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For most of us, our phones are always with us whether we’re texting the group chat, scrolling through social media or listening to music with our Bluetooth earbuds. That’s why it’s important to add an iPhone case for protection, but not all of us have the money to drop $50+ on a designer case — and that’s where our wallet-friendly picks come in. Rather than splurge on pricey protection, though, you can still have the best iPhone case for under $20.
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Not only are affordable phone cases available in stylish patterns and colors, but they can still offer just as many protective qualities compared to the pricey ones. Plus, with Prime Big Day Deals coming sometime in October, you’re guaranteed stellar deals. That way, you can spend your savings on other necessities, like Apple Music deals or celebrity headphones.
Don’t want to wait for holidays or major shopping events? We did the digging for you and rounded up a mix of iPhone cases under $20 no matter what your aesthetic or needs are.
Keep reading to shop our picks below.
Casely
Grateful Dead Tie Dye Tour Sticker Case
$From $15
Deadheads, this one is for you! Show off your love for your favorite band with a groovy tie-dye pattern case that features the iconic Grateful Dead teddy bear in the center. The case is also customizable, giving you the option to make it extra protective and MagSafe. Models compatible with this phone case include the iPhone 6 all the way to the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Amazon
Danzel Barbie Silicone Case
$13.99
Barbie is calling and your cart is begging you to pick up by adding this Barbie phone case to your phone. It comes shaped as a vintage cell phone made from a protective silicone case that’s scratch- and waterproof. Just choose from the 18 iPhone sizes and you’ll be ready to complete all of your Barbiecore outfits.
Walmart
Onn. Tropical Pink Floral Phone Case
$6.98
Want to really make your iPhone flourish? This floral iPhone case comes patterned with different color flowers on a clear background — so you can still show off your iPhone’s unique color. It’s made from a gel material and has been drop tested at up to 4 feet. The style is only compatible with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13.
Best Buy
Speck Clear Case
$18.49 $39.99 54% off% OFF
Keep things simple with a clear iPhone case for over half off, dropping it down to an affordable $18.50. Your phone will be protected from drops up to 13 feet as it uses a rubber material to absorb shock. The raised bezel edges will help prevent your screen from shattering while the built-in antimicrobial treatment from Microban assists in keeping the cover from discoloration.
Amazon
Caseative Cute Curly Wave Frame iPhone Case
$12.99
You’ll want to wave hello to friends with your phone in hand just for a chance to show of this wavy phone case. It comes in a variety of colors including pink, blue, yellow, white, black and more. You can choose from 15 iPhone sizes and enjoy carrying your phone around with less of a sweat as it’s dirt-, drop- and scratch-resistant.
Urban Outfitters
Wildflower Brown Checkered iPhone Case
$18 $35 49% off% OFF
Consider this Wildflower iPhone case a total checkmate in comparison to others on the market. Not only does it boast a stylish white and brown checkered pattern, but it’s on sale for 49% off and can fit an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro.
Walmart
ULAK iPhone SE Case With Screen Protector
$10.99
Get the most bang for your buck with this ULAK iPhone case as not only does if feature a thick, drop-resistant casing, but has ridged edges for added protection. The set also includes a screen protector to keep your touchscreen from garnering any cracks and scratches. This can fit an iPhone SE 3rd and 2nd generation.
Best Buy
Spigen Thin Fit Hard Shell Case
$15.99
Some cases come with too much bulk that makes slipping your iPhone into your pocket or purse almost impossible. Spigen’s Hard Shell case attempts to correct that by using a more thin design that’s able to fit on an iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro Max. The design has an anti-scratch backing and features cutouts for buttons and charging ports.
Amazon
Elago iPhone 13 Pro Liquid Silicone Case
$13.99 $24.99 44% OFF
Go for a sleek look using Elago’s iPhone case that’s made from a smooth silicone material. With 18 colors to choose from, you can customize the look to your liking while the raised lips help protect your case from scratches, cracks and more. This design is MagSafe compatible and can fit on an iPhone 13 Pro.
Target
OtterBox Mini Commuter Case
$17.99
Get the benefits of an OtterBox case without having to drop a ton of money on one. This under $20 phone case is compatible with iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 models, can be used with an Apple MagSafe charger or wireless charger and was made with 35% recycled materials for added sustainability. If that doesn’t seal the deal, the brand also claims the hard case has Drop+, which is 3X as many drops as military standard.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best commuter gadgets, over-ear headphones and Amazon music deals.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Remote or hybrid models still remain the dominate form of working even if some workplaces are starting to require employees to […]
NBA 2K24 is here (our review is in progress), but to celebrate the arrival of the annual basketball video game, 2K put on a massive celebration in New York City. On Wednesday, September 6, celebs, your favorite Hip-Hop stars, the press, NBA 2K fans, and athletes converged in NYC at the ArtsDistrict Brooklyn to celebrate the launch of NBA 2K24.Those in attendance could experience several activations, including a barbershop, sneaker cleaning station, Brotherhood Deli with NBPA, Def Jam Freestyle Booth, and gaming stations to NBA 2K24 for a spin.Among those in attendance include Ronnie 2K, of course, Hip-Hop stars Swae Lee, Fabolous, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Fivio Foreign, Maino, Jadakiss, Jim Jones, and Coi Leray, NBA stars Donovan Mitchell, Cade Cunningham, Tim Hardaway Jr. and, NBA 2K24 cover athlete and NY Liberty all-star guard Sabrina Ionescu and more.As with all NBA 2K launch parties, there has to be a performance to cap off a great night, and it was pretty fitting to have Lil Uzi Vert hit the stage to perform his mega-hit, “Just Wanna Rock,” to usher in NBA 2K24.The celebration didn’t stop there. On Thursday, Ronnie 2K, Swae Lee, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Cade Cunningham, and professional tennis superstar Frances Tiafoe hit the streets of Times Square NYC to play the first-ever 2K24 game on the big screen to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary.NBA 2K24 is now available on every damn platform you can think of. Keep it locked on Hip-Hop Wired Gaming for our review of the game, and hit the gallery below for more photos from the launch party.
1. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: (L-R) Fabolous, Maino and Jadakiss attend a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,maino – rapper,jadakiss
2. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Cade Cunningham attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) vertical,photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,cade cunningham
3. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Fivio Foreign attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
4. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Jim Jones attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) vertical,photography,people,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,looking at camera,brooklyn – new york,sport,sunglasses,basketball – sport,event,three quarter length,james jones – basketball player
5. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Coi Leray attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,coi leray
6. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Connie Diiamond attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) vertical,photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
7. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Key Glock attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
8. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Taylor Rooks attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) vertical,photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
9. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Lil B attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) vertical,photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,lil b
10. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: A Boogie Wit da Hoodie attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,a boogie wit da hoodie
11. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Don C attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
12. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Sabrina Ionescu attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,sabrina ionescu
13. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Armani White attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,armani white
14. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Zaytoven attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,zaytoven
15. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Dave East attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,dave east
16. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Jeff Hamilton attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
17. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Tim Hardaway attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,tim hardaway
18. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: (L-R) Nav and Ronnie Singh attend a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
19. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Lil Uzi Vert performs onstage during a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,usa,new york city,performance,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,stage – performance space,lil uzi vert
20. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Lil Uzi Vert performs onstage during a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,usa,new york city,performance,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,stage – performance space,lil uzi vert
21. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Dave East attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,dave east
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Warner Bros. Games/ NetherRealm Studios / Mortal Kombat 1 / Jean-Claude Van Damme
It’s a complete full circle moment for legendary action film star gymnast Jean-Claude Van Damme (Bloodsport, Kickboxer) and the Mortal Kombat video game franchise.
It only took 30 years, but Jean-Claude Van Damme is finally where he belongs in Mortal Kombat.
Van Damme’s appearance in the game was already known, but today marks the first time we see him in action in Mortal Kombat 1.
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Unlike his fellow Hollywood brethren Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallon, who appeared in Mortal Kombat 11 as DLC characters, Van Damme is a skin for MK OG Johnny Cage, and his likeness and voice are in the game.
This Is A Reunion 30 Years In The Making
Van Damme has a long history with the world of fighting video games. Mortal Kombat creator Ed Boon revealed on a recent episode of First We Feast’s popular show Hot Ones that he originally wanted to make a video game starring Van Damme before making Mortal Kombat.
Conversations between Van Damme’s team and Boon’s crew never amounted to anything. Eventually, Van Damme would star in one of the worst video game movie adaptations ever, Street Fighter, and star in the even worst fighting game based on the film.
In the trailer, Van-Damme makes a hilarious Street Fighter reference in a pre-fight scene.
He finally gets to redeem himself with his appearance in Mortal Kombat 1, and it’s pretty fitting because, honestly, we all knew Johnny Cage was based on his character from Bloodsport.
Jean-Claude Van Damme skin for Johnny Cage will be available at launch as part of the first Kombat Pack, alongside early access to six new downloadable content (DLC) playable characters – Quan Chi, Ermac, Takeda Takahashi, Peacemaker, Omni-Man, and Homelander (all available post-launch) – and five new Kameo Fighters (available post-launch).
We hope Ed Boon and the crew even sneak in some of Van Damme’s other looks from his other “classic” films.
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Photo: Warner Bros. Games/ NetherRealm Studios / Mortal Kombat 1
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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Beats is entering the beauty game in its first-ever collaboration with the beauty brand Olive & June. The tech brand has […]
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Source: EA Sports / UFC 5
UFC 5 is coming and is aiming to be EA Sports’ best combat sports video game since Fight Night Champion.
Thursday, September 7, EA Sports dropped the first trailer for UFC 5 featuring UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who is the cover athlete for the deluxe edition of the game, and Alexander Volkanovski and former UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, who cover the standard edition.
The Frostbite Engine Is Entering The Octagon
When UFC 5 arrives, it will be the first game in the MMA video game franchise to be powered by EA’s Frostbite Engine. It will introduce the all-new Real Impact System that the developer says will make the game “the definitive MMA experience with authentic gameplay and graphics maximized for modern consoles.”
EA claims the Frostbite Engine will “enhance” the realism in the game thanks to high-speed 60 frames-per-second rendering and gameplay simulation.
“UFC 5 offers an intensely realistic fighting experience, harnessing Frostbite’s power and technology,” said Nate McDonald, EA SPORTS UFC 5’s Lead Producer. “From our Real Impact System that helps maximize the power of the generational hardware leap to the enhanced lighting, detailed characters,strand-based hair, and face animation system, every aspect is upgraded. Our collaboration with UFC delivers an unparalleled and authentic MMA interactive experience.”
“UFC 5 captures all the sweat, blood, and commitment that it takes to be successful in the Octagon,” said Volkanovski. “Trust me, the level of immersion that EA SPORTS has recreated with this game is the ultimate representation of the sport.
The Real Impact System will allow players to experience realistic blow-by-blow damage with hyper-accurate progression as your fighter’s attributes realistically deteriorate throughout a fight.
Thanks to 64,000 possible facial damage combinations, players can feel the power behind each blow. The new fluid physics and particle systems elevate how blood and sweat are shed in the Octagon.
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Other Features Coming To UFC 5
Along with a new engine and the Real Impact System, other features coming to UFC 5 include:
Cinematic K.O. Replay: Cinematic K.O. replays showcase fight-ending finishes with intensified visuals and enhanced excitement. Presented in super slow motion with cinematic angles and lighting, the impact of fight-ending shots represents highlight reel moments recapturing the drama of a UFC fight.
Doctor’s Checks and Stoppages: Suffering a notable injury prompts the referee to pause the fight for a ringside doctor’s inspection. Failure to adapt and protect the injury from further damage can lead to a doctor’s stoppage, which introduces true-to-sport strategic variables for players to navigate under heightened pressure.
New Strikes and Hit Reactions: New Strike animations emulate heavy hitters and professional kickboxers and more coupled with new motion variations for ground and pound elbows, spinning attacks, body punches, and calf kicks. Plus, the Hit Reaction animations and physics during a frenetic fight can initiate clean connection impacts-moments players can feel with next-level immersion during gameplay.
Seamless Submissions: Revamped Seamless Submissions extend the existing grappling system with faster animation transitions and the removal of mini-games. Grapple Assist aids beginners, while veterans can explore deeper layers. Seamless submissions provide a smoother, authentic ground game for grappling enthusiasts.
Fight Week and Alter Egos: UFC 5’s launch includes a revamped live service with features like Fight Week and Fight Picks tied to real-world UFC events. Alter Egos are all new versions of top fighters that capture authentic career-defining moments and provide alternative looks and associated abilities.
Pre-Order Bonuses
EA Sports UFC 5 Standard Edition arrives on October 27 for PS5, Xbox Series S | X. The Deluxe Edition of the game arrives on October 24 for those who pre-order the game, plus grants you access to Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, and Pedor Emilanenko as playable characters.
For more photos, hit the gallery below.
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Photos: EA Sports / UFC 5
1. UFC 5
Source:UFC 5
UFC 5 ufc,ea sports,ufc 5
2. UFC 5
Source:UFC 5
UFC 5 ufc,ea sports,ufc 5
3. UFC 5
Source:UFC 5
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Source: BEHROUZ MEHRI / Getty / Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 is currently the white whale of the gaming industry, and reportedly, a bunch of Captain Ahabs (devs) got to see it at Gamescom.
The evidence is mounting that Nintendo showed off the highly-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 to developers at Gamescom, and they also got to see it in action. Spotted on The Verge, via Eurogamer, and Windows Central, “trusted devs” saw a tech demo of how some games run on the Switch 2.
Per The Verge:
There was reportedly a demo of an improved version of Zelda: Breath of the Wild designed to run on the more advanced hardware inside the Nintendo Switch 2. Eurogamer’s report follows rumors from Windows Central’s Jez Corden that Nintendo had discussed a next-generation Switch with select developers at Gamescom.
Reports also claim that devs saw Epic Games Unreal Engine 5 tech demo of The Matrix Awakens running on hardware Nintendo hopes to get into the Nintendo Switch 2.
According to The Verge’s reporting, the game utilized “Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology with ray tracing enabled,” signaling that Nintendo and Nvidia are possibly working on a more powerful chip for the Switch 2.
Other Nintendo Switch 2 Rumors
VGC also reports that Nintendo is gunning for a 2024 release for the Nintendo Switch 2. It will not use an OLED screen, which is an unusual decision, and will still have support for physical cartridges.
“Certain developers” also have developer kits and console development is “progressing well,” Nikkei Asia reports.
These latest reports follow the multiple rumors of Nintendo dropping a “Nintendo Switch Pro” that was allegedly supposed to allow 4K gaming, and 11 developers did get their hands on 4K Nintendo Switch development kits.
According to Bloomberg, Nintendo had to change plans due to the global chip shortage. Nintendo, who is notoriously tight-lipped about their projects, denied it was working on a 4K Nintendo Switch.
As expected, the video game streets are talking. You can see the reactions to the recent developments in the gallery below.
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Photo: BEHROUZ MEHRI / Getty
1. A game changer, literally.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.BEST RETRO SPEAKER
JBL Authentics 500
This portable speaker looks old-school, but both it and its little brothers, the “200” and “300,” are all-new inside, with audio technology like Dolby Atmos. This is the big boy, with three one-inch tweeters, two 2.75-inch mid-range woofers and a 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer that deliver 270 watts of 3.1 channel sound – in immersive Dolby Atmos if the music warrants it. Like the 300, the 500 has nearly eight hours of battery life and can move from room to room on a single source of sound.
BEST SPEAKER THAT RUNS ON SUN
Urbanista Malibu
The aptly named Urbanista Malibu runs on sun — literally. After introducing over- and in-ear headphones, the company is now launching a Bluetooth speaker that can play until the sun goes down and well after. Its battery can store enough power to work for 30 hours. When the weather turns, it can charge with a USB-C cable — better performance than most similar products — and an IP67 water-resistance rating means it works in the rain.
BEST HOMETOWN HERO
Teufel Ultima 25 Aktiv
IFA has grown so big that some companies now organize their own events, including the Berlin audio company Teufel (which translates to “devil” in German), which shows new products in its headquarters in the center of what was formerly West Berlin. Among this year’s highlights were the Teufel Ultima 25 Aktiv speakers, which will sell for about $500, the powered counterpart to the popular Teufel Ultima 20 bookshelf speaker (a “passive speaker” that gets electricity, along with signal, from a speaker cable). The speakers even have HDMI output and input so video can play on a screen, but audio can “pass through” the TV and go to the speakers.
BEST SMALL SOUNDBAR
Sennheiser Ambeo Mini
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Mini
Courtesy of Sennheiser
After some tough years during the pandemic, the German audio company Sennheiser is coming back with an exciting addition to its soundbar portfolio, the AMBEO Soundbar Mini, which is designed for smaller rooms. Thanks to “7.1.4 virtualization technology,” the device creates a stunning 3D sound in virtually any room,” according to a statement by Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Product Manager Maximilian Voigt, “all from a single box.” It supports Dolby Atmos and can be paired with serious subwoofers if you’re ready to rumble. At about $800, it’s not the least expensive soundbar out there — but it could be the best for smaller spaces.
BEST MUSIC MOVEMENT
Sonos Move 2
Sonos Move 2
Courtesy of SONOS
Sonos’ Move speakers were the first that could work with the brand’s systems over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and often topped lists of smaller speakers with serious sound. Now Sonos is making the Move 2 available with new colors, more battery life, and stereo functionality. Like Sonos’ Era speakers, they have a USB-C ports that, with the right adapter, can play music from a turntable or CD player — or play music from a phone while recharging it. But the biggest changes are in battery life, which now lasts up to 24 hours instead of 11, and the stereo functionality that comes from packing in two tweeters in each box.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Warner Bros. Games/ NetherRealm Studios / Mortal Kombat 1/ Megan Fox
Actress Megan Fox is bringing her talents to the world of video games and is the latest big name to join in on the fun that is Mortal Kombat 1.
Fresh off the release of the “It’s Your Blood Trailer” starring Dave Bautista, NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Games announced Megan Fox will be the voice and face of Nitara, the vampire heroine and latest main roster fighter coming to the fighting game.
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In a statement about being a part of Mortal Kombat 1, Fox said, “I grew up playing Mortal Kombat, and I can’t believe that I’m voicing a character in the new game.” “It’s an honor to be a part of one of the greatest video game legacies of all time.”
As for Nitara, she first burst on the scene in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance; in those games, she is described as “self-serving” rather than an outright villain and fights to separate her realm from Outworld.
Per Warner Bros. Games, she “hails from the dark and desolate realm of Vaeternus, and fights to protect her race of vampires and utilizes her ferocious claws, razor-sharp fangs, and aerial abilities to take on any opponent in her path.”
What also remains the same is that Nitara still requires blood to live, and she is still a deadly foe.
The Fighters So Far In Mortal Kombat 1
Nitara joins Liu Kang, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Kung Lao, Kitana, Mileena, Shang Tsung, Johnny Cage, Kenshi, Smoke, Rain, Li Mei, Tanya, Baraka, Geras, Reptile, Ashrah, Havik, General Shao, Sindel, Nitara, and more who all have new backstories thanks to Fire God Lui Kang rebooting the timeline.
Mortal Kombat 1 launches on Xbox Series S | X, PS5, and Nintendo Switch on September 19.
Step into the Nitara announcement trailer featuring Megan Fox below.
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Photo: Warner Bros. Games/ NetherRealm Studios / Mortal Kombat 1
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