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New Nexus 7 to arrive today at Best Buy, ahead of schedule (update: confirmed)
A tipster has told us that the latest Nexus 7 from Asus and Google will hit Best Buy stores today, and a pre-order we placed earlier for the device seems to confirm that. We put our money down for one when the order page first went up, and while the confirmation originally said it would arrive on the original July 30th launch date, it's now telling us that we can expect our tablet later today. That jibes with info we were given by a source claiming to be the manager of a Best Buy store. He said that while pre-orders started yesterday, "there were few (of them) in my region," meaning that "if you are present at a (Best Buy) location today at opening, you have a good chance of buying the tablet." He added that some stores don't have stock yet due to agreements with Google, but pre-orders are still possible at those locations. Until we receive confirmation, however, you may not want to make a long journey to one of the outlets. Meanwhile, we've reached out to both Google and Best Buy. Update: Best Buy has touched base, telling us "we can confirm that the Nexus is available at all Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores and BestBuy.com now." [Thanks, Anonymous]
Kaleidescape revamps Cinema One movie player with easier setup in mind
Kaleidescape's Cinema One player has been many things to movie buffs, but "accessible" isn't one of them -- limited distribution and an emphasis on custom installs has kept it out of reach. The company is widening that scope with a redesigned Cinema One that's almost as easy to install as an off-the-shelf Blu-ray player. It's a tad more advanced than that, of course. The Cinema One integrates with most home automation systems, and it stores up to 100 Blu-ray quality movies (including Kaleidescape Store downloads). Viewers who need more storage can attach a second player or the older DV700 Disc Vault. The revamped Cinema One is still expensive at $3,995, but it's at least easier to buy than its predecessor -- Kaleidescape is selling the new media server as a walk-in purchase at Magnolia and other retail stores.
New Nexus 7 'Razor' prices, specs, benchmarks revealed (update: Best Buy pre-order page still up)
It seems like new Nexus 7s are everywhere, so we're not surprised one of the tablets floating around has finally been subjected to a quick round of benchmarking. Android Police has dug deep into the specs, confirming this slate -- device codenamed "Razor" -- has internals nearly identical to the Nexus 4, with a Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU running at 1.5GHz and 2GB of RAM behind its 1920x1200 7-inch screen. Running the 3DMark and AnTuTu benchmarks revealed scores slightly higher than the Nexus 4, but we'll probably have to wait just a little longer to find out exactly what its Android 4.3 OS is bringing to the table. Update: Droid-Life points out that Best Buy has kicked off pre-orders early for the 16GB and 32GB variants. The pricing ($229 and $269, respectively), release date (July 30th) and specs are all well-known by now, but if you're willing to be the next person to buy one, you can get in line at the link below. Update deux: Best Buy has pulled the pre-order pages. Sadface. [Thanks, Charlie] Correction: OK, so the pre-order pages haven't been taken down, as such. You will no longer find them by searching Best Buy's site, but the direct URLs are still live and they confirm the key specs (see the source links).
Best Buy again offering $200+ for iPad trade-ins
Earlier this month, Best Buy offered iPad owners US$200 towards the purchase of a new iPad with Retina display if owners traded in their old iPad 2's or third-generation iPads. That program will resume today and run until August 3, according to 9to5Mac. To be eligible, owners of iPad 2's or third-generation iPads must have the device and it must be free of water damage or cracked screens. Owners will get a minimum of a $200 Best Buy gift card for their old device to put towards the purchase of a fourth-generation iPad. Best Buy will officially announce the program today on BestBuy.com, via emails sent to customers, and through social media.
Best Buy begins huge sale on Mac laptops and iMacs
If you're in the market for a new Mac, you'll be happy to hear Best Buy has just slashed prices on all iMacs, MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, and MacBook Pros with Retina display. Prices are anywhere from US$50 off to $155 depending on what unit you buy. Additionally, if you're a student who registers with your school ".edu" email address on Best Buy's Student Deals site you'll get another $100 off the sale price of the above iMacs and Mac laptops, which brings the discount to anything from $150 to $255. Act fast though, as the sale only runs from today until July 27th. [Via AllThingsD]
HP Split x2 Windows 8 hybrid now available on Best Buy for $750
Perhaps the "x2" in Split x2's name indicates that HP worked double-time to bring the device to market before its August release date. A follow up to the Envy x2, the device is a 13-inch Windows 8 hybrid with a 1,366 x 768 detachable screen that houses a 128GB SSD. The other specs are identical to the one we previewed, but you can only get the Intel Core i3 version right now -- no word on when the i5 flavor will follow. You can check out the entry-level Slate x2 at Best Buy (currently the only place you can buy one) where it's available for $750. For those who prefer Android-powered hybrids, however, you will just have to wait until that Slatebook x2 hits the market. [Thanks, Kyle]
Engadget Giveaway: win a 'Connect to Cell' phone system and $100 Best Buy gift card, courtesy of AT&T!
It's easy to forget that AT&T provides more than just smartphones and tablets -- it has a rather robust wireline segment as well. The "Connect to Cell" products you see above are designed to bridge the two services together, using Bluetooth to hook your smartphone (or featurephone) to your home phone system. It also works perfectly fine for those of us who don't have any landline service at our house, so it can come in handy for anybody. As part of this particular giveaway, which is sponsored by AT&T, we've got Connect to Cell phones and $100 Best Buy gift cards for ten lucky winners. If you want to be one of the ten -- and let's face it, you wouldn't be reading this if you didn't -- go to the widget below to enter. Good luck!
Best Buy offering $200 gift cards for older generation iPads
All Things D is reporting that Best Buy this weekend will be offering an iPad trade-in program whereby consumers can get a $200 gift card in exchange for bringing in either an iPad 2 or third-generation iPad. While the trade-in must take place at an actual brick-and-mortar location, the resulting gift card can be used either in-store or redeemed via Best Buy's website. Note that the trade-in program excludes the original iPad and the iPad mini. In some cases, the amount may be more than $200, depending on the model and condition of the iPad. ... Best Buy said it decided to launch this promotion based on the success of its iPhone trade-in event last month. Though Best Buy wouldn't disclose how many people participated in the program, the company said there was an "overwhelming response" and that its initial June 1 event was the single biggest day for its trade-in business. The trade-in program starts on Friday and runs through Saturday, so if you have an old iPad lying around, Best Buy is the place to be. Update: The Best Buy website has been updated with details of the trade-in program. Be aware that not every Best Buy location is participating in the program, but users can hop onto the Best Buy site and find nearby locations that are. As for what Best Buy will do with the old iPads? The company plans to recycle them.
Pebble seals exclusive retail deal, lands at Best Buy July 7th for $150 (update: white Pebbles shipping)
Yes, last night's rumors were true. Pebble just announced that it's sealed an exclusive retail deal to sell its iconic smartwatch at Best Buy locations nationwide. The wearable device is available online right now (source link below) and will land in stores starting July 7th for $150. Color choices include Jet Black today followed by Cherry Red in August. Pebble will continue taking pre-orders for the other colors (orange, grey and white) directly on its own website. The partnership with Best Buy also brings new retail packaging (above) to store shelves. We've sure come a long way since Pebble launched its Kickstarter campaign -- one of the most successful ever -- back in April 2012. Check out the promo video and full PR after the break. Update: For folks who ordered a white Pebble straight from the source, good news: the alabaster models are now shipping!
Best Buy may be Pebble's first brick-and-mortar retailer, leaked image suggests
According to information obtained by 9To5Mac, Best Buy may begin selling the Pebble smartwatch as early as this Sunday. The outlet's sources claim management briefed them that their stores would start selling the watches, and one supplied the above image. This picture of Best Buy's internal inventory system clearly shows an in stock date of July 7th, or, this Sunday, when the firm's weekly circular goes out and its new sales start. If this news is correct, it would mark Best Buy as the first -- and at this time, only -- brick-and-mortar retailer of the "appcessory." Also gleaned from the submitted photo is news that the smartwatch won't be eligible for home delivery, but we can't imagine not being able to order online and then pick-up in-store. We've contacted Best Buy for more info and will update if we hear back.
Best Buy bringing back 'free iPhone 5' with 4/4S trade-in
Earlier this month we reported that Best Buy was running a iPhone 5 sale where you could get a "free" iPhone 5 with a trade in a iPhone 4 or 4S. That was made possible by Best Buy's current US$50 discount on the iPhone 5, good through June 29, and a special $150 trade-in credit on the 4 and 4S for this deal. The first sale went like gangbusters, leading to Best Buy's best trade-in day in the program's four-year history. So you know what that means -- the sale returns. The sale starts again tomorrow, and will run until July 29th. As before, there are a few fine-print details you should be aware of. First, T-Mobile fans are out of luck. This deal only covers Verizon, AT&T and Sprint iPhone users. And since this is a trade-in program, if your 4 or 4S looks like it's been through a war, you're not going to get the full $150 trade-in credit.
Replacement MacBook batteries recalled due to fire hazard
US big-box store Best Buy has issued a recall for third-party MacBook batteries due to the chance that they may catch on fire. The recall affects 5,100 third-party MacBook batteries sold by the company between September 2008 and June 2012. The batteries were manufactured by a company called ATG and were designed for both the black and the white model MacBooks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Description This recall involves both black and white ATG lithium-ion replacement batteries for MacBook Pro notebook computers. Model number "MC-MBOOK13B" is on the label of the black battery and model number "MC-BOOK13W" is on the label of the white battery. The ATG logo is on both batteries. Incidents/Injuries The firm has received 13 reports that the battery caught fire, including one report of a serious burn to a consumer's leg. Remedy Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled battery, remove it from the computer and contact Best Buy for a replacement Apple brand battery or a $50 Best Buy gift card as a full refund. Best Buy is contacting its customers directly. Sold at Bestbuy.com and Partstore.com, or shipped to customers through the Geek Squad Protection fulfillment at Best Buy from September 2008 through June 2012 for about $50. Readers should note that the Consumer Product Safety Commission states that these batteries were for the MacBook Pro, but that is incorrect. These batteries were specifically built for Apple's MacBooks. Consumers with any questions about this recall can contact Best Buy at (888) 737-6954 from 7 AM to 9 PM CT daily or by emailing bestbuypartexchange@decisionone.com.
Microsoft and Best Buy partner to create 'store-within-a-store' (video)
While Microsoft has long had its own retail chain, the success of those string of retail outlets has been occasionally debated -- just like the dancing moves of its employees. Still, the company has continually pledged to continue their roll-out and, today, that effort got a major boost. Microsoft and Best Buy are partnering to launch over 600 instances of a "store-within-a-store," 1,500 to 2,200 square-foot installations within BBY's big boxes that will host Microsoft specialists to "create a superior customer experience at scale." The first stores open today in some markets, with the rest opening by September. This includes 500 through the US and a further 105 in Canada (some in Best Buy, some in Future Shop). Can the Geek Squad cadets buck up and handle these new responsibilities? Stay tuned to find out.
PS4 now available for pre-order on Amazon at $399 (update: more retailers)
Microsoft may have been the E3 matinée, but Sony's late-night showing was quite impressive -- offering a gaming device that's $100 less, with plenty of other notable features to help it stand out of the next-gen crowd. And if you were waiting around until after the PlayStation press conference tonight before deciding which console to grab, it's finally time to settle on your top choice (if you plan to go with only one, that is). Now that the PS4 has been priced at $399 and a general timeframe of availability has been set for this holiday season, it's now time to head to online retailers to pre-order a unit of your very own. So far we've seen the page pop up on Amazon, though we imagine it will only be a matter of time before several other retailers follow suit. If you know without a doubt that this is the next-gen gaming console for you, you know what to do below. Update: Well, would you look at that. Like clockwork, GameStop and Best Buy have jumped into the PS4 pre-order fray too. Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.
Tomorrow only: Best Buy iPhone trade-in extravaganza
Sure, you love your iPhone 4 or 4S. It's probably served you well. But in the back of your mind you keep feeling that itch. The iPhone 5 is out there, if only you had the money to buy it. Well you may be in luck, iPhone dreamer. Tomorrow, Saturday June 1, Best Buy is offering a US$150 trade-in credit for any functional iPhone 4 or 4S. Couple that with the retailer's recent $50 price cut for the iPhone 5 and you can walk away with a brand new 5 for free, except for any sales taxes, of course. There are a few stipulations: you must be eligible for a phone upgrade and sign a two-year contract for the phone to get the offer. However you're able to select the carrier of your choice. This deal will not be available online, but if you've been dreaming of an iPhone 5 and don't have an extra $150-$200 in your pocket it's probably worth making a trip down to your local store. If you miss out this weekend be aware the $50 discount on the iPhone 5 is only good through June 29.
Best Buy to begin month-long iPhone sale on Sunday
AllThingsD is reporting that Best Buy plans to begin a monthlong iPhone sale on Sunday. iPhone prices will drop by US$50 when bought in conjunction with a two-year contract from AT&T, Sprint or Verizon. All current models of the iPhone -- iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 -- are included. This coming Monday in the United States is Memorial Day, and the weekend prior is a big shoppers' weekend. Best Buy is also offering discounts on several popular Android handsets, but those discounts are expected to expire on June 1. There's no word on why Best Buy's iPhone sale will carry on for an entire month, but it could be that the company is trying to move inventory before any potential iPhone announcements this summer.
Acer C7 Chromebook getting 16GB SSD option, keeping $199 price tag
Acer's C7 Chromebook is the cheapest way to get in on Google's cloud-OS party. But, it still ships a 320GB 5,400RPM drive. Truth be told, such a large amount of local storage is counter to the whole idea of Chrome OS -- not to mention that the slow spin introduces a certain amount of unwelcome lag. Thankfully the bargain-basement $199 laptop is about to get an SSD makeover, according to a listing at Best Buy. The official specs at the Google Play store still list the standard hard drive, but the big box shop has a model featuring 16GB of solid state storage. The updated C7 keeps the same affordable price point, though we have no idea when it might start shipping. Best Buy lists the Chromebook simply as "coming soon," with no estimated delivery date. From what we can see there are no other changes to the machine, so if you weren't a fan of the cheap construction before, don't expect that to change. [Thanks, Cody]
Nintendo partners with Best Buy so you can play unreleased Wii U games in store during E3 (update)
There's nothing more frustrating than watching a product or service get announced, then having to wait an age to try it out. Nintendo hears that, and has announced via Nintendo Direct, that during E3 week, Best Buy will have playable demos of as-yet released Wii U games in 100 stores across the US and Canada. Given that no one was likely expecting any new hardware from the firm, it's clear the gaming stalwart is looking for other ways to stir-up some interest. There's no mention of titles, so we're left to assume they'd be the games announced at the show. Either way, scratch out that week in June to make sure you find out first hand. Scrub right to the end of the video past the break to see the announcement for yourself. Update: We've added the full list of participating locations below the break.
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S available online, reaches Best Buy on June 23rd
Lenovo teased a potential sweet spot in its convertible laptop line when it revealed the IdeaPad Yoga 11S, blending the portability of the Yoga 11 with the raw performance of the Yoga 13. As of now, we can do more than just imagine how well that balance works: the Yoga 11S is at last available to order. Those who plunk down at least $800 can buy the bendy Windows 8 PC online from either Best Buy or Lenovo, although shoppers will want to think carefully before jumping in with both feet. While both outlets equip their Yogas with 4GB of RAM and a 128GB solid-state drive at that price, Best Buy lists a 1.5GHz Core i5 where Lenovo starts with a more modest 1.4GHz Core i3. No matter which outlet beckons, would-be owners will have to bide their time. Lenovo is quoting a four-week wait for new shipments, and Best Buy will only see the Yoga 11S grace its retail stores on June 23rd.
Best Buy will sell its half of European arm to Carphone Warehouse for $775 million
As Best Buy attempts a return to financial well-being, it's decided to sell the 50 percent share it still owns in Best Buy Europe to fellow joint venture partner Carphone Warehouse. The price is set at about 500 million GBP ($775 million, mostly in cash) and is expected to close by June. Best Buy paid $2.15 billion for its share of the business back in 2008 and the first branded store opened in 2010, but it was already looking for a way out by 2011. That's when it closed its UK stores and paid Carphone Warehouse $1.3 billion for its share in the US Best Buy Mobile business. Reporting the joint venture as discontinued operations for its next fiscal year will cause Best Buy to take a $200 million charge, and it's tossing Carphone Warehouse another $45 million to satisfy outstanding obligations like closing the Global Connect JV the two started in 2011. There's no word on any moves for its business in Mexico, Canada and China, and CEO Hubert Joly says this sale "should not suggest any similar action" elsewhere.
