Google

According to a new report from Amir Efrati of The Information, Google has recently been in discussions with microchip manufacturers about having a deeper involvement in the design of chips used in Android devices. Google hopes to help create a more uniform offering of Android phones by taking part in the chip design process with a company like Qualcomm.

9to5Toys Lunch Break: Galaxy Tab 3 w/ FreedomPop service (pre-owned) $60, Bluetooth receiver $10, more

Stephen Hall Nov 5 2015 - 1:33 pm PT

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

FreedomPop 7″ Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 WiFi + Cellular Tablet – 100% Free 4G LTE Wireless Internet: $60 shipped (Reg. $140+) | Sam’s Club

Add Bluetooth to your speakers or car w/ Aukey’s Wireless Receiver: $10 Prime shipped (Reg. $20)

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua 16GB GSM/LTE unlocked black: $200 shipped (Reg. $250) | Amazon

Samsung Galaxy S5 Unlocked: $300 shipped (Reg. $400+) | eBay

LG G Pad V410 AT&T GSM Unlocked 7-Inch 4G LTE 16GB Tablet: $80 shipped (Reg. $150+) | eBay

Review: How Amazon Echo changed my life + $130 special price ($50 off) for Amazon card holders

Sam’s Club One-Day Sale: iPhone 6s/Plus $100 off, iPad Air 2 64GB/128GB $150 off, PlayStation 4 $300, more

eBay calls on Black Friday shoppers to decide which products will get discounted this year

Amazon’s Black Friday Deals store is now open for business

Everything we know so far about this year’s best Black Friday deals and promotions

More new gear from today:

Displays: LG 34″ UltraWide $585 (Reg. $699+), Acer 34″ Curved QHD $866 (Reg. $1,050), plus 4K UHDTVs

Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro Semi-Open Studios $160 (Orig. $320), more
Timbuk2 40% off sale: Hudson Laptop Briefcase $161 (Orig. $269), more
Jawbone Big Jambox Bluetooth Speaker (Open Box) $115 shipped (Orig. $300)
Daily Deals: Philips Wake-up Lights starting at $49, Logitech Performance Mouse MX $45, more
Rayman Fiesta Run goes free on the App Store for the first time (Reg. $3)
Games/Apps: Forza Horizon 2 $30, Toon Shooters & NOTE’d go free, more iOS freebies

More deals still alive:

Acer 13-inch Chromebook 2.1GHz/2GB/16GB SSD: $209 shipped (Reg. $249)

Audio-Technica’s best selling ATH-M50x headphones in black: $119 shipped (Orig. $170), more

Sling TV is giving away a 2nd generation Chromecast when you pre-pay for three months ($35 value)

Beats by Dr. Dre Pill 2.0 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $120 shipped (Orig. $200)
Buy PowerBeats 2 Wireless In-Ear Headphones, get a $50 gift card: $144 (Orig. $200)
Pebble Time Smartwatch for iOS and Android: $150 shipped (Reg. $200)
Get the latest Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen.) for $212 shipped (Reg. $249)
iPhone 6/s dual-layer case in Space Gray, Silver or Gold: $3 Prime shipped (Reg. $12)
Foscam Plug and Play HD Wireless/Wired Pan/Tilt IP Camera $75 shipped (Reg. $100)
Seagate 4TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive w/ 200GB of Cloud Storage: $130 (Reg. $150)
Home Theater Audio: VIZIO 5.1-ch. Soundbar w/ Wireless Subwoofer $198 (Reg. $298+), more
Factory Unlocked iPhones: 16GB iPhone 6 Plus $600, 64GB (Refurb) $450, more
Magic Color Changing LED Light Bulb with Remote Control $9 (Reg. $33)
Bookshelf speakers: Klipsch Icon 5-inch powered $100 (Reg. $164+), more
USB-C 4-port hubs for new Macbooks by Aukey: $20 Prime shipped (Orig. $30)
USB Power Deals: Lumsing 3-port Car Charger + Lightning Cable $8, more
TP-LINK 802.11n pocket wireless router: $10 shipped (Orig. $40)
Targus Ultra Twill Vuscape Case for iPad Air: $7 Prime shipped (83% off list)
Mpow Petrel Bluetooth 4.0 Headphones $26 Prime shipped (Orig. $60), more
SoundBot Bluetooth 4.0 Sports-Active Headphones $10 Prime shipped (Reg. $15)
Fashion: 20% off at Amazon – Kenneth Cole Down Jacket $90 (Reg. $113),more
Kindle First Books for November: Christmas in Good Hope, more
Media: Breaking Bad Complete Series on Blu-ray $70 (Orig. $161), $3 DVDs, more
Kindle savings (Prime only): Paperwhite $90 (Reg. $120), Voyage $170 (Reg. $200)
JBL Voyager Portable Bluetooth Speaker $90 shipped (Reg. $119)
Free PS Plus Games for November: The Walking Dead Season 2, more
Free Xbox Live Gold Games for November: Pneuma Breath of Life, more

New products & more:

Unboxing and Review: Halo 5 Xbox One Limited Edition Console Bundle [Video]

Bosch made a robo-farmer that looks straight out of a galaxy far, far away

The Room Three releases today, now available for download on the App Store
Mellow Boards makes any skateboard electric and looks good doing it
Pre-order Fallout 4 to receive Fallout 3 via Xbox One Backwards Compatibility
PlayStation Now adds 105 titles as it aims to pick up more subscribers
Mogees iPhone-connected sensor turns any object into a playable instrument
Panasonic has a new line of solar powered products designed for those in need
Amazon to offer midnight deliveries for Call of Duty: Black Ops III via Prime Now
The LEGO Power Functions Idea Book teaches you how to build cars, contraptions and more

Review: Google’s Nexus 6P is a solid smartphone worthy of your money [Video]

Dom Esposito Nov 5 2015 - 10:16 am PT

5 Comments

This year Google decided to change things up a bit and release not one, but two new Nexus devices, with different builds, and different price points to satisfy a wider range of people. So there’s the LG-made Nexus 5X that starts at $379, which I recently reviewed, and then we have the Huawei-made Nexus 6P that starts at $499. These two options aren’t very far apart in terms of pricing, but the difference between them is pretty significant in a few areas…

Chromecast 2nd gen. and Chromecast Audio now available via Spain Google Store

Stephen Hall Nov 5 2015 - 9:00 am PT

The second generation Chromecast and the Chromecast Audio were announced at the end of September, and the Google Store is one of many outlets where you can acquire these devices. Now, a couple months after being introduced in North America and other regions, those who are in Spain can grab the new Chromecasts from the Google Store.

You can head over to the Google Store now, where the Chromecast (2nd gen.) is available in three colors, and the Chromecast Audio is available in black.

Google Maps on iOS will now give spoken traffic alerts as you drive

Chance Miller Nov 4 2015 - 7:56 pm PT

Google today has rolled out an update its Maps application on iOS, bringing with it a pair of new features. The update bumps the app to version 4.12.0 and includes support for adding missing businesses to the app’s database and spoken traffic alerts.

The latter of the two is the far more interesting addition of this update. Spoken traffic alerts mean that Google Maps will now alert you about upcoming traffic congestion and traffic incidents as you use the Navigation feature of the app. It does so via voice so you aren’t distracted while you drive. Traffic descriptions provide the same information, but in both text and verbal forms before you start to move.

Google Maps version 4.12.0 is available via the App Store now for free. The full changelog can be seen below:

What’s New in Version 4.12.0

Easily add new and missing businesses from the sidebar

 Spoken traffic alerts in Navigation tell you about congestion and incidents on your route and traffic descriptions give you summary of traffic before you drive

Bug fixes

Google to loosen restrictions on Android One manufacturers, release new device in India soon

Chance Miller Nov 4 2015 - 3:52 pm PT

Google first tried to penetrate the Indian phone market with its Android One lineup of affordable devices, but after deeming that project less-than-successful, the company is reportedly planning to adjust its plans. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Google plans to relax the requirements it originally had on Android One devices, giving manufacturers more freedom when it comes to features and price.

Today’s Android for Work Live event is now available for replay [Video]

Stephen Hall Nov 4 2015 - 2:27 pm PT

We told you last month that the first Android for Work Live conference was happening today, and well… today is here. In case you missed the event, you can now head over to YouTube and watch an archived copy. Of course there weren’t any groundbreaking announcements at the event, but some of the talks will serve well anyone who’s looking to transform their business with Android and Google’s services. Here it is:

9to5Toys Lunch Break: Sony Xperia M4 (unlocked) $200, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones $119, more

Stephen Hall Nov 4 2015 - 12:47 pm PT

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua 16GB GSM/LTE unlocked black: $200 shipped (Reg. $250) | Amazon

Audio-Technica’s best selling ATH-M50x headphones in black: $119 shipped (Orig. $170), more

Acer 13-inch Chromebook 2.1GHz/2GB/16GB SSD: $209 shipped (Reg. $249)

USB-C 4-port hubs for Chromebooks by Aukey: $20 Prime shipped (Orig. $30)

Review: How Amazon Echo changed my life + $130 special price ($50 off) for Amazon card holders

Pebble Time Smartwatch for iOS and Android (multiple colors): $150 shipped (Reg. $200)

Sling TV is giving away a 2nd generation Chromecast when you pre-pay for three months ($35 value)

Samsung Galaxy S5 Unlocked: $300 shipped (Reg. $400+) | eBay

LG G Pad V410 AT&T GSM Unlocked 7-Inch 4G LTE 16GB Tablet: $80 shipped (Reg. $150+) | eBay

More new gear from today:

Daily Deals: Vizio 43″ 120Hz 1080p LCD HDTV + $100 Dell GC $300, LYTRO Light Field Camera $400, more

Sam’s Club One-Day Sale: iPhone 6s/Plus $100 off, iPad Air 2 64GB/128GB $150 off, PlayStation 4 $300, more

eBay calls on Black Friday shoppers to decide which products will get discounted this year

Amazon’s Black Friday Deals store is now open for business

Everything we know so far about this year’s best Black Friday deals and promotions

Bookshelf speakers: Klipsch Icon 5-inch powered $100 (Reg. $164+), more
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO 250GB 2.5-inch Internal SSD $75 (Reg. $90+), more
Pre-order Fallout 4 to receive Fallout 3 via Xbox One Backwards Compatibility
Mpow Petrel Bluetooth 4.0 Headphones $26 Prime shipped (Orig. $60), more
Protect your new iPhone 6/s with this dual-layer case in Space Gray, Silver or Gold: $3 Prime shipped (Reg. $12)
USB Power Deals: 3.3-ft. MFi Apple-Certified Lightning Cable $4 (Reg. $11), Lumsing 3-port Car Charger + Lightning Cable $8, more
Apple iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi: 16GB $399 (Reg. $499), 64GB $479 (Reg. $599), 128GB $559 (Reg. $699)
Apple iPad Mini 2, space gray or silver: $199 shipped ($70 off)

More deals still alive:

This 802.11n pocket wireless router from TP-LINK is a must-have for avid travelers: $10 shipped (Orig. $40)

Buy a pair of PowerBeats 2 Wireless In-Ear Headphones, get a $50 Target gift card: $144 shipped (Orig. $200)

Beats by Dr. Dre Pill 2.0 Portable Bluetooth Speaker (multiple colors) $120 shipped (Orig. $200)

Pebble Time Smartwatch for iOS and Android: $150 shipped (Reg. $200)
Targus Ultra Twill Vuscape Case for iPad Air: $7 Prime shipped (83% off list)
SoundBot Bluetooth 4.0 Sports-Active Headphones $10 Prime shipped (Reg. $15)
Fashion: 20% off at Amazon – Kenneth Cole Down Jacket $90 (Reg. $113),more
Sling TV is giving away a 2nd gen Chromecast when you pre-pay three months
Kindle First Books for November: Christmas in Good Hope, more
Freebies: SEO Course + Labyrinth for iOS + logic riddles and games eBook + More!
Freebies: Gratitude Journal for iOS + Grateful Dead music + More!
Freebies: Mighty Mac App Bundle + Brad Paisley album + More!
Media: Breaking Bad Complete Series on Blu-ray $70 (Orig. $161), $3 DVDs, more
Kindle savings (Prime only): Paperwhite $90 (Reg. $120), Voyage $170 (Reg. $200)
JBL Voyager Portable Bluetooth Speaker $90 shipped (Reg. $119)
Free PS Plus Games for November: The Walking Dead Season 2, more
Free Xbox Live Gold Games for November: Pneuma Breath of Life, more
App Store Free App of the Week: rop mind-bending puzzle game ($1 value)
Headphones: Audio-Technica Over-Ears $100 (Orig. $250), more
Power Bank Deals: Aukey 20,000mAh Dual USB $22 Prime shipped (Reg. $30), more
Acer 13-inch Chromebook 2.1GHz/2GB/16GB SSD: $209 shipped (Reg. $249)
Target 25% off Toys: Razor E200 Electric Scooter $117 (Reg. $144), more
The best accessories for the new Apple TV: MFi game controllers, cables, more
PSA: Best Buy and others launch new Apple TV pre-orders, offer potential savings
One year Sam’s Club membership + food coupons: $25 w/ email delivery (Reg. $45+)

New products & more:

Mellow Boards makes any skateboard electric and looks good doing it

PlayStation Now adds 105 titles as it aims to pick up more subscribers
Mogees iPhone-connected sensor turns any object into a playable instrument
Panasonic has a new line of solar powered products designed for those in need
Amazon to offer midnight deliveries for Call of Duty: Black Ops III via Prime Now
The LEGO Power Functions Idea Book teaches you how to build cars, contraptions and more
This life-size R2-D2 refrigerator carries your beer to you…for a price
GE’s new smart LED lightbulbs tell your brain when it’s time for bed

Despite driving 100k miles, Google’s self-driving cars haven’t seen an accident in over 2 months

Stephen Hall Nov 4 2015 - 11:45 am PT

Up to June of this year, Google’s self-driving cars had yet to be at fault in any accidents, and it seems that record has held true over the last few months. Of the dozen or so accidents up to that point, the majority had happened when the self-driving car wasn’t even moving, and the rest occurred when Google’s safety drivers were in control of the vehicles.

Unfortunately, in the months after Google released the first report, Google’s cars continued to see a couple of accidents per month. But that trend has come to an interesting halt recently. As we’ve learned thanks to Google’s recently-published October report, the self-driving cars have now gone more than two months without a single accident…
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Nest CEO Tony Fadell compares Google’s self-driving car to a “professional driver”

Fred Lambert Nov 4 2015 - 10:58 am PT

Tony Fadell, often called the “father of the iPod” and now CEO of Alphabet’s Nest, appeared on Bloomberg TV today to discuss his time at Apple, his current effort in the connected home industry and the future of mobility. He briefly talked about Google’s self-driving car project and confirmed he spent some time in the vehicles. He compared the experience to being driven by a “professional driver”.
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Googler takes to Amazon to slam bad USB Type-C cables, commend good ones

Stephen Hall Nov 4 2015 - 7:59 am PT

A Google engineer by the name of Benson Leung is one of the many proponents of USB Type-C at the Mountain View company, and he’s now doing us the kind service of reviewing dozens of third-party Type-C cables on Amazon. Why? Because some of the cables coming from a variety of manufacturers could be “dangerous,” according to Leung, and are likely less-than-functional…
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Google argues that a legal technicality means antitrust regulators can’t fine it $6.6B

Ben Lovejoy Nov 4 2015 - 4:28 am PT

With Google potentially facing a fine of up to $6.6B after the European Commission charged the company of abusing its dominant position in search, its lawyers have now filed a 130-page rebuttal. In it, the company attempts to use a legal technicality to argue that it cannot be fined for favouring its own products in search results …
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Google VP of Finance Jason Wheeler joins Tesla as CFO

Stephen Hall Nov 3 2015 - 2:55 pm PT

Tesla has a new CFO, and he’s coming to the electric car maker from Google. Jason Wheeler is currently VP of Finance at the Mountain View company, and he’s joining Tesla next month via a transition with current CEO Deepak Ahuja overseeing. This comes five months after Ahuja confirmed at Tesla’s 2015 Annual Shareholders Meeting that he would be retiring…

Tesla just released its Q3 earnings report, and the company’s stock is up around 10% in after-hours trading. Google is one of Tesla’s biggest competitors in regards to future autonomous vehicle prospects, but it’s clear that the motor company has been a bold poacher of other large Silicon Valley companies’ employees. It appears that Google isn’t excluded.

Latest Sling TV update lets you sling your favorite shows to your Chromecast

Stephen Hall Nov 3 2015 - 9:25 am PT

Dish Network’s Sling TV has been around for a while, but one feature that was long been missing from its Android and iPhone apps was Chromecast support. Now, following Google’s announcement last month that the feature was on the way, watchers of live on-demand TV programming via Sling TV can finally sling that content onto their big screen…
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Inbox app will use AI-powered Smart Reply feature to respond to Gmail messages for you

Cam Bunton Nov 3 2015 - 7:24 am PT

Update: It looks like the Smart Reply feature is rolling out starting tomorrow.

To all those asking, Smart Reply will start rolling out to Inbox on Android and iOS tomorrow.

— Inbox by Gmail (@inboxbygmail) November 4, 2015

Google’s Inbox app for Gmail is one of the best things to happen to personal email management since email was invented. Using Google Now’s power, it can automatically create calendar events, sort out your junk and priority emails and suggest reminders. Now it’s about to get a whole lot smarter…

Tired of those full page ‘Install this App’ Mobile web blocks? Google is doing something about it

Cam Bunton Nov 3 2015 - 6:30 am PT

There’s nothing worse when browsing the web — or hitting a search result — and coming across a page completely obscured by a huge pop-up window asking you to install the site’s (or someone else’s) app. In fact, full-page interstitial ads in general are incredibly frustrating, when all you want to do is read the article. Thankfully, Google is doing something about it…

Larry Page gives first major interview since formation of Alphabet, talks worries, privacy, Project Loon, Steve Jobs [Video]

Ben Lovejoy Nov 3 2015 - 4:56 am PT

Google co-founder and now Alphabet CEO Larry Page has given his first major interview since the formation of Alphabet, addressing a wide range of topics which include his concerns about heading into uncharted territory with the company, privacy, Project Loon and Steve Jobs …
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Report: Google abandons its retail plans as it looks to sublease SoHo building it renovated

Chance Miller Nov 2 2015 - 7:09 pm PT

Google has long been rumored to be planning to open a New York City retail space, but now it looks as if that plan has died off. According to a report from Crain’s New York Business, Google has abandoned its plans to open a retail store in New York City. The company is looking to sublease a 5,442-square-foot space it leased in SoHo last year.

Google: Chrome OS not folding into Android, Material redesign + 2016 Chromebooks coming

Zac Hall Nov 2 2015 - 10:58 am PT

Officially offering a denial to a report last week claiming Chrome OS would merge into Android by 2017, Google has taken to its Chrome blog to say Chrome OS is here to stay. Chromebooks that run the Chrome operating system has taken off especially well in the classroom, giving Google added incentive to ensure Chrome OS users that the platform isn’t facing any dramatic changes in the near future. Hoping to convince users that recent reports of the future of Chrome OS are wrong, Google has shared some usage numbers and even offered a peek into the future of Chrome OS…
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Google takes advantage of Halloween to boost skills of self-driving cars at recognizing children

Ben Lovejoy Nov 2 2015 - 4:38 am PT

Google’s self-driving cars are aware that children can be less predictable than adults, being programmed to act more cautiously around them. But to do that, they first need to be able to identify them as children – something which can be more challenging when they’re wearing costumes – so Google took advantage of Halloween to give the cars some additional learning.

This week, lots of little ghouls, superheroes and even robots were running around Google with their families, so we asked them to hang out around our parked cars. This gives our sensors and software extra practice at recognizing children in all their unique shapes and sizes, even when they’re in odd costumes …

9to5Toys Lunch Break: LG G4 Stylus (unlocked) $235, ZTE Axon Pro (unlocked) $320, more

Stephen Hall Oct 30 2015 - 12:59 pm PT

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

LG G4 Stylus brand new 8GB (unlocked): $235 shipped (Reg. $800) | eBay

ZTE Axon Pro factory unlocked in Phthalo Blue: $320 shipped (Reg. $400) | Amazon

New LG/Google Nexus 5 (unlocked): $175 shipped (Reg. $400) | eBay

LG G Watch Android Wear refurb: $60 shipped (Reg. $200) | BuyDig

Dell Venue 8 7000 Series 8.4″ Intel Atom 16GB Black: $280 shipped (Reg. $400) | eBay

Giveaway: Polk Audio’s Omni Whole Home Music System – Soundbar w/ subwoofer and S2 Speaker ($880 value)

More new gear from today:

Headphones: Audio-Technica Over-Ears $100 (Orig. $250), URGE Basics Bluetooth Earbuds $9 (Reg. $19), more

USB Power: Anker 400A Car Jump Starter and Power Bank $57, 10,400mAh Power bank $13, more
Daily Deals: LG Nexus 5 16GB Factory Unlocked 4G LTE $175, Logitech Mouse $22, more
Games/Apps: GOW Xbox One w/ GTA V & Forza 2 $349, Splatoon $45, freebies, more
The classic shoot’em up arcade game Bug Princess goes free on iOS for the very first time (Reg. $5)
Apple 21-inch iMac (newest version) 1.6GHz/8GB/1TB: $950 shipped (Reg. $1,099)
12-inch MacBook w/ Retina display 1.1GHz/8GB/256GB: $1,099 shipped (Reg. $1,299)
13-inch Retina MacBook Pro (newest) 2.7GHz/8GB/256GB: $1,280 shipped (Reg. $1,499)
iPhone 6s/Plus accessories: ULAK cases from $3, Griffin and Case-Mate 20% off, more
Aukey Magnetic Cradle-less Car Air Vent Mount $4.50 Prime shipped (Reg. $7)
PSA: Best Buy and others launch new Apple TV pre-orders, offer potential savings
The best accessories for the new Apple TV: MFi game controllers, keyboards, cables, more
Target ad leak reveals planned Apple Watch discount for iPhone purchasers

More deals still alive:

Logitech K480 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard (refurb) $20 shipped (Orig. $50)

Power Bank Deals: Aukey 20,000mAh Dual USB $22 Prime shipped (Reg. $30), more
HDTVs: LG 49-inch 60Hz 1080p $370 (Orig. $600), RCA 55-inch 120Hz 1080p $440 (Orig. $800)
Freebies: Android Mobile Hacker Bundle + EDGE Extended iOS game + Social Media Marketing eBook + More!
Adobe Photoshop Elements 14 (Mac/PC) is on sale for Prime members: $40 shipped (Reg. $70+)
AirPrint Laser Printers: Samsung $55 (Orig. $160)
Amazon offers over $70 worth of Android apps for free
Monoprice 15% off sitewide: MFi certified Lightning cables as low as $4, more
Freebies: NBA League Pass + Supergirl TV episode + Toca Life: Town for iOS + More!
Free Xbox Live Gold Games for November: Pneuma Breath of Life, Dungeon Siege III, more
WD Elements 2TB Portable Hard Drive: $66 shipped (Reg. $80)
Leaf RSS News Reader for Mac drops to $1 (Reg. $8)
OLALA 6,000mAh Power Bank w/ MFi Lightning Cable $24 Prime shipped (Reg. $30)
One year Sam’s Club membership + food coupons: $25 w/ email delivery (Reg. $45+)
9to5Toys Specials: MiFi 500 plus 1 year of LTE $149.99, more
Fashion: Gap Fall Sale up to 75% off + extra 40% – 1969 Jeans from $10, more
Fitbit Charge HR Activity Tracker $115 shipped (Reg. $150), Fitbit Surge $195 (Reg. $245)
GoPro HERO4 Session Action Camera: $249 shipped (Orig. $400)
ChugPlug External Battery Pack for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro $40 shipped (Orig. $130)
Gift Cards up 20% off: JCPenney, Sports Authority, more
Fashion – extra 20% off fall athletic/outdoor shoes: Caterpillar boots $52, more
Protect your new iPad mini 4 with this folio smart case: $3 Prime shipped (Reg. $10)
proXPN VPN: Premium Lifetime Subscription for $39 ($375 value)
App Store Free App of the Week: rop mind-bending puzzle game ($1 value)
A Dark Room — the best-selling iPhone/iPad RPG is now available for free (Reg. $1)

New products & more:

GE’s new smart LED lightbulbs tell your brain when it’s time for bed

This life-size R2-D2 refrigerator carries your beer to you…for a price

The Altwork Station cures the standing desk blues with its reclining design
Can a $99 Windows PC that connects to your iPad be any good?
Gibson’s Neat podcasting microphones mix fun and color
Blue’s new Lola headphones drop some weight but keep the retro look
Toys R Us Holiday Catalog Leak: Apple TV for $54 in-store, much more
LEGO nailed the famous Ghostbusters Firehouse set
The eora 3D scanner uses your iPhone to create 360-degree models of anything
Belkin’s new lightweight QODE Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2 is now available
Dyson’s pricey 360 Eye robo-vac finally sees the light of day
Use your smartphone as a controller for these AirConsole Mac/PC browser games
Best Buy lands the first major blow in this year’s battle for holiday shoppers
Dell Black Friday Ad Leak: Gears of War Xbox One w/ Fallout 4 + controller $300, more
Amazon thinks leaving your house is over-rated, expands Prime free same-day delivery service
Marvel’s limited edition Phase Two Blu-ray collection arrives just in time for the holidays

Google’s new ‘Who’s Down’ app shows which of your friends are free to hang out

Stephen Hall Oct 30 2015 - 11:47 am PT

8 Comments

Google has just quietly released a new app on the Play Store, called “Who’s Down”. As you might be able to tell from its name, the app will apparently — once there are people who are actually using it — let you see which of your friends are free to hang out. Currently, the app is invite-only, so the only things we know about its functionality are from the app’s Play Store screenshots…
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Google Photos brings face grouping features to more countries in 1.8 update

Stephen Hall Oct 30 2015 - 10:55 am PT

Google has updated the Google Photos app this week, and it’s a fairly substantive update — at least in comparison to the almost-weekly bug fixer updates that Google pushes to many of its apps. The new version brings the face grouping features of the well-reviewed cloud storage service to more countries…
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Defensive Google SVP: We’re still ‘very committed to Chrome OS’

Cam Bunton Oct 30 2015 - 4:34 am PT

Following reports yesterday that Chrome OS might vanish and be merged in to Android, one of Google’s chiefs was keen to defend the platform and state that it’s not going anywhere. Hiroshi Lockheimer, SVP of Android, Chromecast and Chrome OS tweeted that the company is still ‘very committed to Chrome OS’ and that the platform as a whole is seeing huge momentum…