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Vudu could be up for sale, if Walmart finds an interested buyer
Just shy of a decade after Wal-mart bought Vudu, The Information reports that the retail giant is "considering" selling its digital video on-demand store. There's no word on how far along in the process any potential deal is, or if will actually happen, but anyone can see that the service made more sense a few years ago, when it was one of the best ways to access DVD digital copies linked to an Ultraviolet locker. That went right along with in-store disc sales, and enabled a business selling digital copies to people who wanted an easier way to watch movies they'd already purchased on discs. Now, Ultraviolet is dead and Disney's Movies Anywhere setup has largely taken over that space. While it also connects to Vudu, it's not exactly what Wal-mart had in mind back in 2010. Increasingly, video watching hours are devoted to subscription streaming services, which are using inflated budgets to swallow up exclusive content. There was a rumored plan to try and do the same thing for Vudu, but that appears to have fallen through, while Apple, Disney, Comcast/NBC and AT&T/Warner/HBO are all preparing to launch new subscription options. In a statement to The Information, a Walmart spokesperson cited the service's 100 million-strong install base, and said "We're constantly having and [are] open to conversations with new and existing partners to explore opportunities for continued growth; however, we never share details of those discussions." Maybe a potential buyer will see benefit in a service that many people already use to get movies and TV shows, with some included free options, a small selection of original content like Mr. Mom, and a history that stretches back to 2007 when it launched on a $400 set-top box.
Walmart tests shelf-scanning robots in 50-plus stores
You may have seen stores deploy shelf-scanning robots before, but they're about to get one of their largest real-world tests to date. Walmart is expanding a shelf-scanning robot trial run to 50 additional stores, including some in its home state of Arkansas. Machines from Bossa Nova Robotics will roam the aisles to check for stock levels, pricing and misplaced items, saving human staffers the hassle of checking everything themselves. There will be technicians on-site just in case, but the bots are fully autonomous. Thanks in part to 3D imaging, they can dodge around obstacles and make notes to return later if their path is completely blocked.
Wal-Mart is interested in acquiring discount retailer Jet.com
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is currently in talks to purchase online retailer Jet.com, if reports are to be believed.
Walmart tests two-day shipping to compete with Amazon Prime (updated)
A key advantage that Amazon has over other online retailers is the free two-day shipping included with a Prime subscription. According to The Wall Street Journal, retail giant Walmart wants in on the e-commerce and quick shipping game as well. The company was already testing the concept with its ShippingPass option that handled three-day shipping for those willing to pay $49 a year. Now, starting Thursday, those members will get two-day delivery for the same price. Of course, that's half of what Amazon's $99 annual Prime subscription costs. Amazon's plan includes other extras, though, like streaming streaming music, video and more.
Walmart counters Amazon's 'Prime Day' with its own sale
Walmart wasn't about to let Amazon have all the fun. Not long after the online retailer announced its Prime Day sale, which is said to offer more deals than Black Friday, Walmart is saying that it will have discounts of its own online. According to USA Today, this month over 2,000 web-exclusive Rollback deals are expected to be available across multiple categories, including baby and home products as well as electronics and toys. In addition to this, Walmart's also going to reduce the free-shipping order minimum from $50 to $35 for "at least" the next 30 days -- and that's starting next Monday. This isn't the first time Walmart has tried to catch up to Amazon, though. Last year, the company started matching Amazon's prices at brick-and-mortar stores, after it became apparent that the business was losing ground to its internet rival.
Batman: Arkham Knight Limited Edition is $63 via Wal Mart
The Batman: Arkham Knight Limited Edition is $62.76 for both Xbox One and PS4 on Wal Mart's site, though it's unclear why or for how long. The Limited Edition normally costs $100 and includes a custom art book, a steelbook case, Batman: Arkham Knight #0 comic, an exclusive character skin pack, and a Batman Memorial statue. This could be a glitch sale, so maybe jump on this hotness while you still can. Batman: Arkham Knight launches for PS4, Xbox One and PC on June 2. [Thanks, Patrick!] [Image: Warner Bros.]
Walmart dropping iPhone 5c to $29, 5s to $99 beginning tomorrow
If you've been holding out for reduced pricing on Apple's latest smartphones, you're in luck. Walmart is planning to make both models a bit more affordable beginning tomorrow, according to a spokesperson. The 16GB iPhone 5c will be available in stores for $29 with a two-year contract (down from $49), while the 16GB iPhone 5s is expected to retail for $99, a 50-dollar savings. The retailer ran a similar promotion earlier this year, but this week's move is permanent and should take effect beginning at 9 tomorrow morning (local time), available only in stores. We don't have specifics for the 32GB versions, but pricing will be reduced for both of those models as well.
Save $120 on an Xbox One, Kinect, Forza 5, a game you pick
Wal Mart is offering $119 of savings on an Xbox One bundle: You can grab the console (with Kinect), a digital copy of Forza 5, and a choice of whatever game you want for $500. There are 18 Xbox One games to choose from for the free option, including Titanfall, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Battlefield 4, Assassin's Creed: Black Flag, NBA 2K14, Thief and Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes. The Xbox One console with Kinect sells for $500 normally, or for the same price in a bundle with Titanfall. Wal Mart also has an "Ultimate 3 Game Value Bundle" for $550, and that includes the console, Kinect, Forza 5, NBA Live 14 and Fighter Within. That one advertises savings of $160. Microsoft plans to sell Xbox One consoles without Kinect for $400 starting on June 9. [Image: Wal Mart]
Walmart dips into trade-in market this month, selling used games in summer
The used game market just grew immensely, as Walmart announced plans today to begin taking video game trade-ins across the United States, putting itself in direct competition with GameStop. Starting March 26, those trading their games in at more than 3,100 Walmart stores will receive a gift card usable at any Walmart or Sam's Club location in exchange. All exchanged products are then "sent to be refurbished and made available for purchase in like-new condition starting this summer." The retailer will accept online trade-ins for all games, but will only allow in-store exchanges for hardware. Walmart provided an exchange rate calculator on its website to give customers an idea of trade-in values. As for functional hardware, when including all the accompanying cables and one controller, the Xbox One has a current trade-in value of $390, the PS4 is $375, the Wii U Deluxe is $120, a 3G-enabled Vita is $95 and 3DS XL is $105. Working copies of Grand Theft Auto 5 currently exchange at $27.72, Dead Rising 3 is $38, the PS4 version of NBA 2K14 is $35.42 and Super Mario 3D World is $38. [Image: Walmart]
The TUAW Daily Update Podcast for March 7, 2014
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get some the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the player at the top of the page. The Daily Update has been moved to a new podcast host in the past few days. Current listeners should delete the old podcast subscription and subscribe to the new feed in the iTunes Store here.
Ouya retail presence expands to all Target locations
The Ouya's brick and mortar retail presence will grow to include 1,800 Target locations, Ouya founder Julie Uhrman told Polygon. While the Ouya has existed within Target stores for some time, its availability has been limited to select locations, rather than every location, as will be the case now. The Android microconsole's retail packaging has been spruced up to take advantage of its new-found exposure, Uhrman said. Target will push the device in its winter circular, through video adverts in its electronics departments and with special displays starting in December, though the Ouya's expanded availability goes into effect this month. Demo units are planned for early next year – Uhrman called production of the kiosks "incredibly expensive," a fact compounded by the necessity to design a wired controller for the system. In related news, Ouya is also in the process of negotiating availability at Wal-mart. "I would expect something, us to announce something with them soon," Uhrman said.
Sony: Try the PS4 at newly installed demo kiosks
Sony's got good news for those of you hoping to test out the PlayStation 4 prior to its launch: By visiting select retailers, players can try the PS4 right this very minute. According to Sony, these demo kiosks will be gradually rolled out over the coming weeks, leading up to the PS4 launch. Sony Stores, GameStop, Target, Wal-Mart and Best Buy are most likely to receive kiosks first, though Sony claims that other retailers will also be participating. This means nothing to you if there's not a participating store in your area, but helpfully Sony has also issued a list of which stores now feature PS4 kiosks. If you visit Experience PlayStation and enter your zip code, you'll be presented with a map of all stores carrying PS4 demo stations within your area. The system seems to be a bit glitchy at the moment - according to Experience PlayStation, the PS4 kiosk nearest my apartment is supposedly inside "The Wood Doctor," a hardware store specializing in kitchen remodeling - but Sony has assured us that this is a temporary problem.
Walmart joins the smartphone trade-in fad with its own program in the US
Nowadays, it seems like everyone has a plan to help you part ways with a smartphone in return for some sort of store credit or, in a few cases, cash. Apple's doing it. GameStop's doing it. Amazon's doing it. You get the point. Starting on September 21st in the US, we'll be adding giant retailer Walmart to the list of companies currently offering a way to trade-in smartphones. The newfound program, powered by CExchange, is slated to be open in over 3,600 stores across the country (including Sam's Club locations); Walmart says its program will offer customers instant credit which can then be applied towards a shiny new handset. Obviously, the value will depend on the device's overall condition, so don't expect to get too much for that shattered iPhone you've been rocking the past few months.
Wal-Mart opening up pre-orders for Xbox One and PS4 on August 24
Starting August 24, Wal-Mart stores across the US will open up pre-orders again for PS4 and Xbox One consoles. Folks that show up to reserve a console will need to put a 10 percent down payment on their system of choice: $40 for PS4 and $50 for Xbox One. Wal-Mart will hold all pre-ordered consoles until December 13, giving customers more time to pay for their systems, even after their respective release dates pass. In the PS4's case, that launch date is November 15 as Sony announced during its Gamescom press conference today.
Apple soars into Fortune 500's top 10
Despite the media's best attempts to make it appear that Apple is in dire financial straits, Fortune today reported that the company has made it into the top 10 of the Fortune 500 list. Apple arrives in the top 10 in the number six spot, replacing HP (now No. 15) as the leading tech company. Here's the amazing thing -- just last year, Apple was listed as No. 17 in the Fortune 500. Two years ago Apple was a distant No. 35, the spot now occupied by Microsoft. The ranking of the Fortune 500 is based on revenues, with Wal-Mart Stores at the top of the list with 2012 revenues of US$469.2 billion. Three US oil companies -- Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Phillips 66 -- made up the second through fourth positions respectively on the list, with Warren Buffett's investment firm Berkshire Hathaway just ahead of Apple in the No. 5 spot. Apple's revenues for 2012 were $156.5 billion with profits of $41.7 billion. That profit figure was exceeded only by Exxon Mobil, which, as of today, has a market capitalization of "only" $406 billion compared to Apple's $433 billion.
Vudu brings disc-to-digital UltraViolet conversions home to beta users
As promised, Vudu has taken the trip to Wally World out of the process used to watch your discs via UltraViolet streaming apps and sites -- the legit way. Just like the in-store process, DVDs or Blu-rays can be leveraged to buy digital versions of the movie anywhere UltraViolet movies are available. Going from a DVD to an standard definition copy will run you $2, while upgrading to HD is $5 -- Blu-ray to HD is also $2 -- which is the exact same pricing as the in-store offering. Those who want to convert a few titles, and are lucky enough to get invited to the beta, can download the Windows-only application to a computer that has the required optical disc drive. Mac support is promised soon, but with the limited number of Macs with Blu-ray drives, we'd suspect that version will only work with DVDs.
Dance Central 3 has Got It (The Right Stuff)
You've been waiting for your excuse to dance to New Kids on the Block's hit "The Right Stuff," haven't you? Now the soothing voices of Jordan, Donny, Wally, Tim-Tim, and the other one will be in Dance Central 3, with better choreography than you ever came up with.Other new bubblegum tracks in Dance Central 3 include Black Eyed Peas' "Boom Boom Pow," Flo Rida's "Wild Ones," and Katy Perry's "Firework." Oh, don't worry, Justin Bieber's "Boyfriend" is there too. The full list of new tracks is after the break.In addition, Harmonix revealed three sets of retailer-exclusive bonus tracks. In the US, Best Buy pre-orders get Usher's "Euphoria" and "Twisted by Usher and Pharrell; Wal-Mart burdens you with LMFAO's "Sorry for Part Rocking" along with Nicki Minaj's "Whip It," and Amazon gives you a Lady Gaga two-pack with "Alejandro" and "Paparazzi."
Wii U selling out fast online, here's where you can still get it (for now)
Nintendo's Wii U is off to a holiday-sales head-start, with pre-orders of the Deluxe and Basic bundles selling out at many online retailers. The Deluxe bundle includes a black, 32GB Wii U for $350, while the Basic system has a white, 8GB Wii U for $300.Below we have a list of stores where both versions of the Wii U are sold out and where they are still available. Though for how long they remain available, we can't predict.Best Buy, Toys R Us, and Target are sold out of both versions online. Sears and Kmart, which belong to the same parent company, are both sold out of the Deluxe version and don't appear to offer the Basic.GameStop is sold out of the 32GB, black Deluxe bundle, but the 8GB, white Basic bundle is still available for pre-order.Wal Mart is holding strong with both versions (Deluxe and Basic) still available on their own or as part of the Wal Mart Solution Bundle, which adds a Wii Remote Plus and a choice of a Wii U game to either system. The Solution Bundle is $400 for the Basic set or $450 for the Deluxe.
Walmart testing 'Scan & Go' iPhone self-checkout app, cashiers becoming endangered species
Reuters was tipped off to a survey that reveals Walmart, the world's largest retailer, is testing a new system that would allow customers to scan items with their iPhone then quickly pay at a self-checkout counter. The "Scan & Go" feature won't let you pay with your phone, at least not yet, but rather than scanning each item individually in line, shoppers will be able to quickly transfer their list to the kiosk and pay in one quick step. The hope is that the new system will dramatically speed checkout times and reduce congestion in the stores. The trial is taking place at the supercenter Rogers, AR, where the entire event will be monitored and recorded for research purposes. Participants are being rewarded with $100 and a $25 gift certificate towards their shopping experience. When or if "Scan & Go" will be delivered to John Q. Public remains to be seen. But we're sure fans of rolled back prices are eager to see it go live.
ZTE-made Concord arrives at T-Mobile and Walmart, caters to the starter crowd at $100 contract-free
T-Mobile wants to offer as much of a lure to smartphone newcomers as to power users who might spring for its truly unlimited data, and the ZTE Concord might just be the right kind of bait. The truly 2010-vintage Android 2.3, 3.5-inch screen and 2-megapixel camera won't get anyone's pulse racing, but a $100 contract-free price is hard to ignore -- even for the sort who'd otherwise be looking for a just-does-calls flip phone. Accordingly, the carrier plans to put the Concord in front of audiences that would rarely care to set foot in a dedicated cellphone store. Walmart is selling the phone today for those comfortable with a Walmart Family Mobile plan. If you'd rather show fealty to T-Mobile itself, you'll have to swing through a Target store on or after August 26th.
