Netflix Dumps Qwikster: Aly Rejoices

Thank the sweet goddess: Netflix has decided not to launch Qwikster!!!

Netflix announced in late September that it was going to spinoff its DVD by Mail service into a new company called Qwikster. The company has now decided against the spinoff — probably because we all had bought Netflix-themed voodoo dolls.

The DVD by mail business will remain at Netflix. Netflix said in a statement on its blog that customers found the idea of Qwikster to be too complicated.

It is clear that for many of our members two websites would make things more difficult, so we are going to keep Netflix as one place to go for streaming and DVDs.

This means no change: one website, one account, one password… in other words, no Qwikster.

 

WSJ: New iPhone to Arrive in Third Quarter

The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is indeed preparing for the release of a new iPhone!

There have been widespread rumors about this, and the new phone will be lighter and thinner than the iPhone 4. It will also have an 8-megapixel camera.

The WSJ says the new phone is expected to be out this quarter, but manufacturing complexities could delay the iPhone 5. Hon Hai is a Taiwan company that assembles many Apple products. Hon Hai chairman Terry Gou told the WSJ the new iPhone is so thin that it is “complicated and difficult to assemble.”

So, what do you think? Is this new phone in your future?

Rumor Mill: Wii Successor Will Have Six-Inch Touchscreen Controller

Rumors are spiraling out of control about the what Nintendo’s Wii successor will be like.

Joystiq is reporting that Nihon Keizai Shinbun – a Japanese publication that has made accurate predictions about past consoles – is predicting the new Wii’s controller will have a six-inch touchscreen.

Joystiq also says the publication says the new controller will also be able to play games independently of the console. The next Wii is expected in the second half of 2012.

Google Launches Google Wallet

Google has announced that it will soon launch Google Wallet, a mobile app that turns your smartphone into a wallet using near field communication (NFC). Google says it is currently field testing the service and plans to make it available soon to consumers.

Google Wallet is a key part of our ongoing effort to improve shopping for both businesses and consumers. It’s aimed at making it easier for you to pay for and save on the goods you want, while giving merchants more ways to offer coupons and loyalty programs to customers, as well as bridging the gap between online and offline commerce.

Because Google Wallet is a mobile app, it will do more than a regular wallet ever could. You’ll be able to store your credit cards, offers, loyalty cards and gift cards, but without the bulk. When you tap to pay, your phone will also automatically redeem offers and earn loyalty points for you. Some day, even things like boarding passes, tickets, ID and keys could be stored in Google Wallet.

Google says Google Wallet will support Citi MasterCard and Google Prepaid Card at launch. Google Wallet will initially only be available with the Nexus S 4G, but Google plans to expand availability to other phones over time.

Facebook to Partner With Spotify for Music Service

Facebook is planning to enter the digital music business and take on Amazon.com and Apple, Inc. it seems!

Forbes reports that Facebook is partnering with Spotify for the new service.

Forbes says Facebook’s music service will enable Facebook users to stream songs through Facebook. It is not yet known if the service will be named Facebook Music or Spotify on Facebook.

Will keep you posted…

Budget Shopping:Learn To Use QR Codes To Save Money

Ya know those funky, abstract images popping up everywhere?

They can actually save you money.

QR codes have been around for a few years, but they’re just now taking off in the US as more people become armed with smartphones.

Use your phone to scan the 2D image and you may just unlock some secret savings.
Mobile Coupons – Some brands are using QR codes as a way to hand out mobile coupons. Keep your eyes open for them posted at storefronts and on various products. A quick scan could put a money saving offer in your hand within seconds.
Event Deals – The Tour of California bike race which kicked off last week is using QR codes in a creative way. QR codes are hidden throughout the race and fans that find them get freebies, digital content and discount codes for merchandise. They’ll also be entered into a drawing to win a ticket to the exclusive post-race party in Los Angeles.
Free Content – QR codes are also a way to access exclusive and free content. For instance, punk trio Green Day put a QR code on the front cover of a new album. When fans scan the code they get access to a unique website with fresh material and even a chance to download one of their hit songs for free.
Win Prizes – Lots of companies are using QR codes as a creative way to give away great prizes. One example? Brad’s Raw Foods. Scan the QR code on their company blog for a chance to win free snacks and prizes.
Product Reviews – Home Depot recently rolled out a new QR code campaign with their Martha Stewart Collection. Before you buy, scan the QR codes to get immediate access to product reviews. You’ll know whether you’re about to waste your hard earned money on a poor product or if you’re making a wise purchase.

Have you been using QR codes in your shopping?

Save Money At the Mall: My Secret Tips!

You typically go to the mall to spend money, but believe it or not, you can save money there, too.

Whether you’re shopping for some new spring or summer pieces to infuse into your wardrobe, or just hoping to replace those worn out tennis shoes, there are several strategies for saving.
Avoid the Store Credit Card – Lots of retailers are offering special discounts to those who sign up for their store credit card. If you really want to save money skip this deal in disguise. I recently heard a report that Target  Redcard customers spend an average of 44 percent more than other shoppers. That kind of defeats the purpose of saving 5 percent on purchases, doesn’t it? Avoid this lure and you’ll end up saving money in the long run.
Know Before You Go – Treat your trip to the mall like an undercover operation. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to make a plan of attack. Think about what stores you may want to hit up and do some pre-planning. Google the stores’ name along with the words “coupon” or “printable coupon.” In just a few minutes you could be arming yourself with valuable coupons that will take cash off your purchase.
Enlist Your Smartphone – According to Nielson, half of cell phone users will carry a smartphone by the end of the year. If you’ve got one put it to good use at the mall. With apps like Coupon Sherpa and ShopKick, coupons for the stores you’re shopping at end up in the palm of your hand. Just show the cashier and save.
Ask About Rewards – Lots of stores have rewards programs. For instance, with AEREWARD$ you earn one point for every dollar spent at American Eagle, Aerie or 77kids. Every three months those points are added up and you receive a savings voucher based on the number of points you accrued. You also get special savings during your birthday month when you share your email. At Victoria’s Secret, for a limited time new Pink Nation members will get a free pair of undies with a purchase just for signing up.
Sign Up for E-Newsletters – For exclusive deals you may not be able to find anywhere else—and to be in the know about upcoming sales—sign up for the e-newsletters of your favorite stores. Yes, junk email is a pain, but if it helps you save money at the mall it’s worth the effort!

Bargain Hunters: Amazon Introduces Lower-Priced, Ad Supported Kindle

For those of you awaiting that special deal before getting your first Kindle, congrats: Amazon.com announced it is going to start selling a cheaper, ad-supported version of its Wi-Fi Kindle reader.

As you know, the Wi-Fi versions don’t have the cool whispersync technology that comes with the Kindle Wireless and makes it easy order books securely.

Special offers and sponsored screensavers will be displayed on the ad-supported Kindle’s screensaver and on the bottom of the device’s home screen. However, Amazon says the ads will not interrupt reading.

The Kindle will cost $114, $25 less than the regular Wi-Fi Kindle. The ad-supported can be pre-ordered here. It will be released on May 3.

TechCrunch thinks Amazon.com should have gone with a $99 price for the ad-supported reader.  I agree!!!

That will no doubt eventually happen, possibly as soon as this fall. I wonder where the bottom is for e-reader pricing!

Survey Finds AT&T iPhone 4 Users Get More Dropped Calls Than Verizon iPhone 4 Users

A ChangeWave survey conducted late last month reveals some interesting dropped call differences between Verizon iPhone 4 owners and AT&T iPhone 4 owners.

The survey found that just 1.8% of Verizon iPhone 4 owners experienced a dropped call during the last 90 days, while 4.8% of owners of the AT&T iPhone 4 had experienced dropped calls.

The numbers were pretty close to the percentages ChangeWave found for drop calls per wireless provider for all smartphones. AT&T had 4.6% of its subscribers experiencing a drop call in the last 90 days, while Verizon came in at a low 1.4%. You can see all the results of the survey here.

This Is Going Too Far: GE Makes Prince William and Kate Middleton Refrigerator

GE is ready to capture the interest in the royal wedding with this refrigerator that contains a large image of Prince William and Kate Middleton on its doors.

Get Connected magazine says the GE UK built the Will and Kate fridge in response to feedback from its Facebook fans.

No one can now say that GE does not take social media seriously. However, they don’t seem to take themselves all that seriously…