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Groupon's new CEO insists the company is 'misunderstood'
Last week Groupon's shares hit an all-time low, only days after appointing Rich Williams as its new CEO in place of co-founder Eric Lefkofsky. What's more, Groupon recently ceased operations in Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and a handful of other countries, adding to notable layoffs the company announced back in September. All of this is to say that Groupon, which offers coupons and deals to online customers, is at a crucial point in its short history -- how much longer can it go on like this? To answer that, newly appointed chief Rich Williams today wrote about Groupon's chances to win the daily local deals game, one that tech giants like Amazon have failed at, among other things.
Zen Shopping is a full featured and capable shopping partner
For many, the holidays mean shopping, and that prompts a hunt for deals. Fortunately, you can use apps to keep you fully informed and speed you along on your shopping journey. Zen Shopping (free) is a solid entry in the growing field of shopping apps, and one you will want to take a look at. The app lets you enter things you want to buy, and will give you local and online price comparisons. It can deliver coupons before you check out, and it learns from your shopping decisions and can suggest deals that might interest you. Even better, the app can alert you to price drops after you buy, and let you know if you are entitled to a refund. Zen Shopping also offers wish lists, a history of your purchases, and package tracking after you buy. If you have multiple iOS devices, it syncs your information. Zen Shopping works with 4,000 retail firms for price tracking and other information. To sync between devices you need to sign up for a free account, but you can use most of the app features without signing up. I'm always a bit hesitant to set these accounts up as I'm not sure if I will get a flurry of unwanted spam as a result, and the Zen Shopping website says all they store is your shopping history. That's not a very complete privacy policy, so keep that in mind. I liked the Zen Shopping app very much. It's oriented more toward national and online retailers, so your corner store is not going to be represented, but Zen Shopping worked well in my testing, found very good deals, and the coupons and package tracking are a real plus. Zen Shopping is a universal app that requires iOS 7 or later.
Ouya coupon lovingly lowers price by $30 for a limited time
The 8GB Ouya is $30 off until Monday, dropping its price from $100 to $70, all in the name of love (and Hallmark cards). Enter the coupon code "OUYA<3" at checkout via the Ouya store by Monday and not only will the console magically fall in price, but it should arrive on your doorstep in time for Valentine's Day, Ouya promises. Ouya, a $99 Android microconsole crowdfunded to the tune of $8.6 million in 2012, hit retail in June 2013. A 16GB version for $130 launched late last month, iterating on a limited edition, white 16GB model offered during the holidays. In mid-January this year, Ouya co-founder Muffi Ghadiali left the company as it underwent some "changes." [Image: Ouya]
Google Offers now lets you clip coupons without paying in advance
Mountain View wants you to know that Google Offers isn't another Groupon copycat; that's why the service is now taking a different approach. Whereas you've previously had to pay for discount vouchers in advance, you can now clip them for free and then pay for purchases in-store, making Offers more convenient to use. The company's also introducing coupons outside the main Offers app, adding them to Wallet, Maps and Search, as well as programming Google Now to flash a notification whenever you pass by a participating establishment. Here's some even better news for veteran users, though: you can either get a refund for unused offers you've paid for, or get your money back as Google Play credit. If you go the latter route, you'll get extra dollars on top -- enough to jazz up your phone with SwiftKey or Photoshop Touch.
Google introduces its Zavers digital coupon service
Didn't think there were enough coupon services? Well, Google thinks it can do it right with its new Zavers "digital coupon solution." The big G claims that its take on discounts and deals allows companies to measure customer habits and coupon usage stats to better target their campaigns. But, what does it mean for shoppers? They can find the coupons relevant to them on specific retailer websites and add them to an online account. When they hit the checkout with a full basket, the discounts are automatically accounted for. Zavers is also integrated with Google Wallet, as long as you use it to pay for items in-store. We're not sure exactly how this will work yet, but we'll just have to wait until Zavers is properly up and running.
Google acquires coupon-focused Incentive Targeting for undisclosed sum
Google is no stranger to the business of discounts and special offers, but it looks like it's decided to reach outside the company to further bolster its offerings. The company confirmed today that it has acquired the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based marketing firm Incentive Targeting for an undisclosed sum. While not offering too much in the way of specifics, Google said in a statement that "we look forward to working with Incentive Targeting in our ongoing efforts to help consumers save time and money and enable retailers deliver relevant discounts to the right customers." For its part, Incentive Targeting has said that it "set out to do for retail couponing what Google had done for online advertising: make it simple, relevant, measurable, and effective," and to that end it has developed a variety of tools for retailers and manufacturers alike, all designed to deliver coupons and discounts in a more targeting manner. You can find the company's full statement on its website.
HTC to launch Best Deals coupon app for discount-chasing Europeans
In a curious move by smartphone maker HTC, it's announced it'll be launching a new coupon service called "Best Deals." The app / widget combo will aggregate offers from 12 pushers, including familiar names like LivingSocial and Trip Advisor, although HTC hopes to add more categories in the future with further partnerships. The service will show you local deals tailored to your tastes, as well as exclusive offers on HTC products, which you can sort, review, bookmark and share from within the app. Discount-hunters from the UK, Italy, Germany, France and Spain will get first access to a catalogue of 1,700 initial deals on the 8X / 8S Windows phones and Android One X+. OG One X and One S owners will find themselves that little bit richer shortly after, snagging the app via a software update. There's no word on plans to bring the deal aggregator to North American shores, but for Europeans, it's time to start thinking about which spa treatment you want first.
Coupons.com now offers Passbook-ready coupons for 20 stores
If you've been looking for more uses for iOS 6's new Passbook app, you're in luck. Online coupon resource Coupons.com has begun offering coupons for 20 retailers that can be added directly to Apple's new digital wallet. To see what's available right now, point Safari at Coupons.com/passbook, then tap the Add to Passbook icon. It's probably the most seamless use of Passbook we've seen yet. Retailers offering Passbook-ready coupons through the site include: Avenue Bon-Ton Carter's Champion Gordmans Harbor Freight Tools Jo-Ann Lane Bryant Michaels OshKosh B'gosh PETCO Shopko Spirit Halloween Sweet Tomatoes ULTA Beauty Yankee Candle It's implementations like this one that should help to increase the usefulness of Passbook, which has admittedly gotten off to a bumpy start.
Isis Mobile Wallet app for Android surfaces in Google Play, you probably can't run it
Unofficial rumblings have pointed to Isis Mobile Wallet's trial getting close. If you've remained skeptical all the same, we're pretty sure that seeing Isis' Android app in Google Play will change your mind. The currently T-Mobile-only software confirms that pilot program members will tie their American Express, Capital One or Chase card (as well as a unique card) to Isis for paying through NFC at stores with a SmartTap terminal. We're also promised streamlined loyalty cards and coupons. Before anyone rushes to try the app at the local shop, remember that it's just one piece of the puzzle on top of the special SIM card, one of three NFC-equipped phones and that small matter of living in Austin or Salt Lake City when the service goes live. Having the official app at least lets those who qualify get a head start on what could soon be the only major alternative to Google Wallet in the US.
eBay unveils redesign, deals site and launches same-day delivery
After eBay finally straightened out its logo and became ebay (it'll always be camel-cased in our hearts) it seemed only logical that the site itself would get a long overdue facelift too. At a press event today in NYC the tenacious dot-com holdover unveiled the most dramatic redesign of its long and storied existence. The look has been compared, repeatedly in the media, to Pinterest with its endless, uneven grid of product boxes and curated feed of auctions. The design is cleaner, with less text and better suited to scale for mobile and the upcoming onslaught of touchscreens. You can also like auctions on Facebook, which it hopes will drive more traffic to the site. The company quietly launched eBay Lifestyle Deals as well, a local coupon service in the vein of Groupon and Google Offers. Right now the deals are only available in a few major cities, including Washington DC, San Francisco and LA. SF is also the beneficiary of eBay Now, the same-day delivery service that entered beta testing in early August. There isn't an immediate expansion to accompany the end of the trial, but more cities should be added soon. If you're not seeing the new design yet, look for the "Feeds" option on the home page to switch over now.
Valpak coupons: When Passbook finally clicked for me
Like any new tech, Passbook took a few stumbles when it was born unto the world. I thought the only card I'd be using was the Starbucks pass, but I soon found frustration that it didn't work yet. Target's generic coupon offering wasn't very enticing, and Walgreen's Balance rewards card, while nice, wasn't exactly a compelling offering or a "gee whiz" moment. Delta has yet to integrate Passbook into its app. Then, after three years as a single dad trying to get into the coupon habit, I started using coupons again thanks to Passbook. Valpak's app was recently updated to use Passbook. Instead of adding hundreds of coupons to your Passbook (sort of the virtual replication of what happens when you get Valpak's mailers), you are instead taken through a list of coupons that might be relevant to you. Signup was easy, by the way. Once I found the coupons I wanted, it was easy to add them to Passbook. I should note that Valpak has had a lot of lead time in creating deals for its customers. They are famous for the blue envelopes with coupons bursting out of them. They have spent years building relationships with merchants to bring you deals. I was astounded at how many were available around me, and I live in a small city. One night last week I took my son out for pizza and across the four-lane highway sat a Firestone. I happened to need an oil change and had added a coupon for this from the Valpak app to Passbook. As we sat waiting for service I noticed the notification: my coupon was valid for the shop across the road. I might never have gone to that place for an oil change. I'd never been there before, although I'd shopped nearby. Not only that, but the coupon for the oil change is a great deal and I'll be using the Valpak app regularly. With Passbook, Apple has created a sort of commercial hub of simplicity. I am getting offers I want, delivered where I want. In the case above, I didn't go immediately to get my oil changed, but my coupon doesn't expire for a few weeks yet, and I certainly plan to. That's significant. Getting consumers to change behaviors is incredibly hard. Thus far, Passbook is shaping up to be far better than the mere payment system NFC proponents suggested it could be. This is a strength of Apple people discount time and again. Its ability to "predict the future by inventing it" (paraphrasing Alan Kay) is its core competency. As a customer, it means I'm able to do things I wasn't easily able to do before. Passbook and Valpak's app saved me a ton of time clipping coupons, and real money by providing my addled brain with location-aware reminders. Even if you've never used a coupon in your life, try the Valpak app on iOS 6 and see if it doesn't save you money.
Amazon goes local with new iOS app
Amazon already has an extensive suite of iOS apps, everything from the Kindle Reader to the Price Check app that lets you compare local prices to Amazon online prices. That app doesn't make local businesses too happy, but a new app from Amazon should have the opposite effect. Amazon Local, a free app released over the weekend gets your current location either from GPS or manually, then shows you deals in your area. Depending on where you live, you may see many deals or none at all if you're not near a suitably sized urban area. Here in Southern Arizona, I saw two deals today -- a discount at a local hotel and 75 percent off at a beauty salon. Neither was useful to me, but hopefully that will improve with time. When I switched my location to larger cities like Phoenix or Denver, the deals started rolling in. You can tell the app what kinds of deals you are interested in, including types of restaurants, sports events, concerts or what you shop for. I wish the choices were a bit more granular, I'd like to ask for particular types of movies, for example, but the feature mostly gets the job done. You can ask for alerts to deals, but I'd prefer not to have the interruptions, so I'll just look at the app when the spirits move me. If you find a deal you like, you can get driving directions to the location, or call the merchant directly from the app. You can also share deals via email, Facebook, Twitter and SMS. Amazon Local is a useful app, but could get a little smarter about the kind of things that you like. %Gallery-164851%
Google Offers swings by the iPhone, saves dough for Apples
iPhone owners bummed that their Android-using friends were taking advantage of Google Offers they couldn't use can now level the playing field: an iOS port has just gone live. Much like its Google-native peer, the iPhone-optimized version can spot discounts in the neighborhood and will let you claim them on the spot. The chronically inattentive still get a lot of love in the process with both mentions of new offers and warnings for soon-to-expire deals. In keeping with Google Offers' current US-only focus, the app won't show outside of American borders just yet -- but if you've been thinking those yoga classes in Portland were a bit too dearly priced, your iPhone (and a well-timed sale) is now all it takes to set things right.
Spectrum Interactive brings WiFi hotspots to London's phone boxes
London's red telephone boxes are iconic, sure, but just how relevant can they be in this century? Spectrum Interactive has a solution that both ensures their preservation and provides customers in search of internet a free ticket online. The company has converted some 1,800 pay phones throughout London into WiFi hotspots, offering passersby a free connection so long as they provide their mobile numbers and download an e-coupon for a nearby store. Spectrum initially began testing the program with the help of Nokia late last year, and while it's amassed an impressive number of WiFi access points, it's lost the support of its Finnish partner, and is still assessing how willing local businesses are to pay for getting coupons in the service. On top of that, there's the whole issue of how many people will think to scope out phone booths rather than, say, an internet cafe. Here's hoping Spectrum has some very flashy signs on the windows. [Image credit: Elliott Brown, Flickr]
Facebook Offers starts rolling out, spamming your news feed with coupons (video)
When Facebook first announced Offers you we're probably wondering if there was even room for yet another coupon service. Between Google, Groupon, Yelp, Living Social and countless others we're not entirely sure there's a niche left untapped for Facebook, but that isn't going to stop Zuck and crew from trying. The service is officially rolling out as we speak, and offering its wares to any business with a Facebook page, regardless of size. The hope is that it'll catch on with smaller businesses in particular, which will now have an easy way to place deals directly into user's news feeds. Of course, after the failure of Facebook Deals, you'd be forgiven for assuming this experiment is doomed from moment one. Check out the video after the break and the source link for more details. Update: Facebook reached out to us to clarify that Offers is still in a limited beta and that not everyone has been given access yet.
Google Offers expands to five new locales, hipsters in Portland nonchalantly recall being first
Despite Mountain View's efforts to the contrary, neither Google Wallet nor Offers, have yet to set the payment sector alight. That doesn't mean the search giant's throwing in the towel, as it vehemently expands the latter into five additional cities here in the United States. Residents of Charlotte, Kansas City, Milwaukee, San Antonio and Tampa will soon be able to participate in all sorts of discounted debauchery, joining bargain-hunters in the service's existing 33 locales. Those eager ought to hit the source links to begin, but before leaving, regale us with an outrageous tale involving a discount in the comments below.
The Daily Grind: How frugal are you in F2P games?
Those of you who shun free-to-play titles or are determined to never spend a single red cent in them are dismissed from today's discussion. But for those of you who do spend money in F2P MMOs -- and by all accounts, that's quite a few of you out there -- I'm curious just how frugal you are with the money you spend. I know that SOE players often hold back from registering Station Cash cards until the studio does a double- or triple-point day, and Turbine's frequently put its in-game stock on sale for both Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons and Dragons Online. Around the holidays or during special anniversaries, players can also snag some good deals. So do you wait for certain items and unlocks to go on sale, or are you wealthy and/or impatient enough to simply go for it when you want them? Do you look for specials with an eagle eye? Jump on top of bonus in-game currency days? Clip coupons? Just how far do you stretch your gaming dollar? 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!
Best Buy wants your horrible DVDs and is willing to give you Blu-ray discs for them
If you're like us, you ran out into the yard and burned a pile of old DVDs in a giant bonfire the minute you bought a Blu-ray player. If you're of the more sentimental sort and held onto the things, however, now's probably a good time to cash-in. Best Buy has launched a Trade & Save promotion, giving users $5 toward the purchase of a Blu-ray discs for each old DVD they bring into the store, without all of the limitations of Warner's DVD2Blu. Of course there are a few caveats here -- for one thing, it's got to be a genuine, commercially released title, so no home movies or BitTorrent rips of The Hurt Locker. The coupons are good only on select Blu-ray titles, and you can redeem five movies per visit through June 4th. Now if we can only find someone who'll take our HD DVDs. [Thanks, Anthony]
Target launches first scannable mobile coupon program, frugalistas going wild
Target's announced it is launching a scannable mobile coupon program -- the first of its kind. The opt-in program will provides Target shoppers with a customized webpage on their mobile phones, with all offers scannable at checkout via a single barcode. Target's no stranger to innovative marketing -- its gift cards are well known for their cute, gadgety ways -- and while this new program is essentially a text message driven sale (meaning it could quickly become a mere annoyance), anything that minimizes our interactions with fellow humans gets our stamp of approval, so the ability to scan your own barcode at the register? Thumbs up. The full press release is after the break.
Nvidia offering up a chance to go to BlizzCon
The chances to head off to BlizzCon are coming fast nowadays -- Nvidia is the latest company in on the race, as they're offering up an all expenses paid trip to Anaheim in August for the winner and a guest to experience Blizzard's big show. To enter, they say you have to buy a qualifying Nvidia card, and then use the promo code inside the package to enter. Which might make you think, as we did, that it's a pretty lousy deal -- you have to buy a new graphics card just for a chance to win? But their official rules say "no purchase necessary," So we did the work for you: if you want to enter without buying a card, you have to send a letter or postcard to "NVIDIA "BlizzCon 2009" Sweepstakes – Entries by Mail (USA & Canada), NVIDIA Corporation, 2701 San Tomas Expressway, Santa Clara, CA 95050, U.S.A," and include your full name, your email address, mailing addresses, your telephone number, and "a short paragraph (100 to 250 words), written or typed in English, stating why you like or have an interest in the 'World of Warcraft' game or Nvidia or its products."Not exactly a lot of fun, but then again, it's cheaper than buying a new graphics card, and their rules say that mail-in entries have the same chance at winning that the coupon codes do. We're behind you, readers -- we hope you win.And if you do make it to BlizzCon, keep an eye out for WoW.com -- we're gonna have a nice big shindig on Thursday night (location still TBA, but soon!), and we'd love for you to be there.
