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Five 'Groupon' stories June 2011 - April 2015
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9to5Toys Lunch Break: Chromecast $25, Amazon free app – Double Take, WD 2TB Wi-Fi HDD $160, more

Avatar for Stephen Hall Apr 27 2015 - 12:26 pm PT
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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:

Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player: $25 w/ in-store pickup (Reg. $35)

Amazon free app of the day: Double Take (Reg. $2)

WD Wireless 2TB USB 3.0 Hard Drive streams 4 HD videos at a time, on sale for $160 (Reg. $200)

Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M30x over-ears $50 (Orig. $100), Klipsch gaming set $36 (Orig. $130), more

Review: Omaker M4 Splashproof/droppable Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker with NFC: $25 Prime shipped (Orig. $70)

Small States Review: Grovemade’s Laptop Stand combines quality craftsmanship & thoughtful design, giveaway

More new gear from today:

Daily Deals: Yamaha 7.2-ch AV Receiver $380, HP 23″ Monitor 2-Pack w/ stand $350, more

More deals still alive:

Bluetooth 4.0 Hands-Free Car Kit w/ Audio Receiver $21 Prime shipped (Reg. $30+)

New products & more:

Wakē uses infrared sensors and parametric speakers to wake up one person at a time

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Google beginning to refund unused Google Offers

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Sep 25 2013 - 6:49 am PT
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As noted by AllThingsD, Google has just started sending out notifications to customers letting them know that they will soon be receiving refunds for unused Google Offers. Offers, which are available through a standalone mobile app as well as the Google Maps and Google Wallet apps, used to force users to purchase coupons ahead of time, much like a Groupon service. Going forward, however, the Offers will act more like traditional coupons with users refunded the full cost of unused deals.

You’ll also be able an additional $4 if you opt for a Google Play credit:

An email from Google to an AllThingsD colleague this week gave her two options: Receive a refund for the full amount of two unused offers, or receive a Google Play credit for that amount, which never expires, plus an additional $4, which will expire in two years.

“Users can now easily discover and save Google Offers in the Maps app, Search, Wallet, and on sites around the Web, without having to purchase them in advance, so we’re refunding previously purchased offers that we believe haven’t been used,” a Google spokesperson said in an emailed statement to AllThingsD.

WSJ: Google/Motorola deal faces legal hurdles, Motorola has $2.5B “reverse termination fee”

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Aug 15 2011 - 8:55 am PT
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After a shocking announcement this morning from Google regarding a $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility, most are already discussing what this means for the future of Android. However, a report from WSJ claims their sources are reporting Motorola has an “unusually large” 20% reverse termination fee in place that would see Google paying $2.5 billion if the deal falls through.

The report claims this might be proof Motorola is worried the acquisition could be the subject of antitrust regulators who are already investigating Google for its ability to abuse its market lead. However, Google execs noted in a conference call with financial analysts this morning that they aren’t worried about the deal being seen as anti-competitive in nature.

Why would the deal fall through? The report points to potential legal hurdles in Washington, similar to those that allegedly stopped a Groupon acquisition from happening. Google is already the subject of an antitrust probe related to their purchase of ITA software, and continues to be in the middle of intense legal battles with rival smartphone makers.

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Google Offers goes live in New York and San Francisco

Avatar for Jake Smith Jul 12 2011 - 12:07 pm PT
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While Google Offers has been available in Portland, OR for sometime, Google has today launched offers in New York and San Francisco. Google Offers gives users daily deals on local items and services, just like GroupOn, Living Social, and GILT City. To start using Offers, locals can sign up on the Offer’s website or use the Google Shopper Android app.

Google also announced that Offers will be on its way to Austin, Denver, Washington D.C., Boston, and Seattle soon. See any good deals?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHKum7fidIk]

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Some fresh Google Offers details

Avatar for Jake Smith Jun 25 2011 - 7:13 pm PT
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Google Offers hit the web about a month ago in Portland, Oregon. The service is a competitor to sites like Groupon, LivingSocial, and Gilt City – to name a few. These types of services give users deals on products. Business Insider has published a story on why they think Google Offers will succeed, and also provides information about the service. Business Insider has posted three points outlining what Offers offers over its competitors.

“Vastly better payment terms than other deal providers, especially compared to Groupon”

The vastly better payment terms Business Insider is talking about is that Google will give merchants up to 80% of the voucher revenue in four days, and the other 20% will be shared within a 30-90 day range. Google also requires that the service or product be immediately available, while Groupon’s doesn’t.

 “Google pays merchants for vouchers that are sold but not used; Groupon doesn’t”

Groupon will only pay merchants for vouchers that are used. Google wants to sweet talk merchants by giving them a split of the revenue for ever voucher sold, even if it’s used or not. This method seems a little more fair.

“Google will eventually “distribute” deals to consumers through many other channels in addition to email, including search ads, display ads, Android phones, Google Wallet and “Places” pages.”

Lastly, it’s obvious that Google has a better channel to promote products. Don’t forget about Google’s widely used ad program (though a Google Spokesperson said this won’t be a factor), Android devices, the new Google wallet , and “Places pages”. Merchants will want a network that can market their product through more channels.

Business Insider also gives a fourth point: a Google salesperson in New York promised SEO benefits to a merchant. Now, what company wouldn’t like that? But.. a Google spokesperson had this to say: “Google Offers has no influence whatsoever on the ranking of Google search results.”

Google Offers is reportedly on its way to San Francisco and New York later this year. The lingering question is will this take off? Leave us your opinion in the comment section below.

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