Consumer Electronics Daily News

Galaxy S4 Black Friday Cyber Monday 2013 Deals and Sales Details are at Thankshopping.com

Galaxy S4 Black Friday and Galaxy S4 Cyber Monday 2013 deals and sales information and prices will soon be available at Thankshopping.com. Shoppers who are interested in saving money during the upcoming holiday season on the innovative smartphone can check out the website to learn more about the price for the device.

The founders of Thankshopping.com realize that many people will be searching for the popular smartphone this holiday season. As a result, the site is providing the latest information about Black Friday 2013 Galaxy S4 deals and Cyber Monday 2013 Galaxy S4 deals around November 29 and December 2. By visiting the website first, shoppers can learn more about the price of the phone on those two popular shopping days.

One of the most noteworthy features about the Galaxy S4 is its slow motion video recording; rather than use tedious and hard-to-use video editing controls, users can use the slow motion and fast motion modes in order to speed up or slow down whatever action they are capturing. For those who wish to use the smartphone as a regular camera, the Galaxy S4 includes a 13 MP autofocus camera that takes amazingly clear images.

Another innovative and unique feature of the Galaxy S4 is called Air Gesture. Instead of pushing a button to answer a call, users only have to wave their hand right at the screen. In addition, people can read texts and other things on their phone simply by tilting their heads thanks to the amazing Smart Scroll feature. Finally, the Smart Pause option lets users actually pause whatever video they are watching simply by looking away from the phone. When they return their gaze to the screen, the video will start up again.

Anybody who would like to learn more about the Black Friday Galaxy S4 and Cyber Monday Galaxy S4 2013 sales and deals is welcome to visit the Thankshopping.com website; there, they will find deals information about the product.

To learn more, visit http://www.thankshopping.com/galaxy-s4.

About Thankshopping.com

Thankshopping.com is one of the leading websites that provide information for exclusive deals on gadgets, laptops, tablets and various other consumer electronics that are ideal as holiday gifts. The website, http://www.thankshopping.com/, has recently announced that they are going to provide information about product deals for Black Friday, November 29th and CyberMonday, December 2nd. These savings will be available on highly demanded products which are predicted to be amongst the "Most Desired Gifts" this holiday season. For more information, please visit http://www.thankshopping.com/galaxy-s4

Deck The Halls With Innovative Gifts From Casio

The holiday shopping season is in full swing and Casio America, Inc. has gifts to please even the toughest crowds. Whether it's a stylish new timepiece, a slim and lightweight projector, digital piano or graphing calculator, Casio has something for everyone this year.

"Finding the perfect gifts on Black Friday can be overwhelming," said Shigenori Itoh, Chairman and CEO of Casio America, Inc. "This holiday season, Casio has items that should be added to your list, with a variety of products that are sure to satisfy your loved ones wishes."

Create the Ultimate Gaming Experience
Gamers have a lot to look forward to this holiday season with new consoles and dozens of hotly anticipated titles. While they can play these games on a TV, why not gift them a way to achieve the ultimate gaming experience? Casio's SLIM line of projectors delivers that experience. Weighing in at only five pounds, Casio's SLIM projectors are 1.7 inches wide, making them the thinnest high brightness projectors in the industry. The SLIM projectors are powered by Casio's state-of-the-art LASER & LED HYBRID Light Source and DLP technology that provides hours of LampFree™, eco-friendly operation without concerns for a dark screen or lamp replacements. Casio's SLIM series of projectors is available at www.CasioProjector.com starting at$1,199.99.

Punctuality Never Looked So Good
A wristwatch can be a timeless and personal gift for any family member. In particular, Casio has a wide range of men's timepieces this holiday season. The PRO TREK collection offers rugged, stylish and versatile timepieces for men packed with features that enhance any outdoor experience; the EDIFICE chronograph collection reflects a distinct sense of style by providing men with features that are ideal for professional and weekend lifestyles. The newest addition to the PRO TREK line, the PRW3000, is available at major retailers for $300, and the new EDIFICE EFR529 is available for $150.

Musicians in the Making
Casio's award-winning line of Privia digital pianos delivers unprecedented sound quality and performance while featuring a stylish, elegant and portable design. Introducing a new Tri-Sensor 88 note scaled hammer action keyboard, the grand piano sound in Privia has been dramatically improved and now utilizes more than three times the memory of the previous generation for a more natural piano tone. In addition, Casio's new proprietary sound source "AiR" (Acoustic and intelligent Resonator) provides unmatched realism, detail and seamless dynamics for a remarkably expressive and powerful performance. The new Privia PX-5S can be purchased for an MSRP of $1,399 at select music dealers nationwide.

Taking Math to the Next Level
Is there a budding mathematician on that holiday list? Graphing calculators are the ultimate math tool for students. The Casio fx-9860GII graphic calculator is no exception. Not only does it have all the functionality students need to succeed, but it has a number of features they won't want to miss. The fx-9860GII has a large, high contrast display with dual screen capability and an icon menu provides easy access to advanced functions. Add in USB connectivity, 1.5MB flash memory, natural display capability and a PC Emulator, and this graphing calculator will put a smile on any student's face. The fx-9860GII is available at major retailers for $79.99.

This holiday season, the weather outside may be frightful but the products from Casio are delightful. If shoppers need gifts for the outdoorsmen, musicians, gamers, or students in their lives, then Casio's lineup is sure to deliver the holiday cheer they want. For more information about Casio's full portfolio of products, visit www.casiousa.com.

About Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com.

Lowe's Introduces "Product Locator" Mobile Technology to Make Shopping Easier

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) and Point Inside, Inc. (www.pointinside.com) today announced that Lowe's has integrated Point Inside's StoreMode™ mobile shopper engagement platform into the Lowe's mobile app to improve the in-store customer experience. Shoppers at all Lowe's locations can use the Product Locator capability to search for products and instantly see the items' locations on a detailed store map using Lowe's iOS and Android mobile apps or Lowe's mobile-optimized website.

Using their smart phone and the Lowe's app, the location of an air filter, a circular saw blade, or even a piece of crown moulding is just a search and click away.  In fact all in-stock items' aisle and/or bay locations are represented as pins on an interior map of the specific Lowe's store.  The Lowe's app also provides store-specific product search, prices, inventory availability, detailed product information, customer ratings and reviews, and weekly ads.  In addition, customers can create and manage personalized shopping lists the same way they would on a piece of paper using natural language terms or by scanning product barcodes. 

According to the Google Shopper Marketing Council's "Mobile In-Store Research" study, one in three smartphone shoppers would rather find information using their smartphone than ask a store employee.  However, for those who still prefer a personal interaction, this upgrade will also help Lowe's in-store associates better serve customers, as the 42,000 iPhones used by in-store associates also have access to the search and mapping capability through Lowe's store associate app. 

"Helping customers complete their home improvement projects simply and easily is what Lowe's is all about," said Ronnie Damron, Lowe's senior vice president of multi-channel testing and commercialization. "We're constantly looking for new, innovative ways to use technology to serve our customers better. Whether customers are browsing the store for ideas or searching for a specific item in a hurry, we think the Product Locator feature will simplify the shopping process, creating a better experience that encourages customers to come back again and again."

"We're excited to work closely with Lowe's to help them achieve their goals in reaching customers through new technologies," said Josh Marti, CEO of Point Inside.  "As a retail thought leader, Lowe's quickly understood the benefits of our StoreMode™ platform.  Together, we have delivered a win-win by improving the customer experience."

Lowe's mobile app is available free for iOS and Android devices. For more information about Lowe's mobile app, visit Lowes.com/mobile.

 

About Lowe's 
With fiscal year 2012 sales of $50.5 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 100 company that serves approximately 15 million customers a week at more than 1,825 home improvement and hardware stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

 

About Point Inside 
Point Inside's StoreMode™platform is an enterprise-grade, cloud-based service that aggregates product information and makes it "searchable", adding the critical context of precise, store-specific location to each item.  The platform, with innovative Product Location Management features, is built to handle the dynamic store-specific needs of the world's largest retailers. Marrying 'what' to 'where' enables shoppers to quickly find what they need at their destinations on their mobile devices.  The StoreMode™ platform bridges the gap between the digital and "brick and mortar" retail experiences, and ensures retailers maximize sales lift with each customer engagement opportunity. 

SamsClub.com Extends Cyber Monday into Week-Long Savings Event

Sam's Club today announced that SamsClub.com will extend holiday savings a week beyond Cyber Monday with exclusive values and free shipping in the continental U.S. on hundreds of sought-after gifts from Saturday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 8.

SamsClub.com is conveniently accessible to members anytime, anywhere through laptop and mobile friendly sites, an iPad and iPhone app and other mobile apps.

"SamsClub.com extends Cyber Monday into a full week to save our members money, time and energy this holiday," said John Boswell, senior vice president of marketing, insights and ecommerce at Sam's Club. "Our members are busier than ever at this time of year preparing for guests and holiday events. By offering lower prices, deeper inventories on quality brands and free shipping through Cyber Week, SamsClub.com makes it easier for our members to shop online or in our clubs." 

Cyber Week deals for families and businesses at SamsClub.com include:

Tech the Halls

• Vizio 70" LED Smart TV, $1,298.00 - enjoy crystal-clear action and eye-popping images in 1080p Full HD resolution with 120Hz Refresh Rate with Smooth Motion.
• Apple iTunes $100 Gift Card Multipack, $79.88 - give the gift of one-stop entertainment. Each card includes a code redeemable for music, movies, TV shows, games, apps, and more on the iTunes Store, the App Store, the iBookstore, and the Mac App Store.
• Canon PowerShot SX170 IS Bundle with 16X Optical Zoom, Camera Case and 8GB SD Card, $149.88 - get up close to kids and wildlife with Canon's powerful 16x Optical Zoom and 28mm Wide-Angle lens with Optical Image Stabilizer.
• Samsung Blu-Ray Home Theater System, $448.00 – take the home theater experience to the next level with full web browsing, cutting edge TV apps and much more.
• Nikon D3200 DSLR 2 Lens Camera Bundle with 16GB Memory Card and Carrying Case, $599.00 – never miss a merry moment with this fast, accurate and easy-to-use camera.

Outfit the Home

• George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill, $65.00 - designed for those who want the ideal indoor/outdoor electrical grill to grill and roast meats on a 200 square inch surface.
• Starbucks Verismo Espresso Maker, $139.98 –brew Starbucks espresso at home, anytime with the push of a button. Deep flavor and all of the complexity of the espresso shots Starbucks uses in their coffeehouse.
• Dyson DC44 Animal Total Clean Digital Slim™ Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, $299.00 – this new, cordless vacuum doesn't lose suction and comes with a mini motorized tool to remove pet hair and dust from awkward spaces and upholstery.
• Reebok Stride Select RL 6.0 Elliptical, $499.00 - this elliptical was built with incredible features – including an Intensity Ramp™ - so you reach your goals fast.
• Gavin Bedroom Set – 3 pc – Queen, $749.00 - create a comforting atmosphere with the Gavin collection by Lauren Wells. Classic lines, decorative molding and a traditional multi-step rich cherry finish make this set distinctively compelling.

Surprise the Kids

• 12V Power Wheels Black Corvette, $189.00 – featuring the realistic styling, detailing and chrome-like wheels, the deluxe black version of this Corvette also has pretend seat belts, a sound box and a hood that opens.
• 12" Schwinn Red Roadster Trike, $69.82 - children will love the wind in their hair whether cruising around indoors or out on their retro-styled Schwinn Roadster.
• Kre-O Star Trek Enterprise, $49.99 - the 432- piece can be built into a U.S.S. Enterprise ship "flown" by five Kreon figures, included.
• My Little Pony Crystal Princess Palace Playset, $24.99 - features more than 20 accessories, including a dress, tiara and jewelry, to help Princess Twilight Sparkle get ready for her big celebration.
• Brookfield Cedar Playset, $599.00 – this all cedar swing set is equipped with upper and lower forts, 8' slide, integrated picnic bench, sand box and two-person ship's wheel glider.
• Skyfort II Cedar Swing Set / Play Set with Slide, $1,349.00 - This iconic outdoor play set will be the kids' favorite, with its raised clubhouse play fort, wooden roof, gabled entry way and balcony.

Put Some Sparkle Under the Tree

• .25 CT. T.W. Black and White Pendant in Sterling Silver, $179.00 - black and white diamonds combine beautifully to create this modern necklace.
• 3.81 CT. Blue Topaz and 0.29 CT. T.W. Diamond Pendant and Earring Set in Sterling Silver, $179.00 - the beautifully cut pear-shaped blue topaz stones in this set are surrounded by 0.29 CT. T.W. of sparkling white diamonds.
• .99 CT. T.W. Diamond 7" Tennis Bracelet, $699.00 - made in 14K white gold, this tennis bracelet beautifully displays 85 white round brilliant-cut diamonds.
• 1.95 CT. T.W. Diamond Bridal Ring, $1,499.00 – set in 14K white gold, this bridal ring flashes with light and brilliance through the beautifully cut facets.

SamsClub.com is a hub for holiday season savings and benefits year round:

• 24/7 Tech Support: Members can connect with a Sam's Club Tech Expert 24/7, even Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Free support includes research and set-up assistance on tech items purchased at Sam's Club during Cyber Week or any day of the year.
• Auctions: Find unexpected gift ideas and stretch the holiday budget further with Sam's Club Auctions. Members can bid on brand new, top quality products in original packaging. All auctions start at $1.00 and items range from best-in-class televisions and home appliances to jewelry and fashion accessories.
• Easy Returns: Online orders (except auction orders) are 100 percent guaranteed and can be returned to any Sam's Club location with a receipt for a refund in the form of a Sam's Club gift card, cash, or credit to the account charged. Without a receipt (order print out), members will receive the value of the item on a Sam's Club gift card. Learn about 30/90 electronics returns exceptions here.
• Click 'n' Pull: Order gifts through "Click 'n' Pull" at SamsClub.com and pick them up the next morning at your destination's local club. At no extra cost, Click 'n' Pull is a time-saving solution for holiday travelers seeking to lighten their load. Shopping lists can be saved for future use.
• Photo Center: Upload pictures, customize holiday greeting cards or recap a year's worth of smiles in photo books, calendars, canvas prints, mugs and more. Members should visit the Sam's Club Photo Center for greeting card templates and more creative gift ideas.

Qello Launches on the PlayStation®3 system Today; PlayStation®Vita and PlayStation®4 Systems Soon to Follow

 Qello, the world's largest library of streaming HD concert films and music documentaries, is launching its "#1 Must-Download" (Fuse) service on the PlayStation^® platform starting today.

The launch, initially available on PlayStation^®3™ (PS3™), brings thousands of hours of concert film and music documentaries to PlayStation^® for the first time and will be available for the PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) and PlayStation^®4 systems soon. PS3 owners can immediately try Qello out with a 15-day free All-Access Pass, and can subscribe for unlimited access to the streaming library for $4.99 a month.

The Qello library is "without peer" (TechCrunch), enabling users in more than 100 countries worldwide access to HD concert films and documentaries across all genres of music from the 1920s to today. Subscribers can check out rare HD releases, including Beyonce, Foo Fighters, Florence and the Machine, Jason Mraz, Eric Clapton, Coldplay and more. Qello's on-demand database is as diverse as its users' musical tastes.

"Qello on PlayStation gives music lovers easy access to our deep library of concert films," says Qello co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer Rich Johnson. "Watching high definition concerts and music documentaries from your living room has never been so easy."

This launch comes on the heels of Qello securing new partnerships with all three major labels in addition to existing deals that cover a wide selection of global producers – collectively the content from these partners has created what USA Today calls "a haven for music movies."

 

About Qello

Qello is a digital entertainment service that streams HD quality content to millions of users worldwide across all new media devices using its proprietary platform. Qello's application is outfitted with the largest library of HD concert films and music documentaries in the world spanning the spectrum of genres from the 1920s to today. Qello offers a subscription service for unlimited access to content and features for just $4.99 a month, or a free limited service. Content is streamed across the iOS and Android ecosystems, as well as PlayStation^®, Amazon's Kindle Fire, Windows Mobile, Samsung and Sony Smart TVs, and the web at www.Qello.com. With Qello, consumers find it, stream it, and watch it – anywhere, any time.

Cyber Monday Comes Early for Sears and Kmart Shop Your Way(SM) Members, Customers with Up to 79 Hours of Deals

Sears and Kmart kick off their longest Cyber Monday sales ever with up to 79 hours of deals on Sunday, Dec. 1 at midnight CT and continuing through Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 11:59 p.m. CT at Kmart.com/Cyber and Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7 a.m. CT at Sears.com/Cyber, including exclusive offers for Shop Your Way members.

"We extended our Cyber Monday sales to give Shop Your Way members and customers more access to deals during this shortened holiday shopping season," said Imran Jooma, executive vice president and president, marketing, online, pricing and financial services, Sears Holdings. "We've long been leaders in creating integrated retail innovations, and this year we're offering even more options for shoppers to get their purchases anytime, any way that they want – including the same day they make their Cyber Monday purchase."

Shop Your Way helps members get the best out of Cyber Monday with seamless ways to shop online at sears.com and kmart.com – whether getting free shipping on orders of $59 or more; selecting free pickup by family or friends at any Sears or Kmart store via Free Anyone, Anywhere Pickup℠; choosing Free Store Pickup; or shopping 24/7 via the Shop Your Way, Sears or Kmart mobile apps.

Sears online assortment recently surpassed 100 million items, making it one of the most robust marketplaces on the web. Cyber Monday deals at Sears and Kmart will include:

• 50 percent off the Craftsman® 192-pc. Mechanic's tool set with trifold case; sale price $99.99 at Sears; reg. price $199.99
• Save over $100 on the 6-foot Evolution 4-in-1 multi game table; sale price $198.88 at Sears; reg. price: $299.99
• 40 percent off the Seiki 32" LCD TV; sale price $149.99 at Kmart; reg. price $249.99
• $50 off the LINSAY 7" tablet with Android operating system at Kmart; sale price $59.99; reg. price $99.99

On top of the many Cyber Monday deals, shoppers can take advantage of a holiday bonus offer for Sears cardholders – members get 10 percent back in rewards points when they use a Sears Card or three percent back in rewards points when shopping with any other form of payment. The offer runs now through Dec. 26 on the first $1,000 of each qualifying purchase at participating Sears locations and Sears.com. Reward points expire Jan. 31, 2014.

Shop Your Way, a free and instant members-only program and shopping community powered by Sears Holdings, rewards members with exclusive sales, special member pricing, gas savings offers from Kmart and more. Members also benefit from extra savings with coupons and faster returns with e-receipts. Visit shopyourway.com/mobile to download the app or become a member. Follow the conversation and learn more about Shop Your Way exclusive deals this holiday at #MembersFirst.

Follow Sears holiday activities at #SearsHoliday and Kmart at #MoreChristmas and #CyberMonday.

All sale items at Sears and Kmart are available while quantities last.

About Sears Holdings Corporation 
Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD) is a leading integrated retailer with almost 2,500 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada and the home of Shop Your Way, a social shopping experience where members have the ability to earn points and receive benefits across a wide variety of physical and digital formats through ShopYourWay.com. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, fitness equipment and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, with a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, the Kardashian Kollection, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as Sofia by Sofia Vergara and The Country Living Home Collection. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 14 million service and installation calls made annually, and have a long-established commitment to those who serve in the military through initiatives like the Heroes at Home program. We have been named the 2011 Mobile Retailer of the Year, Recipient of the 2013 ENERGY STAR® "Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award" for Product Retailing and Energy Management and was named one of the Top 20 Best Places to Work for Recent Grads. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com. Twitter: @searsholdings || Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SHCCareers

More Cleveland-Area Residents Can Experience 4G LTE with Verizon Wireless Expansion

WHO: Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network.

WHAT: Verizon Wireless recently enhanced fourth generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) network coverage in Cleveland, including Brooklyn, Ohio, and the surrounding area. 4G LTE empowers Verizon Wireless customers with compatible devices to surf the Web, post status updates and photos, and download files wirelessly at speeds up to 10 times faster than customers on 3G networks.

WHERE: Verizon Wireless first debuted its 4G LTE network in Cleveland in September 2011. Recently, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network was further enhanced around the Biddulph Plaza Shopping Center. Coverage extends north to Woburn Avenue, south to Traymore Avenue, west to Ridge Road and east to West 58^th Street.

BACKGROUND: "4G LTE is changing the way customers interact with the world via next generation apps, devices and solutions," said Mark Frazier, President–Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless. "By investing in wireless broadband, we're investing in local communities and economies where our customers live, work and play."

Verizon Wireless has the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. Launched in December 2010, our 4G LTE network is available in more than 500 markets to 97 percent of the population and covers more than 303 million people in the U.S., including those in areas served by our LTE in Rural America partners. Our 4G LTE covers more than 99 percent of the company's 3G network footprint.

The growth of the 4G LTE network has fostered development of new and innovative solutions as diverse as LTE-connected cars and remote medical diagnostic options. One solution recently brought to market is the Verizon 4G LTE Router, which can support wired and Wi-Fi-enabled devices simultaneously, allowing users to take it on vacation or business travel to stay connected.

The company also offers a full line of 'smart accessories' across the categories of health and fitness, lifestyle and toys that leverage its leading portfolio of mobile devices and networks. For a full list of smart accessories please visit:www.verizonwireless.com/smartaccessories.

For the first time since the study moved to a regional format in 2004, Verizon Wireless is the first wireless provider to rank highest across all six regions of the country in the J.D. Power 2013 Wireless Network Quality StudySM – Vol. 2. The study found Verizon Wireless performs significantly better than the industry average in all three quality categories – calling, messaging and data – within all six regions.

For more news and stories specific to the Verizon Wireless Midwest Area: Visit and subscribe to the blog: http://vzwmidwestarea.com/.

For Verizon Wireless Updates on Twitter: Stay in the know about Verizon Wireless news in Ohio by following @VZWLaura on Twitter at http://twitter.com/vzwlaura.

 

About Verizon Wireless 

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE and 3G networks. The company serves 101.2 million retail customers, including 95.2 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 72,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit the news center at http://news.verizonwireless.com or follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.  

Cyber Monday Testing Timers Watch Savings for College-Bound Students

Testing Timers is offering a revolutionary holiday gift for high school juniors and seniors headed to college with 20 percent off of our entire website of digital watches at www.testingtimers.com on Cyber Monday, December 2.  There is no time to waste for college-bound students preparing for the upcoming SAT® December 7and January 25, 2014 or the ACT® December 14 and February 8, 2014. That is why they should consider purchasing a Testing Timers wristwatch to maximize their performance on these make or break college entrance exams, which determine where they'll be accepted and whether they'll have scholarship opportunities. 

Testing Timers was born out of need, by young entrepreneur Jordan Liss. Liss struggled with pacing himself through his standardized test and figured there had to be a better way to help students keep track of time and to ease their anxiety.

"For students and parents looking for an educational holiday gift, we wanted to provide a discount on one of the busiest online shopping days of the year," said Liss, inventor and founder of Testing Timers.  "Early results from students and tutors have proven that our product is clearly making a difference for students to operate at peak performance during their standardized test taking."

Managing the clock efficiently to make sure they have sufficient time to complete each section of the test is a challenge for students. Test takers typically glance at their regular watches, or the classroom wall clock and try to calculate how much time they have left to complete each portion of the test. By the time the supervisor announces that there are five minutes remaining, it's generally too late for students to finish the section. A Testing Timers watch solves that by showing students exactly how much time they have left to complete each section and gives students an at-a-glance view of where they are in the process.

Here's how it works

The Testing Timers watch breaks down each section of the test into preset timing units, which activate when the section begins, giving students specific markers representing the key points in each test and an easy-to-read total time remaining countdown that leaves students with no doubt about how much time they have left. The screen also reminds students of the total time for the section and provides a blinking track around the high-definition screen to deliver a quick visual of where the student should be.

Liss reports that of the students who have used the watches most have responded extremely positively, and the majority have seen their scores improve by as much as six points overall in the 36-point ACT® test – from pacing effectively, saving time, and testing confidently.

Although Testing Timers makes no claim that its watches are approved or endorsed by College Board or ACT, the products do not make noise nor vibrate, and are encrypted so that they can't be converted into "smart watches." Both College Board and ACT have publicly stated the watches meet all criteria to bring into testing sites.

Cyber Monday Pricing

In keeping with the company's mission to help students, Cyber Monday prices start at 12:01 a.m. December 2 and have been discounted for one day only. Testing Timers is offering a 20 percent discount with the aTest Timer model for the ACT® at $36.79 and the SAT® sTest Timer model for $36.79.

Regular prices will resume at midnight on Monday, December 2.  The aTest Timer model for the ACT® is just $45.99 and theSAT® sTest Timer model for $45.99. 

Students and parents can purchase Testing Timers watches at the company's website: www.testingtimers.com.  Professional broadcast video b-roll is available at http://vimeo.com/74332722.

About Testing Timers


Testing Timers is revolutionizing how students prepare for and take standardized tests like the ACT® and SAT® with unique timers featuring designs that help students pace themselves, save time and score better. With just a quick glance at the timer, students have all of the information they need to continue testing confidently, no longer wasting precious seconds or minutes trying to calculate the amount of time they have left or where they should be in each test section. Find out more at www.testingtimers.com.

This Holiday Season, Brand Trumps Device in the Battle for Shoppers' Dollars

With the holidays fast approaching, many will find themselves scrambling this season to find the perfect gift for their loved ones. Whether it's the latest smartphone, tablet or gaming console, mobile devices are expected to be the most sought after gifts in the U.S. yet again—but this year, understanding consumer attitudes toward brand and buying channels will be what sets winning retailers apart. A new Yankee Group report, "Brand Matters for US Holiday Shoppers," examines how affordability, brand loyalty and preferred buying channels will have a larger impact on the consumer purchase decision process than ever before.

Highlights from the report include:

• Smartphones continue their reign as the king of most wanted devices. Forty-three percent of respondents to Yankee Group's consumer survey say they plan to buy a new smartphone within the next six months, landing that device the No. 1 spot on the holiday buying intent list.
• Video game consoles are on par with tablets this holiday season. Despite the trends of the past few years, video game consoles have jumped to spot No. 4 on the holiday shopping list, while tablets have fallen to No. 5.
• Showrooming won't leave brick-and-mortars out in the cold. More than 60 percent of consumers plan to buy laptops, video game consoles and HDTVs at a brick-and-mortar store, compared to less than 30 percent who will buy online. However, tablets are the exception -- 48 percent will buy online versus 38 percent in-store.

"Smartphones continue their reign at the top of holiday wish-lists this year, but home devices such as HDTVs and video game consoles have worked their way back into the top five for 2013," said Carl Howe, Yankee Group Vice President of Research and co-author of the report. "However, this holiday season seems to be as much about brand as it is about the device. Consumers aren't just looking for generic holiday gadgets, but they are holding out for branded models from the likes of Apple, Samsung, HTC, and Motorola. They also are shopping both online and in stores, thereby making it difficult for retailers to figure out how best to serve them."

About Yankee Group
Yankee Group is the preeminent research and advisory firm equipping companies to profit in a mobile world. The core of our content is proprietary research and analytics on the attitudes, behaviors and usage patterns of mobile users. We provide a range of actionable data, insights and advice to marketing, strategy and product executives driving the mobility revolution in leading companies worldwide. Visit www.yankeegroup.com.

ALCATEL ONE TOUCH Smartphones Arrive at MetroPCS for the Holidays

ALCATEL ONE TOUCH, a brand of TCL Communication and one of the world's top ten fastest growing mobile phone manufacturers, announced today the ONE TOUCH Fierce and ONE TOUCH Evolve will be available at no annual contract wireless carrier MetroPCS in November. With unlimited, no annual contract service starting at just "$40, period," more shoppers can check 'smartphone' off their wish lists this holiday season.

"The ONE TOUCH Fierce and ONE TOUCH Evolve provide customers with unparalleled value without having to make the decision between looks and price," said Steve Cistulli, Senior Vice President of North America for ALCATEL ONE TOUCH.  "These phones offer consumers a great holiday gift idea combining affordable smartphone features with the value of MetroPCS service."

The ONE TOUCH Fierce is perfect for someone who wants a powerful device with a sleek design that won't break the bank. The 4G smartphone delivers an Android 4.2 platform, 4.5-inch qHD display and powerful 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, for the low cost of $99 plus tax.   

The ONE TOUCH Evolve is great for the first-time smartphone owner. It has a simple Android 4.1 interface, an adaptive keyboard for easier typing and a solid, attractive build. At $59 plus tax, shoppers looking for the best deal will find the phone hard to pass up.

The ALCATEL ONE TOUCH brand aims to build its presence in North America by catering to price-conscience shoppers.  The ALCATEL ONE TOUCH brand seeks to offer consumers more feature-rich smartphone options, designed from the ground up, with affordability in mind.

 

About ALCATEL ONE TOUCH

ALCATEL ONE TOUCH is a brand within TCL Communication, an international multicultural company which designs, develops, and markets globally a growing range of mobile and Internet devices.  One of the fastest growing of the world's top ten mobile phone manufacturers, TCL Communication makes access to mobile technology simple, designing their products around individual's lifestyles, enabling the end users to do more.  TCL Communication is a public company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (2618.HK) and part of TCL Corporation one of the largest consumer electronics companies in the world.

For 20 years now, the ALCATEL brand has brought consistent innovation and quality in mobile telephony to the widest audience. The ONE TOUCH smartphone product line is leveraging on that expertise bringing unique products, priced to be accessible to all. For more information, please visit www.alcatelonetouch.com.

To keep up to date with ALCATEL ONE TOUCH North America, like the company on Facebook: www.facebook.com/alcatelonetouchusa or follow them on Twitter: www.twitter.com/alcatel1touch.