9to5Mac Reviews
All the products that the 9to5Mac team has reviewed.
Earlier this year, Astropad launched its Magnetic Screen Protector for iPad delivering a paper-like feeling with Apple Pencil. Then the company launched a new product this fall that offers an even more impressive pen-on-paper experience. Here are my thoughts after testing out the Rock Paper Pencil kit that includes Astropad’s new magnetic screen protector along with two ballpoint-style Apple Pencil tips.
Expand Expanding CloseAfter releasing its first indoor HomeKit camera in 2021, smart thermostat leader Ecobee is out today with its first outdoor product – the Smart Doorbell Camera. With a sharp design, HomeKit support, wide-angle view, and unique integrations with its Smart Thermostat Premium, follow along for our full review.
Expand Expanding CloseI get offered a lot of Bluetooth speakers for review, and turn down most of them because I’ve experienced <insert company name here>’s prior offerings and have been left decidedly unimpressed. But the Tribit Stormbox Flow made it through, because my last experience left me very pleasantly surprised.
I wrote last year that the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 had absolutely no right to be as good as it was, for both size and price reasons – and the same is true of the company’s latest offering …
Expand Expanding CloseWith Apple officially out of the leather case and accessory market, third parties stand as the only options for those who prefer to stick with the material. I’ve been testing out the Modern Leather Case and Folio with my iPhone 15 Pro, and have come to love them. I’ll also cover Nomad’s Rugged Case as a non-leather option for those who aren’t feeling Apple’s FineWoven or silicone cases.
Expand Expanding CloseNomad launched its Base One and Base One Max (reviewed) premium MagSafe chargers in 2022 and followed up with Stand One earlier this year. Now the high-end Base One Max is expanding from a 2-in-1 to a 3-in-1 MagSafe charger with simultaneous power for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. We’ve been testing out the metal and glass Base One Max 3-in-1, here’s a closer look.
Expand Expanding CloseUpdate: The band is back in stock after being back-ordered since the Apple Watch Ultra 2 launch back in September.
Nomad recently launched a new English Tan colorway of its leather Modern Band for Apple Watch. Coming with polished, brushed hardware in silver or black, this premium yet affordable leather band works no matter what Apple Watch finish you have. Follow along for our full review.
Expand Expanding CloseFollowing up on its premium Base One/Base One Max and Stand One official MagSafe chargers, Nomad is out today with two new products. Adding to the variety of the lineup with the same premium metal and glass build, the new Stand and Base are more affordable by going for MagSafe compatibility rather than official MFi certification. Along with a lower price, that also allowed Nomad to offer slick all-black variants.
Expand Expanding CloseCompetition has been growing in the autonomous mower market and one interesting new company making a sharp-looking and impressively functional robot mower is Mammotion. Setting itself apart from much of the competition, the Luba AWD ditches the hassle of installing a perimeter wire thanks to a slick iPhone setup and GPS+RTK guidance. It also boasts the ability to mow straight lines, handle up to 1.25 acres, and can descend and climb up to 75% slopes.
Expand Expanding CloseAs iPhones have matured over the last decade, one accessory that’s been commoditized – among others – has been smartphone cases. It’s difficult to stand out in a sea of countless choices but Carved has done just that with its literal one-of-a-kind, handmade works of art. Follow along for a detailed look at the Carved Live Edge iPhone Case, Traveler Case, and more.
Expand Expanding CloseMcClockface arrived back in 2021 as a sharp way to bring customizable clock widgets to iPhone. Recently the app arrived on Mac and I’ve been trying it out. The library of clock faces has grown to almost two dozen and along with all the detailed customization options for widgets, McClockface on Mac offers menu bar support. Follow along for a closer look at this lovely app.
Expand Expanding CloseEarlier this week, Apple began shipping its latest edition of Pride band for Apple Watch. The annual installment now comes to its seventh year, delivering just a single new addition to the collection. This year bringing a greater emphasis on commemorating the month, the 2023 Pride Band really celebrates Queer joy with a fitting confetti design. Now we’re taking a hands-on look at the new offering.
Expand Expanding CloseDockCase has launched its Pocket M.2 enclosure. Joining an array of SSD enclosures, this pocket enclosure is designed specifically for the smallest 2230 size NVMe M.2 drives. It brings USB-C connectivity, but like DockCase’s other products, it stands out for its combination of looks and built-in smart features, helping it earn its price.
Expand Expanding CloseSmart health devices can get expensive, which can make it normal to start questioning how much value they’re actually delivering. Recently I’ve been testing out the Kinsa QuickScan Smart Thermometer and I’ve been delighted by the great hardware and software but beyond that, it offers features like Apple Health support, personalized medical advice (without a subscription), and more for under $50.
Expand Expanding CloseUpdate: After being out of stock for seven months due to the company being unable to keep up with demand, Nomad says the bands are now available once more.
The Nomad Titanium Band got a refresh, with a much neater magnet-assisted snap closure mechanism, a more streamlined design, and a coating designed to improve durability …
Expand Expanding CloseSnowman first teased its major new mobile game in March and we got a closer look with the official trailer last week. Now the creator of the hit Alto’s Adventure/Odyssey series (and more) has officially released Laya’s Horizon for iOS and Android. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been playing the game over the last few weeks, here’s why I think you’re going to love it.
Expand Expanding CloseDo you like the sound of a mechanical keyboard but don’t necessarily want to use one? Or maybe you’d prefer to use one but can’t when you’re traveling with your MacBook? A polished new app called Klack brings satisfying and realistic mechanical keyboard sound effects to your Mac.
Expand Expanding CloseNomad has launched its latest official MagSafe charger for iPhone today: Stand One. Like Base One, Stand One features a premium metal and glass build with a weighty design that feels like a sculpture that juices up your iPhone. Follow along for a hands-on look at the Nomad Stand One.
Expand Expanding CloseYears ago, Apple offered the MacBook Pro with an anti-glare display, but save for the nano-texture Pro Display XDR, matte screens are nowhere to be found in Apple’s lineup today. Moshi aims to fill that gap with its iVisior lineup of matte screen protectors, which I’ve been using on both my MacBook Pro and iPad Pro for the last several weeks.
Expand Expanding CloseNomad has launched a new variant of its Apple Watch Sport Band today. The limited edition “Electric Blue” offers a sharp pop of color for spring. Read on for a hands-on look at this new Apple Watch band and some of the benefits beyond Apple’s own Sport Band.
Expand Expanding CloseIn January, OtterBox announced its latest take on iPhone protection. Now the new OtterGrip Symmetry Case is available with 3x military-grade drop protection and a handy built-in grip that works with MagSafe. I’ve been testing it out for the last few weeks, here’s a hands-on look at OtterGrip for iPhone.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Zens 4-in-1 iPad + MagSafe wireless charger is the latest in a line of combo chargers, and while there are many that charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods case, this one throws in iPad charging too.
For bedside use, I’m a big fan of all-in-one wireless chargers. For overnight charging, the convenience of wireless beats the speed of wired charging, and having everything in one place offers a couple of benefits …
Expand Expanding CloseI’ve noted before the way that gallium nitride (GaN) chargers are a game-changer in terms of how much power can be delivered from a compact power brick – and the Chargeasap Zeus takes this to a whole new level.
It’s a highly portable charging brick that delivers a massive total power output of 270W – with up to 140W from a single port – and its supplied ultra-compact international plug adapters make it a really convenient travel option …
Expand Expanding CloseThe Brydge ProDock is effectively a modern take on a product Apple launched way back in the mists of time (well, 1992): The Macintosh Duo Dock. The idea is to be able to instantly switch between using a Mac laptop as a mobile and desktop device.
There have been a number of third-party takes on this idea. The Brydge ProDock is arguably the best of these – but also the most expensive …
Expand Expanding CloseA range of innovative new Apple accessories have launched this year and I’ve been able to put over 40 of them through their paces. From products for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and more, here are my 8 favorite Apple accessories from 2022.
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