Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Everyone likes Apple apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers put paid apps on sale for free for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up while you have the chance. Here are the latest and greatest iOS app deals available from the iOS App Store.

These apps normally cost money and this sale lasts for a limited time only. If you go to the App Store and it says the app costs money, that means the deal has expired and you will be charged. 

Dog Monitor

This reliable multi-platform dog monitor works via Wi-Fi, 3G, or LTE. Use it to monitor up to four pets simultaneously and you’ll be able to always stay in touch with your pets.

Available on:

iOS

iOrtho+

iOrtho+ is the number one mobile guide for orthopedic special tests and manual techniques. This app is developed from advanced, evidence-based knowledge, and extensive clinical practice.

Available on:

iOS

Aesop’s Fables Remixed

Aesop’s Fables Remixed is a collection of commonly known fables retold and remixed into intertwining stories. Give your child an opportunity to read the stories aloud by himself or herself, too.

Available on:

iOS

Edgar Allan Poe

Download the most macabre wallpapers inspired on the stories of the master of terror himself, Edgar Allan Poe. Dive at the darkest side of human soul with these 27 wallpapers with original illustrations by David Garcia Forés.

Available on:

iOS

Simpler Pro

Simpler Pro is a completely redesigned contacts app that makes your address book light, smart, and user friendly.

Available on:

iOS

Remote Drive Pro

Turn your iPhone or iPad into the wireless flash drive for your Mac. Have full access to all your files and use your iOS device to stream videos, and view photos and documents, from anywhere within your home.

Available on:

iOS

These USB-C to Micro-USB adapters are great for your legacy devices

Transitioning between standards can be tough, but you can make it easier on yourself.

We’re roughly two years into the major transition to USB-C as a standard port on computers and phones. It’s pretty tough to buy a new high-end device today that doesn’t have a USB-C port, and most new laptops have at least one USB-C ports for charging and data.

But of course we don’t all refresh every device we own every year — there are still plenty of phones, tablets, and most importantly accessories we all own with Micro-USB ports. All the while, every new device we get comes with a USB-C cable in the box, and the number of old Micro-USB cables we have is decreasing.

Instead of buying new Micro-USB cables to carry around for those old devices like my Bose QC35 headphones or Anker PowerCore battery, I picked up a pair of awesome USB-C to Micro-USB adapters. Nope, these aren’t the super-popular adapters that go in the other direction — these little bits of plastic and metal let you use your new USB-C cables with old Micro-USB devices!

See at Amazon

Micro-USB is still going to be around for a while — make the transition simpler.

The adapters that I’ve been using are from TechMatte, and are just $8 for a pair. Yes it feels a little dumb to be buying new things to help me continue using old technology, but try as I might to have everything in my life be USB-C it just isn’t possible right now. By spending a few bucks on these adapters, I can keep using my old Micro-USB devices without having to keep a whole Micro-USB cable around. The adapters also work for data transfers to a computer, which isn’t something I necessarily expected to work.

Now I’ve wrapped up and stored my Micro-USB cables, swapping everything out to USB-C to use a majority of the time while I have these adapters around for the edge cases when I have to power up something old. It isn’t ideal, but it’s far better than the alternative — and it only cost me $8.

See at Amazon

Deal: Save 50% on an Essential Phone lease from Sprint!

Looking to pick up an Essential Phone from Sprint? You can save over $260 with their latest lease deal. Sprint customers can get 50% off the Essential Phone lease price and pay just $14.58/month (instead of $29.17 a month) via Sprint Flex 18-month lease. You can preorder your device from Sprint with shipping beginning as soon as September 8th.

This deal requires a new line of service activation or eligible upgrade. Credit will be applied within 2 invoices. Well-qualified customers are eligible. There are taxes on any device you go with and you’ll have to pay that up front regardless. If you cancel your service, the remaining device balance will become due.

Sprint’s Unlimited Freedom Plan

If you’re looking to pair up your new phone with a plan, Sprint’s Unlimited Freedom is one of the cheapest on the market at $50 for the first line or $22.50 per month per line for 4 lines with the 5th line for free (with autopay). These savings last until 10/31/18, then prices are $60/month for line 1, $40/month for line 2 and $30/month per line for lines 3-5.

The plan includes:
– Unlimited talk, text, and data. Once you’ve reached 23GB of data, your speeds may temporarily slow down during times of high network congestion.
– HD video, 1080p
– 10GB of 4G mobile hotspot

Buy at Sprint

Kids favorite ‘If You Give A Mouse A Cookie’ coming to Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Originals brings an old classic and some new favorites to Prime Video this fall.

If you have kids, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve read “If You Give A Mouse a Cookie.” And the classic tale is coming to Amazon Prime Video as an Amazon Kids Original on Nov. 7.

That’s the headliner of Amazon’s fall lineup. We’ll also see “Wishenpoof” land Sept. 26, and “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters” hit on Oct. 13. “The Stinky and Dirty Show” lands at an undisclosed date this fall as well.

The new originals will premiere in the U.S. and the UK, and hit worldwide distribution later.

Amazon Fire TV

• What’s new on Amazon Prime Video
• Read our full review!
• Get the latest news
• Join the discussion

Buy at Amazon

How to stream YouTube TV using a Chromecast

Watch your recorded shows from YouTube TV on your Television using Chromecast!

YouTube TV delivers a great way to cut the cord with your cable provider, but still be able to access all of your favorite shows and movies. Watching shows like The Walking Dead or American Horror Story on a tiny screen isn’t ideal, though. That’s why Chromecast support is baked in, letting you cast your shows to your television and enjoy every moment on your big screen.

We’ve got all the details on how it works right here!

• How to cast YouTube TV
• How to stop Casting
• What to do if you’re using a first-gen Chromecast

How to cast YouTube TV

Open YouTube TV on your phone.
Tap the Cast button at the top of the screen.

Choose the Chromecast you want to cast to.

Choose the show you want to watch.

Tap the episode you want to watch.

How to stop Casting

Tap the Cast Button.

Tap Stop Casting.

What to do if you’re using a first-generation Chromecast

While Casting from YouTube TV is a pretty easy process, there are a few caveats here. Namely, if you are still running on a first generation Chromecast, which will still work, but you’re going to run into a few issues.

That’s because the first generation Chromecast just doesn’t work quite as well as its later siblings. You can expect to wait longer for programs to load up on your television, and you may end up seeing a message informing you that things are slower due to the Chromecast you are using. The important thing to remember here is that you’ll still be able to use your Chromecast with YouTube TV, it’s just going to be a bit slower than you might prefer when things are getting started.

Want to upgrade? Grab a new Chromecast or Chromecast Ultra starting at $35.

See at Google Store

Questions?

Do you have questions about using a Chromecast with YouTube TV? Have you been using yours to catch up on last year, before new seasons of your favorite programs start up? Let us know about it in the comments below!

Add a smart plug to every room in your home for just $26 each

Smart homes are the future and thanks to our pals at Thrifter getting started just got more affordable!

If you’re looking to dabble in the smart home space, the easiest way to get started is with smart plugs. Not only are they one of the most affordable accessories, but they also provide a whole lot of value to your daily life. From being able to control lights to turning on small appliances remotely, there are tons of different use cases for smart plugs.

Koogeek recently released its new smart plug, the P2, and right now you can pick one up for just $25.89 when you use the coupon code KOOGEEK1 at checkout. This is a savings of about $9 from its regular price and marks the lowest price it has sold for to date.

Unlike its previous accessories, this smart plug works with both Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit platforms. This allows you to control the plug by simply using voice commands through devices like the Echo Dot or your iPhone.

• Works with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa (the Alexa is not included), only on a 2.4GHz WiFi network. No hub required.
• Use Siri or Alexa to turn on / off the outlet and the night light separately or set brightness of the night light. Android devices users using voice control will need Amazon Echo (not Included).
• iOS and Android devices compatible. iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch running iOS 8.1 or later versions, Android devices running Android 4.3 or later versions.
• Remote control. With our Koogeek Home App wherever you have Internet access, you can remotely control and monitor the connected device and the night light with either iOS devices or Android devices, whether you are at home or not.
• Sync and share across devices, share with your family members. If you sign in to the same Koogeek Home account, the ON/OFF status and control of connected devices are synced and shared across iOS devices and Android devices.

Odds are that once you try one out you’ll want another, so be sure to grab a few of these to have around your house.

See at Amazon

More from Thrifter:

• What does Amazon’s takeover of Whole Foods mean for you?
• Five free travel apps to help you save big on hotel stays

For more great deals be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!

Moto E4 vs. Moto E4 Plus: Battery. Savings.

We take a look at the Moto E4 versus the Moto E4 Plus.

It’s not every day that two phones are released from the same company with such compelling differences, but Motorola’s new Moto E4 line fits that description perfectly. Both announced on the same day, the Moto E4 came out first and managed to wow us with incredible performance and decent, accessible hardware and software for between $70 and $130, depending on the place of purchase. But the Moto E4 Plus takes the design and feature set of the Moto E4 and ups the ante, adding a better 13MP camera and an insanely large 5000mAh battery — all for between $130 and $180.

At their core, both devices try to tell the story of the new budget phone in 2017 — one that doesn’t need to make considerable compromises to reach its asking price, and that offers an experience that would appeal to anyone, not just the budget-minded.

Moto E4 + Moto E4 Plus specs

The U.S. variants of both phones run the capable but aging Snapdragon 427 chip along with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage (yes, the video accidentally says 16GB of RAM, which would be nice. Our apologies!) along with Motorola’s lightweight but powerful version of Android complete with Moto Display. But where the Moto E4 has a standard 2800mAh battery (removable and replaceable), the E4 Plus has a massive 5000mAh cell that lasts for two days or more. And while the 5.5-inch phone is slightly larger and thicker than its cheaper 5-inch counterpart, it’s not unmanageable — it’s even relatively svelte at under 10mm thick and 181 grams.

It will be interesting to see whether either of these phones gets updated on a regular basis, if at all; they launch with Android 7.1, but that may be where they stay.

So should you even consider the smaller Moto E4? Yes, for a couple of reasons: its back cover is textured and easier to grip; and its smaller size makes it perfect for one-handed usage. Otherwise, you’d be better off with the Moto E4 Plus in almost every situation. It’s made with more metal, has a better camera, a larger display (though admittedly less dense) and that huge battery.

Do you agree or disagree with this conclusion? Or would you rather go with the slightly more upmarket Moto G5 Plus? If so, we have a comparison for you, too.

See at Amazon

Best Car Chargers for Samsung Galaxy Note 8

What’s the best way to keep your Galaxy Note 8 charged in your car?

Samsung’s latest marvel is the Galaxy Note 8, a gorgeous device that’s packed with awesome features and specs. The only glaring shortcoming might be the battery, which is slightly smaller compared to the Note 7 and Galaxy S8+.

Fortunately, the Note 8 offers multiple different ways to keep it charged on the go, with USB-C fast charging along with Qi wireless charging capabilities. With the right accessories, you can be sure that you always arrive with a full charge. Charge your phone in your car with one of these great accessories.

• iOttie iTap Wireless Car Charger
• Dodocool Qi Wireless Car Charger
• Tronsmart Dual USB Car Charger with Quick Charge 3.0
• Nekteck USB Type-C Car Charger
• AUKEY USB-C Car Charger

iOttie iTap Wireless Car Charger

We spent some time testing the iOttie iTap Wireless Car Charger with the Galaxy S8 and it proved to be a fast and reliable wireless charger for inside your car.

There are two mount styles included: one for your car and one for your work desk. The car mount is quick and easy to install on your dash and includes a ball joint to adjust the viewing angle. The magnetic hold is strong and the wireless charging is nearly instantaneous; the built-in fan helps to disperse the heat and keep your phone cool. The only thing that may give you pause is the metal plate that needs to adhere to your phone somehow.

You can slap it on the back of the phone itself, or opt for an ultra thin case that will still allow for wireless charging. There’s no getting around the fact that adding anything that breaks up the Note 8’s flow is going to turn some folks off, but if you’re looking for pure performance from a wireless car charger, the iOttie iTap is worth your consideration (even if it is $70).

See at Amazon

Dodocool Qi Wireless Charger

So you want to wirelessly charge your phone in your car, but you’re more than fine compromising for a cradle rather than attaching anything to your phone. No problem, check out the Dodocool Q1 Wireless Charger. It’s compatible with the Galaxy S8, so it should be good to go for the Galaxy Note 8 as well.

It includes both a suction cup mount and an air clip mount so you can attach it to your dash whichever way works best. All you need to do is lay your phone in the cradle and it instantly starts charging, which will be indicated by the LED — green for standby and blue for charging. As usual with wireless charging, it will work best if you don’t have a case on your phone.

You can get the 3-coil version for $40, which will work best with the larger body of the Note 8.

See at Amazon

Tronsmart Dual USB Car Charger with Quick Charge 3.0

Charging your phone via a wired connection is still the fastest way to keep your smartphone charged. With most Android manufacturers moving over to USB-C, this Tronsmart Dual USB Car Charger includes a built-in USB Type-C cable for your Note 8 and future phones, while also giving you an extra USB port for your passenger to use.

This particular charger is able to maintain solid voltage while your Note 8 draws significant amperage, meaning that fast charging is both fast and safe. I

If you’re looking for very reliable fast charging car charger that won’t let you down, grab a Tronsmart for just $15.

See at Amazon

Nekteck USB Type-C Car Charger

Got a smaller car and need a compact car charger? This option from Nekteck includes a built-in Type-C cable that’s perfect for charging your Galaxy Note 8.

It includes Smart Sense IC Technology, which will intelligently identify your device and deliver the optimal charging speeds. You’re also able to fully charge a second phone with full charging speeds using the secondary USB port, whether that be a Chromebook, Nintendo Switch or any other USB-C device.

It’s a sleek and ultra compact little charger that just delivers power when you need it and is available for just $16 on Amazon.

See at Amazon

AUKEY USB-C Car Charger

The Aukey Quick Charge 3.0 charger is a great option for keeping your Note 8 charged while driving. And with three ports (two full-size USB and one USB-C), you’ll be able to charge multiple devices on the go.

Aukey includes a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, so you won’t have to go out and get an extra one for the car.

You get the full range of Quick Charge options with the Aukey Quick Charge, so there’s no worry of overloading devices that may draw less power. Aukey has gained a solid reputation for making great products, so this $16 car charger is a great deal.

See at Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

• Galaxy Note 8 review
• Complete Galaxy Note 8 specs
• Galaxy Note 8 vs. Galaxy Note 5: Which should you buy?
• Which Galaxy Note 8 color should you buy?
• All Galaxy Note 8 news
• Join our Galaxy Note 8 forums

Verizon
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint
Best Buy

Airbnb helps hosts in San Francisco get city approval online

Airbnb has had a bumpy ride in San Francisco. After the city passed a law that required all short-term rental hosts to register with the city, only a small percentage did (thanks largely to the onerous process involved), and many of those who didn’t were hit with fines totalling $1 million. Differences were set aside in January though, when the parties agreed on a way to automatically register all hosts in the city. That service rolls out today, with hosts now able to apply directly through the Airbnb site for their Short-Term Residential Rental Certificate and Business Registration Certificate, instead of schlepping down to City Hall. New hosts will only be able to list their properties once they’re registered, while existing hosts will have to input their registration number to keep their listings active.

“The new registration system provides the City of San Francisco with the tools it needs to enforce its short-term rental laws, while providing our hosts an easy way to register,” Airbnb officials said in a statement. “We look forward to working closely with city officials in the coming months to fully implement the registration system and to ensure it has time to work for our host community.”

Via: SF Examiner

Source: Airbnb

Squid ink could make your dentist visits much less painful

Your dentist visits could become a pleasant pain-free experience, and it’s all thanks to squids. A team of engineers from the University of California San Diego have developed an imaging method using squid ink and ultrasound to check for gum disease. If you’ve ever had to get your mouth checked for gum issues, you know what I’m talking about: the current method to assess gum health involves inserting a periodontal probe’s metal hook in between your gums and teeth. Sometimes, depending on the dentist’s technique your pain tolerance, it hurts. The team’s method eliminates the need for probing — you simply need to gargle some food-grade squid ink mixed with water and cornstarch.

Squid ink is rich in melanin nanoparticles, and those get trapped in the pockets between your teeth and gums. When a dentist shines a laser onto your mouth, the nanoparticles swell and create pressure differences in the gum pockets. That’s where the ultrasound part of the imaging method comes in. Ultrasound can detect those pockets, so dentists can create a full map of your mouth, like this:

[Image credit: Jokerst Bioimaging Lab at UC San Diego. Ultrasound image of the teeth is in black and white. The photoacoustic signal from the squid ink contrast agent in the pocket depth is in red and signals from stains on the teeth are in blue. ]

The result shows how deep those pockets are, which indicate gum health. That’s why dentists stick a probe in those pockets to begin with — if they’re only one to two millimeters in depth, it means your gums are healthy. Anything deeper than that is a sign of gum disease, and the deeper those pockets are, the worse the issue is.

Problem is, the results of periodontal probing depend on the amount of pressure a dentist uses and the area he’s probing. He could be probing the wrong location or putting too little or too much pressure. Jesse Jokerst, the study’s senior author likened the periodontal probe to “examining a dark room with just a flashlight” wherein “you can only see one area at a time.” He said that their method is more like “flipping on all the light switches so you can see the entire room all at once,” leading to more accurate findings.

The engineers have big plans for their creation, starting with replacing the lasers in the method with more affordable LED lights. Their ultimate goal, however, is to create a mouthpiece that can instantly assess your gum health. They also want to get rid of the the squid ink concoction’s salty and bitter taste, though I’ll take than any day over painful probing.

Source: UC San Diego