Monthly Archives: June 2016

Amazon offers Prime members phones … with ads

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bluAmazon has announced a new special just for Prime members: Unlocked android phones at a reduced price. If you are a Prime subscriber, you have your choice of either a Blu or a Motorola G unlocked phone for up to 50% off the retail price. The catch is that, just like the Kindles and Fire tablets with Special Offers, the phones feature offers and lock screen ads, as well  as apps that cannot be removed.

The two phones being offered are the Blu R1 HD for $49.99 and the Motorola G (4th Generation) for $149.99.

The Blu R1 HD features:

  • Fast 1.3 GHz quad-core MediaTek 6735 ARM Cortex processor with 16 GB Internal memory and 2 GB RAM
  • Dual SIM and MicroSD support for up to 64 GB of expandable storage
  • Stunning 5″ HD display with curved Gorilla Glass 3 protection, plus an 8 MP main camera and 5 MP selfie camera that includes a front-facing LED flash
  • 4G LTE plus GSM unlocked for your favorite compatible carrier or for international travel (including AT&T, T-Mobile; not compatible with Verizon or Sprint)

The phone is also available in a 16 GB Internal memory and 2 GB RAM configuration for an additional cost.motog

The Moto G features:

  • Fast 4G LTE speed, an up to 1.5 GHz octa-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, and a bright 5.5″ full HD (1080p) display ensures videos and games run smoothly and look great
  • Take brilliant photos with the 13 MP HD camera or snap group shots with a 5 MP wide-angle selfie cam. Add up to 128 GB of additional storage with a microSD card
  • The all-day battery includes TurboPower charging which provides up to 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes
  • Unlocked and carrier-friendly, works with all major carrier networks domestically or abroad (including AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon)

The phone is also available in a 32 GB configuration.

According to the press release,

The BLU R1 HD and Moto G feature Android 6.0 Marshmallow with Google Mobile Services, including Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, and Google Play. A single sign-on experience provides Prime members easy access to their Prime benefits through the most popular Amazon apps, including tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes with Prime Video, over one million songs and playlists with Prime Music, unlimited photo storage and backup with Prime Photos, one free pre-released book a month with Kindle First, FREE two-day shipping on millions of items, and more. Customers also get access to thousands of apps, games and in-app items that are 100% free with Amazon Underground, and can shop a personalized selection of  Amazon’s daily deals right from a new home screen widget.

Unlike Amazon previous Fire phone venture (which was exclusive to one carrier), these phones work with major carriers: AT&T and T-Mobile for the Blu and AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon for the Moto G. Two of the apps installed on the phones, Amazon Underground and Amazon Video are not available in the Google Play Store.

The newly launched BLU R1 HD and Moto G are available for pre-order starting now. The phones will be available on July 12th, 2016. The BLU R1 HD and Moto G without offers and ads are also available on Amazon to Prime and non-Prime members alike, at full retail price.

So, what do you think? I always buy unlocked phones and am due for a new one, so these might be worth considering. I just don’t know how to tell my cats I might be booting their picture for an ad…

Daily Links and Deals: Over 14 million digital books to be accessible for blind users

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daily_links_1Today, news that the New HathiTrust and NFB Partnership will make over 14 million digital books accessible to blind and print-disabled users. Also, The New York Public Library has launched a digital newsletter, an interview with Indigo CEO Heather Reisman on the 21st century bookstore and VLC finally launches a media player app for Windows 10.  In deals, a Nordic Track treadmill, Bluedio Bluetooth headphones and speakers and the complete series of Two and a Half Men on DVD.

Daily Links for Thursday, June 30, 2016:

Indigo CEO Heather Reisman on reimagining the 21st century bookstore (Canadian Business) Keeping books at the forefront and surviving in the modern world.

README: Digital News from The New York Public Library (NYPL) The New York Public Library launches a digital newsletter.

New HathiTrust and NFB Partnership Will Make More Than 14 Million Digital Books Accessible to Blind and Print-Disabled User (Infodocket) This is fantastic news for print-disabled users

Beloved VLC media player releases a robust universal Windows 10 app (PC World) Finally! One of the most popular media players debuts on Windows 10.

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Flee (Codename: Chandler Book 1) by J.A. Konrath and Ann Voss Peterson (plus the other two books in the Codename: Chandler thriller series) for $1.99.

In Today’s Deals, a NordicTrack C 1650 Treadmill, Bluedio Bluetooth Headphones and speakers, and the Two and a Half Men Complete Series on DVD.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is  The End of Everything: A Novel by Megan Abbott for $1.99. The Romance Daily Find is Bachelorette for Sale by Gail Chianese for 99 cents.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith for $1.99. The Extra Daily Deal is Chasing Shadows Psychic Justice (Book 1) by Erin Richards for 99 cents.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4  – specific deals will be back as soon as I get my new PC. No iTunes on the Chromebook! 😦

Google has a Up to 85% off Bestsellers promotion.

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.

Amazon adds Page Flip to devices

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open-book-851401_1280Yesterday, Amazon announced a new navigation feature called Page Flip. It enables readers to do with ebooks something readers have always done with print books: you can flip the pages, referencing different parts of the book, all the while keeping your current place in the book you’re reading.

The Page Flip feature saves the page that you are reading and pins it to the side. One tap will take you back to the pinned page.

There are so many instances where this feature would come in handy: travel books with pictures and maps especially come to mind. It is also one of the areas that would add a some much needed functionality to e-textbooks, dictionaries and other non-fiction texts that are not necessarily read in a linear fashion.

According to the press release,

Zoom out to get a bird’s eye view of the book and quickly find what you’re looking for. At a glance, easily recognize specific pages as you jump around. Pictures, charts, your highlights, and the layout of each page are easy to see with Page Flip’s pixel-accurate thumbnails that automatically adjust as you change your font and margin settings.

Note that Page Flip will not be available on every Kindle book. To find books utilizing the feature, check the Kindle ebook store page for any given book and look for “Page Flip: Enabled” in the features list.

For more into about the new feature, see www.amazon.com/pageflip. Page Flip will be delivered as part of a free, over-the-air update starting today to Kindle E-readers, Fire tablets, and the free Kindle app for iOS and Android. There is no number listed for this update and this seems to be a separate one from the 5.8.1 update that brings back the much requested reading dots feature.

 

Daily Links and Deals: Audiobooks are crushing ebooks

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daily_links_1Today, if you trust the numbers, audiobooks seem to be outperforming ebooks. Also, stories on Evernote’s changes and price hike, a look at used hard drives and some important information about your warranty rights under the law. In deals, deals on tents, BBC comedies and savings on RavPower chargers and accessories.

Daily Links for Wednesday, June 29, 2016:

Evernote announces price hike, device restrictions for Basic package (ZD Net) If two devices is not enough for you,, you may be looking at an upgrade.

Used hard drives on eBay, Craigslist are often still ripe with leftover data (PC World) And this is a cautionary tale….

How Sony, Microsoft, and Other Gadget Makers Violate Federal Warranty Law (Motherboard) Know your rights! This is information you need to know.

Audiobooks are crushing ebooks (Quartz) I wonder if part of this also has to do with the fact that people who listen to audiobooks are used to paying more?

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Goddess: The Secret Lives of Marilyn Monroe by Anthony Summers for $1.99.

In Today’s Deals, savings on select Wenzel tents, 4th of July Flags, BBC comedies and RavPower chargers and electronics like the RavPower 50W 10A 6-Port USB Charger Desktop Charging Station with iSmart Technology (Black).

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is There  Be Lies by Nick Lake for $1.99. The Romance Daily Find is The Earl Next Door: The Bachelor Lords of London by Charis Michaels for 99 cents.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is One For The Money: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich for $1.99. The Extra Daily Deal is Rise of the Red Dragon Tales of the Lorekeepers (Tome 1) by Martin Rouillard for $1.99.

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.

Daily Links and Deals: In defense of book collecting

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daily_links_1Today, an opinion piece on book collecting. Also, an alert for fraudulent copyright notices, an explanation of carrier setting updates and a legal victory against Microsoft for their Windows Update shenanigans. In deals, UPS-backups and the ultimate DVD collections for Glee fans.

Daily Links for Tuesday, June 28, 2016:

Thousands of Fraudulent Copyright Infringement Demands are Being Emailed… (Digital Music News) Watch out for these and note the instructions for help dealing with this scam.

A lawsuit over an unwanted Windows 10 upgrade just cost Microsoft $10,000 (PC World) And this was before Microsoft became out and out malware artists.

What is this ‘Carrier Settings Update’ on my iPhone, iPad? (Recode) The truth behind this suspicious sounding update.

Michael Robbins: In defense of book collecting (Chicago Tribune) Not your usual “e” versus “p” thinking. Sometimes, we get there in unusual ways….

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes The Color Purple by Alice Walker for $2.99 and Aztec by Colin Falcone for $1.99.

In Today’s Deals, a APC BR1500G Back-UPS Pro 1500VA 10-outlet Uninterruptible Power Supply.Also, The Ultimate Gleek Bundle on DVD (all 6 seasons and 121 episodes of the hit TV series, as well as Glee: Encore and Glee: The Concert).

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is Where We Belong: A Novel by Emily Giffin for $2.99. The Romance Daily Find is Wild Hearts: An If Only novel by Jessica Burkhart for $1.99.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is The Forgotten Garden A Novel by Kate Morton for $2.99. The Extra Daily Deal is Under Fire: Dan Taylor (Book 2) by Rachel Amphlett for 99 cents.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes Frog Music by Emma Donoghue for $1.99.

Google has a Topsellers Under $10 promotion.

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.

Daily Links and Deals: Digitising public domain images creates a new copyright, rules German court

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daily_links_1Today, a story on a ruling for about scans and copyright that sets a disturbing precedent.Also, a think piece on the last driver license holder, watching local broadcast TV on the internet and a look at who can make the most out of Chromebooks. In deals, pet fountains and feeders.Also big savings on DVDs, Bluerays and digital downloads of the first two seasons of Game of Thrones.

Daily Links for Monday, June 27, 2016:

Digitising public domain images creates a new copyright, rules German court [Updated] (Ars Technica UK) This is a deeply disturbing decision. It means that public domain works can be basically “held hostage” by who does the scanning of the work in question.

Chromebooks are the new “it just works” platform (ZD Net) While they are not for everyone, there is something to be said for not having to worry abut bloated OEM programs, viruses and updates.

The last driver license holder (Techcrunch) Autonomous cars are getting closer and closer to becoming a mainstream reality.

You May Soon Be Able to Watch Local Broadcast TV on the Internet (Motherboard) Not exactly Aereo V2, but this non-profit want to make live, local internet a reality.

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Sophie’s Choice (Open Road) by William Clark Styron for $1.99, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie: A Novel (Open Road) by Muriel Spark for $2.99 and Words that Sell, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Thesaurus to Help You Promote Your Products, Services, and Ideas by Richard Bayan for $1.99.

In Today’s Deals, “Game of Thrones: Seasons 1 & 2″ on Blu-ray, DVD, & Digital. (Digital downloads of the first two seasons are $9.99 each. Also, up to 62% Off PetSafe Fountains and Feeders.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is The Beer Bible by Jeff Alworth for $1.99. The Romance Daily Find is Hot For The Scot by Janice Maynard for 99 cents.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is Murder in the Marais An Aimee Leduc Investigation, Vol. 1 by Cara Black for $1.99. The Extra Daily Deal is The Joe Tesla Box Set: Books 1-3 by Rebecca Cantrell for $1.99.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes

Google Books has a Topsellers Under $10 promotion.

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.)

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.

Sunday Daily Deals: Bike accessories and outdoor gear

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bike trailerToday’s deals include an electric pressure washer, outdoor gear and bike and jogging accessories.

Deals of the Day for Sunday, June 26, 2016:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Sylvester: or The Wicked Uncle (Regency Romances) by Georgette Heyer for $1.99 and .

In Today’s Deals, AR Blue Clean AR390SS 2000 psi Electric Pressure Washer with Spray Gun. You can also save 40% on Klymit outdoor gear and bike and jogging accessories from Allen Sports.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is Bliss by Hilary Fields for $2.99. The Romance Daily Find is Dare to Desire by Carly Phillips for 99 cents.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is The Kind Worth Killing A Novel by Peter Swanson for $3.99. The Extra Daily Deal is Needfire by Amy Braun for 99 cents.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes Limitless by Alan Glynn for $2.99.

Google Books has a promotion for Popular Page-Turners.

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.

Saturday Daily Deals: Up to 80% off Bestselling ebooks

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follettToday, all the major retailers – Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo. iTunes and Google –  are having sales with significant savings on bestselling authors. Also savings on summer gear: coolers, airbeds and more.

Deals of the Day for Saturday, June 25, 2016:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes 20 New York Times best sellers are up to 80% off. Includes Ken Follett, David Balducci, James Patterson, Sandra Brown and many more.

In Today’s Deals, an Intex Raised Downy Airbed with Built-in Electric Pump, heavy-duty ORCA Coolers and savings of over 40% on Jolie Sustainable Candles.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is 50% off a large selection of bestsellers. The Romance Daily Find is Triple the Fun (Harlequin Desire Series #2371) by Maureen Child for 99 cents.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is Memory Man by David Baldacci for $3.99. There is also a large selection of bestsellers at over 59% off. The Extra Daily Deal is Blood Relics: A James Acton Thriller, Book #12 by J. Robert Kennedy for $3.99.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes The Dead Will Tell: A Kate Burkeholder Novel by Linda Castillo for $2.99.

Google also is offering up to 85% off Bestsellers.

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.

Are the Apple ebook settlement credits taxable?

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account-1048671_640There is an interesting discussion in progress on the Amazon customer forums. One of the post asked the interesting question “Given how much money that some people got – are ‘we’ (global we) going to have to report this money on our taxes? Since its a settlement and not a refund?”

While I only received a modest refund of $24 (I started boycotting books over $9.99 when agency pricing went into effect), many customers have reported receiving refunds in the hundreds of dollars. The biggest amount I saw posted on the forums claimed a $1888.73 refund.

The discussion references IRS Publication 525 (which seems to be about employee and business issues). The document does suggest that punitive damages may indeed be taxable.

One comment says:

This was only a quick search, but most of the links that came up under “Are settlements taxable” seem to think so. Also, https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/lawsuits-awards-and-settlements-audit-techniques-guide#_Toc305586651

“Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not excludable from gross income under IRC § 104(a)(2).

With the enactment of SBJPA, Public Law 104 -188, Section 1605(a) in 1996, Congress made it clear in IRC § 104(a)(2) that punitive damages are taxable, regardless of the nature of the underlying claim.

IRC § 104(a)(2) states gross income does not include —

“the amount of any damages (other than punitive) received (whether by suit or agreement and whether as lump sums or as periodic payments) on account of personal physical injuries or physical sickness.”

In the Ebook Settlement FAQ, Amazon notes that it did not disclose any personal customer information regarding this settlement. The discussion also notes that “Other Income” generally requires the issuance of a IRS Form 1099, which no one seems to have received.

The discussion seems pretty split with some saying it would be taxable and others saying not. So far, no attorneys or CPAs have stepped up to weigh in on the topic. I didn’t hear anything about any tax liabilities on the previous publisher portion of the settlement – of course, mine was only $2, so it was a non-issue, at least for me.

While it is a fascinating discussion, since I am neither a lawyer or a tax consultant, I have no idea where this ebook settlement actually falls in terms of tax liabilities. Any thoughts?