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Surprise: This $20 home monitoring camera actually doesn’t suck
Most of the low-end connected cameras you'll find on store shelves will run you at least $50, and more feature-rich options like Amazon's Cloud Cam and Logitech's Circle 2 are north of $100. The prospect of kitting out your house with connected cameras doesn't need to be that expensive, though. On the opposite end of the price spectrum sits the WyzeCam, a super-cheap connected video camera ushered to market by — who else? — a handful of Amazon alums. Each camera will set you back a whopping $20, but don't let the price tag fool you: the WyzeCam is a surprisingly capable bargain.
The Daily Grind: What's motivating your return to RIFT?
RIFT went free-to-play recently, and judging by the server queues and the number of people who tipped Massively about Trion's response to all the shenanigans, it seems like the business model switcheroo had the desired effect of bringing people back in droves. As an outsider, I can't really wrap my brain around the phenomenon. If the game was good before, my inner cynic says, surely it was worth paying for, no? I can understand the excitement if you've never played RIFT (and if financials were the reason why), but I've seen a few commenters and even a blogger or two who seem to be coming back because they're afraid of missing a deal rather than because they really dig the game. I could be wrong, though, so that's why I'm throwing today's Daily Grind out there. Assuming you're returning to RIFT, are you doing so because you love the game or is it because you don't want to miss out on a perceived good deal? In short, what's motivating your return to RIFT? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Intel 330 Series SSDs official, prices start at $89
Been holding off on stuffing solid state storage into your existing machine because of high prices or reliability issues? Bargain hunters, your SSD may have just arrived in the form of Intel's 330 Series SSDs. We got the low down on them weeks ago, but in case you forgot, Intels new 25nm NAND entry utilizes a SATA 6 Gb/s connection to deliver up to 500 MB/s sequential reads and 450 MB/s writes. Such speeds aren't spectacular compared to other SSDs, but combine them with Chipzilla's reputation for crafting quality drives, low prices -- $89 for 60GB, $149 for 120GB, and $234 for 180GB -- and a three year warranty, and the 330 has some serious curb appeal. Want one? All three sizes available now online or at you local retailer (assuming it's still there, of course).
Intel 330 SSD leakage hints at bargain price tag, perhaps just $149 for 120GB
A number of online retailers listed an Intel 330 SSD over the weekend, which would have been cool except that the drive was supposed to remain in the shadows until given a proper announcement. Some sellers pulled their listings pronto, but not before giving us a good glimpse at the drive's likely specs. These include the arrival of the SATAIII 6Gbps interface in this budget line, the same 25nm NAND fabrication process used for last year's 320, and promised sequential read / write speeds of up to 500MB/s and 450MB/s. None of this is especially thrilling, perhaps, when you recall that a similarly-specced SSD, the SanDisk Extreme, topped even the premium Intel 520 in recent benchmarks, but it all starts to make sense when you look at the pricing. SabrePC lists $149 for the 120GB variant, which is a full $40 cheaper than SanDisk's rival, $60 cheaper than the Intel 320, and only enough to pick up 60GB-worth of Intel 520. There are also 60GB and 180GB flavors, listed at $89 and $234 respectively. Assuming these prices hold tight, and that there's no repeat of the 320's firmware issues, this could be a bargain drive worth waiting for.Update: Amazon UK helpfully lists April 13th as launch day.
Amazon prices Verizon Galaxy Nexus at $99, tests your self control
Looking for an excuse to buy a LTE-enabled superphone? Look no further. Online retail giant Amazon has priced Verizon's iteration of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus at a paltry $99 for customers opening a new line of service. For those keeping score at home, that's a full $200 less than the on-contract price ($299) currently being peddled by Big Red. Why are you still reading this? Hit the source link, hammer in your Amazon credentials and get yourself one of these lean, mean, Ice Cream Sandwich running machines.
Fuzhou Rockchip hypes RK2918 chip for bargain ICS phones and tablets
Could Fuzhou Rockchip's new RK2918 be the next go-to processor for a budget Android 4.0 experience? We already spotted this fleck of silicon running in the company's PAD prototype (shown above) and now we're told it'll also power a China-targeted ICS smartphone made by AirTouch, as well as an 'eHome Cloud Solution' that'll somehow make it easier for smartphones, tablets and PCs to share resources over a home network. Rockchip claims it's becoming a "virtual behemoth in North America," but only hands-on time with its latest products will tell whether that means 'big' or just 'monstrous'. Read on for more ambiguous details in the press release.
Nintendo 3DS available for $145 at Target's pre-Black Friday sale
It's official: Black Friday has transcended both space and time. No longer bound to the Hipparchian constraints of the 24-hour day, the Mother of all Sales has now given birth to an entire generation of equally stygian offspring, oozing her mercantile tentacles into nearly every crevice of our American existence. Case in point: Target's pre-Black Friday sale. It's a sale in honor of a sale that's in honor of a holiday -- the Apollo to Thanksgiving's Jupiter, if you will. It's also where you can grab a Nintendo 3DS for just $145, as noted in this ad that we came across yesterday. So loosen those purse strings and clench your fists, because the Supra Sale draws nigh.
Target, Best Buy post Black Friday deals: $195 iPod touch with gift card rebate (Updated)
Shopping season is here, with a vengeance. The circulars and sales sheets are popping up like discounted weeds, and while most Apple products aren't eligible for steep discounts at retail, the big chains do find a way to make it worth your while. US retail giant Target has posted its two-day discount flyer online already, and among the doorbuster deals (starting at midnight Thursday night/Friday morning) is a $195 8GB iPod touch, while supplies last. "But that's what they always sell for!" you say. True, but for this promotion Target is throwing in a $40 store gift card, lowering the effective price of the iPod to $155 assuming you can find $40 of other things you want to buy at Target. (There's always light bulbs and batteries.) Update: Target has sweetened the pot with an iPad 2 deal. Buy a Wi-Fi+3G iPad 2 and get a $75 Target gift card. This offer is good starting at midnight Thursday night. Electronics and Apple gear megastore Best Buy is not to be outdone, advertising a similar deal for its doorbusters on Friday, but with a $50 gift card instead. Best Buy stores also open at midnight the day after Thanksgiving, because why the heck wouldn't you want to be at Best Buy in the wee hours of the morning trying to focus on which 3D TV has the better picture? Apple generally does not reveal its discounts for Black Friday until a bit closer to showtime, but last year's deals may serve as a guideline for what to expect later this week. Interesting side note from the Target circular: check out the price on this Acer netbook. Yes, for about the same net cost as the iPod touch, you can have an entire teensy computer. [via Dealnews]
Amazon Wireless drops all Verizon, AT&T and Sprint phones to a penny, will not be undersold
Don't be so quick to file this one under "duh!" -- Amazon's added a whole lotta sweetener to its usual smartphone-for-a-penny pot. If your frugal heart's been holding out hope for a discounted drop of the high-end mobile goods, now would be the time to pounce. The Seattle-based web retailer's wireless arm is throwing every phone from Sprint, Verizon and AT&T under the $0.01 umbrella for a limited time. Starting today and running until the 28th, you can snatch up a Galaxy S II Skyrocket, Droid RAZR, Rezound or Focus S (just to name a few) for one Lincoln-embossed, copper-plated piece. But there's a catch, and you knew it was coming. In order to take advantage of this Crazy Eddie-like steal, you'll have to sign up for a new line of service. So, bust out the credit card (and your credit report), the mobile bargains lie in wait at the source.
HP: Limited supply of TouchPads on the way
Still waiting for your bargain TouchPad to ship? Good news, as HP's just confirmed that a "limited supply" of the webOS slates are on their way, and they'll land in "a few weeks." In an update to a blog post from yesterday, the company confirmed that it will manufacture an additional "limited quantity" of TouchPads in Q4 -- presumably to meet existing backorders. Those of you who've signed up for email notification will receive an update and one-time offer today (peep it after the break), and a followup when more details are known. For live updates peep the two Twitter accounts linked under more coverage, and to get the full rundown of HP's plans, hit the source link below. [Thanks, OneLove]
Amazon Wireless reduces Inspire 4G to $30, makes AT&T look downright miserly
If your desire for unibody enclosures is limited by a reluctance to pony up for premium designs, then you might grin knowing that Amazon Wireless is selling the HTC Inspire 4G for $30. Yes, this massive 4.3-inch slab can be the pride of your pocket without simultaneously emptying your wallet -- that's before you start piling on the accessories, anyway. While the Inspire 4G's reputation was initially sullied by an indictment in HSUPA-gate, it was later cleared of all charges thanks to AT&T's promised update. Now that users can upload with abandon, this might be a fine opportunity to recommit with Ma Bell while pocketing an easy $70. We know, it's a good find -- but don't start laughing too maniacally or your co-workers will get suspicious.
TUAW's Daily iOS App: First Touch Soccer
If you enjoy soccer or soccer video games and happen to own an iPhone, First Touch Soccer is a must-buy. I'm not a big fan of soccer, but this is an impressively premium title with great visuals, solid controls and lots of extras, including home team themed menus, multiple modes, social integration and even a real rock soundtrack. If there's a drawback to First Touch Soccer, it's that the game suffers from the same issues more traditional console sports games do. The gameplay obviously depends on your love of soccer, and things like the announcer tracks can get repetitive. Also, the teams aren't officially named; there are over 250 teams that are obvious versions of the various soccer clubs around the world, though they're tweaked enough to avoid official licenses. But those are small quibbles in the bigger picture: a full-scale professional soccer title running great on iOS. The game's a bargain right now at US$0.99. When you compare that to the $20 or $30 that you'd normally pay for a full handheld soccer game like this, First Touch Soccer is a no-brainer.
Get City of Heroes Going Rogue: Complete Collection for a special anniversary price [Updated]
If you haven't taken the jump into City of Heroes after seven years, we want you to realize just how much crime has gone down on your watch -- crime that you haven't done a blessed thing to stop. Feel that? It's guilt, and it will eat you alive, my friend. Of course, it's not too late to slip on a comfy pair of spandex and take to the skies (or more likely, the sewers), and NCsoft is willing to meet you halfway. As part of City of Heroes' 7th anniversary celebration, the site is promoting a special GameStop sale of Going Rogue: Complete Collection for just $14.99. Not only is this half off the normal price, but it comes with the works: City of Heroes, City of Villains, Going Rogue and 30 days of game time. The Complete Collection even includes special emotes, costume pieces and powers to give you a boost. In short, it's the perfect package to get into the game, even if you're just looking to upgrade to the expansion. Head on over to GameStop to check it out. [Update: NCsoft is also offering a promotion on several booster packs and earlier editions of the game as well as a half-off sale on character transfer and rename services!]
HP now offering Verizon-branded Palm Pre 2 for zilch on contract
Living within the screwy reality of the subsidized phone world sometimes results in rather comical distortions. Take for example the Palm Pre 2, now tossed into the freebie bin -- along with a whole slew of its best accessories -- at HP's own Wireless Central. Announced just two months ago, HP's storefront would have you believe its slider is worth $699 with no strings attached -- or wait, what? As we do a mental reboot, let's consider the following: this lovable 1GHz QWERTY handset, still $149 through Verizon, is now free for the taking from HP with your two-year commitment to Big Red. We sense many may hesitate before taking the plunge, as the Palm-branded option felt like a stopgap solution even on launch; still, the Touchstone's second mate can toss around webOS with ease, and if you prefer the smaller form factor, this is as good as it gets (for now).
iPhone 3GS falls to free in Canada (now that you're over it)
Canadian citizens suffering from iPhone envy are in for a sweet treat this weekend. Mobile carriers Bell and Telus recently introduced competing promotions, offering the iPhone 3GS 8GB for precisely nothing with a three-year commitment. This presents an enticing opportunity for those willing to saddle up with Apple's last-gen phone for the long (long) haul, but really, is anyone still interested in actually doing so? With Telus, only refurbished models are available, and it appears to be an online exclusive for now. Meanwhile, Bell's promo features new (as in unused) 3GS', and should be available in stores. Nothing like watching a race to the bottom, eh?
OnLive offering free MicroConsole with Homefront game purchase
Considering nabbing a $99 OnLive Game System to connect your TV to the company's game streaming cloud? Here's another thought -- pre-order THQ's Homefront on OnLive instead for $50, and get a voucher for a free MicroConsole (and a free game) in the bargain. That's the deal OnLive announced the other day, which runs through March 14th, though the fine print says supplies are limited, shipping costs extra, and you won't actually receive the hardware until after the deal expires no matter when you pre-order the game. We're not sure what it says for OnLive's ongoing viability that the company finds itself having to give hardware away for less than half its worth, but we won't look a gift horse in the mouth!
T-Mobile G2 free on contract for a limited time, Android buyers have never had it so good
Want one of the best Android handsets around, equipped with a dandy keyboard and some pseudo-4G internet connectivity? Taking the leap into Google's mobile world just became that little bit easier as T-Mobile has decided to strip off the last remaining $50 on its G2 contract price and set it loose for free on two-year deals. This will be a quite familiar sight to our European readers, but premier Android handsets rarely, if ever, occupy such sweet price points in the US. Let's hope it's a harbinger of happy things to come. [Thanks, Dani S] Update: This pricing is only valid between now and January 20th, so if you want in, better do it soon.
Droid Pro dropped to $50 on contract by Best Buy Mobile (update: $20 at Amazon)
If free Android phones on every US carrier weren't enough to entice you into a Best Buy Mobile store this month, maybe a deeply discounted Droid Pro will be. Motorola's Android 2.2 handset, which launched at $179.99 with the usual two-year Verizon tie-in, is now available for purchase for exactly $130 less at Best Buy's mobile outlets -- both the online and brick-and-mortar varieties will let you walk away with one for $49.99 and a 24-month commitment. We don't know where all these crazy deals are coming from, but we ain't complaining. [Thanks, Tony] Update: Amazon.com is undercutting Best Buy with a $19.99 price for those opening new Verizon accounts when buying the Droid Pro.
HTC HD7 greets Black Friday with a Buy One Get One Free offer from T-Mobile
Been feeling blue this holiday season? Finding all the special offer WP7 phones a little too little? Fear not, T-Mobile and Microsoft are ready to give you a pair of HD7s for the price of one next time you drop into one of the Magenta stores asking about Windows Phone 7 devices. You'll need to commit to the usual two-year contract and whatnot, but it's a straight up BOGO on what's probably the most desirable handset sporting Microsoft's new OS on the American market. Then again, even with this discount, you still might be able to find the HD7 cheaper at online retailers, so as per usual on Black Fridays, we'd advise doing your due diligence before letting your dead presidents out for a walk. And please, try not to think of how sweet a day this could have been if Dell's Venue Pro had actually been released on schedule. [Thanks, David]
Office 2011 gets hefty discounts for Black Friday
The official Office for Mac blog just posted a list of places interested buyers can get Office for Mac 2011 at reduced cost throughout the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend. Here are the prices you'll get if you buy during the US Thanksgiving holiday weekend from these retailers (note the special savings from Amazon): Apple Stores (US & Canada): $20 off Home & Student Family Pack for $129 (regularly $149 ERP). Best Buy and MacMall (US): $20 off Home & Student 1-pack for $99 (regularly $119 ERP) and $20 off Home & Student Family Pack for $129 (regularly $149 ERP). Amazon (US): $40 off the Home & Student 1-pack, cost of $79 (regularly $119 ERP) and Home & Student Family Pack for $109 (regularly $149 ERP). OfficeforMac.com (US): $20 off Home & Student Family Pack for $129 (regularly $149 ERP). Office for Mac 2011 was released at the end of last month and has gotten generally favorable reviews, especially for its speed increases. If you're in the market for an Office upgrade, it looks like next weekend is the time to buy.
