Blog Archives for January 2015

Intuit made some unpopular changes to its tax return software this year, which resulted in a customer backlash. The company has scrambled to make good with users though, and in a final bid to win back unhappy customers, it's now offering a freebie — for some of us. But what exactly has made everyone so upset, and how do you know if you qualify for the promotion?

From Bentley commercials to Oscar-winning documentaries, the Apple iPhone has a solid history with professional cinematographers. The latest project to join the pack of iPhone-produced works is Tangerine, an indie Sundance Film Fest hit that was recorded in its entirety with three iPhones and a cheap editing app.

An effective start to an exercise routine should involve cardio: walking, jogging, or running. However, given the harsh conditions of winter (not to mention the fiery conditions of summer), walking or running outdoors can sometimes be difficult. From construction materials to digital capabilities, we discuss what to consider when buying a treadmill.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane hearsay about Apple, Chris Pratt, Han Solo, and more? Well, neither are we! Hooray! That's why we put all the latest biz-buzz from the internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup!

Got a few snow days on your hands? Good, because on February 1, Netflix is pulling the plug on a number of Hollywood classics that include Goldfinger and Apocalypse Now. So settle in, fire up your favorite streamer, and make sure you catch these outgoing blockbusters.

In our daily trolling through the dark and scary corners of the internet, we were surprised to find the trend of merging the totally, obviously childish pleasure of the coloring with complicated adult themes like existentialism, depression, practicing law, and Bill Murray. Read on to see our 12 favorite grown-up coloring books, and prepare to be amazed!

Everyone know's the best part of the Super Bowl isn't the football: it's the commercials! From GoDaddy's controversial ad to Budweiser's tear jerker, skip the wait and jump straight into 10 of the most anticipated Super Bowl XLIX ads.

The Northeast seems to have survived its blizzard (or non-blizzard, depending on where you are) this week, but we're still wondering how prepared you all are for a weather-related emergency. In this video, our experts talk about how they prepare for emergencies.

If you're planning on vacationing on a budget in the U.S. this year, you're spoiled for choice. To help you decide, we've put together our five cut-price travel destinations for 2015 so that you can afford to see as much of our great land as you can!

If you're not planning on tailgating at University of Phoenix Stadium, throw one of these 7 awesome gridiron films or TV shows onto the big screen to get yourself and your guests in the mood for the big game. If you already pay for Netflix and/or Hulu, it won't cost you a cent!

After cancelling their free single of the week, the Cupertino-based giant just launched a new section in its digital storefront titled, Free on iTunes, offering a mix of complimentary MP3s and full-length TV shows.

The freelance and entrepreneurial economies face mighty challenges, but some sellers on Etsy have made DIY work to great advantage. Here, four successful business owners offer advice on persistence, finding a niche, and professionalism on the popular crafts website. Read on and hear the success stories behind four Etsy shops.

A boxing workout is a great way to get cardio, lose weight, and build muscle. Beginners can start with affordable equipment like a jump rope and other basic workout devices, while more advanced boxers should know what to look for in gear for sparring. To help you out, we've compiled a guide to essential boxing workout gear.

According to a new report, the Apple Watch could offer as little as 2.5 hours per charge with heavy app usage. That doesn't compare well to competitors, and consumers were already lukewarm on the pricey, first-gen Apple device. What will they think now?

A recent study by Listrak suggests that deals are coming less frequently in retailer email newsletters, giving way to personalized messages. But with some sites still offering incentives, like eventual discounts on items left in-cart, it still may be worth signing up.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane hearsay about Apple, Google, Samsung, and more? Well, neither are we! Hooray! That's why we put all the latest biz-buzz from the internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup!

Windows 10 is brimming with cool new features like HoloLens and Cortana, but it's the operating system's price that has us hot and bothered. The Redmond-based giant announced that its next operating system will be offered as a free upgrade for users running Windows 7 or later, a first for Microsoft.

On Wednesday, Microsoft announced HoloLens, a "holographic" computer interface. A lot more like Virtual Reality than a true hologram, it requires the user to wear a headset to see interact with it. Does a hologram need to be like Star Wars to count? Honestly, we can't tell — is this cool or not?

A study of eleven major retailers found that ordering online and choosing in-store pickup saved little time, if any, compared to finding the item in-store and buying it there. But there are still several situations where buying online and picking up in-store can be advantageous.

As evidenced by the return of "nostalgia cereals" like French Toast Crunch and Strawberry Honeycombs, it's clear that food companies are ready to re-introduce foods from our childhoods, just to squeeze a couple of nostalgia dollars out of us. In this video, our experts ponder what foods they'd love to see back on store shelves.

If you've dropped the ball on the last few Valentine's, then be sure to check out our list of five romantic hotel deals that will save you money and put tiny little love-hearts in your partner's eyes. We've got a 4-star Miami hotel for a $189 low, Manhattan for $109 a night, and more.

Although Apple hasn't confirmed it, it looks like the brand has quietly ended its free Single of the Week promotion in iTunes after an 11-year run. To help satisfy your free music fix, we've spotlighted a few alternatives that offer free (and legal) MP3 downloads.

Not every amazing gadget at the Consumer Electronics Show, hosted in Las Vegas earlier this month, is worth your attention. We highlight smart Bluetooth earbuds, the best new ultraportable laptop, and more devices that could actually change the game in 2015.

When the Amazon Echo was announced, it was met with a fair amount of head-scratching, as some consumers were frightened of the space-age cylinder that would listen to their every word and relay it to the cloud. But according to a recent DealNews survey, that skepticism hasn't drastically affected our tech-forward readership.

We've identified 8 pieces of clothing you'll need for outdoor winter exercise. Whether it's a balaclava to cover your face, or Merino wool base garments to wick away sweat, these items will keep you dry and warm in the coldest of conditions.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane hearsay about Apple, Google, Spider-Man, and more? Well, neither are we! Hooray! That's why we put all the latest biz-buzz from the internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup!

With animal cruelty in the news again (a GoDaddy Super Bowl ad is causing a commotion once again!), many of you might be wondering how you can do more to help our furry friends. If you're looking to protect the welfare of animals, our guide to becoming an ethical shopper can start you off in the right direction.

Whether they contain the latest beauty samples or treats from far-off lands, there's a lot of mystery surrounding these curated care packages called "subscription boxes." To help our fellow dealseekers, we asked Liz Cadman, founder of My Subscription Addiction, for the answers to your toughest subscription box questions.

Millions of Americans resolved to both eat right and save money this New Year's — but doing those things together can be a challenge. After talking to nutrition experts and doing some calculations, we found 11 healthy foods that can actually be cheaper than less healthy alternatives.

Do you suffer anxiety when you're not with your phone? A recent study shows that you're not alone and that "fear of missing out" (FOMO) is a real concern! In this video, our experts discuss how to cope with cell phone loss.

Eager to get your hands on Amazon's Internet-connected Echo? You may want to tone down your expectations, as the Echo is currently experiencing a 4-month shipping delay. Does that change your plans at all?

We never dreamed that there were so many imaginative and, frankly, unhygienic ways to take your beverages on the go, so we thought we'd share our finds. This list of weird and wonderful stuff that the internet has kicked up made us gasp, giggle, and shake our heads. Join us as we rank the 10 weirdest flasks around!

Technology has produced some great breakthroughs, though some new wrinkles in the marketplace are so simple, you'll wish you'd thought of them yourself. Here we present eight new items that are either in stores now or on the way. So read on: We've got you inundated with the innovative.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing insane hearsay about Apple, iPhone, Roger Ebert, and more? Well, neither are we! Hooray! That's why we put all the latest biz-buzz from the internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup!

It's a cold, windy, and slushy winter day, so of course that's when your car decides it doesn't want to operate properly. Are you prepared for a flat tire or a dead battery? How about a loose screw or a blown fuse? Now is a good time to make sure you've got the tools you'll need to deal with minor car troubles. We've compiled this list of the best tools and supplies you'll want to keep in your trunk.

Amazon is again offering its Echo information device to Prime members for $99; but is a 50% discount enough to lure you in? And, more importantly... what exactly is an Amazon Echo?

This holiday season saw a record number of retailers offering free shipping, often with no minimums, and shoppers responded by placing orders with free shipping in equivalent record numbers. But as this service shifts from a perk to an expectation, will retailers be able to maintain it? Or will consumers end up paying another way?

Dish Network announced its Internet-based streaming service this week, and the big news is that it includes access to ESPN. But the $20-a-month price tag could push user's streaming fees closer to cable levels anyway.

Where do Pink Floyd and David Bowie rank in the Top 10 on iTunes all-time album sales list? Which film set Redbox on fire the fastest? The answers may surprise you, as they did us. Here we present our list of 10 bests in a variety of consumer categories: products to make you strum, sing, shoot, or sit with a sense of satisfaction — or, if you prefer, superiority.