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Google has selected Sago Mini Space Explorer as its Family Friendly Android App of the Week. It typically sells for $3 on Google Play and you can now download it to all your Android devices for free. This game is developed by Sago Sago, which has a number of 4+ rated kids apps available.

Head below for more details and to see the game in action:
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If you’re into wirelessly streaming audio to a set of speakers, your options seem endless. From AirPlay to Bluetooth to Sonos and LG, options abound in this time of less cords and greater convenience. Google recently got into the mix with its Google Cast for audio standard. However, the roll out has been slow and still isn’t available on many products. Google already has audio and video streaming capabilities with Chromecast, but that is limited to TV with its HDMI input.

A nifty little Kickstarter campaign has a plan to bring Chromecast’s wireless streaming capabilities to your speaker system with a dongle add-on. It’s an intriguing hack that seems so simple, you’d wish you would’ve thought of it…
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Google has announced that it is partnering with Yubico, makers of USB and wireless security technologies, to offer 50% off its U2F security key for eligible Google for Work customers. These small USB thumb drives provide an alternative to two-step authentication which typically relies on SMS messages or Google’s Authentication app. Yubico’s U2F security key regularly retails for $18. Eligible Google accounts can receive a 50% discount, dropping the final price to $9. Visit this page to check to see if you’re eligible for the discount.

This new security option was first introduced by Google back in the fall of last year. Yubico’s thumb drive uses the Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) protocol to deliver authentication. By plugging the USB drive into your computer, Google Chrome can recognize the device and login to services such as Google Work. Since Yubico and Google use the U2F protocol, additional services can also utilize this service for two-factor authentication as well.

Full details below.
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Molson, the well-known Canadian beer company is teaming up with Google on a rather interesting new marketing project. Leveraging Google’s translation/speech recognition software, Molson has built a special, one-of-a-kind fridge that only opens when you say just the right thing to it. The fridge isn’t for sale or mass produced, instead it will be placed out in public and filled with free beer for the taking. However, it’ll be a little more difficult than “Open Sesame” to get your hands on it:
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Google has started offering Chromecast users a pretty sweet deal today. The company is offering all Chromecast owners a free movie rental from the Play Store and the list of movies that you can choose from is pretty impressive. Google is offering up modern day titles such as American Sniper, Lucy, Unbroken, Interstellar, Fifty Shades of Grey, and We’re the Millers for free as part of this promotion.

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Google Play is currently handing out two free months of its Unlimited All Access Music service. While you can always grab one month for free as a trial, today’s deal packs an extra 30 days on for nothing. After the usual 30 day grace period, All Access will regularly run you $9.99 per month, bringing you a total savings of $10 today. This is only for new subscribers, not renewals.

With Unlimited access, you can listen to the million of songs in the Google Play catalogue as much as you want with no ads. You’ll find a series of mood based radio stations/playlists, and full syncing of your personal library on all your devices.

Looking for premium streaming for even less? Spotify is currently offering 3 months of its primetime service for just $0.99 right now.
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The Fleksy keyboard app is a popular option among both iOS and Android users for its creative and customizable options. Recently updated with hotkey shortcuts, case-sensitive layouts and previously with built-in GIF support, Android users can now get it for free. Regularly listed for $2 on Google Play and the Amazon App Store, you can now activate the full version inside the free trial. Simply head over to Google Play and download Fleksy + GIF Keyboard Free, where you’ll find a free upgrade link inside the app right after the installation process. This promotion will run for a week according to Fleksy’s update on the Google Play page

Head below for more details:
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Acer via Amazon offers its factory refurbished 11.6-inch Chromebook (model CB3-111-C670) for only $139.99 shipped. That’s $34 less than one in new condition, $60 off the list price, and the lowest we can find.

It has an Intel Celeron N2830 Dual Core 2.16 GHz Processor with 2 GB of SDRAM. With 16 GB internal storage and a 11.6-inch screen with resolution of 1366×768. Also, it comes with the latest ChromeOS and has an 8.5-hour battery life. It receives impressive 4.4/5 stars and great reviews from Amazon shoppers.

A 90-day warranty from Acer applies and it has been professionally restored by an Acer approved vendor.

We also found the Dell (CRM3120-1667BLK) 11.6-Inch Chromebook for a low $189.99 shipped. That’s $60 off the list price and $31 less than most other retailers.

It features an Intel Celeron N2840 Processor with 2GB DDR3L memory and a 16GB SSD drive. It’s been tested for durability, pressure, temperature, humidity, shock and vibration so “it can handle the unpredictable.” It also comes standard with the latest ChromeOS as well.

This Dell received 4.6/5 stars from customers at Amazon.

Some other notable Chromebooks:

• Asus (C300MA-DH02) 13.3-inch HD 16GB Storage $229 (Orig. $249)
• Toshiba (CB35-B3340) 13.3-inch Chromebook 2 $299 (Orig. $329.99)

Not ready to buy? Try your luck at winning a new Pixel for free by entering this contest at 9to5Toys specials.

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Following up on its impressive 4K UHDTV announcement today, Sony has also provided information on its new soundbars and A/V receivers for 2015. The Tokyo-based company has spared little in the way of connectivity on these home audio products.

Sony has nailed every feature that we’d want in a soundbar or A/V receiver, head below to find out more…
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A few days after VIZIO announced its new line of 4K televisions, Sony is delving into the details of its latest UHDTV products. Although price points make it clear that the latter is not attempting to compete with the former.

Sony has a number of features that standout amongst the sea of recently released 4K televisions, most notably an ultra-thin design that puts one of Apple’s flagship products to shame…
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Big upgrades are coming to LG’s line of Music Flow speakers. Today, the South Korean-based manufacturer has released details on new wireless speakers and soundbars that expand its previously announced offerings while bringing new software compatibility with Google Cast and other services.

Seven new speakers will be available from LG with the expanded capability of Google’s services. Each new model fits a different need for consumers with wireless and portable speakers as well as soundbars in this round of releases.
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Initially launching back in September of 2013, Activision’s Call of Duty: Strike Team for iOS has hit its lowest price ever today on the App Store. Regularly listed at $7, you can grab the first/third person hybrid shooter for just $1.99 today. The Apple Editor’s Choice game has a 4 star rating from 7,079 reviewers.

Android gamers will also find the title on sale over at Google Play for $1.99 as well. Head below for more detials:
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If you haven’t yet treated your TV to a Chromecast stick to stream content from your Android devices, Google would really like you to do so. The company has been playing with its mix of freebies again, with $80 worth on offer if you buy between today and 19th April.

Current offers include three-month trial subscriptions to Google Play Music, DramaFever and Sesame Street GO, as well as one month of Qelio Concerts and a free Play Movies rental thrown in – and you can even save a few bucks on Amazon at the moment … 
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Oceanhouse Media as kicked off its annual Dr. Seuss Birthday Sale offering as many 60+ book apps for up to 80% off across the App Store, Google Play, Amazon and the Nook marketplace. You’ll also find deals on subscriptions inside the Dr. Seuss Treasury app which includes up to 55 books in one as well as on collections/app bundles (iOS only).

This deal is set to run from now through March 9th, coinciding with Dr. Suess’s Birthday and Read Across America Day on March 2nd. Head below for a complete break down of all the available deals:
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An LG G2 has popped up on eBay via qualitycellz at a super-low price, shipped for $190. These usually retail around $300 or more, so this deal knocks a a bit more than $100 off the standard price. The LG G2 comes with a 5.2-inch display, a 13MP camera that also captures full 1080p video, a Snapdragon 800 processor, and a 4G cellular radio.

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Welcome to our second edition of Gaming For Couples! There are many couples with a gaming imbalance — one person loves games, but the other (often a girlfriend or wife) doesn’t. So we’ve created this column to focus on games that two people can enjoy together, fostering a shared sense of interaction and fun. Gaming For Couples picks need to be reasonably priced, made for both girls and guys, and widely available.

Today, we’re looking at three games from the same series: Fireproof Games’ The Room, The Room Pocket, and The Room Two, recipients of numerous best of the year awards. The first two games are actually the same title, formatted for the iPad and iPhone respectively, while The Room Two is a true sequel. It’s a perfect time to play through these games, as they’re currently being discounted below their original $5 asking prices, and The Room Three is expected to be released in Spring 2015.

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If you haven’t yet put a streaming dongle on all of your HDTVs, $30 buys you a lot of great options currently out there.

Amazon and Best Buy continue to offer the Chromecast Dongle for $29.99 with free shipping. What makes this deal special is what Google adds on afterwards (ending January 31st): After setting up your Chromecast and visiting this page, you’ll receive $20 Google Play credit, X-Men original movie, 3 months of Drama Fever, 2 months of Hulu Plus and 90 days free Google Play music.

• Stream online video, music, photos and more to your TV using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop
• Supports a growing number of apps including Netflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Pandora, ESPN, MLB.TV, Google Play Movies and Music, Plex, MLS, crackle, Vevo, Rdio. Allows to cast a Chrome browser tab.
• Box includes Chromecast, HDMI extender, USB power cable, and power adapter. No remote needed.
• Easy setup: Plug into any HDTV and connect to your home WiFi network
• Works with Android phones and tablets, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, and Chromebooks

Next, Groupon offers either the Roku LT HD Streaming Player or Roku Streaming Stick with 2 Months of Free Rdio and 3 Months Free of Hulu Plus for $29.99 shipped. That’s the lowest price we’ve seen for these popular streaming options that come with Remote and the most streaming options available which can be operated without a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Long gone are the days of a traditional movie renting experience. No longer do we have to travel for miles in the snow just to pick up a rental for movie night. Today we can scroll through the newest releases and watch them without leaving the couch. But if you’re like me, you still have people on your gift list stuck in the 1990’s, who are in desperate need of a digital wake up call.

Below, I have my favorite media streamers you still have time to give to people on your list.

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Amazon offers the ASUS Chromebook 13-Inch HD with Gigabit WiFi, 32GB Storage & 4GB RAM (Model B00JI9HISQ) for $229 with free shipping. That’s $100 off for this recently released double RAM and double local storage configuration. Features:

• 10 Hours Incredible Battery Life.
• Gigabit Dual-Band 802.11AC ultra-fast Wi-Fi.
• Intel Dual-Core 2.16 GHz Processor with 4 GB RAM.
• 13.3″ HD LED Display. HD Webcam.
• USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, SD Card Reader, & Bluetooth 4.0.
• 32 GB local flash storage, 1TB Google Drive storage for 2 years (with recent offer).

OK with 2GB RAM, 16GB storage and Green on White? $180 please.

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You love games, but your girlfriend or wife doesn’t. My goal is to change that. This week, 9to5Toys is debuting Gaming For Couples, a new weekly column looking at great games for couples to play together. We’re not necessarily going to pick the newest or hottest games for this column — instead, we’re going to suggest titles that are reasonably priced, made for both girls and guys, and widely available.

Our first edition looks at two picks just in time for the holidays: the Peggle franchise and The Beatles: Rock Band, both from Electronic Arts.

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Update (12/8 1:00pm): Target has Chromecast for $22.99. Redeem Google’s latest promo (below) to drop its effective price down to $2.99.

Google has just launched a new offer that extends a free $20 Google Play credit to anyone who purchases a Chromecast by December 21. According to the offer details, only Chromecasts purchased between December 7 and December 21 will be eligible for the free credit, but we were able to take advantage of it on our previously purchased Chromecasts.

You can check if you’re eligible for this promo by pointing your Chrome browser to chromecast.com/offers. The credit expires on January 31, 2016 and can be used on movies, music, apps, and other media. However, it can’t be used towards the purchase of any hardware. Only open to US residents.

Google Play, Amazon, and Best Buy are all promoting this offer for new Chromecast buyers.

At this point Google is pretty much paying you to own a Chromecast. Just recently, we’ve seen Google hand out free movies, Hulu Plus and Play subscriptions.

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Amazon has the recently released 13-inch Acer Chromebook (CB5-311-T9B0) for $199.99 shipped. That’s $100 off the original price tag, $50 or more under the average selling price from a trusted retailer and the best price we’ve found on this model since it released just over two months ago in late September.

To make the deal even sweeter, Google is offering 1TB of free Google Drive storage ($10/month for a total value of $240) with the purchase of any Chromebook (from an authorized reseller) right now. The offer is eligible on Chromebook purchases from now through December 31, 2014 and can be redeemed here.

The CB5-311 has a 13-inch, 1920 x 1080 display, 11 hours of battery life, 2GB of RAM and 16GB storage all running on a NVIDIA Tegra K1 Quad Core 2.1 GHz Processor. It also has an SD card reader, 802.11AC Wi-Fi featuring MIMO technology, Bluetooth 4.0, built-In HD webcam, and USB/HDMI connectivity. More specs below.

This model has so far received a 4.1/5 star rating from 50 Amazon customers. You can check out more great Chromebook options to pair up with the free 1TB Google Drive storage in our previous roundup.

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Update (11/27 1:45am): Amazon has matched the price of $199 shipped.

Lowe’s has gone live with many of its Black Friday deals. Amongst the bunch is the Nest Learning Thermostat (2nd generation) for $199 shipped. That’s $50 below list and the best price we’ve ever seen. Thousands of Amazon reviewers rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

• The Nest Learning Thermostat remembers what temperatures you like, turns itself down when you’re away and can be controlled from your smartphone, tablet or laptop
• Auto-Schedule creates a personalized schedule for your home by remembering when you adjust the temperature
• Auto-Away automatically turns Nest thermostat down when there’s nobody home so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty house
• Remote control Nest thermostat over Wi-Fi from your smartphone, tablet or laptop
• Energy History shows you how much energy you’ve used and what affects your energy use most


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It seems that Amazon is finally throwing in the towel with its Fire Phone. After the hype leading up to its launch, Fire Phone has been struggling to stay afloat. It’s best to think of the Fire Phone as a smaller version of a Kindle Fire tablet, but with a few extra gimmicks and features thrown in along with a free year of Amazon Prime.

The Fire Phone may have been a disappointment to the market, but Amazon isn’t giving up on its attempt to push it into the hands of consumers this holiday season. The Fire Phone can now be purchased unlocked and off-contract for only $199 (32GB Version)…

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