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Learning circuits and programming with the Geek Squad
If you're ever made a gadget purchase at Best Buy, you've likely heard of the Geek Squad: the retailer's in-house fleet of tech support and repair specialists. Well, helping with your hard drive issues isn't all they do. Here at Expand NY, the crew is showing off some of the tools used at Geek Squad Academy events where kids can learn about technology -- from circuits to programming and more. Being the type to roll up our sleeves, we headed over to take a look. Jump down after the break to take a look at the banana-powered piano and video game controlled with a pair of watermelons.
ASUS' ZenWatch comes to the US on November 9th for $199
If you've been jonesing for a square Android Wear smartwatch that's slightly more stylish than what's currently on offer, your wait is just about over. ASUS has announced that the ZenWatch will reach the US on November 9th, when it'll sell through Best Buy for $199; it'll also be available through Google Play at a later date. That's a pretty alluring price for wristwear that's not only fairly sleek looking, but goes above and beyond Android Wear's usual features, such as double-tapping the screen to launch a pre-assigned task. While a lot of what's under the hood will be familiar if you've tried earlier Google-powered wearables, ASUS' stand-out design could make it worth a closer look.
Engadget Expand is all about you. And us. But really, you.
Engadget Expand is our annual event that's all about you -- our fans. It's not your typical tech conference that's priced for people fortunate to have an expense account. We make the event completely FREE thanks to our generous sponsors, giving you the chance to experience the future -- right now. And while you're at it, you get to meet your favorite Engadget editors. When you join us at the Javits Center North in New York City next week on November 7-8, you'll be set loose on our show floor. You can check out some of our exhibitors and get your hands on gadgets that people can't buy yet (or in some cases, build your own in our workshops), head to our Expand stage and hear from some smart and inspiring people and so much more.
What's up with Engadget Expand?
We're just two weeks away from our free Engadget Expand event, taking place at New York City's Javits Center on November 7th and 8th and there's still so much to tell you about. If you can't join us in person, don't worry -- we'll keep you updated throughout the weekend with dispatches from the show floor and our livestream here on Engadget.
Samsung Gear VR demo units start showing up in Best Buy
Samsung still hasn't announced Gear VR's pricing and release date, but at least a couple of people have already seen demo headsets in certain LA Best Buy stores. Redditor hackertripz and Matthew Terndrup from Yourift have recently spotted demo units out in the open -- the bad news is, nobody can use it yet. Both of them reported that the headsets on display don't contain Galaxy Note 4s, which slot into the eyepieces to act as the devices' screens. Also, a Samsung rep told them that when the stores start letting people take the units for a spin, testers will be asked to sign release forms (likely absolving the company from any liability in case of an accident) and to sit down while using the headset. Is this Sammy's way of assuring us that we won't have to wait years before the virtual reality device hits shelves? Perhaps, but for now, you can read Ben Gilbert's hands-on and live vicariously through him.
TiVo's first box just for cord cutters is the Roamio OTA DVR
For the past eight years, a CableCARD and a TiVo DVR have gone hand in hand. No more! Within the next few weeks, the limited edition TiVo Roamio OTA DVR will be available from select Best Buy stores for an initial price of $49 (plus $15/month service with a one-year commitment). That's $150 cheaper than the existing base model TiVo Roamio, and still boasts the four tuners, 500GB of storage, integrated WiFi and the same software and accessories (TiVo Stream and TiVo Mini). The main missing feature, for a fourth of the price, are a CableCARD slot. This means you'll need an antenna and (ideally) to live somewhere with decent over-the-air reception. It's an especially interesting offering for those looking to cut the cable/satellite cord, while keeping access to new shows from the big networks. TiVo might not be kidding about this being a limited edition either: The company is clear in pledging its allegiance to its cable TV customers while at the same time attempting to appeal to those not interested in paying more than 20 bucks for a monthly TV subscription. So, depending on the reception from customers and partners, we could see TiVo axing the Roamio OTA if things don't work out.
Motorola's Moto 360 smartwatch pops up at Best Buy two weeks early
You don't have to wait until Motorola's September 4th event to get more details regarding the Moto 360 smartwatch, it seems -- Best Buy appears to have the scoop over two weeks early. The big-box retailer has posted a product listing for the timepiece that appears to reveal many (though not all) of the specifications. Reportedly, the device's signature not-quite-circular display is a 1.5-inch, 320 x 290 LCD. You'll also find a heart rate sensor and a pedometer, so the 360 may be a good fit if you're an amateur athlete.
LG's $3,500 OLED TV is the first one you might be able to afford
Now that plasma TVs are really on their way out, it's the perfect time for a true alternative to LCD, and LG is ready with its cheapest OLED TV yet. The 55EC9300 is the third generation of curved 1080p OLED TVs to roll out and with a price tag of $3,500, the price has dropped 75 percent since the first one debuted a year ago for $15,000. It's still pricey for its size, but you won't have to choose between tuition and a TV this time around. Inside is the webOS Smart TV platform we loved at CES, and of course, the new display technology that is supposed to bring better colors and deeper blacks than have ever been possible before.
Sony, Samsung will square off with competing 4K-focused Best Buy store-in-store units
If you've been in a Best Buy recently you've certainly noticed a shift in approach from the big box shop of old to what's become a store filled with other stores. Depending on the layout, there's the Apple section, the Microsoft wing, the Samsung nook and most recently a Google endcap, all of which are about to be joined by Sony. Sony's getting back into retail in a big way after announcing plans to close two thirds of its remaining US stores just a few months ago, with "Sony Experience at Best Buy." They're starting with a relatively small rollout at around 350 locations (Samsung launched with 900 or so, Microsoft with 600) in the middle of this month, and like the other arrangements, will cluster Sony's latest products with staff specifically trained on how they work.
HP Chromebook 11 with Verizon LTE now available at Best Buy for $379 (update: contract pricing)
HP's Chromebook 11 is one of the better Chrome OS devices on the market, power adapter woes notwithstanding, but it hasn't had a cellular version to please those who want always-on data. That won't be a problem after today, as Best Buy has quietly started selling a model with Verizon LTE. The 4G link boosts the ARM-powered laptop's price to $379 without otherwise changing the specs; if you attach it to a shared Verizon data plan, you'll also get a $50 rebate. The new computer probably won't change your mind if you didn't like the Chromebook 11 in the first place. Still, it's one of the cheapest LTE laptops on the market -- that's no doubt appealing to at least a few budget-conscious road warriors. Update: Best Buy tells us that you can get the Chromebook 11 for $279 if you sign a two-year contract with Verizon.
Moto G for Verizon now on sale at Best Buy for $100 contract-free (update: Verizon launch details)
When Motorola said that a CDMA version of the Moto G would reach the US in January, it was being overly cautious. Best Buy has confirmed that it's already selling the Verizon edition of the budget smartphone in its retail stores; as soon as a store has inventory, you can pick one up. And it's cheap, too. At $100 off-contract, Verizon's Moto G is less expensive than both its GSM equivalent and many slower, smaller devices. You won't get to pick up the handset until after New Year's Day, but we have a hunch that it will be worth the wait. Update: If you're not willing to make a pilgrimage to Best Buy, Verizon will begin selling the Moto G through its online store on January 9th at the same contract-free $100 price. Retail stores should get their units in the "coming weeks."
The best cellphone deals of the week: 12.29.13
With Engadget's new tools, you can track price drops on thousands of devices every day, and once a week we feature some of the best deals right here. But act fast! Many of these are limited-time offers, and won't last long. The holiday shopping rush may be winding down, but there's still some great deals for the taking. Best Buy is currently offering stellar pricing on both the iPhone 5c and the HTC One -- so long as you're willing to opt for a two-year contract. Be sure to visit our product database to monitor prices on these gadgets and more as they move around. Join us and add the gadgets you're shopping for to your "Want" list; every time there's a price cut, you'll get an email alert!
LG G Pad 8.3 available now for $350
Two days after offering up some UK sale info (and roughly a month after making its pocket debut in Berlin), LG's 8.3-inch tablet is getting official for the US. You can pick the G Pad 8.3 online now through Best Buy's site -- and, should you actually want to see that 1920 x 1200 display before dropping $350 on the thing, it will be arriving in Best Buy stores on November 3rd. More info -- including a quick spec refresher -- can be had in the press release after the break.
Best Buy offering $50 gift cards with iPhone 5c purchase
Best Buy has announced on its website that it is giving a $50 gift card to anyone who purchases an iPhone 5c with a two-year contract. The offer is good between now and close of business on Monday, October 7th and available only in-store or with in-store pickup. Both the 16 GB and 32 GB models in any color are valid for the $50 gift card offer. It's also important to note that the $50 gift card can not be used to pay for part of the iPhone, and is only valid towards future purchases. It's rare to see significant promos like this so early in an iPhone's release cycle, so if you're in the market for a 5c, now's the time to snap it up from Best Buy.
Blue HTC One to arrive as Best Buy exclusive on September 15th
Don't feel blue if you've missed one of the first HTC One units in, well, blue when they started trickling out -- it's officially launching as a Best Buy exclusive on September 15th. What's more, the oceanic phone will be available on Sprint, AT&T and Verizon. On-contract pricing details have yet to be revealed by the carriers, but its full retail price was pegged at $700 when it first showed up on our radar. We guess those who prefer cool blue to glamour red will find out soon enough when the phones pop up at the retailer's stores, its mobile shops and website.
Verizon's blue HTC One trickling out to Best Buy stores starting today
See that? It's an HTC One, programmed for use on Verizon's airwaves, and it's blue. Moreover, it's at Best Buy, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to pick one up yourself as early as tonight. If you'll recall, we had heard that Sprint was aiming to ship the aforesaid device on September 10th, but according to our tipster, these are hitting backrooms as we speak. Full retail is pegged at $699.99, but you can bet that a variety of contractual options will be available, too. Update: Another stellar tipster has provided us with a photo of the phone's front, which you'll find after the break. Additionally, we're told that the back of the blue HTC One is one full piece of metal, with painted accent stripes. Maybe you'll head to a Verizon store this weekend and check it out for yourself. [Thanks, Anonymous]
iPhone 5's are 50% off with iPhone 4/4S trade-in at Best Buy this weekend
Starting today and running through September 2, US big-box store Best Buy is offering 50 percent off an iPhone 5 when you trade in your old iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S. In order to qualify for the trade-in program, which was first noticed by AppleInsider, customers' iPhone 4's and 4S's need to be able to be powered on and free from water damage. By trading in their old working iPhones, customers can choose the 16 GB or 32 GB model of the iPhone 5, but they also need to sign up for a two-year contract. The deal is also contingent upon the customer being eligible for an upgrade. The Best Buy trade-in starts on the day Apple's iPhone "Reuse and Recycle" in-store trade-in program is supposed to begin in select Apple stores. Trade-in programs have many benefits for retailers as it gets customers buying the latest models and also gives those retailers used iPhones, which can then be shipped overseas and sold for higher prices in emerging markets, while still being at a lower cost point than what that latest iPhone 5 would cost. The trade-in program also doesn't hurt to help move existing iPhone 5 stock ahead of what is likely the release of a new model in just a few weeks' time.
Time Warner Cable handing out free TV antennas and store credit during CBS blackout
Time Warner Cable may not be in a rush to end the CBS blackout, but it's not leaving subscribers out in the cold. The TV provider is now giving away a "limited quantity" of basic TV antennas in the Dallas, Green Bay, Los Angeles, Milwaukee and New York City regions. For those who don't snag a free antenna, the company is also offering $20 in credit toward buying a unit at certain Best Buy stores in those same cities. These sorts of stopgap measures aren't new, but they may provide some comfort to TWC viewers who aren't likely to watch CBS channels through cable anytime soon. [Image credit: Adrian Clark, Flickr]
Verizon Moto X pegged for August 29th release in leaked Best Buy inventory
The Moto X: a phone that is truly greater than the sum of its parts (at least according to us). The missing ingredient so far? A release date. Well, according to the most recent leak, the day of days will be August 29th... at least for Verizon customers. A Best Buy inventory screen sent in to Android Central indicates that Motorola's customizable flagship will hit stock rooms on the 15th and officially go on sale the 29th. That's a slight change from last week, when a screenshot from the same big box retailer pegged the release date as August 23rd. That's a little over a week after the new slate of Droid devices land, giving them a slight head start on capturing the hearts and minds of moto fans. Of course, if you're really keen designing your own Moto X, you'll have to wait a bit longer. There's still no word on when Big Red's version will be available through Moto Maker. Update: Seems like the Droid Ultra, Maxx and Mini may not be shipping until August 27th now. What's not clear just yet is if the change in shipping date is because of a delay or a sell out of initial inventory. We've reached out to Verizon for clarification. Update 2: We heard back from a Verizon rep, who had this to say about the rumored delays: "The 20th is still happening, you'll still find the Ultra and Maxx in stores on that day. Those who pre-ordered prior the date changing, will have their device shipped by the original date. And, for customers pre-ordering now, the date on the website is when the phones will ship."
Best Buy giving away free Apple TV with purchase of Retina MacBook Pro
In a promotion that began yesterday and will run through Saturday, Best Buy is offering a free Apple TV to folks who snatch up a MacBook Pro with a Retina display. The qualifying machines include a 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display which sells for US$1,999. That particular model comes with 8 GB of memory and 256 GB of flash storage. Meanwhile, the other qualifying machine is a higher-end 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display. This machine retails for $2,599 and features 16 GB of memory and 512 GB of flash storage. Note that the pricing on the aforementioned models is $200 cheaper than what you'll find on Apple's website. Toss in a free Apple TV and it's looking like a pretty good deal all around.
