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Apple Watch Ultra 3, M5 iPad Pro Reduced by $200, Nomad Leather Cases for iPhone 17 Pro/Max, Chargers, and Additional Products Now Offered

### Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break: Significant Savings on Apple Products and Accessories

In today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break, we showcase major price reductions on sought-after Apple items, such as the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, along with assorted accessories.

#### Black Apple Watch Ultra 3: Save Up to $117

Best Buy is presently featuring the black Apple Watch Ultra 3 with a discount of $117, lowering the price to $681.99 for an open-box model in pristine condition. This unit includes the matching Black Ocean Band and comes with a 1-year Apple warranty. The bargain is especially enticing as it beats the cost of new units listed on Amazon, which are somewhat higher.

**Key Features of the Offer:**
– Open-box condition confirmed by Geek Squad.
– Restored to original factory settings with all parts and accessories included.
– 1-year warranty from Apple.

#### 13-inch M5 iPad Pro: $200 Off

Amazon has resumed its lowest-ever pricing on the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro, providing a $200 discount on the 1TB variant, now listed at $1,799. This offer symbolizes a return to the least expensive price recorded during the holiday season. Other models in the M5 iPad Pro series are also marked down, including the 256GB and 512GB options.

**Current Pricing:**
– 256GB: $1,199 (Reg. $1,299)
– 512GB: $1,399 (Reg. $1,499)
– 1TB: $1,759 (Reg. $1,899)
– 1TB with nano-texture: $1,799 (Reg. $1,999)
– 2TB: $2,099 (Reg. $2,299)

#### Nomad Leather iPhone 17 Pro/Max Cases: 20% Off

Nomad is providing a limited-time 20% off on its leather cases for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, which also comes with a complimentary screen protector with the purchase. This offer presents a fantastic chance for those aiming to safeguard their devices with premium accessories.

#### Anker 25W Qi2 MagSafe Charging Station: 30% Off

Anker’s white version of the 25W Qi2 MagSafe Charging Station is now on offer at a 30% discount, priced at $160.98. This charging station includes an onboard display that offers real-time feedback on power and charging status, making it a valuable addition to any tech environment.

#### Additional Deals

– **Apple AirTag 4-Pack:** Priced at $64.98, which equates to $16.25 per tag, significantly below the regular price of $99.
– **M4 Mac Mini (512GB):** Available for $689, reduced from $799, providing a substantial discount for those seeking a compact desktop solution.

These offers represent some of the finest deals available today on Apple products and accessories, presenting an ideal opportunity for consumers to upgrade or buy new devices.

The Pentagon Commences Incorporation of Elon Musk’s Grok AI After Significant Controversy

The U.S. armed forces have positioned Elon Musk at the helm of its AI initiative by incorporating his xAI Grok tool into Pentagon systems, as revealed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on January 12, 2026. This action forms part of the Department of Defense’s wider strategy to integrate leading AI technologies across its infrastructure. The statement comes in the wake of a prior agreement with Google to establish a Gemini-powered internal LLM platform, GenAI.mil.

Grok, created by xAI and merged with Musk’s social media platform X, has encountered worldwide criticism due to its generation of non-consensual explicit imagery. The debate surrounding Grok’s “spicy mode” for adult content prompted legal actions from regions such as the EU, U.K., and California against X.

The Pentagon’s program, though anticipated, raises alarms regarding AI safety measures. The current government emphasizes swift innovation and implementation, which could influence defense, security, and civil liberties protections. The incorporation of Grok is integral to a larger initiative aimed at accelerating AI, striving to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and ensure U.S. military supremacy in the AI domain.

The timing of the Pentagon’s declaration raises concerns about the administration’s vigorous AI agenda. The management of X regarding its image-generation challenges and Grok’s background in spreading misinformation heightens apprehensions about its use in governmental frameworks. Despite these complications, the administration continues to back Musk and his ventures.

The Pentagon’s Grok announcement underscores the assertiveness of its AI strategies compared to earlier administrations. While the status of protections against civil liberties violations and the deployment of nuclear arms is still ambiguous, the present administration prioritizes efficiency and intent over the consequences of imperfect alignment.

DIY Project: Convert a Lego Set into a Working Game Boy using Raspberry Pi

This DIY Raspberry Pi Project Transforms a Lego Set into a Functional Game Boy

Numerous enjoyable retro-gaming themed Lego sets are available in the market today. For instance, the Lego Icons Atari set and the Lego Super Mario Game Boy evoke pure nostalgia. However, as impressive as they may be, they certainly lack one essential feature: the ability to be played as they don’t include actual functional game systems. Naturally, this would increase the cost and complexity of assembly, but it would also represent an extraordinary enhancement.

If constructing your very own operational Lego Game Boy, not merely brick-by-brick but also incorporating electronics and internal components, sounds appealing, you might want to explore the BrickBoy kit. Initially funded on Kickstarter, it effectively converts your Lego Game Boy set into a functioning, playable console. No soldering, coding, or advanced expertise is necessary for assembly. The components click together just like Lego bricks, making setup straightforward. BrickBoy is powered by either a Raspberry Pi Zero or a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W.

The kit integrates seamlessly with the Lego set, maintaining the same appearance and essence while introducing a functional screen, speaker, and buttons. This is a standalone addition; the Lego set is sold separately and is not included in any BrickBoy bundles. You’ll need to construct the base set first, then begin connecting the BrickBoy components to create a working handheld. Of course, this isn’t the only product of this sort; there’s a GameBaby Retro Gaming case for iPhone that turns your phone into a handheld device. Additionally, numerous retro handhelds at varying price points from brands like Ambernic and Retroid emulate classic consoles. But the BrickBoy? It’s a functional Game Boy that resembles a Game Boy, constructed from Lego bricks.

What games can BrickBoy play from the Game Boy era?

According to its Kickstarter — which reached full funding in December 2025 — the BrickBoy enables you to play freeware, homebrew, and “other legally obtained ROMs” once installed. An optional cartridge add-on allows enjoyment of official Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges. However, note that this functionality is not included with the kit out of the box. It necessitates a third-party cartridge reader that is not part of the BrickBoy kit.

The Kickstarter also provided an Arcade Edition as an add-on tier. Exclusively crafted by the well-regarded Lego builder Lego7, the unit resembles a miniature arcade cabinet and offers extra features like the ability to connect to a larger screen via HDMI. A separate Bluetooth controller is needed for gameplay, but it’s a feasible alternative if you prefer a stand-up style cabinet in a compact design over the traditional Game Boy handheld.

The Lego set, even when paired with the BrickBoy, is far less intricate internally than an original Game Boy. This becomes particularly evident when viewing the Grid Game Boy with its disassembled structure. As a result, tech purists might be disenchanted with the concept of the BrickBoy kit. Nonetheless, recent advancements at Lego, such as the Smart Brick technology first revealed in January 2026 with three “Star Wars”-themed sets, could present even more inventive solutions for DIY enthusiasts seeking the next big opportunity in customized creativity.

Four Essential Tech Innovations to Watch from CES 2026

available for purchase right now, while others are still in the design stage, being transformed into tangible products that may soon appear on store shelves.

We have already reported on the most thrilling technology at CES 2026 and the top gadgets we encountered as well, but that’s merely scratching the surface. There were numerous additional devices and technologies being exhibited throughout the show floor and in private demonstrations. Thus, here are four more of the most remarkable tech innovations that we discovered at CES that surely merit your attention. These innovations range from thrilling new gadgets that you’ll soon be able to purchase to intriguing new technologies that you can utilize on your computer.

TCL X11L SQD-Mini LED TV

While RGB Mini-LED or RGB LED technology was expected to be the highlight at this year’s CES, TCL amazed everyone with its X11L SQD-Mini LED TV. It represents a significant advancement over the current selection of Mini-LED TVs; however, instead of utilizing red, green, and blue LEDs like conventional RGB Mini-LED TVs, it maintains the same blue LEDs, commonly found in many standard Mini-LED TVs, but applies improved quantum dots for more precise colors and a novel color filter. Both of these enhancements assist the TV in achieving complete coverage of the BT.2020 color space, allowing it to deliver outstanding color fidelity. As it employs single-color blue LEDs, it also circumvents color crosstalk, an issue that can affect RGB Mini-LED TVs wherein colors from one color LED bleed into the colors of another LED.

Another benefit of the newly presented TCL

Ten Incredible Devices from CES 2026 You Need to Check Out

rollable OLED displays that expand to multiple times their initial dimensions, to domestic robots that struggle to fold laundry at the proficiency of a toddler. Yet beyond the conventional array of ever-slimmer TVs and “smart” refrigerators that nobody asked for resides a distinctly odd collection of products. These items either impress you with their inventiveness or leave you baffled by their absurdity. It’s a delicate balance, and I’ll leave it to you to determine which category these products fall into.

In reality, many of the ideas on this list will never materialize. Some are a transparent attempt to capture the attention of media outlets (guilty!), some are prototypes of items that may ultimately reach the market with significantly altered features, while others can be pre-ordered right now. You need not wait to purchase some of the finest CES gadgets. But these are the most bizarre, each in its unique way.

An Actual Toilet Cam: Throne One

The quantified-self trend of the early 2000s brought forth the idea of tracking everything in your daily life, but initial attempts were confined to self-examination of basic sensor information. Today, you can monitor everything from how many times you’ve taken a sip from a water bottle to diaper changes, and it’s common to present your Apple Health records during a doctor’s visit. Thus, it was only a question of time before gut health joined the fray.

Fitted with a camera and microphone, the Throne

Check out Netflix’s 2023 Samurai Series boasting an Almost Flawless Rotten Tomatoes Score

“Blue Eye Samurai” is a groundbreaking, captivating adult animated saga available for streaming on Netflix. It fuses samurai action, identity conflicts, and breathtaking visuals into a truly bingeable experience. The animation is brought to life by the husband-and-wife duo of Michael Green and Amber Noizumi, crafted with stunning hybrid animation by the French studio Blue Spirit. Currently, the show consists of one season with eight episodes, but it has been renewed for a second season, anticipated to debut sometime in 2026.

The narrative centers on Mizu, a half-Japanese ronin on a quest for revenge set in Edo-period Japan. Her journey consists not only of battles against foes but also of overcoming her internal struggles. “Blue Eye Samurai” has been met with tremendous acclaim from both audiences and critics alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series enjoys an outstanding 97% critics’ rating. Reviews commend its visual splendor, engaging characters, and cinematic appeal. This near-perfect rating places “Blue Eye Samurai” among Netflix’s top series, alongside titles like Stranger Things, Squid Game, and Arcane.

Moreover, beyond impressive statistics, this series has already garnered several prestigious awards. It claimed the Primetime Emmy and Annie Awards for its animation and design. Even with just one season available, “Blue Eye Samurai” has emerged not only as a viewer favorite but also as a critically celebrated landmark in mature animated narratives.

What is Blue Eye Samurai about?

In the 17th century, Japan was a land of tranquility, stability, and isolation under the Tokugawa shogunate. The nation’s borders were shut, and xenophobia thrived in society. This serves as the backdrop for “Blue Eye Samurai.” The storyline follows Mizu, a determined blue-eyed master swordsman, who was deemed an outcast from birth due to her mixed heritage. In a world eager to render her invisible, Mizu transforms her banishment into a destiny forged by vengeance. Concealing her gender, she embarks on a bloody path toward those she holds responsible for her anguish.

Mizu’s quest leads her through beautiful landscapes and perilous alleys as she hunts for retribution. Throughout her journey, she encounters various colorful companions. Ringo, an eager yet disabled soba chef, aspires for glory. Taigen, a headstrong samurai, challenges her both in combat and spirit. Lastly, Princess Akemi realizes that her royal confinement mirrors Mizu’s societal restrictions.

At the conclusion of the first season of this remarkable show, Mizu’s journey culminates in a crucial showdown with Abijah Fowler, one of her four targets. This encounter reframes her vengeance as a complex odyssey—one of violence and self-discovery—setting the stage for the anticipated second season of “Blue Eyed Samurai.”

The story behind Mizu’s blue eyes

Beneath the clash of katanas and the jangle of colliding steel, “Blue Eye Samurai” is equally a tale of inner turmoil. Each duel Mizu faces reflects her internal struggles. A mixed-race woman with striking blue eyes that serve as a painful reminder of her shame, Mizu’s life is a continuous battle against rejection and self-hatred. Her mission to take down the men who represent her origins transcends mere revenge; it’s a deep-rooted fight with her self-identity, the yearning for acceptance, and the desire to validate her existence in a society that perceives her as a “creature of shame.”

Mizu’s internal dilemmas are complex. She conceals her gender and represses parts of her being to endure. The conflict between her true self and her necessary facade is tangible. Each violent moment throughout the series leads Mizu to question whether her vengeance will ultimately yield her peace. Will she find healing, or will the scars of her past only deepen? The series delves into the ramifications of revenge, illustrating how obsession alienates Mizu and blurs the boundary between justice and self-destruction. This refreshing narrative approach positions the animation among the 100 best shows on Netflix, prompting the audience to reflect on the genuine cost of vengeance, the allure of imperfection, and the bravery involved in self-acceptance.

Samsung Chromebook Keeps $250 Black Friday Price Cut at Best Buy

These sleek, lightweight, and powerful Samsung laptops are impressive.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Gemini Personal Intelligence Provides Insights into Future Siri Features

The much-anticipated rollout of the new AI-enhanced Siri appears significantly nearer due to Apple’s collaboration with Google. The company has validated claims that numerous Siri functionalities will be driven by Google’s Gemini models.

We were already aware of some expected capabilities from AI Siri through announcements at WWDC 2024 and a now-removed iPhone 16 advertisement – and the introduction of Gemini Personal Intelligence has now effectively delivered a functional preview.

### Extracting Personal Data from Your Applications

Google has recently unveiled a beta version of what it refers to as Personal Intelligence. The key feature here is Gemini’s capability to utilize a sophisticated blend of sources to formulate responses, comprising personalized data extracted from various Google applications and services that users frequently employ.

Personal Intelligence is capable of fetching particular details from texts, images, or videos within your Google applications to tailor Gemini’s replies. This encompasses Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, etc.), Google Photos, your YouTube viewing history, and an array of Google search functionalities you’ve utilized (Search, Shopping, News, Maps, Google Flights, and Hotels).

The Apple variant will undoubtedly gather data from Apple applications such as Mail, Calendar, Photos, and Notes.

Josh Woodward, head of Google’s Gemini, shared an example of how Personal Intelligence had assisted him. He required new tires for his 2019 Honda minivan and, while queuing at the shop, realized he was unaware of the tire specifications. He consulted Gemini, which not only located the specifications but also proposed alternatives based on his family’s road trips documented in Google Photos, retrieving ratings and prices for each. Furthermore, when he needed his license plate number, Gemini sourced it from a photograph in Photos and aided in identifying the van’s specific trim by searching Gmail.

### Tackling the Hallucination Issue

Hallucinations represent one of the significant risks associated with AI systems, and the dangers heighten if they attempt to deduce from personal data. Google indicates that the new feature permits users to view exactly what inferences it is making and provides the opportunity to validate or amend them.

Users will not need to guess the origin of an answer; Gemini will cite or clarify the information utilized from linked sources for corroboration. If a response seems inaccurate, users can rectify it immediately, such as specifying preferences like “I prefer window seats.”

### Safeguarding Privacy

Google highlights that users must consent to Personal Intelligence and choose which applications to incorporate. Connecting applications is disabled by default, enabling users to activate it, select particular apps, and deactivate it at any time. Additionally, the company assures that user data remains within the Google ecosystem, which may offer some peace of mind, although the Apple variant will only access information within Apple applications and iCloud accounts.

### Video Overview

Our sister site 9to5Google features an 8-minute video that showcases all of the new functionalities.

What do you think? For our purposes, assume everything operated by Google is instead managed by Apple, as that will be the reality for the Gemini-driven Siri. It will utilize your Apple applications, access your iCloud data, and operate either on-device or through Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers.

LG Introduces New Robot to Help with Everyday Tasks, Such as Folding Laundry

LG’s latest robot, CLOiD, does much more than simply fold laundry. It is capable of communicating with various home appliances, particularly those manufactured by LG, and can take on additional household tasks — such as loading the washing machine, washing dishes, and preparing meals.

Introduced at CES 2026, LG CLOiD is a part of the company’s “Zero Labor Home” initiative, which aims to have smart machines and robots take on the routine household tasks that humans perform. The forthcoming robot won’t just fold clothes at home after it becomes available for purchase. It will also have the capability to load the washing machine, showcased in a demonstration by LG at CES. Moreover, LG revealed a new two-in-one washer/dryer appliance that can complete the laundry cycle while users are away. CLOiD will then be responsible for folding the laundry and managing other features of the smart home. A video presented by LG displayed the robot working in tandem with the air conditioning unit and lighting system to regulate the home’s temperature and illumination. Additionally, the robot can connect with a smart refrigerator to check available ingredients and heat meals using a smart oven.

Regrettably, LG has not provided any information regarding the availability of CLOiD. While the new robot might captivate consumers, no release date or pricing information has been disclosed to date.

How LG CLOiD folds laundry

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The new robot isn’t precisely humanoid, as it doesn’t possess human-like legs. It comes equipped with a head, torso, and two hands, each featuring five fingers. The head houses the robot’s brain, which includes a computer (executing AI processes), a display for facial expressions, a speaker for verbal interaction with humans, along with cameras and sensors that help the robot perceive its environment. In order to perform household chores, CLOiD operates through a sophisticated AI system that integrates a Vision Language Model (VLM) and a Vision Language Action (VLA). VLM is a technology enabling the AI to interpret images and videos. The VLA serves to convert visual and verbal signals into physical actions.

CLOiD’s torso is capable of tilting to modify its height, enabling it to retrieve items from ground level. Each arm is designed with seven degrees of freedom, and LG claims this feature emulates human mobility. “The shoulder, elbow, and wrist allow forward, backward, rotational, and lateral movements, while each hand includes five independently actuated fingers for precise manipulation,” <a href="https://www.lg.com/global/newsroom/news/home-appliance-and-air-solution/lg-electronics-presents-lg-cloid-home-robot-to-demonstrate-zero-labor-home-at-ces-2026/" target="_

Idris Elba’s Apple TV suspense series has been renewed for a second season.

Idris Elba is back for Season 2 of “Hijack” on Apple TV, reprising his character Sam Nelson, an expert in corporate negotiations. Directed by Jim Field Smith, the new season is set two years after the conclusion of Season 1. This time, Nelson finds himself on a packed underground train in Berlin that has been seized. As he navigates the high-pressure scenario on the train, law enforcement works to handle the crisis from above ground. Joining Elba are returning cast members Christine Adams, Archie Panjabi, and Max Beesley, along with new additions Clare-Hope Ashitey, Lisa Vicari, and Toby Jones. The premiere episode is now available for streaming, with new episodes debuting every Wednesday until March 4, 2026, for this eight-episode season. Despite receiving mixed audience feedback, the show has garnered critical praise, with Sherin Nicole from RogerEbert.com describing it as “an intensely watchable series that keeps your attention and anxiety up.” Fans can also binge the first season on Apple TV.