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Quick update: Ticket to Ride for Android is now available at the $2.99 price promised yesterday. Also, in case you missed it, check out how I upgraded Office 365 Personal to Office 365 Home for $10.
Time is running out, cheeps. If you need a last-minute gift that’s fun, practical and affordable, I’ve got you covered.
Aukey
For a limited time and while supplies last, Amazon has the Aukey PL-A1 3-in-1 clip-on smartphone lens kit for $15.99. That’s after apply coupon code AUKEYCL1 at checkout. Two-day shipping is free for Prime customers, and assuming you order it within the next few hours, it should arrive by Thursday, December 24.
True to its name, the PL-A1 comes with three lenses: fisheye, macro and wide-angle.
Thanks to its spring-clip design, it should fit just about any phone or tablet, even one that’s in a case; just pop it on over the existing lens.
The only real bummer is that it doesn’t appear to come with any kind of carrying case. And this is something that, ideally, you’d toss in a pocket or purse, so it needs something to protect it. (Hmm, wonder if it’s small enough to fit in a mini Altoids tin…)
There are lots of kits like these, with prices ranging from a few bucks less to quite a bit more. I’m not saying the Aukey is the best of the lot, but it does have over 200 user reviews and an average rating of 4.3 stars.
Plus, at $16 out the door, delivered by Thursday, it’s a really sweet gift option. Your thoughts?
Bonus deal: Tune time! Between now and January 4, Google Play is offering 50 percent off the MP3 album of your choice. (After you redeem the offer, which should pop up once you click that link, the promo page lists a bunch of examples — but I believe the offer is good for any album in the store.) So, for example, Adele’s hot new “25” would cost you $5.49 instead of $10.99, while Carrie Underwood’s “Greatest Hits: Decade One” would be $0.49 instead of $0.99. Just be sure to note that this discount applies to one album.
Bonus deal No.2: Movie time! Google Play is also offering 75 percent off one movie rental with coupon code MOVIE2015 (though you shouldn’t need the code if you use that link). Thus you could rent, say, “Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation” for 99 cents, or Amy Schumer’s “Trainwreck” for $1.25. Original “Die Hard” for $0.75, anyone?
Bonus deal No. 3: Game time! Titanfall was one of the most celebrated games of 2014, and now it’s an amazing bargain: Amazon has Titanfall Deluxe Edition (PC) for just $5. This includes not just the original game, but also three DLC game packs. Take note, however, that you’ll need an Origin account to download and install the game, and that Titanfall is primarily an online, multiplayer experience. If you prefer something single-player, check out Dishonored (PC), which is also on sale for $5.
