Daily Links and Deals: Tape recording was introduced 70 years ago today

daily_links_1Today marks the 70th anniversary of tape recording, the antecedent of the state of media today. Also, a look at IVR systems and why we hate “pressing 1 for customer service”, a how-to for erasing hard drives,  the demise of flash on Chrome (mostly) and more. In deals, a rechargeable battery charger kit and a Roku streaming stick for $40.

Daily Links for Monday, May 16, 2016:

How to really erase any drive — even SSDs — in 2016 (ZDNet) How to wipe a computer before disposal has always been an issue. In today’s world where we do everything from shopping to banking online, correctly erasing your data from your hard drive is even more important than ever.

Tape recording was introduced 70 years ago today (Recode) Do you think Bing Crosby when you think about tape recording? You should. This fascinating article about the invention of tape recording  explains the the history of the medium that really kicked off the revolution in home entertainment.

6 ways to put an end to the ‘press 1 for…’ customer experience (The Next Web) If, like me, you consider IVR (Interactive Voice Response) systems part of the bane of modern existence, you may find this interesting.

Google to block Flash by default on most sites for Chrome users (ComputerWorld) Google means it this time: Goodbye Flash! Well…, mostly anyway.

Over-the-Air Antennas Are Making a Comeback (Motherboard) While these are not your grandmother’s rabbit ears, a surprising number of people are opting for cord cutting via over-the-air broadcasts.

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Supersurvivors: The Surprising Link Between Suffering and Success by David B. Feldman and Lee Daniel Kravetz for

In Today’s DealsPanasonic Eneloop Power Pack for 10AA, 4AAA Colored Cells Advanced Battery Charger and $10 off the Roku Streaming Stick (3600R).

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is Love, Honor, and Betray (Reverend Curtis Black Series #8) by Kimberla Lawson Roby for $2.99. The Romance Daily Find is Hush by Karen Robards for $1.99.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is Evidence Series Box Set Volume 1: Books 1-3 by Rachel Grant for 99 cents.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore for $$1.99.

Google Books has a Limited-Time Deals 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: How Are Digital Devices Changing the Way We Think?

daily_links_1Today, a new look at the digital versus print reading comprehension debate which suggest what we are reading may be as important a factors as what what we read on. Also, increased WiFi hotspots may be on the horizon for Germany, locking in your Windows 10 upgrade and sharing a free audiobook via Audible. In ebook deals, a Paris Getaway sale and a great price on Desert Rising by Kelley Grant.

Daily Links for Sunday, May 15, 2016:

A Rule Change In Germany May Allow For Widespread Free WiFi (Gizmodo) A loosening of restrictions may make it easier to find an internet cafe in Germany.

How Are Digital Devices Changing the Way We Think? (Psychology Today) A study suggests that reading comprehension differences between digital and print may not be as black and white as previously thought.

Audible to let audiobook owners share one book free of charge as introduction to share mechanism (Talking New Media) I missed this story a few days ago. Give a copy of any Audible book in your library to a friend (or your book club). Great way to get others hooked on audiobooks.

How to lock in your free Windows 10 upgrade and keep using your old Windows version (ZDNet) You can reserve your free copy, even if you are not ready to upgrade yet.

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Desert Rising by Kelley Grant for 99 cents. (I ♥ this series! If you like fantasy and cats, I think you will enjoy this!)

In Today’s Deals, you can find an AmazonBasics Fade-Resistant Cotton 6-Piece Towel Set or save up to 40% on Sawyer Outdoor Products.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is a City of Lights sale! Choose from 15 tiles at up to 80% off during the Paris Getaway Sale! The Romance Daily Find is Cure for the Common Breakup by Beth Kendrick for $1.99.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is The Liar by Nora Roberts for $1.99. The Extra Daily Deal is Adam by James Bushill for 99 cents.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes The Beach House by Jane Green for $1.99.

Google Books is having a Historical Fiction Sale.

(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: GPS devices reveal what the U.S. is really doing with its toxic e-waste

daily_links_1Today, a worrisome  look at what is happening with all that old tech gear. Also, Apple admits its deleting your music, another piece on the smell of old books and a a look at the rise of digitally board games. In Deals,  bluthooth headphones, cable and up to 80% off 16 must-read best selling ebooks.

Daily Links for Saturday, May 14, 2016:

GPS devices reveal what the U.S. is really doing with its toxic e-waste (Mashable) How good of a job is the US doing with all that e-wast from tablets and e-readers. Not so well, according to this report.

High-tech cardboard: The rise of digitally augmented board games (Ars Technica) In a world where everything seems to be going high tech, what about old fashioned board games?

Apple confirms iTunes music deletion issue, has no idea what’s causing it (The Next Web) Apple admits that theres a big bug in its music software that’s deleting customers music.

The sweet, sexy smell of old books is a perfume fad (Quartz) Another look at one of the most common complaints about e-readers: They don’t smell like books.

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes up to 80% off 16 must-read best sellers including books by Veronica Roth, C.S. Lewis and more.

In Today’s Deals, there are Omaker 3 Pack Optimum Combination 3.5mm Male to Male Stereo Audio Cable Cords and a set of Bluedio R Plus Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Micro SD Card Slot.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner for $1.99. The Romance Daily Find is Betting on Hope  for $1.99.by Debra Clopton

Kobo’s Daily Deal is Desert Heat by J. A. Jance Joanna Brady Mysteries (Book 1) for $1.99. The Extra Daily Deal is The Rookery Rogues (Volume 1) by Erica Monroe for $4.99.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes An Eye for an Eye: A Dewey Andreas novel by Ben Coes for $2.99.

Google is featuring a Bad Boys of Romance 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: A Better Way to Read

daily_links_1Today, A look at how digital reading can offer advantages that print can’t, offering a better way to read. There’s also a look at literary translation, online security and future broadcast television standards. In deals, there ‘s savings on PNY Attache Flash drives.

Daily Links for Friday, May 13, 2016:

Google to bring ‘Gboard’ features to Android (PC World) You can search and add GIFs from the keyboard, right where you need it.

Spurn the Translator at Your Own Peril (The Millions) If you read many books in translation, you know that a translator can make or break a book. This is an article about translators, written by a translator.

Online security is so lousy that most “hacking” doesn’t require actual hacking (Quartz) So, where else did you use that password?

ATSC 3.0: What you need to know about the future of broadcast television (CNET) What’s ATSC 3.0? Just the next generation of over-the-air TV. Even if you don’t get your TV with an antenna, it’s going to affect you.

A Better Way to Read (The Atlantic) Critics of e-reading argue that print is better than digital. This article makes the case that digital can be better than print, especially in terms of groups that struggle with reading comprehension.

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Dead Spots (Scarlett Bernard Book 1) from Mellissa F. Olson’s Old World Series of urban fantasies.  All three of the Scarlett Bernard books are just $1.99 each. (I ♥ these!)

Today’s Deals feature savings on PNY Attache Flash Drives.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is Armageddon’s Children (Genesis of Shannara Series #1) by Terry Brooks for $1.99. The Romance Daily Find is Wicked as They Come by Delilah S. Dawson for $1.99.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is The Murder Room by P. D. James for $1.99. The Extra Daily Deal is Duke of Thorns – Heiress Games (Book 1) by Sara Ramsey for 99 cents.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes All This Belongs to Me by Ad Hudler for $1.99.

Google has a selection of Limited-Time Deals.

(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: The looming threat to our book industry is bad for authors, publishers … but mostly for you

daily_links_1Today, a look at proposed book industry changes in Australia. Also, the US House blocks Google and Yahoo services, consumers want Netflix to stop blocking VPNs and asking if the $300 for the Oasis is worth it. In deals, Amazon has a sale on the Fire HD tablet for Kids.

Daily Links for day, May 12, 2016:

The looming threat to our book industry is bad for authors, publishers … but mostly for you (The Guardian) Like Canada, Australia has mechanisms in place to put locals talent first. Is this really good for Australians? Here’s one point of view.

Report: U.S. House blocks access to Google services amid fears of ransomware attacks (9 to 5 Google) Congress is grounded off Google? And Yahoo too?

45,00 People Ask Netflix to stop VPN Crackdown (Torrent Freak) Group wants a meet with Netflix CEO to discuss privacy alternatives.

Should you spend nearly $300 on a new Kindle? (The Verge) Is your Kindle Paperwhite good enough or do you need the new Oasis?

1.8 Million Free Works of Art from World-Class Museums: A Meta List of Great Art Available Online (Open Culture) This is amazing and you can view it all without leaving home. 🙂

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes The Very Best of Kate Elliott by Kate Elliott for $1.99.

In Today’s Deals, you can save $50 on the Fire HD 6 Kids Edition Tablet.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital by Alexandra Robbins for $1.99. The Romance Daily Find is In the Fast Lane by Audra North for $1.99.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart for $2.99. The Extra Daily Deal is Love, Diamonds, and Spades
Cactus Creek (Book 2) by Violet Duke for $99 cents.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes The Last Clinic: A Darla Cavannah Mystery by Gary Gusick for $2.99.

(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: How Electronic Ink Was Invented

daily_links_1Today, an interesting article on how Electronic Ink was invented. Also, Another Adobe Flash exploit, a stunning video of famous film scenes being remixed with classical art,  news on Google Translate and more. In deals, we have savings on TaoTronics desk lamps and a volume in Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series.

Daily Links for Wednesday, May 11, 2016:

Google Translate adds Tap to Translate chathead on Android, iOS gains offline mode (9 to 5 Google) Instant translate sounds like a fantastic idea!

Cable lobby group: Broadband competition is bad for customers (Ars Technica)

Computer remixes famous film scenes with classical art (Engadget) I want to be able to do this! Computer vision researchers in Germany can transform video clips into the style of famous paintings.

Hackers are exploiting an unpatched Flash Player vulnerability, Adobe warns (PC World) Why aren’t we done with Adobe Flash yet? Are we not tired of exploits?

How Electronic Ink Was Invented (Science Friday) Your e-reader couldn’t exist without it! This month, the inventors of e-ink were inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

83 years after public burning of Jewish books, WJC releases Spanish ebooks (JTA) These free ebooks are from the Jewish People’s Library’s series of paperbacks published by the South American Executive of the World Jewish Congress. (These seem to be online scans only.)

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes The Joey Song: A Mother’s Story of Her Son’s Addiction by Sandra Swenson for $2.99.

In Today’s Deals, you can save up to 65% on TaoTronics desk lamps.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find features over 60% off on the three books in the Chicago World’s Fair Mystery Series by bestselling author Shelley Gray. The Romance Daily Find is A Passion Most Pure (Daughters of Boston Series #1) by Julie Lessman for $2.99.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital by Alexandra Robbins for $1.99. The extra Daily Deals is Romancing the Sass (A Romantic Comedy Bundle) by Nana Malone for $4.99.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams (Book 2 in the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series) 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: E-books, why so old-fashioned? Here’s a Web wakeup call

daily_links_1Today, another look at the idea that ebooks should be more interactive. Also, OverDrive looks at making it easier to download library books on a Kobo and more on the role adblockers. In Deals, you can get an unlocked dual sim smartphone and savings of up to 50% off PC accessories.

Daily Links for Tuesday, May 10, 2016:

FTC, FCC want to know more about how carriers and manufacturers issue security updates (Android Central) Right now, it’s just a request for more information, but it is on their radar.

Easier downloads of OverDrive library books coming ‘relatively soon’ for Kobo e-readers and apps (Teleread) This is great news! Now, how soon is soon, LOL?

Why publishers are teaming up to explore time-based selling (Digiday) Will this approach change the way we view online ads?

Reddit’s Technology Subreddit Ponders Banning Wired & Forbes For Blocking Adblock Users (Techdirt) Can you have it both ways? Why should I share your content if you won’t let people see it?

E-books, why so old-fashioned? Here’s a Web wakeup call (CNET) Here we go again. Do you need your ebooks to be more dynamic and interactive? All I want to do is read….

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Unsaid: A Novel by Neil Abramson for $2.99.

In Today’s Deals, there is a BLU Advance 5.0 – Unlocked Dual Sim Smartphone – US GSM and up to 50% off select Logitech PC accessories.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is The Sweet By and By: A Novel by Todd Johnson for $1.99. The Romance Daily Find is This Heart of Mine by Brenda Novak for $1.99.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is Indebted Series 1-3 Boxed Set by Pepper Winters for  99 cents. The extra Daily Deals is Greenwash: A Katerina Carter Color of Money Mystery (Book 3) by Colleen Cross for $3.99.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr for $1.99. This is a fascinating sounding tale of the quest for a painting by Italian Baroque master Caravaggio.

(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: Someone is pretending to be the IT guy at Hogwarts and it’s hilarious

daily_links_1Did you ever imagine what it must be like for the poor guy trying to keep the WiFi going at Hogwarts? Also today, a look at a 911 chat bot, a new French privacy law that may have big implications for parents and more. In Deals, there is a solar-powered bluetooth speaker and an $50 unlocked Blu smartphone.

Daily Links for Monday, May 9, 2016:

Someone is pretending to be the IT guy at Hogwarts and it’s hilarious (Radio Times) This frazzled IT guy doesn’t need Harry Potter to tell him that magic and technology don’t mix.

911bot is a chat bot that could save your life (Techcrunch) This one actually sounds interesting because it includes instructions on what to do until help arrives. since many mobile emergency calls tend to get mis-directed, this could be a lifesafer.

Parents could get sued by their kids for putting baby photos on Facebook (The Next Web) Huh? The French may be carrying privacy just a bit too far.

I just watched an infringing video and it felt pretty bad (Torrent Freak) Interesting opinion piece from the point of view from a non-creator point of view.

Library’s cord cutting puts end to unofficial sports viewing events, spurs petition (Topeka CJOnline) This is a fascinating case study into how you interpret policies. What exactly does promote literacy?

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Rescue Road: One Man, Thirty Thousand Dogs, and a Million Miles on the Last Hope Highway by Peter Zheutlin for $1.99.

In Today’s Deals, there is a Eton Rugged Rukus solar-powered, Bluetooth-ready, smartphone-charging speaker and a $50 BLU Advance 4.0 Unlocked Dual SIM Cellphone, 4GB, White.

There is still a promotion on the Fire HD 6 (8GB and 16 GB versions). Right now, you can also get a fie payment option. There are also still deals on pre-owned Fire tablets.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is The Witch of Painted Sorrows (Daughters of La Lune Series #1) for $1.99. The Romance Daily Find is Sweetest Scoundrel (Maiden Lane Series #9) by Elizabeth Hoyt for $1.99.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie for $1.99.

The Kobo also has a monthly special 3 for 2 deal features books by  Grace Burrowes. The special runs until the end of month of May.:)

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes A Box of Matches by Nicholson Baker 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: 5 settings every new Android owner should change

daily_links_1Today stories include 5 setting every Android user should change, a phone/smartwatch to help you monitor your child, how to control the information Windows 10 is looking for and more. In Deals, great Gifts for mother’s Day: Polaroid Snap camers, Panasonic devices for the kitchen, e-readers from Amazon and Kobo, and Fire tablet deals that include a $40 Fire.

Daily Links for Tuesday, May 3, 2016:

Xiaomi’s smartwatch for children only costs $50 (Android Authority) It makes calls, sends an SOS and sets geofences for the kids? This could be a way to up the parenting game to a new level.

5 settings every new Android owner should change (CNET) These tips help improve the battery life and functioning of your phone!

Amazon Prime Now arrives online with one-hour delivery service (Ars Technica) It’ll cost you $7.99, but two-hour delivery is free.

Classic George Plimpton Titles Reissued, Go Digital For First Time (Publisher’s Weekly) These new enhanced editions carry a heft price tag for old books.

Why Windows 10 wants your feedback and diagnostics, and how to control them (PC World) The Big Brother aspect of Windows 10 is pretty scary.

Universal and Capitol fly high with copyright win (The 1709 Blog) Label win against in-flight entertainment provider for infringement of music.

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt (Theodore Roosevelt Series Book 1) by Edmund Morris for $1.99.

In Today’s Deals, get up to 27% off Polaroid Snap camera bundles and Panasonic Deals for Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day is less than a week away! Amazon has some great deals on both e-ink Kindles and Fire tablets:

First, in e-ink Kindles, you can get $20 off the Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle for Kids bundle. 

There are several promotions on Fire tablets. The 7″ Fire (normally $49.99) is only still only $39.99. Amazon is also offering savings on the Fire HD 6 (8GB and 16 GB versions) and the Fire HD 10 is $50 off for a limited time. There are also still deals on pre-owned Fire tablets.

And, yes, I am also still seeing the option for 5 payments of $58 for the Kindle Oasis pre-order. Current delivery date is June 1, 2016.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is  Gathering of Waters by Bernice L. McFadden for $1.99. The Romance Daily Find is The Choice by Nicholas Sparks for $2.99.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is Before We Met – A Novel by Lucie Whitehouse for $1.99.

And, you can still get $20 off the Kobo Glo HD.  Free shipping is included but I am not sure about a Mother’s Day delivery at this point, although they are still advertising it as a Mother’s Day sale. 🙂

The Kobo has a monthly special 3 for 2 deal features books by  Grace Burrowes. The special runs the entire month of May. 🙂

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes The Art of Crash Landing by Melissa DeCarlo for $1.99.

Google has a selection of Topsellers Under $10 which includes some Lovecraft collections for 99 cents. Is it Cthulhu day?

(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 – RIP: Nexus 9 dies a silent death as it disappears from the Google Store

daily_links_1Today, the Nexus 9 is no more, an interesting piece on how old family photos find a new purpose in art, a look at the excitement that we used to find in gadgets. In Deals, Amazon is having device sales for Mother’s Day and Kobo is having a Buy One, Get One sale.

Daily Links for Thursday, April 28, 2016:

RIP: Nexus 9 dies a silent death as it disappears from the Google Store (9 to 5 Google) The Nexus 9 never seemed to be as popular a device as its 7 inch brother…. And, yeah, it was overpriced.

The Digital Afterlife of Lost Family Photos (NYT) An interesting and poignant piece. How do we label this? Is it art, history or intrusion?

Intel looks to replace headphone jacks with Type-C connector (Computer World) That story about Apple getting rid of the headphone jack in new devices is starting to sound more plausible.

Mossberg: When gadgets were king (The Verge) This story took me back. Leave a comment if you ever struggled to connect a 2400-baud modem.

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell, a Cinderella re-telling, for $2.99.

There’s still time for gifts for Mother’s Day! Amazon has some deals on both e-ink Kindles and Fire tablets. First, you can get $20 off the Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle for Kids bundle.  Amazon is also offering the Fire HD 10 for $50 off for a limited time.

Amazon is still offering savings on the Fire HD 6, and deals on pre-owned Fire tablets. I am also still seeing the option for 5 payments of $58 for the Kindle Oasis pre-order. Current delivery date is June 1, 2016.

You can also take advantage of a trade-in offer from Amazon on your old Fire tablet. The clock is ticking on this offer. Trade-in must be completed by May 9, 2016.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is French Dirt: The Story of a Garden in the South of France by Richard Goodman for $1.99. The Romance Daily Find is Destiny of the Wolf by Terry Spear for 99 cents.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is The Uninvited by Cat Winters for $1.99.

Kobo is also having a Buy One Get One free sale, ends May 2, 2016.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes Past Crimes: A Van Shaw Novel by Glenn Erik Hamilton for $1.99.

Google has a selection of Limited-Time Deals.

(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.