Here is a roundup of all the recently released, upcoming, greenlit, and canceled Amazon original shows and movies. Read more ›
App Deal: The Jackbox Party Pack 3 down from $24.99 to $12.50
The Jackbox Party Pack 3 has just gone on sale for $12.50, which is 50% off its regular price. This is only the second time this very popular set of party games has ever gone on sale. The current price matches the one sale price it had before. Over $10 might seem like a lot for a Fire TV game, but this pack includes 5 distinct games in one app. The included games are Quiplash 2 (3-8 players), Trivia Murder Party (1-8 players), Guesspionage (2-8 players), Fakin’ It (3-6 players), and Tee K.O. (3-8 players). The great thing about Jackbox games is that they all allow you to use phones and tablets as their controllers, so you do not need multiple remotes or game controllers to play with a bunch of people. These games are compatible with all Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire TV Edition television models and work with both remotes and game controls.
You can now manage which Alexa Skills can send your Echo devices notifications
Amazon introduced Alexa notifications earlier this year and kicked things off with the ability for Echo device’s to notify you when your Amazon shipments were on their way. Third-party Alexa Skills were said to follow with notifications privileges and now they’re here with a new way to manage them in the Alexa app. Read more ›
Google’s answer to the Amazon Echo Dot leaks ahead of next month’s expected announcement
Google is holding an event on October 4 where they’re expected to reveal their two new flagship phones, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. It looks like phones aren’t the only thing on the agenda because Droid Life has leaked information about a new smart speaker that is also expected to be revealed that day. The new device, called the Google Home Mini, will compete directly with Amazon’s Echo Dot. Read more ›
Roku to release 4K HDR Streaming Stick with new remote
Roku will be releasing a new Roku Streaming Stick+ capable of 4K and HDR video this year, according to Dave Zatz of Zatz Not Funny, who has accurately leaked several Roku announcements in the past. The new device will also come with a new remote that features power and volume buttons for controlling your television. Read more ›
NVIDIA now offers the Shield TV with only a remote for $179
NVIDIA is now making their Shield TV available without a game controller for $179. That’s $20 less than the original $199.99 bundle that includes both a game controller and remote control. This is new bundle includes the same 16GB model that was released in January of this year. Considering the Shield game controller costs $59.99 on its own, you’re going to want to be pretty certain that you don’t want a game controller before buying the new bundle. The game controller is also required for the hands-free “Ok Google” capabilities that were promised in January of this year but have still not arrived. Pre-orders for the new bundle begin today and ship on October 18.
Bandai Namco brings Galaga Special Edition game to the Amazon Fire TV platform
Bandai Namco, the veteran video game company from Japan, has just released their third game on the Fire TV platform. Galaga Special Edition is an arcade space shooter that revives the old classic on modern platforms. It features all-new graphics and 25 unique levels. The game is compatible with all Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire TV Edition television models. It works with either a game controller or the Fire TV remote.
Amazon reportedly working on Alexa-powered smart glasses and home security camera
Amazon is working on a pair of smart glasses with Alexa capabilities, according to a report by the Financial Times. The retailer is said to also be working on a home security camera that works with the Echo Show’s ability to view live camera feeds, which is a feature that will also be coming to the Fire TV and newly revealed Fire HD 10. Read more ›
App Deal: Classic Movies app with over 800 old movies to stream is currently Free
The app Classic Movies has just gone free for the first time. This app was released a couple of weeks ago for $9.99 and offers a selection of old movies to stream. There is no subscription fee or activation necessary to view the movies once you’ve purchased the app. The app offers over 800 movies in the following categories: Action and Adventure, Cartoons, Comedies, Documentaries and History, Dramas, Horror and Thrillers, Propaganda and Informational, Romance, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy. These are likely old movies that are out of copyright and are now part of the public domain, making them free for anyone to view. The app is compatible with all Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire TV Edition television models.
Kohl’s will now pack and ship your Amazon returns for free
Kohl’s has announced (PDF) a partnership with Amazon where they will pack and ship your Amazon returns at no charge in select stores. The new return service will begin in October at 82 Kohl’s stores across Los Angeles and Chicago. The press release does not provide specifics on the process, but I presume customers will still need to initiate the return through Amazon first and their refund will still be given by Amazon and not by Kohl’s. Kohl’s will then accept the item, pack it in a box for you, and pay for the return postage, all at no cost to you. While Amazon offers free returns for select products they sell, where they pay for the return postage, this new program essentially makes all Amazon returns, even for items sold by 3rd-party sellers, free for customers. No word on when or if the program will be offered at Kohl’s other 1,000+ stores, so be sure to call ahead to see if your local store is offering the service before making the trip.
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Kohl’s will now pack and ship your Amazon returns for free