Portable SSDs, app-controlled droids, Community on Blu-ray, and more are all discounted today

Whether you’re looking for new tech gear or household items, we’ve got you covered.

We found plenty of great deals today that include big discounts on the Samsung T5 portable SSD, an app-controlled R2-D2, the Community Blu-ray box set, and more! Time’s running out to take advantage of these prices, so hurry!

View the rest of the deals

If you want to know about the deals as soon as they are happening, you’ll want to follow Thrifter on Twitter, and sign up for the newsletter, because missing out on a great deal stinks!

Crown is a new dating app that looks a lot like your March Madness bracket

These days, if you’re hating the player but loving the game, there’s a new dating app that may just be your dream come true — or come to think of it, your worst nightmare. That’s because this app gamifies the entire process of online dating (though some might just say that it’s calling a spade a spade). Meet Crown, the latest dating app from Match Group, otherwise known as the parent company of Match, Tinder, and OkCupid. Rather than giving you a never ending roster of potential mates to pick from, Crown gives you a curated list that you then eliminate, tournament-style on a daily basis. Think of it as an even faster version of The Bachelor(ette) meets your March Madness bracket.

At noon each day, users will see 16 matches that have been selected for you by some proprietary algorithm. You’ll make your way through these matches by seeing two folks at a time, and “crowning” a winner. You’ll keep going through this process until you’re down to just four potential matches — aka the “Final Four.”

Those individuals will then be notified of your interest, and can elect to send you a message, or to pass. Of course, you’ll also likely be one of the Final Four for other users, which gives you more opportunity to interact with other potential matches.

As Andy Chen, Vice President of Match Group explains, Crown’s process of elimination “helps users choose between quality over quantity.” Indeed, if you’re a “match” on Crown, it probably indicates a higher level of at least physical attraction (to a photo) than a match on Tinder — after all, on Tinder, you’re not being directly compared to another person. Still, you’re still being judged exclusively on the photos that you choose to share, so it’s not as though Crown is making more meaningful matches than any of the other dating apps on the market.

While Crown has been in a limited beta for the last few months, it has recently made its official debut in Los Angeles, and more cities are said to be coming soon. As it stands, the app is free but only available on iOS. Android users, however, should soon be getting their own version, too.

Editors’ Recommendations

• How to move Windows 10 to an SSD
• Here are the best movies on Amazon Prime right now (June 2018)
• All the new features coming to the Facebook app and Messenger
• 12 cool houseboats that will set your imagination adrift
• Tinder begins testing a new video looping feature to add to profiles

Amazon, Microsoft, Uber donate to oppose the California Consumer Privacy Act

Amazon, Microsoft, and Uber have made large contributions to a group attempting to prevent a privacy act from becoming law in California. As per state disclosure records, the three tech giants join a number of other well-known companies, including Facebook, Google, AT&T, and Verizon, which are all working against the proposed California Consumer Privacy Act by donating to the Committee to Protect California Jobs.

The proposed legislation would require companies to share the sorts of data they collect on their users, including how they target ads, and would force these firms to give users the option of opting out of having their information sold to the highest bidder. Obviously, this wouldn’t bode well for many tech companies’ revenue streams, and as a result, they’re spending a lot to ensure that it doesn’t come to pass.

Amazon and Microsoft recently donated $195,000 each to the Committee, while Uber has offered up $50,000. Facebook, Google, AT&T, and Verizon, on the other hand, have all contributed $200,000,  though after  Mark Zuckerberg faced tough questions from Congress about Facebook’s privacy practices, Facebook has pledged to withdraw support from the group.

A spokesperson for the tech-friendly group called the privacy act “flawed,” and pointed out that while tech giants are opposed to the legislation, they’re not the only ones. “Credit unions, grocers, and car manufacturers are among the many recent additions to the coalition and are the top of the iceberg,” spokesperson Steven Maviglio noted. He added that the “workability” of the proposal is also problematic, saying, “Anyone who orders anything from Amazon can request where their information went, and that can not only overwhelm a large company like Amazon but also smaller ones too.”

So what exactly are the big tech companies’ reservations about the act? An Amazon representative told The Verge, “While we share the initiative’s overarching goal of protecting consumer privacy, we are concerned by unworkable requirements that would hinder our ability to innovate on behalf of our customers.”

Microsoft echoed these sentiments in a statement of its own, writing, “We believe the California measure could have unintended consequences for both businesses and consumers and that there is a better way to give consumers the privacy rights they deserve.”

But regardless of efforts against the legislation, the Californians for Consumer Privacy Act has already collected the requisite number of signatures needed to appear on the November ballot. That doesn’t mean that it’ll be signed into law, but that it’ll at least be up for greater debate. And given the money already pouring into at least one side of the fight, we’re sure that there’s plenty of drama yet to come in the privacy fight.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Facebook faces Senate, potential government regulation — and big changes
• What Is the GDPR? The EU’s Online Privacy Law: Explained
• U.S. lawmakers are asking Amazon if Alexa collects data on children
• Alexa may one day be more than a smart assistant — she wants to be your doctor
• Now Bitcoin millionaires are buying Lamborghinis

Want a VPN for life? Get Ivacy for only $40!

We all value our privacy, and when have so much of our lives online, that privacy and security is paramount. It’s far too often that people are the victims of identity theft, doxing, and worse, so having a quality VPN to protect the anonymity of your online browsing habits is a great idea.

Ivacy VPN is a highly reviewed service that offers person-to-person file sharing at blazing fast speeds, while completely protecting your identity, and right now you can get a lifetime subscription for only $39.99. With a regular retail price of $1,194, you save 96% through Android Central Digital Offers. The other wonderful benefit of a VPN is the ability to stream tens of thousands of movies, TV shows, sports events, and more from around the world. Having a quality VPN can help you completely bypass geo-restrictions, so you can get to the content you want now. You’ll even get a dedicated VPN add-on for Kodi.

Ivacy VPN lets you connect to more than 450 servers in over 100 locations around the world, and its an official partner of the National Cyber Security Alliance, helping to promote privacy education and awareness. If you’re worried about the state of net neutrality and your internet speeds going forward, Ivacy VPN can help you overcome throttling and port blocking.

No more region-blocking the content you want to see; no more hacking, spyware, or government surveillance; no more worry that your privacy is at stake. Check out Ivacy VPN at Android Central Digital Offers and get a lifetime subscription for only $39.99.

See at Android Central Digital Offers

Grab a Black & Decker string trimmer and sweeper together for $61

Better together.

This Black & Decker LCC221 String Trimmer and Edger Plus Sweeper combo is down to $60.99 on Amazon. It normally sells for around $75. While we’ve seen this bundle go as low as $70 in the past, it has never gone as low as today’s sale. The string trimmer by itself is usually $59.

The bundle includes a string trimmer, which has an automatic feed spool, and a sweeper that’s perfect for clearing decks, driveways, and sidewalks. They are both lightweight and battery powered, and the combo comes with one 20V Max battery. Users give it 3.9 stars based on 271 reviews.

If you’re buying this trimmer brand new, you probably won’t need a replacement spool right away, but it never hurts to have some just in case. You can get a 3-pack on Amazon for just $19.80.

See on Amazon

Best Chromebook for Students in 2018

• Best overall
• Best for younger students
• Best on a budget

Best overall

Lenovo Chromebook 500e

See at Lenovo

A student needs a laptop that is reliable, affordable and robust. The Lenovo Chromebook 500e is all that and more. The Chromebook 500e was designed for students to carry back and forth to class without worry because of its rugged build. Features like a 360-degree hinge and excellent pen support make it the best Chromebook for any student. This is a deal at around $300.

The bottom line: The Chromebook 500e is great for any student. Chrome and Android app support, an excellent keyboard and screen optimized for pen input make it our best pick overall for students.

One more thing: Lenovo makes a 100e and 300e, both of which offer nearly as much for a little bit less money.

Why the Lenovo Chromebook 500e is the best

The Chromebook 500e was designed to go through life with you and survive it all. It’s built like a tank with a reinforced shell and rubber bumpers that make it MIL-STD 810G compliant so it’s going to survive banging around in a backpack or messenger bag and be ready to get to work when it needs to be. Lenovo’s long history of making excellent laptops shines through with the keyboard and trackpad and the display is specially bonded to work excellent with the built-in Wacom EMR pen.

Inside, you have plenty of power to get things done with an Intel processor and ample 64GB or storage. And Android app support is an added bonus that means a student will be able to find the app they need to be productive in class.

The Chromebook 500e is designed for educational use but still has the options we want to see in our best pick. It’s exactly what a busy student needs.

Best for younger students

Acer Chromebook Tab

See at CDW

Younger students can benefit from using a tablet. It’s light and easy to hold, is great for more interaction with learning materials, and helps young students learn spelling and grammar by being more hands-on. While many Chromebooks can fold into a tablet, the Chromebook Tab 10 is a tablet.

It has the same features you would find in any suitable Chromebook: Android app support, Wacom pen support, a quad-core CPU and 32 GB of storage and an excellent 2048×1536 display. Grab it for just under $340.

Bottom line: If you are shopping for a younger student or anyone who might prefer a tablet experience, the Chromebook Tab 10 is the right way to go.

One more thing: Because this is a tablet, you’re going to want a great Bluetooth keyboard, and the Logitech K480 is our recommendation.

Best on a budget

2018 Acer Chromebook 11

See at Amazon

Acer’s new Chromebook 11 is an affordable and dependable Chromebook that has no aspirations to be anything else. The beautiful blue body doesn’t flip over into a tablet, there is no touch display or pen input — it’s a Chromebook. A darn good one, especially when you consider that it retails for $269 and has the same Intel CPU and 32 GB of storage you’ll see in more expensive models.

The bottom line: If you want a Chromebook for a student and have placed yourself on a budget, you’re in luck. Acer’s Chromebook 11 has you covered.

One more thing: There are so many Android apps that make your Chromebook experience even better.

Conclusion

There are plenty of great Chromebooks for students right now, but the Lenovo Chromebook 500e finds the right balance between productivity and style. If you want something a bit more budget-minded, the Acer Chromebook 11 is a great Chromebook that retails well under $300. And for the youngster who is just starting out, the Acer Chromebook Tab 10 is a perfect way to start learning how to learn as only a tablet can.

Best overall

Lenovo Chromebook 500e

See at Lenovo

A student needs a laptop that is reliable, affordable and robust. The Lenovo Chromebook 500e is all that and more. The Chromebook 500e was designed for students to carry back and forth to class without worry because of its rugged build. Features like a 360-degree hinge and excellent pen support make it the best Chromebook for any student. This is a deal at around $300.

The bottom line: The Chromebook 500e is great for any student. Chrome and Android app support, an excellent keyboard and screen optimized for pen input make it our best pick overall for students.

One more thing: Lenovo makes a 100e and 300e, both of which offer nearly as much for a little bit less money.

Update, June 2018: The Lenovo Chromebook 500e is the best choice for a student because it’s tough and offers excellent performance

Chromebooks

• The best Chromebooks
• Chromebooks in education: Everything you need to know
• Should you buy a Chromebook?
• Chromebook Buyers Guide
• Google Pixelbook review
• Join our Chromebook forums