How to prepare for Amazon Prime Day 2018

There’s a lot you can do, so start now.

Amazon’s Prime Day will be here before you know it — expect it in mid-July — and the deals will be flowing. But without proper preparation, you may miss out on some of them. From simple things like ensuring your account is in good standing with updated information to small tips and tricks, we have you covered. Let’s take a look at some of what you’ll want to do in the days leading up to Amazon’s event.

Update your billing and shipping information

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s easy to have your Prime account get cluttered up with extra shipping addresses and credit cards. This can slow you down, and even if it’s just a matter of seconds, it may be the difference between securing a deal and missing out on it.

Be sure to delete any expired credit cards or ones that you don’t use anymore, and do the same for shipping addresses. If you have any Amazon gift cards laying around, be sure to redeem them ahead of time so that the money is available to you right away.

While you’re cleaning up your account, you’ll want to make sure your Prime membership doesn’t expire before mid-July, and if aren’t already a Prime member, I’d set a calendar reminder for the beginning of July to enroll in the 30-day free trial.

Order an Echo device

While it’s not a critical part of Prime Day preparation, it can actually help you save even more on the big day if Amazon follows the plans it has in previous years. Amazon generally kicks off Prime Day with a few hours of Voice Shopping exclusive deals, which require you have an Alexa device like the Echo Dot, Echo, or similar.

You’ll want to purchase this ahead of time so that you can have it in time for the event. You’ll need to set up voice shopping on your account, but it only takes a few seconds and it’s extremely useful for future purchases as well.

See at Amazon

Keep it locked to Thrifter

The team over at Thrifter will be covering all the deals leading up to Prime Day and everything that drops throughout the sale. There will be tons of deals, some will be advertised on Amazon’s home page, and others will be hidden. Thrifter will be uncovering all the gems, analyzing the prices, and informing you of the smartest buys out there.

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T-Mobile FamilyMode offers digital parenting tools for $10/month

FamilyMode lets you pause internet access, set content restrictions, and more.

Similar to AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon, T-Mobile’s now getting in the business of offering its own suite of digital parenting tools to help give moms and dads a competitive edge for parenting in the modern world.

T-Mobile’s new service is called T-Mobile FamilyMode, and access to the mobile app costs $10/month. With FamilyMode, parents can create internet limits so kids can only use their mobile data during certain hours of the day, set content filters for apps/websites, and pause and resume data at any given time.

Other helpful features include:

• Real-time location info for your children
• See which apps/sites the kiddos are using and look at their internet search history
• Reward members of your family with more screen/internet time

That $10/month rate allows you to have all this control over your children’s smartphones, but for a one-time payment of just $20, you can buy the T-Mobile FamilyMode Home Base that allows you to bring these features over to all of your Wi-Fi connected devices.

That $20 price is only good for a limited time, however, as it’ll later go back up to its MSRP of $100.

T-Mobile FamilyMode officially launches on June 29.

Verizon revamps its parental control tools with ‘Verizon Smart Family’

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Sound bars, smart plugs, gaming headsets, 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 Razer Kraken gaming headset, TP-Link smart plugs, Office 365, and much more! Time’s running out to take advantage of these prices, so hurry!

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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!

Upgrade your TV’s built-in speakers with this $62 AmazonBasics sound bar

Better than those 3W speakers you got.

This AmazonBasics sound bar with a built-in subwoofer is down to $61.69. This is the lowest price ever compared to a regular street price around $95. Previous drops have only seen it go as low as $70 before.

Sound bars are a great way to step up the audio of any monitor that uses built-in speakers. Obviously, this isn’t going to be the same as a huge home audio system like Sonos, but if you’re trying to watch a movie with tiny speakers and no boom, you’re selling yourself short. Upgrade with a sound bar like this at the very least.

It’s a 31.5-inch sound bar with a built-in subwoofer for better bass, Bluetooth 2.1 tech for music streaming, and full-range stereo speakers with up to 92 dB output. It has three sound modes including Standard, News, and Movie, a remote control, and wall-mounting hardware. It has 3.5 stars based on 1,528 reviews. All AmazonBasics products are covered by a one-year warranty.

If you’re a cord-cutter, you can really give your TV an upgrade with this OTA antenna, too. It has a 35-mile range for just $20, and paired with this sound bar maybe you’ll actually start using your TV for more than just a living room decoration piece.

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Samsung Galaxy S10: News, Rumors, Release Date, Specs, and More!

2019 is going to be the year of Samsung.

Samsung’s Galaxy S phones always give us something exciting to look forward to at the beginning of each year, and 2019 officially marks the 10-year anniversary of when the first Galaxy S flagship was released.

Similar to what Apple did with the iPhone X, we’re expecting the Galaxy S10 to be truly special. The Galaxy S9 and S8 were both excellent phones, but in honor of such a big anniversary, Samsung will likely pull out all the stops to release a truly special and jaw-dropping gadget.

If you’re ready to learn more about the Galaxy S10 and find out what we could look forward to next February, here’s everything you need to know.

The latest Galaxy S10 news

June 25, 2018 — Samsung to release three S10 models, introduce a triple camera system, and swap out iris scanning for an in-display fingerprint sensor

What a news dump today turned out to be for Galaxy S10 rumors!

Jumping right into things, a report from The Electronic Times claims that Samsung will launch not one, not two, but three different models of the S10. The most affordable of the bunch, codenamed Beyond 0, will reportedly ship with a 5.8-inch display that’s completely flat. Beyond 1, the mid-tier option, will also use a 5.8-inch screen but feature curves similar to what’s found on the S9.

The star of the show, Beyond 3, will boast a large 6.2-inch curved display and feature three cameras on the back — something we’ve never seen from Samsung before.

As if three different models and a triple camera system wasn’t enough to get you excited, The Bell also reported today that the Galaxy S10 will ditch the iris scanner of the S9 and replace it with a 3D facial-recognition system and in-display fingerprint sensor similar to what we’ve seen from the Vivo X21 and NEX.

All the important details

How many versions is Samsung going to launch?

For the past four years, Samsung’s launched two models of its Galaxy S series:

• 2015 — Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge
• 2016 — Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge
• 2017 — Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus
• 2018 — Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus

With the Galaxy S10 in 2019, Samsung is expected to shake-up its formula by releasing three different models at the same time — codenamed Beyond 1, Beyond 2, and Beyond 3.

Beyond 1 and Beyond 2 will be similar to older S flagships with the former having a flat screen while the other has Samsung’s iconic curved display. Beyond 3 is where Samsung’s putting all the marbles, with things like a larger screen and triple camera system on the back.

When will the Galaxy S10 be released?

Perhaps the biggest question on your mind is “When will I be able to buy the Galaxy S10?”.

Save for the Galaxy S8 that was announced at its own special event, Samsung usually unveils its Galaxy S flagship phones during Mobile World Congress each year.

MWC 2019 is scheduled to take place between February 25 and 28 in Barcelona, and there’s a good chance that’s where we’ll get our first look at the S10. However, with this being Samsung’s 10-year anniversary, the company could hold a separate event around that same time as it did with the S8.

As for when you’ll be able to purchase the S10, it should officially launch around two or three weeks from when it’s announced. Should Samsung decide to reveal the phone during MWC, that’d place it with a launch date of around early-March.

How much will the S10 cost?

When it comes to price, that’s where things could get interesting next year.

Samsung’s only ever released one or two variants of its S flagships at a time, such as the S7/S7 Edge, S8/S8 Plus, etc. However, as noted above, the Galaxy S10 series will likely consist of three different phones.

This could result in vastly different pricing across all models, and depending on how you look at things, that’s either a dream come true or a nightmare.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 has a starting price of $720, and my guess is that the lowest-end Galaxy S10 will come in with a similar or slightly lower price of around $650-$700. The mid-tier S10 will probably cost a bit less than the S9+ at $800-$820, whereas the highest-end variant may very-well sell for $999.

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Pick up PNY’s 64GB Pro Elite microSD card for just $25 today

Stock up.

Amazon has PNY’s 64GB Pro Elite microSD card on sale for $24.99 right now. The card normally sells for around $10 more, and this is a match of the lowest it’s ever sold for. With read speeds of up to 95MB/s and write speeds of up to 90MB/s, this is one of the fastest cards available at this price. It’s a Class 10 U3 card, which is rated for recording 4K video, making it perfect to use in your action camera or phone. You can also use it with an adapter in your PC, digital camera, or anywhere else that accepts SD cards.

These are magnet, shock, temperature, water, and X-ray proof. This discount makes the 64GB version $5 cheaper than the 32GB card is right now, so don’t miss out.

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Microsoft’s Edge Browser for iOS Gaining Built-In Adblock Plus Functionality

Microsoft is testing built-in Adblock Plus integration in its mobile Edge browser available for both iOS and Android devices, reports The Verge.

With built-in Adblock Plus functionality, Edge browser users on iOS will not need to download a separate ad blocking app, which may attract more users to Microsoft’s browser. Adblock Plus can be enabled in Microsoft Edge’s settings, with no add-on app required.

Google has built ad blocking into Chrome for Android devices, but it is somewhat limited and not available on iOS devices. As noted by The Verge, Adblock Plus is a more aggressive ad blocking option.

iOS Safari users can, of course, install one of several ad block apps available in the iOS App Store, but there is no native ad blocking functionality in Safari.

Adblock Plus is available in a beta capacity on both Android and iOS devices at the current time, with Microsoft planning to roll the feature out to all Edge for iOS and Android users in the near future.

Microsoft has made its Edge browser available across a range of devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Android devices in addition to Windows computers. The Edge browser includes syncing of favorites, passwords, and reading lists, along with a “Continue on PC” option for transferring what you’re reading from the mobile Edge browser to the desktop.

Tags: Microsoft, Microsoft Edge
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CBS All Access to Offer NFL Games on Mobile Devices Through Extended CBS/NFL Partnership

CBS and the NFL today announced an extended streaming agreement that will see all NFL on CBS games available on the CBS All Access streaming video service through 2022.

The entire 2018 NFL on CBS season will be available to all CBS All Access subscribers, on set-top boxes and, for the first time, mobile devices. That means customers who subscribe to CBS All Access can watch NFL games on iPhones and iPads with the CBS All Access app.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Previously, streaming NFL games on mobile devices was limited to Verizon subscribers, but Verizon and the NFL in December reached a new deal that allowed for other services and carriers to offer access to NFL games on tablets and smartphones through the Yahoo Sports, go90, and NFL apps.

In addition to mobile devices, NFL on CBS content can be viewed online at CBS.com and on connected devices like Roku Players, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Fire TV, Samsung Smart TVs and Amazon Channels.

CBS says that its All Access subscribers will receive NFL on CBS games that are broadcast in their local market. NFL on CBS content will also be made available on mobile for CBS’s cable, satellite, telco, and vMVPD partners.

CBS has been offering access to NFL on CBS games through its All Access subscription service since 2016, but prior NFL seasons were only able to be streamed on TVs, tablets, and computers.

Tags: NFL, CBS, CBS Sports
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Apple working on new AirPods, HomePod, and high-end headphones for 2019

Grovemade

Apple is stepping up its game when it comes to its audio devices, and has plans to launch higher-end AirPods, a new HomePod, and studio-quality over-ear headphones in the near future, according to a recent Bloomberg report. Rumors around new and improved music devices and smart speakers have been swirling for months, and it would appear that Apple is now making moves to bring these highly anticipated, upgraded devices to life. The new AirPods, HomePod, and headphones could be released as early as 2019, though no specific timeline has yet been reported.

According to Bloomberg’s sources, the Cupertino-based tech giant is looking to produce AirPods that have noise-canceling properties, as well as water resistance. Apple also wants to ensure that these new AirPods can work even when relatively far away from their companion smartphone or tablet. And while you won’t be able to jump into a pool wearing the AirPods, Apple hopes that you’ll be able to go on a long run (even in the rain) without having to worry about sweat or precipitation damaging the earbuds.

There might also be the possibility of adding biometric sensors to upcoming AirPods, including a heart rate monitor, to further strengthen Apple’s health-related products. Of course, with these new features, it’s likely that the AirPods will cost more than they do now ($159).

Josh Edelson/Getty Images

As for the over-ear headphones, Apple is hoping to create a high-end product that can compete with offerings from companies such as Bose and Sennheiser. Rather than utilizing Beats branding, these new headphones will feature the Apple name, and should be released in 2019. Initially, Apple was targeting a 2018 launch date, but development setbacks have delayed the timeline. Apple is apparently thinking of working with audio system manufacturer Tymphany as a production partner for the headphones, though the deal has not yet been finalized and production has not yet begun.

It’s unclear exactly what the new HomePod will look like, but it’s likely the Apple product that needs the most work. While critics noted that the HomePod served its purpose well as a speaker, its functionality is rather limited when it comes to the “smart” aspect, and its high price point and lack of third-party integrations made it somewhat less appealing than other smart speakers on the market. It remains unclear what production plans for this device will be, but we will be sure to update you as more information is made available.

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T-Mobile FamilyMode lets parents control kids’ screen time on any device

T-Mobile’s new FamilyMode system provides parents with the ability to control their children’s internet access on their smartphones and tablets wherever they are. With the addition of its “Home Base” device, parents can also expand the range of electronics they have control over.

To power FamilyMode using the complete ecosystem, parents need two things: access to the app and a small, cube-like “Home Base.” Once you open up the FamilyMode app (available for iOS and Android) on your phone, you can connect the base station to the app via an ethernet cable or pair it over your Wi-Fi network.

After you set up your Home Base, you’ll be able to pick and choose which devices you want to attach to your child’s profile straight from the app — and you aren’t limited to just smartphones and tablets connected to the network. You can choose to filter and monitor gaming consoles, laptops, Smart TVs, and any other device connected to that same Wi-Fi Network.

FamilyMode can be used without the Home Base as well, with just the FamilyMode app. This will allow parents to control only their kids’ phones and tablets wherever they’re located — on Wi-Fi or a cellular network.

Once the devices are chosen, parents can then set internet limits, filter inappropriate content, and choose which apps or sites their child has access to. Parents can reward their kids with bonus screen time through the app as well. They also have the ability to view which apps and sites they spend the most time on, along with their internet history.

While parents share an account, there’s room for up to 12 user profiles on the FamilyMode app. You can attach different devices to each child’s respective profile in order to make it easier to keep track of who is using a specific device. You’ll also have real-time location information so you can keep track of where your kids are as long as their phone is on them.

Children will have access to a page via the app, which allows them to see how much time is left on a specific site, platform, or app to help better manage their time. They’ll receive a notification letting them know when time is up and the internet will stop working completely. This works regardless of what carrier you’re on and it can be used with both iOS and Android.

But exactly how does it stop the internet from working? FamilyMode uses a local-loopback virtual private network (VPN) that ensures all internet traffic on the device is checked against the FamilyMode app before routed to the destination. So when the time is up, the Home Base can limit the internet and access to it based on what parents choose via the app.

Apple recently announced its own initiative to help reduce the amount of time we spend on our phones via a new feature in iOS 12 called Screen Time. A month prior, Google also announced a similar feature called Digital Wellbeing that will be baked into the next version of the Android P operating system.

With both Screen Time and Digital Wellbeing, it’s up the user to set their own limits when it comes to app timers, do not disturb settings, and accessing a summary of how much time they’ve spent on each app and also on their phones. But Apple and Google allow for a bit more leeway by giving users control of their own limits as long as the smartphone or tablet is in the palm of their hands.

As for T-Mobile FamilyMode, it will officially be available starting June 29 for T-Mobile customers. The Home Base retails for $100, but the carrier is offering it for $20 in honor of its launch. Meanwhile, the app will cost a flat fee of $10 per month, which includes all 12 profiles.

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