechanical switches and more.

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Como Audio’s new speakers take on Sonos with multi-room audio playback

Smart speakers have been extremely popular recently and it seems like a new model is released every day. Most have a similar array of features, so design plays a fairly large roll in standing out from the competition. Today, Como Audio has announced two new speakers, Amico and Musica, which both match the iconic style of other products in the company’s lineup.

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Otterbox unveils new rugged Venture coolers and Elevation tumblers

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OtterBox was started in the late 90’s as a purely outdoor brand. While it still offers a number of products suited for the wild, over the past few years OtterBox has largely become known for its highly protective smartphone and tablet cases for the job site or those in need of a little extra protection. It is now looking to refocus itself back on the outdoors with the announcement of the new OtterBox Venture Coolers and Elevation Tumblers…

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AOC’s newest 16-inch 1080P IPS USB-powered displays ultra-thin and portable

Today AOC introduced a new 16-inch USB powered 1080p IPS monitor that can easily switch between landscape and portrait mode. It’s also very slim, lightweight and easy to carry around. Because of its small footprint you can use it as a second monitor or as a temporary display for powerpoint presentations for school or work.

What sets this monitor apart from most of the other portable options out there is that it receives both power and signal from a single USB cable for a true plug-and-play connection. It actually doesn’t need a dedicated power cord or VGA cable to connect, just one USB cable connection to power and send the signal.

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Heatworks MODEL 3 water heater is your iOS solution to high utility bills

Anyone who pays the monthly gas or electric bill knows how frustrating it can be to monitor your usage and experience unnecessary high bills. This year I’ve had my own problems where I turned off central its wating after receiving my gas bill, which somehow did not change the price of gas for the next month. It’s about time we’ve moved on from the century-old method of dealing with our home utilities.

Today we have a brand new kind of water heater management device to talk about, called MODEL 3. Rather than a heating element that develops sediment inside the same tank, there’s finally a new way to do this. This one is Wi-Fi enabled and uses modern technology to purify our water to the max.

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Parrot intros new prosumer drones focused on commercial features

It’s been an up and down 2017 so far for Parrot. After announcing a handful of different drones last year, it was forced to layoff nearly a third of its workforce as it continually struggles to compete with industry leader DJI. Today, Parrot is refocusing itself with a new line of professional-grade quadcopters that it hopes will help bolster revenues in Q3 and 4.

These new entry-level business UAVs are not designed for cinema-grade photography, but rather have professional features aimed at farmers, firefighters, roofers and more. Today’s announcement fits between Parrot’s affordable $100 consumer drones and its top-end commercial line that hit upwards of $11,000. The question remains, will these mid-range quads push consumers away from DJI? Full details below.

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