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Should You Buy A Refurbished iPad?
Nexus 7 Trade-Ins Suggest Little To No Interest From iPad Crowd
ZAGG Inc Introduces New Universal Keyboard; Can Be Paired With Virtually Any Mobile Device
Users Damage iPhone 5s Much Sooner Than iPhone 3s ... But Why?
QUAN Case to Open Up iPad Legacy Market
New Free BillGuard iPhone App Can Save Americans $7 Billion In "Grey Charges"
Disney Celebrates Disney's Planes with Interactive New Toy Collection, Lifestyle Products and More Landing at Retail This Month
Should You Buy A Refurbished iPad?
Your editor is generally a fan of Apple Certified Refurbished hardware. Macworld UK's Ashleigh Allsopp weighs the pros and cons of buying an iPad from Apple's Refurbished store, noting that you can save loads of money by opting to buy refurbished from Apple rather than ponying up a brand new iPad.
Allsopp notes that while refurbished Apple products are technically pre-owned, they undergo such a rigorous refurbishing process that it's unlikely you'll even notice. My last two Mac systems, plus a couple of iPods purchased, have all be indistinguishable from new hardware, the only clue being the distinct packaging refurb. Apple products are shipped in. All four devices have given excellent service.
When you buy a refurbished iPad from Apple, you get the same one-year warranty as a brand new iPad, all of the manuals and accessories that come with a brand new iPad, and a brand new battery and outer shell. All refurbished iPads are rigorously tested, and any parts that were defective when the iPad was returned by its previous owner will have been replaced. Refurbs are also eligible for extended AppleCare Protection.
A downside of buying refurbished is limited and fluid model availability. For example, all that I've seen offered in iPads on Apple Canada's refurbished site this summer are 3rd-generation iPads, although the prices are decent enough.
However, if you can find what you're looking for, I agree with Ashleigh Allsopp that it's definitely worth considering buying a refurbished iPad from Apple's Refurbished store. It'll look good as new, so you won't notice the difference anywhere other than in your bank balance.
For the full report visit here:
http://goo.gl/Olt0RP
Nexus 7 Trade-Ins Suggest Little To No Interest From iPad Crowd
TechCrunch's Darrell Etherington reports that a lot of first generation device owners are trading in their old Nexus 7, according to gadget buy-back site Gazelle. There was a 333 percent spike in the number of Nexus 7 tablets traded in compared to the same day last week, for example.
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, that spike was even higher a 442 percent jump in Nexus 7 tablets happened between the day before Googles official unveiling of the new model, and the day of.
However, while those metrics suggest that Google Nexus 7 owners are happy with their devices and eager to upgrade to new ones, Gazelle saw no appreciable increase in iPad trade-ins on the new Nexus 7 launch day, which means Google probably isn't luring iPad owners away from the iOS fold.
For the full report visit here:
http://goo.gl/kbPDbN
ZAGG Inc Introduces New Universal Keyboard; Can Be Paired With Virtually Any Mobile Device
ZAGG Inc. has introduced its latest Bluetooth keyboard for mobile devices, the ZAGGkeys Universal. A thin, versatile keyboard, the ZAGGkeys Universal will pair and function with Apple iOS, Windows and Android devices.
The ZAGGkeys Universal is a remarkably thin full sized keyboard compatible with virtually any mobile operating system. It comes in a protective case that doubles as a stand, allowing it to work with almost any tablet or smartphone. Also featuring an innovative, ergonomic curved design with Island-style keys, similar to those on traditional keyboards, the ZAGGkeys Universal provides maximum comfort with ample finger room, even during marathon typing sessions. The Universal's rechargeable battery lasts for up to three months of regular use.
"The new ZAGGkeys Universal is the most versatile keyboard available and will be an invaluable accessory for anyone who wants to be more productive on the go," says Kent Wuthrich, executive vice president of marketing at ZAGG. "This is a great new addition to our award-winning keyboard line."
The ZAGGkeys Universal is available online and at select retail outlets for $69.99. For more information about ZAGG, its brands and its product portfolio, visit:
http://www.ZAGG.com
Users Damage iPhone 5s Much Sooner Than iPhone 3s ... But Why?
The Register's Bill Ray notes that early iPhones last significantly longer before being accidentally destroyed than later models, according to a new survey - but nobody knows why.
Citing a MobilePhoneChecker survey, Ray says twelve percent of smashed iPhones were left on the roof of a car, an experience which would challenge any model of handset, while 35 percent were dropped into a bath or similar, which would destroy any iPhone - even if waterproofing is becoming more common among the competition. But most interesting was the average TTD (Time To Destruction) which shows the early-adopter mindset. A broken iPhone 3 will have been in use for 14.9 weeks, while a smashed 4 or 5 only gets to make calls for around 5.9 weeks before its demise.
For the full commentary visit here:
http://goo.gl/QTyRXv
QUAN Case to Open Up iPad Legacy Market
While consumers continue to wait for Apple to release its fifth generation iPad, Quantum International Corp. is in the final stages of development for its first release in the innovative lifestyle iPad case series that will greatly enhance the first three generations of iPads and outperform current tablets on the market.
Since its inception in 2010, Apple has sold over 155 million iPads, accounting for almost $60 billion in sales. As tablets continue to skyrocket in popularity and the iPad accessories market approaches $3 billion, the tablet has overtaken laptop computers in popularity and virtually rendered desktop computers obsolete. Professionals are turning to the iPad to increase work production, and casual users read, play games, watch movies and much more on their tablet.
The versatile case Quantum is developing with A-Plus Technologies will serve the needs of casual and professional users alike.
"We're working to assure that through various adapters all iPad owners will be able to benefit from the features of the new case," says Quantum CEO Robert Federowicz. "This case is unique and is a much-needed accessory for any iPad owner."
For more information, visit:
http://www.quantuminnovators.com/
New Free BillGuard iPhone App Can Save Americans $7 Billion In "Grey Charges"
Powered by crowdsourced transaction analytics, "Smart Inbox for Money" will forever change the way people check their bills. BillGuard, a personal finance protection company, today unveiled its free app for iPhone, offering the only tool for combatting the $14 billion dollars lost by American cardholders to unwanted "grey charges." Two years in the making, the BillGuard iPhone App is the culmination of the company's pioneering work, crowdsourcing and analyzing millions of consumer-disputed transactions.
The new app offers consumers a smart, fast way to track their credit and debit card spending and facilitates hassle-free refunds and subscription cancellations directly with merchants. With the help of a self-learning "Smart Inbox," users can swipe through prioritized charges in an email-like interface. Working together, users identify charges that are questionable and provide community-edited merchant information that can help others quickly recognize even cryptic charges. When a charge is repeatedly disputed by others it is prioritized for all cardholders with a similar charge for their quick review.
"We have built the largest crowdsourced transaction monitoring community in the world," said BillGuard co-founder and CTO Raphael Ouzan. "As consumers ourselves we realized early on that bill checking for most people is a long arduous task that most would prefer to avoid. So we set out to develop a tool that would make bill checking fast, fun and exceptionally effective, with a little help from some very sophisticated algorithms and millions of fellow cardholders."
BillGuard's engine, heralded by Online Banking Report as "one of the top online banking innovations of all time," has identified over $50 million in grey charges so far. "Our data shows that if every American cardholder used the BillGuard iPhone app, the total annual savings in grey charges could top $7 billion," said Ouzan.
The free BillGuard iPhone App enables consumers to:
(*) Quickly verify prioritized charges with just a swipe
(*) Get alerts to unwanted grey charges on their credit and debit cards
(*) Recognize any charge with community-edited merchant information
(*) Contact merchants directly from the app to resolve billing inquiries and disputes
(*) Stay on top of account balances and recurring charges for all cards in one app
(*) Add any card to Passbook for convenient one tap access
(*) Protect two credit or debit cards for free
Device Requirements:
(*) iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S and iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd, 4th and 5th gen) and iPad
(*) Requires iOS 6.0 or later
(*) This app is optimized for iPhone 5
(*) 23.7 MB
BillGuard 2.0.1 is Free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Finance category. To celebrate its launch week, BillGuard is making its premium upgrade, which supports 10 cards, available for a one-time in-app purchase of $9.99.
Continuing its mission to protect consumers from grey charges, BillGuard today also released the 2013 Industry Report on Grey Charges, a first-of-its kind study revealing that American cardholders were hit with $14.3 billion in deceptive grey charges in 2012.
BillGuard, Inc:
http://www.billguard.com
BillGuard 2.0.1:
http://apps.appshout.com/billguard/
Download from iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/app/billguard/id602710567
YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kA1X1ybnUI
Bill Guard Grey Charges Report:
https://www.billguard.com/greycharges/report
Trackback URL:
http://goo.gl/sXU69m
Disney Celebrates Disney's Planes with Interactive New Toy Collection, Lifestyle Products and More Landing at Retail This Month
From above the world of Cars comes Disney's Planes, an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty's not exactly built for racing, and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty's courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. Disney's Planes takes off in theaters on Aug. 9, 2013. For more information, check out Disney.com/Planes, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyPlanes and follow on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures.
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) announces a product collection inspired by Disneytoon Studios' newest high-flying adventure, with products that leverage technology and interactivity from Disney Store and top toy companies, including Mattel, Thinkway and more. With track sets for side-by-side racing and stunts and launchers that send planes up to 25 feet in the air, kids will be able to recreate their favorite racing moments from the film. Fueling imagination and role play, the line also includes RC planes that kids can guide with flight controllers that mirror their own body movements or program to talk, move and turn with a programmable joystick. An exclusive collection from Disney Store and Disney'store.com, as well as an assortment of fashion, home decor, lifestyle and publishing products, rounds out the collection for fans of this new comedy-adventure from above the world of Cars.
"Disney Consumer Products Disney's Planes collection delivers on interactivity and fun with products that tie into classic boys play patterns and their love for vehicles," says Josh Silverman, executive vice president global licensing, Disney Consumer Products. "There's also something for collectors with an all-new assortment of diecast featuring key Disney's Planes characters."
Disney's Planes product collection is available now, in whole or in part, at mass retailers nationwide, at Disney Store locations and Disney'store.com.
Disney's Planes Product Collection
Toys for little pilots:
Disney's Planes Character Diecast Singles Assortment by Mattel (MSRP $5.99 each): With wide character variety and authentic styling, these 1:55 scale diecast planes are perfect for re-creating scenes from the movies. The planes feature rolling wheels and spinning propellers as well as a universal connector that works with all play sets.
Wing Control Dusty Crophopper Radio Control Plane by Mattel (MSRP $39.99): Kids can have fun recreating the action seen in Disney's Planes with this RC vehicle that offers role-play remote control, which means the plane moves when they do.
U-Command Super Charged Dusty by Thinkway (MSRP $49.99): Deluxe infrared remote control Super Charged Dusty comes to life with animation, voice and sound effects. Kids can control Dusty with joysticks or by pressing one of the 10 program buttons on the wireless remote to make him talk, move and turn in more than 1,000 action combinations.
Planes Sky Track Challenge by Mattel (MSRP $29.99): This giant track set has two, five foot air tracks, mountain tunnel and a winners circle. Clip diecast planes on to the track with their universal connectors and launch for side-by-side racing and barrel roll stunts. One plane is included.
Disney's Planes Runway Flyers by Mattel (MSRP $16.99): Snap the foam plane featuring favorite characters from the film into the runway launcher. When the trigger is pulled, the plane is released and can soar up to 25 feet in the air.
Disney's Planes action figures speak a variety of phrases, feature LED lights and engine revving sounds. Available at Disney Store and Disney'store.com.
Aviation Fashion & Lifestyle Gear:
Toddler Fashions from Childrens Apparel Network (MSRP $10-$18): This assortment of fleece jackets, t-shirts and shorts sets are perfect for young Disney's Planes fans that want to grow up to be aviators.
Disney's Planes Twin Comforter by Jay Franco (MSRP $32.99): This comforter features the one and only Dusty. Featuring a combination of durable polyester and comfort cotton coupled with rich colors, the comforter will add aviation flair to any room. Disney sheet sets and blankets are sold separately.
Disney's Planes Cuddle Pillow by Jay Franco (MSRP $19.99): Let your childs imagination take flight with this soft and fluffy Disney's Planes pillow buddy. Perfect for cuddling on the couch or while traveling, Dusty is the perfect co-pilot.
Dusty Woven Shirt for Boys by Disney Store (MSRP $22.50): This military-style woven short sleeve shirt features embroidered Dusty patches, aviator glasses and insignia, a great fit for aviators in training. Available at Disney Store and Disneystore.com
Flight School Reading:
Planes: Storybook Deluxe App (MSRP $6.99): The Disney Planes: Storybook Deluxe" app takes readers to new heights as they relive the film through 41 story screens, read-along text and full narration that re-retells the story of the feature film. Created to immerse readers in the world of Disney's Planes wherever and whenever, the app features "tilt-and-play" technology that gives little pilots a chance to fly as Dusty through the story, a "Race & Fly" game that allows readers to race as their favorite Disney's Planes characters, tappable interactive animation and original music and video clips from the film. Disney Planes: Storybook Deluxe" is available now in the Entertainment category of the Apple App Store.
Planes Read-Along Storybook and CD (MSRP $6.99): This exciting read-along storybook and CD is a complete retelling of the Disney's Planes theatrical film. Featuring music, sound effects and character voices from the film, kids can bring home the world of Disney's Planes and continue their high-flying adventures. Additionally, those who purchase the Disney's Planes Read-Along Storybook and CD Bundle available exclusively at The Disney Store and Disney Parks will receive the Planes: Storybook Deluxe app for free, including four exclusive Planes to fly as in the apps Race & Fly game; a download code can be found inside the book cover and is redeemable on the iTunes App Store (a $6.99 value).
Dustys Great Race from Disney Publishing (MSRP $12.99): This must-have storybook is narrated by Dusty himself. Featuring a padded cover and two pages of cool punch-out planes, readers can have high-flying fun with their favorite Disney's Planes characters all summer and beyond.
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