Amazon

From 9to5Toys.com:

The LG G3 is now available from Amazon for $0.01 on-contract (or $479 off-contract) with a free $100 Amazon gift card. This effectively brings the off-contract price (which notably is still locked to AT&T) down to $379, and means Amazon is basically giving you a free phone and paying you $100 to renew your contract if you go that route.

The phone is definitely cream-of-the-crop in terms of 2014 Android flagships. The device has a 5.5-inch Quad HD display with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440, a 2.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor, a 13-megapixel rear camera, and standard Bluetooth and LTE connectivity. To read more about the phone, be sure to check out our complete review.

There are two variants of the LG G3 that are currently sporting the free $100 gift card:

Google along with Amazon & Microsoft reportedly paying AdBlock to unblock ads

Jordan Kahn Feb 2 2015 - 10:11 am PT

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[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVYtzF5SemU]

Google along with other tech companies including Amazon, Microsoft, and Taboola, have reportedly reached a deal with AdBlock Plus to prevent the service from blocking ads on their websites. Financial Times reports:
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IDC: Samsung & Apple stay atop worldwide tablet sales as they lose share to “other” brands

Jordan Kahn Feb 2 2015 - 8:43 am PT

IDC is out today with its numbers on tablet shipments for Q4 2014 showing Apple & Samsung remained on top of the market both last quarter and throughout 2014 despite a slight drop in overall market share.

Apple sold 21.4 million iPads during the holiday quarter last year, which gave the company around 28% market share compared to 33% with 26 million units sold during the same quarter last year. Apple beats out number two Samsung, according to IDC, which grabbed 14.5% of the market in Q4 with 11 million units shipped. Samsung also dipped in overall market share from 17.2% with 13.5 million units shipped in the year ago quarter.
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You can already buy a Samsung Galaxy S6 case on Amazon

Jan 30 2015 - 8:39 am PT

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We’re not expecting Samsung to officially unveil its Galaxy S6 until early March, but that’s not holding case makers back. Spigen is already selling several Galaxy S6 compatible cases on Amazon…
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Amazon planning to take on Google Apps for Work w/ new ‘WorkMail’ service

Stephen Hall Jan 28 2015 - 10:41 am PT

Amazon Web Services is launching a new service (via The Wall Street Journal) this morning called “WorkMail,” an enterprise email and calendar solution that the Seattle-based company believes will bring a wide variety of improvements to a space that is largely controlled by Microsoft and Google.

Amazon fires its Mobile Wallet app less than 6 months after its launch

Stephen Hall Jan 21 2015 - 8:09 am PT

Amazon has closed its beta Mobile Wallet app today, marking a step away from the mobile payment space for the Seattle, Washington-based company. We first told you about the app, which served as a hub for gift and loyalty cards, in July of 2014. The app launched in beta and was sadly incapable compared to the app offerings of other companies like Google Wallet and PayPal, not even giving users the ability to load debit or credit cards.

Amazon pre-orders at €599 suggest flagship-level price for LG G Flex 2

9to5 Staff Jan 12 2015 - 8:03 am PT

LG announced several features of its new G Flex 2 smartphone at CES 2015 last week, including a full HD 5.5-inch dynamically curved P-OLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor with Octa-Core 64-bit capable CPUs, 13-megapixel rear-facing camera with dual LED flash, 3,000 mAh battery and Android Lollipop. But one important piece of information that LG has withheld to this point is how much the G Flex 2 will cost…
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Amazon Prime Now launches, offers free two-hour delivery in Manhattan to compete with Google Express

Stephen Hall Dec 18 2014 - 9:23 am PT

Amazon has launched a new service called Prime Now which, as its title suggests, hopes to bring products from Amazon to your door faster than ever. The service currently offers “tens of thousands” of items spanning a wide variety of categories, is available now in parts of Manhattan for Amazon Prime members, and users have the option of going with either one or two hour delivery.

Google preparing to jump into online commerce with ‘buy now’ button

Mike Beasley Dec 15 2014 - 7:38 pm PT

Google is preparing to take on commerce giant Amazon by incorporating a “buy now” button into its shopping search results, the Wall Street Journal reported today. The results currently rely on links to third-party retailers, but the Mountain View search company is apparently looking to integrate itself a little deeper into the checkout process.

Unlike Amazon, Google doesn’t plan to maintain its own warehouses, stock products, or handle any sales itself. Instead, it will create a system for consumers to buy products from third-parties using Google Shopping as an intermediary service.

HBO GO comes to Amazon’s Fire TV, set-top box $20 off to celebrate

Stephen Hall Dec 15 2014 - 2:52 pm PT

HBO GO has made its way to most major platforms by now, including iOS, Chromecast, Apple TV, and more. But today, the streaming service has launched on yet another set-top box: Amazon’s Fire TV. According to Amazon, HBO GO was the most the platform’s most requested service.

Since launch, Amazon Fire TV has more than quadrupled its selection, with over 700 apps and games now available. With the addition of HBO GO, Fire TV customers now have access to over 1,700 titles including every episode of new and classic HBO series, as well as HBO original films, miniseries, sports, documentaries, specials and a wide selection of blockbuster movies.

Whether or not you plan on using the new streaming service doesn’t really matter if you don’t have a Fire TV. So if you’ve yet to get on the Fire TV bandwagon, Amazon’s trying to give you another reason. For a limited time, they’ve knocked $20 off the price of the Amazon Fire TV to celebrate the addition of HBO GO.

Google forces removal of Amazon app from Play Store over hidden app store

9to5 Staff Dec 11 2014 - 1:35 pm PT

Back in October, Amazon updated its official Android app with hidden yet fully functional access to its own app store. Amazon then vaguely mentioned the new feature in a subsequent press release, perhaps hoping the move would go unnoticed. But it hasn’t taken long for Google to catch wind of what happened, and the search company clearly isn’t happy about the move.
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Deal alert: Amazon Gold Box is Moto G 2014 5-inch w/ Lollipop upgrade for $150 unlocked

Seth Weintraub Dec 9 2014 - 12:30 am PT

From 9to5Toys.com:

Amazon’s Gold Box Deal of the Day is the Moto G 2014 edition 5-inch 720P smartphone for $149.99 shipped. That’s $30 off on this phone that receives quick Android updates to Lollipop and beyond and is unlocked for use on T-Mobile or AT&T in US or available for international shipping. It is available in Black or White and available with US or Global GSM variants. Other features

5″ 720p HD display
Front-ported stereo speakers
Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with 1.2GHz quad-core CPU
Android 4.4, KitKat with guaranteed upgrade
All-day 2,070 mAh battery, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, water-resistant splash guard
US Compatibility: All GSM Networks including AT&T and (2G) T-Mobile
Optimized to work with 3G (UMTS/HSPA+) networks when roaming outside the US
Box contents: Motorola Moto G (2nd generation), wall charger, quick guides

This phone gets incredible reviews (4.6/5 stars) from over 500 Amazon reviewers. With your savings, you can get a Plantronics Bluetooth headset for $25 (50% off) shipped and/or nice cases which start at $2.

Amazon’s Fire Phone is now available for $199 unlocked and off-contract

Dom Esposito Nov 26 2014 - 2:40 am PT

It seems that Amazon is finally throwing in the towel with its Fire Phone. After the hype leading up to its launch, Fire Phone has been struggling to stay afloat. It’s best to think of the Fire Phone as a smaller version of a Kindle Fire tablet, but with a few extra gimmicks and features thrown in along with a free year of Amazon Prime.

The Fire Phone may have been a disappointment to the market, but Amazon isn’t giving up on its attempt to push it into the hands of consumers this holiday season. The Fire Phone can now be purchased unlocked and off-contract for only $199 (32GB Version)…

Buy stuff with your voice using new Amazon app for Android Wear

Stephen Hall Nov 18 2014 - 2:23 pm PT

Amazon has today updated its Android app to support Lollipop, but with the update comes a very nice surprise. With the newest version of the app, you can use your Android Wear device to make search for products, make purchases, and save things to your Wish List.

The app will work for anyone who’s on Android 4.3 or later and also has an Android Wear device—all you have to do is say “Start Amazon.” To get the Android Wear counterpart, all you have to do is update the Amazon app. As mentioned, today’s update also packs Android 5.0 Lollipop support and the usual bug fixes.

Here’s the full changelog:

* Includes the Amazon app for Android Wear. Customers with Android 4.3 and above in the US with an Android Wear watch can use their voice to search, buy and save shopping ideas to their Wish List. Just say “Start Amazon” from your Wear watch.

* Android Lollipop support.

* Bug fixes and improvements.

Uber could take on Amazon as it taps Google’s head of same-day delivery business

9to5 Staff Nov 7 2014 - 5:56 pm PT

Uber has already disrupted taxi service in metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York and Chicago with its affordable and convenient ride-sharing service, and now the multibillion dollar startup could be planning to use its massive fleet of vehicles and drivers to take on delivery services like Amazon Prime, Google Express, FedEx and UPS.
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Amazon announces Echo, a dedicated, Google Now-like speaker system for quick information

Mark Gurman Nov 6 2014 - 9:09 am PT

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkOCeAtKHIc]

Amazon today announced a new hardware product called Echo. It’s essentially a speaker unit dedicated to being a voice-control system. It kind of sounds like Google Now but in a speaker for a single room instead of in your Android smartphone, tablet, or watch.

You can set alarms, control music, ask about the weather, search the web, ask questions, and access local news. It streams content via Bluetooth and WiFi, and connects to the Fire Phone (if you have one), iOS via the browser, Android, and desktop computers via the web. Instead of “Okay Google,” you say “Alexa” to start speaking the device. You’ll need a Fire OS/Android device to take full advantage.

The whole concept is very futuristic, and it’s unclear how beneficial this will be to people with voice-controlled phones. But, hey, this comes from the developers of a faux-3D phone, so this is not completely out of left field. The Echo is $99 for Amazon Prime users, $199 for everyone else, and (for some reason) you need an invitation to receive the honor to buy one of these things.

Samsung Gear Circle now available in United States at select T-Mobile stores

9to5 Staff Nov 5 2014 - 3:43 pm PT

Samsung on Wednesday announced that the Gear Circle is now available in the United States at select T-Mobile stores nationwide, with an expanded rollout of the device at AT&T, Amazon and Samsung’s online store to take place later this month. Samsung’s Gear Circle will also be available in white exclusively from Best Buy locations in the future.
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Amazon announces $39 Fire TV Stick to take on Chromecast, Prime members can get it for just $19

Oct 27 2014 - 6:39 am PT

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Amazon is following up its $99 Fire TV streaming media player with a $39 streaming HDMI stick, which is similar to Google Chromecast (reg. $35, on sale for $28 w/ $5 credit) and Roku Stick ($49).

According to Amazon, the Fire TV Stick has 4 times as much storage (8GB) and 2 times as much memory (1GB) of Chromecast. It’s also the only one of the big three streaming sticks that packs a Dual-core processor, which Amazon says “results in faster and more fluid navigation.”

Fire TV Stick includes a physical remote, which doubles as a gaming controller. Aditionally, for a $30 up-charge, you can outfit your Fire TV Stick with a voice remote to take advantage of Voice Search. A free remote app is also available now for Android and will be landing on iOS shortly.

Available streaming content includes: Netflix, Prime Instant Video, Hulu Plus, WatchESPN, NBA Game Time, Prime Music, Pandora, Spotify, and more for instant access to shows like Transparent, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Game of Thrones, and The Wire—plus the largest selection of movies and TV episodes to rent or buy from Amazon Instant Video.

ASAP (Advanced Streaming and Prediction) allows for instant streaming by automatically buffering videos the Fire TV Stick predicts you’ll want to watch. Amazon also promises future support for WiFi networks with captive portals like hotels, airports, college dorms, and more.

First TV Stick is available for preorder now for $39, but Prime members (free trial) can get it for just $19 for the next two days.

Full press release follows…
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PSA: AT&T now selling Amazon’s Kindle Fire HDX 7-inch for $100 on a two year service agreement

Mark Hearn Oct 24 2014 - 10:57 am PT

Despite poor Fire Phone sales, AT&T is furthering its relationship with Amazon and is now offering the online retailer’s Kindle Fire HDX 7-inch tablet. You can purchase the slate from Ma Bell for $100 on a two-year service agreement or take it home with no money down for $10 per month (for 20 months) under AT&T’s Next program.

Nexus 9 Keyboard Folio and Magic Cover now available to pre-order from Amazon

Mark Hearn Oct 21 2014 - 9:22 am PT

Last week, Amazon started accepting pre-orders for the Nexus 9 and now the giant online retailer is taking orders for the tablet’s official accessories. If you plan on picking up Google’s HTC-made slate, but would like to add some physical buttons to your setup, check out the Nexus 9’s Keyboard Folio. That is if you can get over its $130 asking price.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 now available unlocked through Amazon in the US

Jordan Kahn Oct 10 2014 - 6:44 am PT

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Samsung’s official launch of its new Galaxy Note 4 kicked off in Korea late last month, but now an unlocked variant of the device is available in the US through Amazon. The sales come ahead of the device officially shipping through carrier partners in the US later this month.
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HP quietly unveils 10 Plus tablet for $279.99, available today

Chance Miller Oct 4 2014 - 1:43 pm PT

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HP this afternoon quietly took the warps off of its latest Android tablet. The HP 10 Plus is available today from both HP’s website and on Amazon for $279.99. The company has yet to issue an official press release for the tablet, but the listing on its website explains most of what potential buyers will need to know.

The 10.1-inch device features a 1920×1200 resolution and is packing an ARM Cortex A7 quad-core processor clocked at 1 GHz. The processor is coupled with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of onboard storage, as well. HP touts (which it shouldn’t) that the device gets 6 hours of battery life out of its 7700 mAh supply. The HP 10 Plus is running Android 4.4.2.

While the specs of the HP 10 Plus are nothing to get too excited about, the tablet offers another option for potential Android tablet customers.

Download over $135 worth of Android apps for free: OfficeSuite Pro 7, SketchBook Pro, much more

Sep 25 2014 - 12:30 am PT

From 9to5Toys.com:

For a limited time, Amazon has listed dozens of top paid Android apps worth over $135 for free. Available titles cover a range of app genres including productivity, games, reference, and more.

Just to clarify, nearly all of apps included in this promotion are compatible with Android mobile devices, not just Kindles. If you don’t have the Amazon App Store for Android, then follow these three steps to install it on your smartphone or tablet.

Our favorite titles from this promotion include:

OfficeSuite Professional 7: free (reg. $15)
Genius Scan+: free (reg. $7)
Sketchbook Pro: free (reg. $5)
Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode II: free (reg. $5)
mSecure – Password Manager and Secure Digital Wallet: free (reg. $10)
Knots 3D: free (reg. $2)
…much more

Google chairman Eric Schmidt says Samsung had iPhone 6-level products a year ago (video)

Mark Hearn Sep 24 2014 - 2:27 pm PT

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Google chairman Eric Schmidt and former product manager Jonathan Rosenberg are currently on tour promoting their new book How Google Works, and as the co-authors continue making their rounds, they’ve been engaging in some rather assertive interviews. This time around the duo stopped by Bloomberg’s Market Makers with hosts Erik Schatzker and Stephanie Ruhle. The group talked about the search giant’s biggest competitors like Apple, Yahoo, Amazon and others. Here are a few highlights from the 15 minute segment.