Buyer’s Guide: Deals on iPad Air 2, iMac, Apple Accessories, and More [iOS Blog]
Deals have been scarce in recent weeks following all of the holiday discounts, but it appears things are beginning to pick up again. Best Buy is offering discounts on its stock of iPad Air 2 models, and there are also some deals to be had on iMacs, Retina MacBook Pros, and Macbook Airs.
We’ve also got a selection of Apple-related accessories that are on sale, including quite a few speakers. Finally, we’ve rounded up a few games and apps that can be had at a discount this week.
iPad Air 2
Best Buy has temporarily discounted its entire iPad Air 2 stock by $50 to $100, which is the best iPad Air 2 deal we’ve seen since the holidays. With the sale, the entry-level 16GB Wi-Fi only iPad Air 2 is available for $449.99, down from $499.99. The 64GB model is available for $549, and the higher-capacity 128GB model is available for $599, $100 off. All cellular models are discounted by $50 to $100 depending on capacity too.
Older iPads
Best Buy is also continuing to offer now-discontinued higher-capacity Cellular versions of the original iPad Air at up to $130 off.
– iPad Air Cellular Silver 64GB (AT&T) – $499.99
– iPad Air Cellular Space Gray 64GB (AT&T) – $499.99
– iPad Air Cellular Silver 128GB (AT&T) – $599.99
– iPad Air Cellular Space Gray 128GB (AT&T) – $599.99
Retina iMac
As of last week, Apple is selling the new 27-inch Retina iMac in its online refurbished store, offering discounts of 15 percent off, which beats any Retina iMac price that can be found in store this week.
Selection varies, but there are quite a few configurations available for purchase at a discount, which gives consumers looking for a Retina iMac deal a lot to choose from beyond the standard configuration.
All of Apple’s refurbished machines come with a 1 year warranty, but stock fluctuates often, so potential buyers may need to wait for a desired machine to show up in the store.
Non-Retina iMac
– 21.5-inch 2.7GHz/8GB/1TB (Best Buy) (B&H Photo)- $1,179, $120 off
– 21.5-inch 2.9GHz/8GB/1TB (Best Buy) (B&H Photo) – $1,399, $100 off
– 27-inch 3.2GHz/8GB/1TB (Best Buy) (B&H Photo) – $1,659.99, $139 off
– 27-inch 3.4GHz/8GB/1TB (Amazon) (B&H Photo) – $1,899, $100 off
MacBook Air
– 11-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/256GB (B&H Photo) – $999, $100 off
– 13-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/128GB (B&H Photo – $919, $80 off
– 13-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/256GB (B&H Photo) – $1,099, $100 off
Retina MacBook Pro
– 13-inch 2.6GHz/8GB/128GB (B&H Photo) (MacMall)- $1,199, $100 off
– 13-inch 2.6GHz/8GB/256GB (MacMall) (B&H Photo) – $1,399, $100 off
– 13.inch 2.8GHz/8GB/512GB (Amazon) (B&H Photo) – $1,599, $200 off
Apps
Apple’s free app of the week is puzzle game Shades, and it can be downloaded for free for the next week. Other games temporarily on sell include Lost Yeti, a puzzle adventure game, and Ghost Blitz, a skill-based game. Cycloramic for the iPhone 5/5s is also available for free this week.
For more app deals, make sure to check out our sister site AppShopper, which has a section dedicated to price drops.
Apple Accessories
The Jawbone Big Jambox Bluetooth speaker is available for $184.99 from Woot, down from its original price of $299. Groupon is selling refurbished Jawbone UP24 fitness trackers for $69.99, $30 off the regular $99 price tag. The regular Jawbone Jambox (refubished) can also be purchased from Groupon for $69.99, down from $150.
Beats by Dre Studio Headphones are available from Groupon for $199, $100 off the regular price. Groupon is also selling Apple EarPods for $14.99, a discount of $14. The Beats Beatbox portable Bluetooth speaker can be purchased from Best Buy for $199, $200 off the regular price.
Best Buy is selling iTunes gift cards for 10% off, dropping the price of a $15 card to $13.50. A refurbished Mophie Powerstation portable USB battery charger can be purchased from Groupon for $29.99, down from $79.99.
MacMall is offering the Otterbox Defender Series Case for the iPad Air 2 for $58.99, down from its normal price of $89.95, and it’s also selling the Speck CandyShell Card case for the iPhone 6 Plus for $39.99. The Lenmar ChugPlug External Battery pack for Apple MacBooks is available from Best Buy for $79.99, down from its regular price of $159.99.
MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors.
Sprint targeting T-Mobile customers with promise of $200 minimum for your device with Triple Threat
The wars the ensue between carriers don’t always pan out well for them, or the consumers. However, they are rather entertaining when one is on the outside looking it. It would seem that Sprint is a little irritable and is targeting T-Mobile in their latest advertising offer. The offers landing page is calling it the […]
The post Sprint targeting T-Mobile customers with promise of $200 minimum for your device with Triple Threat appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
LG says Android 5.0 Lollipop coming soon to G3
LG G3 users get ready for because your time is almost here; Android 5.0 Lollipop is coming to your device very soon.
The company took to Twitter to greet LG G3 owners with the news that the update will be “coming soon” to their device.
Introducing Lollipop: a sweet treat for your #LGG3. pic.twitter.com/yg0qPqgzjM
— LG USA Mobile (@LGUSAMobile) January 23, 2015
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like any sort of timeframe was offered, but soon has to mean soon, right?
The post LG says Android 5.0 Lollipop coming soon to G3 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google’s Nexus Player is about to hit retail stores
Up until now, Google’s Nexus Player has only been available on the official Google Play Store. Now, the latest from Gigaom shows that the Nexus Player will be hitting virtual shelves of Newegg starting January 25th and is available for pre-order.
The Newegg website lists the Nexus Player for $99.99 as well as the game pad for $39.99. It is unknown when the device will hit actual storefronts, but Gigaom found a thread on Reddit where a few users are finding the Nexus Player popping up at certain Wal-Marts. If you are the type that you must see what you’re buying in person, you might not have to wait too long.
The Nexus Player, which was introduced back in October alongside the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 is made by Asus, runs a version of Android 5.0 Lollipop, sports a 1.8 GHz Intel Atom processor, 1 GB of RAM, and has 8 GB of storage.
Source: Gigaom
The post Google’s Nexus Player is about to hit retail stores appeared first on AndroidGuys.
A-Audio Icon Wireless review
What do you look for in a pair of high-end headphones? Many audiophiles will point to fidelity, longing for accurate reproduction of an audio source. Fashion-forward folks may crave a sleek design or something emblazoned with a logo of a brand that represents hip. Thrifty readers might argue that it all comes down to the bottom line and getting the best buy for their buck. They say you can’t please all of the people all of the time but with their new Icon Wireless headphone, A-Audio has certainly shot for the moon.
Upon opening the box, you can sense that you’re about to handle a premiere product. The headphones are packed with care inside of a luxurious case that houses all of the included goodies. The cans themselves weigh just under a pound (.80lb to be precise), which makes them ever-so-slightly lighter than the Pro model of Beats By Dre, a similarly-priced competitor. While there are two different color options, I received the Phantom Black, which I prefer to the Liquid Chrome alternative, and was immediately taken by the smooth matte finish. The underside of the headband is memory-foam quilted and appears rather couture, if I may say so myself. The A-Audio logo is featured on each ear-cup and, as somebody who favors minimalistic design, is something I could have done without. With that said, the neutral color-scheme did make for a very clean aesthetic and they did an excellent job of integrating the transport controls subtly into the earcups. So, they look great… That’s nice, but how do they sound? I slipped these bad boys on and went to work, enjoying a bit of Google Play Music as a tester.
The Icon Wireless headphones sound absolutely wonderful. I connected to my Samsung Galaxy S4 via Bluetooth (the Icon Wireless support 4.0 technology and a range of 30ft) and was blown away by the gorgeous, rich sound. As someone who creates music, I sincerely appreciate a full-spectrum approach to audio and these headphones deliver. Bass is reproduced accurately out-of-the-box and with the Bass Enhancer functionality, one can even customize their own level of oomph. Mids are clear and highs are present without being too harsh. Once I took them off, my ears craved being back in these headphones. Quite simply, they sound like luxury.
The stats boast a 12-hour battery life but, quite honestly, I wasn’t away from a charger for long enough to put that claim to the test. I’ll take A-Audio’s word for it. There are cables included in the packaging that allow for a wired audio experience. I decided to see if there was much difference between the quality of Bluetooth and tethered passive mode, and am pleased to say that both are pristine. The active noise cancellation feature certainly helps drown out ambient noise but I don’t think anything short of gun-range protection could eliminate the clamor of New York City streets. I could see this feature being absolutely ideal for airplanes or public transit, though. Call quality, thanks to the included Control Mic, is clear and conductive to conversation. With all of the attention paid to every other area of this product, I wouldn’t expect anything less.
Overall, I’m enamored with these headphones. They may very well be the most comfortable, warm-sounding, headphones that I’ve ever used. The fact that they’re wireless only further elevates their prestigious status. They look, feel, and sound like class — even though wish I could get a model without the logo so prominently displayed. The flip-side to luxury, however, is the price. Retailing at $379.00, these are no impulse purchase. If you’re on the fence about dropping nearly four hundred bucks, do yourself a favor and try them out. A fair warning, though: You may never be able to go back to life without them.
Check out the A-Audio Icon Wireless at A-Audio.com
The post A-Audio Icon Wireless review appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Half-Life 2: Episode One heading to SHIELD tablets
Shortly after the NVidia SHIELD tablet was launched a few promises were made. One of those was the release an episodic version of one of Valve’s most popular games: Half-Life 2. Half-Life 2: Episode One will be the first in serialized adventure that is meant to grow the overall single-player experience gamer’s know from Valve’s acclaimed series. It’s time once again to emerse yourself as Dr. Gordon Freeman, adorned with his hazard suit, to help aid the human resistance in City 17 and the Citadel. Also in tow are Alyx Vance and Dog to help in fight against the Combine.
The story is meant to be intense. The gameplay is meant to be intense. It’s no wonder then that the game needs the powerful Tegra K1 GPU and its 192 cores. Half-Life 2 is a game that takes a lot of compute cycles to run smoothly. With the Android powered SHIELD tablet marketing itself as “the ultimate tablet for gamers” it seems like the first installment in the Half-Life 2 property will be a great fit.
The post Half-Life 2: Episode One heading to SHIELD tablets appeared first on AndroidGuys.
LG G3 getting Lollipop update in the US “soon”
Aside from Motorola, LG was one of the first OEMs outside of the Nexus world to make the jump to Android 5.0 Lollipop — at least for those in Europe and parts of Asia. For those in the United States, the latest sweet treat has yet to arrive, though according to LG Mobile US, thing are about to change.
Today a new tweet went out telling us that Android 5.0 Lollipop is coming soon for US users. It is unclear whether this means for those with carrier devices, unlocked owners or both. Unfortunately, LG was pretty vague and words mean little without more specifics on exactly when “coming soon” will be.
Introducing Lollipop: a sweet treat for your #LGG3. pic.twitter.com/yg0qPqgzjM
— LG USA Mobile (@LGUSAMobile) January 23, 2015
As for what the new update will bring to the table? Judging by the G3 Lollipop updates in other markets, not a whole lot in terms of user-facing changes. Due to LG’s skin, most material design updates go unnoticed, though Lollipop should bring under-the-hood changes that improve the overall Android experience. We’ll be sure to update you as soon as we learn more about LG’s plans for a Lollipop rollout here in the states.
Deal Alert: Grab the Pioneer SE-MX9-K Stereo Headphones for $90 off at Newegg
Finding Pioneer audio products for cheap isn’t always easy, but a new deal on Newegg might help you out with that problem. The Pioneer SE-MX9-K Headphones are currently on sale at Newegg for only $129.99, which is at least $90 off Amazon’s price. The Black headphones usually come in at around $190, the Bright Silver ones are usually sold for $199.99 and the Bright Copper headphones are sold for around $210. You can find all three colors on Newegg for $129.99 a piece, which is a significant price drop.
These headphones offer high-quality aluminum alloy housing, a durable silicone headphone cushion and soft leather ear pads so you won’t get tired of listening for long periods of time. Additionally, they have large, 50mm speaker units that are ideal for reproduction of dance music as well as 6Hz – 40KHz frequency response range. As for the quality, the headphones currently have a 4.5/5 star rating on Amazon, so we’d say you can’t really go wrong with these. If you’re interested in the deal, head to the download link below.
Pick up the Pioneer SE-MX9-K Stereo Headphones from Newegg for $129.99.
M.O.J.O from Mad Catz gets a fresh price reduction, now costs $150
The M.O.J.O gaming console for Android has now received a price cut in a bid to appear attractive to prospective buyers. The device has seen somewhat lukewarm response since its launch, so a price reduction was right around the corner. With this price reduction, the M.O.J.O can now be yours for just $149.99.
Using the M.O.J.O, users can access a wide range of content on the Google Play Store and get all the games meant for Android directly from there. The device will connect to your large screen television with relative ease and is also capable of outputting content in native 4K. The C.T.R.L.R Mobile Gamepad is a physical gamepad which is officially supported by the M.O.J.O.
The likes of Ouya have been more popular with the fans, so M.O.J.O had some stiff competition to begin with. But the company also introduced Ouya games to the console last year, so you won’t be left out as far as games are concerned. If you’re in the market for a “micro” gaming console, the M.O.J.O might not be a bad idea, given the price reduction it has received now. Catch the presser for more details:
San Diego – January 22, 2015 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ) announced today a new lower price point for its M.O.J.O. ™ Micro-Console for Android™. Starting today, M.O.J.O. will retail across North America for an MSRP of just $149.99 with similar price adjustments taking place across all leading territories.
The most versatile micro-console for Android available, Mad Catz’ feature-rich M.O.J.O. is the ideal all-in-one gaming and media center for today’s mobile-connected lifestyle. Offering the deepest catalog of content available, the M.O.J.O. delivers high performance gaming, streaming, movies and more. Built on the open standard Android operating system, gamers have instant access to content via Google Play™ and other digital store fronts of their choice, providing a nearly endless selection of gaming, movies and apps. With full access to hundreds of OUYA® games, OnLive® cloud gaming service and the Limelight PC Streaming App, the M.O.J.O. also allows gamers to stream and play a broadening array of AAA quality titles.
Representing remarkable value for money, the M.O.J.O. is powerful enough to handle with ease even the most demanding Android games and streaming content, enabling users to bring all of their favorite Android content into the living room in full HD quality, with the ability to output content in 4K native resolution to take advantage of the latest generation of UHD TV’s.
Packaged complete with Mad Catz’ Bluetooth 4.0 enabled C.T.R.L.R Mobile Gamepad, HDMI cable, and Male-to-Male USB 2.0 cable for easy rooting – the M.O.J.O. delivers high definition Android gaming right out of the box. Fully compatible with Mad Catz’ GameSmart suite of mobile accessories, the M.O.J.O. enables users to expand their experience with Bluetooth enabled keyboards, mice and headsets.
“As a pioneer in mobile gaming, Mad Catz’ M.O.J.O. is leading the charge in the growing micro-console for Android market with the deepest catalog of content available today. CES 2015 saw the introduction of several new micro-consoles, a move which we believe validates our strategic focus in mobile gaming, while helping to grow the category as a whole,” said Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “Benefiting from a full ecosystem of compatible GameSmart mobile products, the M.O.J.O. is adaptable to almost any task, and with a new high-value price-point and expansive suite of applications already available, we look forward to growing M.O.J.O.’s installed base in 2015.”
For additional information and to order your own M.O.J.O. please visit: http://www.madcatz.com/mojo/
Learn more facts about M.O.J.O. at http://madcatz.com/mobile-gaming-made-massively-affordable-mojo
To download press assets for M.O.J.O. please visit: http://www.madcatz.com/pressroom/About Mad Catz
Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ) is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products marketed under its Mad Catz® (gaming), Tritton® (audio), and Saitek® (simulation) brands. Mad Catz products cater to passionate gamers across multiple platforms including in-home gaming consoles, handheld gaming consoles, Windows® PC and Mac® computers, smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices. Mad Catz distributes its products through its online store as well as distribution via many leading retailers around the globe. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Mad Catz maintains offices in Europe and Asia. For additional information about Mad Catz and its products, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.madcatz.comCautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Information in this press release that involves the Company’s expectations business prospects, plans, intentions or strategies regarding its future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “goal,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Among the factors that could cause the Company’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include the following: the ability to maintain or renew the Company’s licenses; competitive developments affecting the Company’s current products; first-party price reductions; availability of capital under our credit facility; commercial acceptance of new in-home gaming consoles; the ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; unanticipated product delays; or a downturn in the market or industry. A further list and description of these and other factors, risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the Company’s most recent annual report, and any subsequent quarterly reports, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of the Company and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
Mad Catz, the Mad Catz logo, GameSmart, C.T.R.L.R and M.O.J.O. are trademarks or registered trademarks of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc., its affiliates and/or subsidiary companies. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Come comment on this article: M.O.J.O from Mad Catz gets a fresh price reduction, now costs $150
Apple Took Half of U.S. Phone Activations in Q4 2014 as Demand Stays Strong
Both analysts and metrics are suggesting Apple will report record-breaking iPhone sales for the just-ended December 2014 calendar quarter, and new data released today by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners reveals the Cupertino company may have set a high bar against its competitors, grabbing half of all phone activations in the United States.
While CIRP’s survey included only 500 users and thus may include a significant margin of uncertainty, the data shows Apple’s U.S. activation market share increasing from 28 percent in the July-September 2014 quarter to 50 percent in the October-December quarter. The significant jump was clearly fueled by strong consumer interest in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
“The strength of the September 2014 launch of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus fueled Apple’s dominance in US mobile phone sales this quarter,” said Josh Lowitz, Partner and CoFounder of CIRP. “Apple had virtually double the sales of Samsung, and five times that of LG. No other brand accounted for as much as 5% of US sales.”
CIRP’s survey also found that most of the quarter’s iPhone purchases (86 percent) came from loyal Apple customers who upgraded from older iPhones. While Apple retained its customer base, Samsung and LG lost customers, with 25% of Samsung owners and 18% of LG owners who activated a new phone switching to an iPhone.
Sales of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus may continue to be strong in early 2015, with a high numbers of consumers intending to buy an iPhone in the next three months. According to 451 Research’s ChangeWave December survey, more than half of early adopters plan to buy an iPhone when they purchase a new phone in the next 90 days. While the number is down significantly from the previous quarter, it remains high considering the new iPhones have been available for several months already.
“This is the highest level of Apple demand ever recorded in our smartphone survey three months after a major new release,” said Andy Golub of 451 Research.
The ongoing demand for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus reflects growing consumer interest in larger phones with 60 percent of future buyers looking to purchase a 5-inch or larger smartphone. This 2014 figure is a significant jump from the 40 percent ChangeWave recorded in the same quarter of 2013.
Apple released the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in September 2014 with long lines for the phone and delayed ship times shortly after the phones went on sale, and Apple announced record-breaking sales of 10 million units in the first weekend of availability. Apple will announce the results for its first fiscal quarter of 2015 (fourth calendar quarter of 2014) on Tuesday, January 27. The quarterly earnings statement will be released around 1:30 PM Pacific/4:30 PM Eastern, with a conference call to discuss the report following at 2:00 PM Pacific/5:00 PM Eastern.
AIVAnet 