December, 2016

• 9 December

  Get an Amazon Echo Dot for $29.99

  

  CNET’s Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets and much more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page. And find more great buys on the CNET Deals page. Dot’s the way I like it: $20 off! Amazon Far as I’m concerned, there’s no better gift to …

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• 9 December

  The best free tech gifts you can give

  

  Recently a friend asked for help setting up her new cable modem and router. I was only too happy to help, and she was as grateful as if I’d given her an expensive gift. Which, come to think of it, I sort of had. Help with technology is worth a lot to people who aren’t especially tech-savvy. Lightbulb! If you’re …

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• 9 December

  Samsung software update will brick few Note 7s left in the wild

  

  Now playing: Watch this: Samsung’s Note 7 refuses to die on Verizon 1:22 Samsung said Friday it’s had overwhelming participation in the US refund and exchange program for the Galaxy Note 7 phone, “with more than 93 percent of all recalled devices returned.” The company also said it’s issuing an even more punishing software update to make sure the remaining …

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• 9 December

  What’s Apple’s real reason for delaying its AirPods? (Apple Byte Extra Crunchy, Ep. 66)

  

  Subscribe to the Apple Byte Podcast iTunes MP3 | RSS MP3 | FeedBurner MP3 SoundCloud | Google Play | TuneIn iTunes video | RSS video | FeedBurner video YouTube | Livestream | Stitcher Extra Crunchy Podcast, Ep. 66 Your browser does not support the audio element. THE APPLE BYTE EXTRA CRUNCHY SHOW NOTES: Apple’s Mysterious AirPods Delay Marks Rare Misstep …

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• 9 December

  AT&T, T

  

  AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint are working with Samsung to kill off your Galaxy Note 7. But they’re going to let you enjoy Christmas first. The wireless carriers on Friday said they will issue software updates from Samsung that will prevent Note 7 devices from charging and will “eliminate their ability to work as mobile devices.” Samsung earlier in the day …

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• 9 December

  Snapchat isn’t disappearing. Get used to it

  

  When MTV launched on August 1, 1981, the world watched a now classic video: A rocket sits ready to blast off from its launchpad as a voice from NASA Mission Control counts down to T-minus one. The voice-over fades, the rocket fires and we cut to an astronaut planting a flag with the network’s logo on the moon’s surface. “Ladies …

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• 9 December

  No inauguration protest at Lincoln Memorial? Twitter’s outraged

  

  Twitter users are furious that President-elect Donald Trump’s team will block public use of the Lincoln Memorial during the Women’s March on Washington, which is planned for inauguration weekend. Meanwhile, on Twitter, J. Cole’s new album and a Zayn Malik/Taylor Swift duet are also trending. Social Cues is our guide on what’s trending across Facebook and Twitter. Here’s what people …

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• 9 December

  Galaxy S7 Edge shines in black pearl

  

  Black is back. Samsung just announced that it will be selling the Galaxy S7 Edge in an all-new “black pearl” color starting today. This isn’t to be confused with “black onyx,” an existing color choice. Enlarge Image Here’s the Galaxy S7 Edge in a new shade of black. Samsung It’s been a good year for shiny, black phones after Apple …

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• 9 December

  Buy used speakers and save a bundle

  

  The best speakers tend to be expensive, but you can save a bundle by buying used ones. Of course, before buying any speaker, new or used, it’s a good idea to listen to them, for a number of reasons, starting with “do you like the sound?” Enlarge Image KEF LS50 speakers KEF When shopping in person for used speakers, start …

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• 8 December

  Padlokt is Periscope crossed with a Reddit AMA

  

  The selling point of Australian startup Padlokt is live, two-way conversation. It’s about “bringing fans closer to their idols than ever before,” says Trent Sydney, Padlokt managing director and co-founder. “It’s the little personal moments. Things that don’t come across in a tweet or on Facebook,” says Adam Hollioake, ex-cricketer, MMA fighter and now serving as Padlokt’s director of global …

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