Add some color to your home with these $40 Philips Hue bulbs

16 million color options.

Right now you can pick up a few different Philips Hue bulbs for just $39.98 each, like the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance smart bulbs, White and Color Ambiance Flood Light, and the decorative color candle bulb. This is a savings of $10 from the regular price on these bulbs, and outside of a brief Prime Day sale, the best price they’ve sold for in a year. Each bulb has more than 16 million color options that can be controlled by the app or even via Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Assistant, or Siri.

In order for the lights to work, you will need the Philips Hue Smart Bridge, which is down to $52 from $60 today. For $15 more, you can get the 2-bulb starter kit, which comes with the Bridge and two white bulbs that you can use in your home as well.

Looking for other smart home gear at a discount? Amazon has select devices available for just $10, so be sure to check them out!

See at Amazon

How to choose the perfect Synology NAS

This is how to choose the perfect Synology NAS.

After shopping around for Network Attached Storage (NAS) units, you may have decided on Synology as a brand. That’s only the first step, as the company offers a wide collection of NAS boxes, depending on what you need.

I’m going to run you through a few things to make choosing the right model that little bit easier.

Read our Synology DS218+ review

Breaking down the numbers

Synology, like other vendors, uses model numbers to differentiate between the various options. The DS prefix is always present, which stands for DiskStation. After that, you have a number that usually indicates how many drive bays are present. The last two numbers are tied to each generation (representing the year of release). For example, the 2016 DS216 has two drive bays but is likely to be slower than the newer DS218 from 2018. It keeps it simple.

Some units from Synology may have a suffix at the end that shows a unique or more capable system. Here are a few examples of such suffixes:

• se – Budget-friendly option.
• j – Affordable option for home use.
• play – Usually has a more powerful processor for better transcoding.
• + – Sports an Intel processor.
• +II – The same model as the “+” but with a newer processor.

A DS218+II would be a DiskStation NAS with a newer generation of Intel processor. The DS218j, on the other hand, would contain less powerful internals but command a more affordable price.

Comparing models

Here’s a comparison table with a few of the latest models from Synology.

The more affordable options like the j models will not be very good at transcoding video and other intensive tasks but can be used to store music and other files and stream them to connected devices. The more expensive options will be better suited and cost a little extra. The base (DS218) and Intel-powered + models are an ideal middle ground. And the DS218+ won the Windows Central Choice Award.

Unless stated otherwise, NAS listings usually do not come with hard drives. So you’ll need to factor purchasing these into the final price. We’ve got a few guides available on choosing the best hard drives for a NAS.

More NAS resources

• Synology NAS and Android: All you need to know
• Best and Most Reliable Hard Drives for Synology NAS
• 4 tips for buying NAS drives
• Comparing Synology NAS and cloud storage
• Best NAS for the home

Updated on August 16, 2018: This guide was updated with further information on Synology NAS models.

Rechargeable batteries, laser printers, and more are 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 Amazon’s Fire TV with 4K, a Brother laser printer, Panasonic’s rechargeable AA eneloop batteries, and more!

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!

Amazon Prime’s 20% discount on video game pre-orders ends next week

It’s game over for this Prime discount.

Amazon is continuously updating Prime memberships with new features and bonus offers, and there have been a few nice ones which are great for gamers, like Twitch Prime which offers free PC games to members every month. One of the best discounts that Prime currently offers is 20% off physical game pre-orders; that takes a $60 game down to $47.99, but unfortunately, Amazon just announced that the discount is coming to an end on August 27.

With the demise of Best Buy’s Gamers Club Unlocked in May of this year, it was only a matter of time before Amazon ended its pre-order discount too, as it was seemingly started to compete with GCU’s 20% discount on video games. Luckily though, Amazon is once again following Best Buy’s lead and will begin offering a $10 promo credit with the purchase of select video games beginning August 28. There is a benefit to this new offer. Though you might not earn as much back as you do on a $60 game with the current discount, the upcoming offer will be available for digital game pre-orders too, whereas the current one is only for standard physical games. You’ll have 60 days to use the promo credit before it expires.

If you already have a game pre-ordered with the 20% discount, you’ll still receive that discount even if the game ships after August 28. This also means you have until August 28 to pre-order any game you want with that 20% discount. Might we suggest the following?

• Monster Hunter Generations for Nintendo Switch
• Forza Horizon 4 for Xbox One
• Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey for PlayStation 4 or Xbox One
• Super Mario Party for Nintendo Switch
• Fallout 76 for PlayStation 4 or Xbox One
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch
• Kingdom Hearts 3 for PlayStation 4 or Xbox One
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider for PlayStation 4 or Xbox One
• Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu or Eevee for Nintendo Switch

With all the great video games coming out soon and later in 2018, it’s unfortunate to see this discount come to an end. Pre-ordering won’t charge your card until the game ships, so you might even want to pre-order some you’re still unsure about to ensure you get the lowest price. You can always cancel later if you decide to change your mind.

Twitch Prime is dropping ad-free viewing in September

Twitch Prime’s list of perks is getting a little thinner starting next month.

Twitch Prime is a great way to earn a load of extra goodies if you consume a lot of content on the streaming service. Since launch, the company has given out free monthly channel subscriptions, free games, and in-game loot as part of the program. But there’s one perk that’s about to get the ax: ad-free viewing.

In an update posted to its blog today, Twitch announced that it will cut ad-free viewing from its Twitch Prime benefits for new subscribers starting on September 14. The reason? A re-evaluation of existing benefits as the company “[continues] to add value to Twitch Prime.” From the post:

Advertising is an important source of support for the creators who make Twitch possible. This change will strengthen and expand that advertising opportunity for creators so they can get more support from their viewers for doing what they love. We want Twitch to remain a place where anyone can enjoy one-of-a-kind interactive entertainment, and ads allow us to continue making Twitch the best place for creators to build communities around the things they love and make money doing it.

Crucially, if you’re already a Twitch Prime member, you’ll still get to take advantage of ad-free viewing through October 15. And if you bought an annual subscription, you’ll continue to be able to watch without ads until your next renewal date.

Going forward, you’ll still be able to watch without ads in one of two ways. You can use your free monthly channel subscription to strike ads for that particular channel. For a full ad-free experience, Twitch says you can buy a subscription to Twitch Turbo.

While it’s a bit disappointing to see the perk taken away, Twitch seems to be using the freed up resources to focus on better freebies in the future. “We’re just getting started, and the community can continue to expect more and better free games with Prime and in-game loot every month, monthly channel subscriptions, exclusive badges, along with new benefits and surprises,” the company says.

What is Twitch Prime and how do I get it?

Apple Pay Now Accepted at All Costco Warehouses in United States

Apple Pay is now accepted at all Costco warehouses in the United States, at in-store checkouts, according to the company.

Costco has been equipping its warehouses with contactless payment terminals over the past several months, and as of this week, it has activated contactless payments at all of its 750 locations across the country. Costco is also outfitting its gas stations with contactless readers, but only a few have gone live.

Costco had previously been trialing Apple Pay at a warehouse in Issaquah, Washington, near its corporate headquarters, and a handful of other locations, but only now has acceptance rolled out to all of its stores.

The tap-to-pay functionality of Costco Anywhere credit cards is also working now. Costco launched this Visa-branded card a few years ago, in partnership with Citi, enabling Costco members to earn 2% cash back on purchases from Costco and Costco.com. It also doubles as a Costco membership card for entry.

As one of the biggest retailers in the United States, Apple Pay acceptance at Costco was long awaited. Apple Pay will also be launching at pharmacy chain CVS and convenience store chain 7-Eleven in the U.S. later this year.

Related Roundup: Apple PayTag: Costco
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Apple to Debut Low-Cost MacBook Air With Retina Display, Revamped Pro-Focused Mac Mini in 2018

Apple is working on several new products for its Mac lineup, including a new low-cost MacBook Air and a Pro-focused Mac mini, reports Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

The upcoming low-cost MacBook Air will be similar in design to the current MacBook Air, but with slimmer bezels around the display. It will continue to be sized around 13 inches, and it will feature a Retina display.

We’ve heard multiple rumors about the upcoming low-cost notebook, but it has been unclear whether it is part of the MacBook family or if it will be branded as a MacBook Air. Today’s report makes it clear that the new machine is going to be positioned as a MacBook Air upgrade, aimed at students and schools with a lower price tag than MacBooks in the MacBook family.

Apple is continuing to make new MacBook models as well, and it’s not yet clear how the company will differentiate the new MacBook Air from the MacBook. Right now, the MacBook’s higher price tag, slimmer body, and Retina display set it apart from the MacBook Air.

Apple is also said to be working on an upgrade to the Mac mini, which has not seen an update since October 2014. Little detail is available about the upcoming machine, but it is said to be focused on pro users with new storage and processor options that are likely to make it more expensive than previous Mac mini products.

2017 rumors suggested Apple was working on a Mac mini that “won’t be so mini anymore,” which would be in line with a machine that has more powerful, less compact components.

Bloomberg suggests Apple could potentially be planning to introduce the new Macs in October, following a September event that will see the launch of new iPhones and new Apple Watch models.

New iPad Pro models with Face ID are also in the works, but it is not clear if these will debut in September or October.

Related Roundups: Mac mini, MacBook AirBuyer’s Guide: Mac Mini (Don’t Buy), MacBook Air (Don’t Buy)
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Review: Twelve South’s New AirSnap Protects Your AirPods Case

Twelve South last month introduced its newest product, the AirSnap case designed to work with Apple’s AirPods.

Priced at $29.99, the AirSnap is made from a supple, full-grain leather that molds around the AirPods for a perfect fit. The fit is tight enough that I had to put a little effort in to stretch it to snap the case shut, but like all leather, it will loosen over time. Expect it to change in color too, because as you use it, it develops a patina.

Twelve South makes the AirSnap in deep teal, black, and cognac, colors that match its iPhone case lineup, so if you’re aiming for a matching look, it’s possible with the AirSnap and a Twelve South case. These colors also aren’t too far off from several of the colors of the leather cases that Apple sells.

The AirSnap features a main pouch the AirPods fit into, with a snap closure to keep the case closed for protection. The stitching around the case is well done and professional looking, and at the top, there’s a loop for a metal swivel clip. There are two slits at the back to allow the top flap to open, and an AirSnap logo at the back. A cutout at the bottom for the Lightning port enables charging while the AirPods are in the case.

Because of the Lightning port cutout and the snap-open flap that can be pulled back to get to the AirPods inside of the AirSnap, there’s no need to remove the AirPods case from the AirSnap.

You can put the AirPods case inside of the AirSnap and leave it there indefinitely, which is convenient. The snap can add an extra step, but I found that the act of unsnapping the AirSnap almost always opened up the AirPods case so there was no friction getting to my AirPods.

Similarly, closing the top flap of the AirSnap also closes up the AirPods case, so all in all, getting to the AirPods inside the AirPods case is similar to the experience using them without the AirSnap installed.

With the AirSnap protecting the AirPods case, it’s going to be safe from scratches, and the included clip at the top also has the potential to keep the AirPods from getting lost inside a bag or backpack if you don’t mind the risk of loss or theft.

Many of Twelve South’s marketing materials and images show the AirSnap clipped onto the outside of a bag, which is definitely something I’d be hesitant to do. The AirPods have a recognizable shape that isn’t hidden by the design of the AirSnap, which invites theft, and all clips can be prone to breakage.

There’s no way to lock the clip once it’s attached to a bag, and it also seems like it could be easy for it to accidentally come unfastened. That said, there are some bag and backpack options that have a clip for a set of keys inside the bag (usually attached to a long flexible cord) and in that situation, the AirSnap can be clipped safely inside where it’s easy to find and not vulnerable to being lost.

I didn’t have problems with the clip while I tested the AirSnap with my AirPods attached to my purse, but I did read about someone who used the AirSnap clip and had it fall off their bag (or get stolen), resulting in lost AirPods.

I’d feel a lot better about the clip if it weren’t so easy to unclip, but it just takes a simple little press to get it unclasped. I did, however, appreciate the swivel mechanism, which made it easy to get to my AirPods inside the AirSnap.

Bottom Line

It seems counterintuitive to put a case inside a case, and I’ve never worried about my AirPods case scratching, but based on a few searches, it’s certainly a concern for some people. There have been many complaints about the AirPods case scratching, and that’s something the AirSnap puts a stop to.

AirSnap will also prevent the AirPods from getting dirty inside a bag or a pocket because of the protective cover, so if you often have the AirPods Case floating around inside your bag, AirSnap is a good way to prevent damage.

I think the clip is useful, both for finding the AirPods in a mess of other items in a bag (it’s easy to grasp) or for clipping inside of a bag so it’s always easily locatable, but I’d use caution attaching it to the outside of a bag.

Aside from clip design, the AirSnap is a great little case that’s well made and seems worth the $29 asking price for those seeking a good quality AirPods case. The stitching looks great, the snapping mechanism is both secure and simple to use, and the Lightning port cutout offers easy charging access.

I’d expect that the AirSnap will work with the wireless AirPods charging case that’s set to come out alongside the AirSnap. It’s presumably using Qi wireless charging, which is able to work through cases as iPhones and other smartphones have demonstrated.

How to Buy

The AirSnap can be purchased from the Twelve South website for $29.

Note: Twelve South provided MacRumors with an AirSnap for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Tag: Twelve South
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How to Browse the Internet on Apple Watch Through watchOS 5’s WebKit Integration

With watchOS 5, Apple has added support for WebKit, which is designed to allow you to view content from the web right on your wrist, something that’s entirely new to the Apple Watch.

There’s no full web browser so you’re not going to see a Safari app for Apple Watch anytime soon, but you can now click on and open web links in apps like Mail and Messages.

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WebKit in Messages

If someone sends you a link to your Apple Watch in the Messages app, you can tap on it to open up a little mini web browser right in the Messages app.

You can open all kinds of webpages, from restaurant menus to airline flight information. Webpages are interactive and you can click on links and browse as you normally would.

WebKit in Mail

Just like Messages, if you get an email with a web link in it, you can open it up using the Mail app. You can also view HTML emails on the Apple Watch for the first time thanks to the WebKit integration.

Using Google and Other Websites on Apple Watch

As we mentioned earlier, there’s no built-in Safari app on the Apple Watch for browsing the web, but you can cheat. Here’s how:

From your iPhone or Mac, send yourself an iMessage with a link to Google.com (or any other search engine).
On the Apple Watch, open up the Messages app.
Tap on your name, and then tap on the Google.com link that you sent yourself.
Wait for the Google site to load on the Apple Watch.
Tap on the search field.
Speak or spell out whatever you want to search for.
Tap the search button.
You can load all kinds of websites on the Apple Watch, from Wikipedia to restaurant sites for finding menus, to airline check-in sites to websites like MacRumors.com. It’s essentially a full browser that’s been miniaturized for the wrist.

Some content will not load on the Apple Watch. You can’t watch YouTube videos, for example, nor will other types of video content load. Complicated websites with a lot of content, such as news sites, can take awhile to load or can refuse to load all together, so simple browsing is best on the Apple Watch.

Where possible, the little Apple Watch browser will use Reader Mode for text heavy websites, so you will see simple, easy-to-view sites with no ads. Mobile optimized sites work the best on the Apple Watch.

Using Google in the Messages app for browsing the web isn’t something that you’re going to want to do all the time because it’s slow and tedious on such a small screen, not to mention it eats up a lot of battery, but it’s useful for an emergency where you need to look something up and don’t have an iPhone handy.

For browsing the web on the Apple Watch, you will always need to use the search cheat because Apple doesn’t allow access to the URL bar. You can tap it, but there’s no way to enter a web address.

WebKit Gestures

WebKit on Apple Watch supports several gestures, which are outlined below.

• Use the Digital Crown or a finger on the screen to scroll.
• Double tap to zoom in and double tap again to zoom out.
• Long press to access options for Back, Forward, Reload, and Reader Mode.
• Swipe to move forwards or backwards through different sites.
• Tap a text field to speak or spell out text.

How to Clear Website Data on Apple Watch

Being able to browse the web on the Apple Watch through Mail and Messages means that your Apple Watch is storing some website data. You can delete all of this data in the Settings app. Here’s how:

Open the Settings app on Apple Watch.
Choose General.
Scroll down to Website Data.
Select “Clear Website Data.”
Using this option will remove all website cookies, credentials, and browsing data. It does not appear that Apple Watch stores any browsing history in a viewable format, so there’s no option to clear just history.

Availability

WebKit integration appears to be a feature that is limited to Apple Watch Series 3 models, as Apple Watch owners with Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 models are not able to open web links during the beta testing period, instead seeing a message that links need to be viewed on the iPhone.

It’s not clear if this is a beta limitation because Apple’s watchOS 5 site does not mention that it’s a Series 3 only feature, but it’s possible older Apple Watch models will not work with WebKit when watchOS 5 sees a release.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 4, watchOS 5Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)
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From DIY to AAA, here’s how to take a passport photo in 6 different ways

Alexey Ivanov/123RF
Alexey Ivanov/123RF

Applying for your first passport, or renewing an old one? In addition to the documents you need to submit, you’ll also have to provide a photo. But not just any photo will do, as the U.S. Department of State has a list of requirements that must be met. Not meeting one could result in an unwanted — and unfortunate — delay.

There are two approaches to taking a passport photo: Do it yourself for free, or utilize a service for a fee, such as a nearby pharmacy’s photo center. Choosing one will depend on your timing and budget, as well as the amount of effort you want to put in. Regardless of which option you pick, here’s how to get the perfect passport photo. You’ll be jetting off to somewhere far in no time.

Why do you need a passport?

Simply put, a passport allows you travel outside the country and re-enter upon your return. A passport serves as both a proof of identity and citizenship. Possessing a passport is required when you travel outside the United States or its territories.

A passport also works as the ultimate photo ID. Should you misplace your driver’s license or you need a second proof of identification, a passport is universally accepted, whether you’re flying domestically or trying to get into a club.

The official requirements

A passport photo is not the time to submit your Hollywood headshot. In this case, the more natural you look in the photo, the more likely it’ll be accepted by the Department of State. The photo also needs to be taken recently, or at least within the last six months. If you’ve undergone a significant change to your facial appearance — if you’ve grown a beard, for instance — you may also need a new passport with an updated photo.

While there are guidelines to follow, they aren’t necessarily complicated:

• Photo must be in color
• Subject’s background must be entirely white or off-white
• Head should face directly at camera, and face must be in clear view
• Eyes should be wide open (infants’ eyes can be closed or partially open)
• Remove red eyes and shadows (caused by a flash or overhead lighting)
• Keep a neutral facial expression or make a normal smile
• Wear clothing you would normally wear
• Unless it’s for religious reasons, no hats or head coverings
• No objects should be in the photo, such as headphones or pacifiers

Julian Chokkattu / Digital Trends
Julian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

If you need further guidance, here are some examples of what’s acceptable and what isn’t. Also, keep in mind that the State Department does not endorse any particular photo service, even those that claim to be government-compliant. The State Department could still reject a photo if it fails to meet the guidelines listed above.

Ready to have your photo taken? Here are a few options available at your disposal, as well as our preferred method.

Opt for your local drugstore

Jonathan Weiss / 123RF
Jonathan Weiss / 123RF

All major pharmacies with a photo center — e.g., Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid — offer a passport photo service. Retailers such as Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Target, FedEx Office, and the UPS Store also offer similar services. For many people, these businesses are conveniently located close to where they live or work. Prices range from $5 to $15, and photos can be ready for same-day pickup or even within an hour, which is ideal if you’re in a rush. For the fee, you’ll also get two 2-inch by 2-inch photos.

We recommend that you ask to see the photos before you pay, however, just to make sure you’re happy with the way you look.

Check out your local post office

James Martin / 123RF
James Martin / 123RF

The United States Postal Service can accept (but not process) passport applications and renewals at most branches. Select post office locations can even take your photo for an extra fee, which means you can take care of your entire passport application in one place.

The problem with using the post office is just that — it’s the post office. The government agency isn’t particularly known for its speed or efficiency, and passport services have different hours for different locations. Expect to wait in line if your local post office tends to get busy.

Utilize your AAA membership

Paul Jantz / 123RF
Paul Jantz / 123RF

If you’re an active AAA Premier or Plus member, you can have your passport photos taken for free. Each year, Premier-level members are entitled to four sets (one set equals two 2-inch by 2-inch photos) per household, while Plus-level members receive one set per member. It’s a nice benefit for premium-level members, but it does require trekking to a AAA branch, which may not be convenient for everyone. Basic-level members can also pay $8 for a set, while nonmembers can nab a pair for $12.

Hire a photography studio

The above-mentioned services are convenient, but keep this in mind: The people taking the photos aren’t professional photographers, so don’t expect them to take glamorous headshots for your passport. Most use a basic point-and-shoot camera under fluorescent store lighting. In fact, one AAA office we visited uses a decent DSLR, yet the photos still came out OK. If you’re somebody who cares about portrait aesthetics, consider using a photo studio. Many studio photographers who shoot portraits also offer passport photo services. They are more expensive — one studio we found, charges $20 for basic shots and $40 for ones with studio lighting — but your photos would be taken by someone with a professional eye, who can at least make sure you look your best.