I’ve never been a fan of New Year’s resolutions.  To me, a resolution is simply a promise you fully intend to break when it’s convenient…or one you can’t guarantee you’ll be able to keep.  This year, however, I went against better judgment and agreed to a joint resolution with a friend: I would serve as a guide in his personal struggle to lose weight.

Now, this guidance has taken several forms since 2012 began.  I’ve helped him construct some basic workout routines, I’ve suggested a few new recipes, and I’ve introduced him to the pros and cons of both free weights and machine-based exercises.  I refused to be an ever-present taskmaster when we made this agreement though, so I’ve suggested a few devices over the past month that may help him meet his goals.

The first gadget I recommended was a heart rate monitor.  Maintaining a steady heart rate is an important part of maximizing cardio workouts, so even the simplest model provides invaluable information.  Some heart rate monitors include built-in alarms as well, automatically notifying you when you reach the preset upper and lower limits of your target heart range.

Next, I suggested a personal training assistant.  Available as both stand-alone devices and smart phone apps, these gizmos often feature workouts designed by professional athletes and medical professionals.  Some also include unlockable rewards for completing individual programs and interactive tools for tracking your progress.  The Biggest Loser SLIMCOACH, for example, includes a 1-year membership to the MYTRACK online health community and provides access to nutrition planning and monitoring tools.

Last, but not least, I encouraged him to pick up an MP3 player.  Listening to your favorite tunes while working out is a great way to stay focused, and having access to your own personal music library sure beats listening to the deafening whirr of treadmills and elliptical machines at the gym.  Some MP3 players, like the Motorola MotoActv, even feature many of the same functions as a traditional heart rate monitor or personal training assistant.

What tools do you use to reach your fitness goals?

Today, Best Buy launched the Rocketboost Control App taking Rocketboost, Best Buy’s breakthrough wireless audio technology, to the next level.  The app lets users direct their audio from their PC or other Rocketboost-enabled audio source to any Rocketboost-enabled receiving device, including the Rocketfish Wireless Bookshelf Speakers and the Insignia Soundbar. What does this mean for you? Once you have the app installed, you can easily see your playlist on your iPod®, iPad®, iPhone® or PC and send it to various speakers throughout the home, controlling where, when and what you’re listening to with a swipe of your finger.

We sat down with Mark Kudla, senior product manager for Best Buy’s Exclusive Brands, to get details on the new app and what it means for your Rocketboost-enabled Insignia and Rocketfish products. Are you eager to give it a try? Download the Rocketboost Control App for free in the Apple App Store℠ and on Rocketboost.com.

In the Words of Mark:

Q:             Why did Rocketboost create the Control App?

A:              We’re always looking for ways to add functionality for consumers. As Rocketboost continues to expand its portfolio of wireless home audio products, we recognized a need to effectively manage all of these devices in the home for a seamless user experience. Just like a television remote control, the Rocketboost Control App gives users power over when, where and what audio they are listening to.

Q:             What does this scenario look like with examples of Rocketboost-enabled products?

A:              Most people who listen to music on home audio speakers are multitasking around the house. With the Rocketboost Control App, with just a few clicks on your phone you can control the audio playback wherever you are.  If you’re cleaning the house and listening to music in one room with your Rocketfish Bookshelf Speakers you can easily send the music to your Rocketfish Wireless Stereo Headphones as you finish cleaning room to room.  Or start a new playlist to the Rocketfish Indoor/Outdoor Speaker while you check on the steaks outside.

Q:             How does it work?

A:              Once users download the Rocketboost Control App for their specific device, they can access their playlists on their PC (iTunes or Windows Media Player library) to send the audio to their Rocketboost-enabled device of choice throughout their home. The app also allows access to audio content from all other Rocketboost Wireless Sender  devices – for example you can connect audio sources like your mp3 player, CD player or even TV to the Rocketboost Wireless Sender and then use the app to send the audio to any Rocketboost-enabled receiving device. 

For a full list of Rocketboost-enabled products, visit www.rocketboost.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback in the comments below!

Hi Everyone,

So I have to admit I might have a problem. After my last post I did indeed create a photo book on Shutterfly. My problem is that I had so much fun creating this book I also ordered a Travel Mug, a Reusable Shopping Bag, Christmas cards, and a bunch of prints. It seems like I am on Shutterfly every night lately, putting together different items, and I can say that my wife is starting to wonder where I have been disappearing to.

Uploading my images was quick and easy, and once uploaded it was easy to drag-and-drop each image into my book. When putting my book together I quickly realized that there are so many options the sky really does seem to be the limit. As an Art Photographer I really like to see my work in book form, and I was very pleased with the quality of my first book.

Anyone that knows me is well aware of the fact that I love my coffee, and as a coffee drinker I can assure you that you can never have enough travel mugs. I got my travel mug a few days ago and am very happy with it. I can say that of all the items I ordered I was most surprised by how much I love the Reusable Shopping Bag; it is just fun having a bag with your photos on it. The prints were high quality photo prints, and were a very reasonable price.

I received all my items in a very reasonable time, but I should point out that if you want to make sure you receive your Shutterfly order before Christmas you should place it before 12/18. Shutterfly also has a number of discounts going on right now up to 50% off different gift ideas, and if you are in need of a last minute gift I can’t recommend Shutterfly enough.

To anyone that read my previous blog; I did finally order the Milk-bone “cookie” jar, you know the one my wife had been hinting at for years, but if I was a betting man I would guess that I will not be receiving this in time for Christmas. I can’t wait to give Missy the book I made for her, and if she is reading this “no you can’t open your presents early”. To all I wish the very best during this holiday season, and an even better New Year.

Happy Holiday!

Hey,

As is the case during every holiday season it’s December, and until last night had no gift ideas for my wife. Scratch that, my wife always wants puppies. I know this to be true at all times, but there is no way I was getting a third dog.

I am sitting at my desk last night, and due to all the buzz I had been hearing from our customers about Shutterfly, I decided to check them out. I have to say as soon as I made an account, and started looking at what they offer, I was sincerely impressed.

Not only do they make it easy to share your photos with family and friends, they also sell almost everything under the sun that you could think to put a picture on. This got me thinking about a gift request from my wife that has been going on for more than a year now.

Sometime last fall my wife put a corner from one of our dog’s Milk-bone dog treat boxes on my desk; she does this when she is trying to ask me for something without actually asking. The ripped-off corner of the box had a picture of a Milk-bone “cookie-jar” next to a bunch of small print. The small print states that you send them a photo of your dog(s), plus 2 UPCs, and a check for a specified amount, and they will put your dog(s) face on this “cookie jar” for you.

That fact that this still hasn’t been done is a point of contention in our household. If I had been able to just upload a photo to a website, and pay electronically, this would have been done the week I discovered this sitting on my desk. I know I know I still should have been able to do it by now and won’t make any excuses (in case my wife is reading this).

I also know that if at any time I had actually gotten this “cookie jar” ordered, and into the hands of my wife, it would have become her most prized possession instantly. No dog treats would have ever touched its hallowed tin walls, and its residing place would have become the shelf on top of our kitchen cupboards.

How does this relate to Shutterfly you might ask? While trying out their service I uploaded some photos of our dogs to start playing with things, and as soon as I started putting together a practice book with these images I knew this was a perfect gift for my wife for Christmas. Every other day she stops me to show me the cutest picture ever of one of our dogs (that I have seen a thousand times before), and I know an entire book dedicated to one or both of our dogs would mean the world to her.

It was super easy to edit and tweak my photo book. The sheer number of choices in format, backgrounds, colors, and text is impressive. I watched the video on how these books are made, and once again I came away feeling like purchasing one would be a great investment. I can see this offering being even more valuable for families with children, for wedding photos, or for that once in a life-time vacation.

I also found out that by no means is Shutterfly just a bookmaker. You can order prints from them in almost any size, design your own photo calendar, purchase cards or custom stationary, or get that kitchen apron you always wanted with the photo of your family on it. The list goes on and on, and to really delve into their offerings you should check out their site.

Sorry for the short and to the point blog, but I gotta go. Shutterfly’s got an offer today where you can save up to 50% on the order of a new photo book, which means I have to finish my wife’s Christmas present today. Missy (my wife) if you are reading this it is all a ruse to hide the fact that I finally ordered that Milk-bone “cookie-jar” you have wanted for years.

Happy shooting!

“The boy who lived.”  It’s hard to believe the entire series has come to an end. I will miss the tales of the midnight releases of the books and movies that were so unique and entertaining for people of all ages. I will miss everything that went along with the Harry Potter franchise. Children, teens and adults dressed up. Parents turned out to the book releases and film premieres with looks that said, “I’m-only-here-for-my-children,” (when we all know they wanted to be there, too). I received 20 “I LOVE SNAPE” texts from my sister whenever there was a book or movie release, general news about Alan Rickman and, sometimes, just because. 

Who remembers the very first book or movie release? I was 12 years old and trying desperately to figure out a plan for buying the first book. I discussed my plan with my mother, but she became irritated that I kept talking about how I was going to make sure I got the book. She finally told me to wait for my birthday, which was just around the corner. I remember the feeling of joy, knowing I was going to get the book as a gift. After all, I was pretty smart. I could put two-and-two together.

Now, looking back, I realize, as I grew up, so did the series. It became so much more than a magical fairytale about a fantasy land of witches and wizards with Harry, Ron and Hermione.  The characters transformed, matured and taught us about love, death and the power of good versus evil.  As Karina-BBY told me, we were always left with our jaws open! At every turn, we got to see surprising character developments, how and why they each became the person they did. Snape’s character development was particularly interesting to me. He remained so mysterious and you didn’t know what was going on with him, until the seventh book when his true motives and loyalties were finally revealed.

I thought the movies did a good job of extracting plotlines from the books to highlight the most relevant storylines and themes. Although some subplot was left out, most people who read the books and saw the movies would agree the movies not only stuck closely to the storyline, they were fantastic! I saw Part II of The Deathly Hallows in 3D and the effects only added to the magic. 

I already own all of the books and I’m really excited to finally own all of the movies. Best Buy is offering an exclusive release of the 3D version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 & 2 combo packs, available now!  Each pack includes:

· 3D Blu-ray disc

· Standard DVD

· Standard Blu-ray disc  

· Code for digital copy

Pick up your copy today in store or online at BestBuy.com!

What is your favorite Harry Potter memory?

Spoiler Alert:  If you haven’t completed Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, you may not want to continue reading.  You have been warned.

At the conclusion of Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, life for Ezio Auditore da Firenze seems to have found conclusion, yet Desmond Miles’ has spiraled out of control.  Ezio’s enemies have been dispatched, many through the dispatching of assassin’s he has trained during his renewal of the brotherhood of the Assassin’s order.

Desmond, on the other hand, has found the Apple, and found himself to be controlled by Juno, a mystic figure, one of “Those Who Came Before”.  While under her control, he stabbed Lucy in the abdomen with his hidden blade.  As she fell, so too did Desmond-into a coma.

We learn that Desmond is being put back into the animus, setting up the gameplay for Revelations, where we travel with Ezio back to Constantinople and the Assassin's stronghold of Masyaf, following the footsteps of his mentor, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad.  Single-player is said to be the weaving story of Altaïr, Ezio, and Desmond as their worlds collide and the truth behind the “Pieces of Eden” are revealed.

Multiplayer, first introduced in Brotherhood, is back, and has been modified and enhanced to reflect the new abilities and terrain of Revelations.  Ubisoft promises more customization in characters, abilities, kill sequences, and gameplay.  That’s a lot to offer, and I look forward to seeing if this amounts to a better overall experience.

While many of the popular games to come out recently have had a huge multiplayer following, Assassin’s Creed has always been first about a single-player storyline, blurring the lines between history, legend, and fiction into a very complex and compelling narrative. 

Before the Assassin’s Creed franchise I was relatively tame; limiting my killing to Nazi and other wartime enemies, aliens, bandits, and wild game.  Now I’m stealth, taking down with my hidden blades Templars and any who would seek to control others and corrupt justice.  Last year I built a brotherhood.  I look forward to the revelations to come.

This guy over to the side?  The Crusader.  You'll meet him in the single-player campaign.  If you pre-order your game from Best Buy, you'll also get him as a playable character in the multiplayer!   Pretty cool, right?

Pre-order your copy of Assassin's Creed:Revelations, or check and see if your store will be having a midnight release at the link below.

http://bbyurl.us/ACR

Join the conversation.  What do you most look forward to in the newest Assassin’s Creed iteration?

With Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 nearly upon us, excitement is at its peak.  Gamers are stretching their thumbs getting ready for all-nighters.  Some are stocking up on rations as they don’t plan to leave their room until they’ve prestiged, at least once.  Some are brushing up on their headshots in Black Ops and working on their KDR (kill to death ratio).  And some brave souls are probably reading this on their smart phone because they’re already waiting at the store.

Modern Warfare 3 is one of the, if not THE, most anticipated titles of 2011.  Infinity Ward and Activision have yet again enhanced the award-winning gameplay of the Call of Duty series and aim to please one of the largest fan-bases in gaming.

There will be another action-jam-packed single player campaign that, if you’re like me, you will be playing through several times; first on Regular difficulty, then on Hardened, or maybe you’ll just skip to the unforgiving Veteran.  I haven’t wanted to play through an FPS’s story line this many times since Goldeneye 007… yeah I unlocked the invincibility cheat the legit way (that sounds like a conflicting moral system but oh well): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DuLFJ-i2KU

They have somehow refined the online multiplayer experience that has already brought game-changing innovations to the online shooter space.  I think the aspect I’m looking most forward to is the new “Pointstreak” system which was their answer to gamers that had a hard time getting large kill-streaks *cough* not me *cough*… excuse me.  You can now choose a “strike package” that works best for your play style whether it is Assault, Support, or Specialist.

Another feature they’ve carried on is Spec Ops.  I love this.  These are one-off objective-based missions that you can play by yourself, online, or co-op.  Think of them as special challenges, and if they are anything like they were in Black Ops, they are just that: challenging.  They’ve also added a “Survival Mode” were you fend off wave after wave of baddies until you can’t take it anymore.  There’s nothing better than sitting on a couch with your buddy, adrenaline pumping, calling out where enemies are, and kicking some AI butt.

If you can’t tell, I’m just a little amped up about this game.  And so are some of my teammates so I asked them to share some of their thoughts.  Please excuse Doug and Marti.  I don’t understand them.

---

Jesus-BBY wrote:

I cannot wait for my living room to shake with all the epic commotion! Modern Warfare always comes out around my B-day so, double whammy for this dude! 

 

Ryan-BBY wrote:

I’m looking forward to having 7 kills and 22 deaths on Team Deathmatch early Tuesday morning. 

 

Douglas-BBY wrote:

Do you mean Halo: Modern Warfare?...  I only know how to shoot aliens.”

 

Marti-BBY wrote:

You mean there’s a Modern Warfare 1 and 2? ;-)

 

Mariel-BBY wrote:

I’m just a girl with 46,590 gamerscore, living in the Call of Duty world.  My love for Call of Duty began with MW2. One of the best games I’ve ever played and I played it into the ground…1000/1000 GS doesn’t lie!  I went back and played MW1, WaW, Call of Duty 3, and Black Ops when it came out, but the MW games are my absolute favorite. I’m hoping MW3 will take the series to the next level with new modes of multiplayer, perks and gameplay. I can’t wait for the exciting new campaign with an over the top plotline and I will love every minute of it. If you’re as excited as I am, then I will see you on the battlefield! I’ll be the one shouting, “You just got pwned by a girl. FACE!” into my mic when I win…

---

There’s still time to pre-order your copy at your local Best Buy store or on BestBuy.com here:

http://bbyurl.us/MW3

Also, visit that page to check if your local store is hosting a midnight opening (chances are good) or even an early in-store demo and all kinds of other Modern Warfare 3-themed goodies.

See you on the battlefield.

App Discovery Center

We have all been there.  Searching endlessly for apps, scouring through the app catalogs only to get frustrated and quit.  Now Best Buy is putting an end to all that!

We have always been here helping our customers find the latest and greatest in technology and services, and we are continuing that trend with the new Best Buy App Discovery Center, a new tool that we have developed to make app searching quick, easy, and painless.  With the help of Appolicious we have taken the iTunes and Android app catalogs, and with have come up with a super easy and awesome search tool that makes searching those tens of thousands of apps less confusing and much less time consuming.

Research has shown that most app downloads are a result of word of mouth recommendations, in fact 40% of all downloads are from recommendations.  We are giving our Blue Shirts the opportunity to voice their favorite app recommendations.  Just type in your zip code and get the best information from a source you can trust.  You can even take the recommendation of your favorite Blue Shirt in YOUR favorite store.  How cool is that?

Of course you can still search for the “hottest” apps or the top free downloads.  We even took searching to a new level with being able to type in a simple phrase such as, “How do I improve my golf swing?” and the Discovery Center does all the work for you. 

How does it work?  The Best Buy App Discovery Center has organized the app catalogs of Itunes and Android into more than 1,200 popular categories to let you find apps in a specific area of interest.  We use an exclusive algorithm based on social, user-generated and editorial signals that provides you with the best search results.  Plus with the addition of Blue Shirts picks the endless and tiresome searching is over!

Get started discovering your new favorite apps at, apps.bestbuy.com!

Nathan Drake is at it again folks.  In this newest installment to the Uncharted series entitled Drake’s Deception, the widely loved protagonist and treasure-hunter extraordinaire takes us on yet another action-packed ride. 

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception will not only put you on the edge of your seat but leave you grasping the edge of it, hanging on for dear life.  We’re talking oodles of explosions, gun fights, plot twists, and even a tug on your heart strings here and there.  You pay at the movies to see guys jump off of speeding vehicles and dangle from planes so why not take control of that action yourself and experience thrill and adventure in whole new way.

If you’re new to the Uncharted series, think Indiana Jones mixed with National Treasure, throw in bit of Tomb Raider and roll it up in a video game burrito.  The game plays from a third-person perspective and you control Nathan Drake to shoot bad guys, narrowly escape all kinds of peril, and climb… well pretty much anything.  But it doesn’t stop there, Uncharted 3 also has fully-fledged online multiplayer component that will keep you gaming through the cold winter months to come (this coming from a Minnesotan).

Its games like these that blur the lines between gaming and Hollywood.  This PlayStation 3 exclusive really takes full advantage of the console’s graphic processing prowess and has the potential to be one of the prettiest games you’ve seen on your HDTV yet.

Pick up your copy now at your local Best Buy store or order on BestBuy.com: http://bbyurl.us/UN3

See you on the sand dunes.

Hey Fellow Homeowners,

Have you ever left you home wondering if you turned the furnace down, shut off a particular light, or even locked a door? Well there is no longer a reason to wonder. With modern wireless technology companies are developing systems that not only allow you to monitor your home from anywhere, but also allow you to make changes to your home from any location.

One such system is the Schlage LiNK system; this system uses Z-Wave wireless technology to control almost anything in your home, and even includes a video camera for remote surveillance of your house. Once set up accessing your home system, and making changes from a computer or smartphone is a simple matter.

Z-Wave technology has been adopted by a number of manufacturer’s to allow for the wireless connection and control of almost anything in a home. Products with Z-Wave technology range from the Schlage LiNK lock system, a thermostat made by Trane, modules that let you remotely control floor lamps, to electric outlets that should be installed by an electrician.

Another nice feature of these systems is that due to them being wireless they don’t have to be installed all-at-once. This means you can add parts to your system as your needs/finances dictate. Once I’ve paid off the Logitech surveillance system I just purchased I will definitely be looking into the Schlage LiNK system as another way to not only protect my home, but control it wherever I am.



Holy Arkham City, Batman!  Hitting shelves today Batman: Arkham City effectively lunges forward the already-acclaimed Batman series brought to us by Rocksteady Studios. 

I for one have been in great anticipation of this title because of my unforgettable experience with the previous installment, Batman: Arkham Asylum.  Growing up a Batman fan and playing various other Batman games along the way, nothing compares to what Rocksteady accomplishes in these next-gen games.  I felt like I was in a comic book and taking on the role of that mysterious superhero I had always pretended to be.

There is a Hollywood movie-like suspense packed into these titles.  I recall moments in Arkham Asylum where I had wished I left the lights on.  Scarecrow managed to not only get into Batman’s head but somehow mine as well I guess… those eyes…

In terms of the user-interface/gameplay you can expect in Arkham City, the controls are easy enough for a little girl to play, although you might not want your little girl to play it (ESRB Rating: Teen).  However, mastering the mechanics, unlocking all the moves, finding Riddler challenges, and tons more content will keep you busy for quite some time.  Not to mention, if you pre-ordered with us, you’ll be playing as Robin with his own set of unique gadgets, special moves, and challenge maps.

The premise of Arkham City is you’re in an open-air prison filled with villains and criminals who govern themselves.  Sounds like a good time… if you’re Batman.  Some of the featured villains in Arkham City are:

The Joker
Two Face

Mr. Freeze
The Riddler

The Penguin
Hugo Strange

Pick up your copy of Batman: Arkham City today at your local Best Buy store or on BestBuy.com at http://bbyurl.us/BatmanAC!

Hey,

So I’ve learned the hard way that it is a bad idea to leave an extension ladder outside next to your home. Three weeks ago my wife and I got home from work to discover that we had been burglarized. As you can imagine, that night was a whirlwind of emotions; it left us feeling angry and vulnerable, and to be honest I am still upset that another person would do this to someone.

A few weekends prior to this event, I got our extension ladder out of the garage to use while cleaning out my homes gutters. After I was done cleaning the gutters I laid the ladder next to my house and forgot that I didn’t put it away. The thieves had originally attempted to enter the home through a window to our kitchen, but I assume were scared off by my two large Labrador Retrievers. They ended up using my extension ladder to get onto my back porch, and then broke in through a second story window.

They stole quite a bit of our stuff, and as a photographer I can say the most upsetting loss was that they stole my entire camera system. I can promise you that what’s upsetting is not so much what was stolen as it is the feeling of not being safe in your home. We looked into different security services, but to be honest we just couldn’t afford another $50 a month bill. The day before we were set to go back to work, my wife turns to me and asks if Best Buy sells surveillance equipment.

Knowing we were just getting into the Home Safety & Energy Management category, I was pretty confident we would have at least some options. What I found out was that we have much more than just a few options when it comes to home surveillance and monitoring. We carry everything from full-blown multi-camera surveillance systems to digital baby monitors.

After doing research on what system might work for our home, we decided to go with the Logitech Alert camera surveillance system. I ran up to the local store, made my purchase, and within a couple of hours my home was under camera surveillance 24/7. The Logitech Alert system has many features including mobile alert capability that will send you an email or text message when motion is detected by any camera in your system. This system also has remote viewing capability; I am actually watching my dogs asleep on the living room couch as I write this from my desk at work.

In no way is the Logitech Alert system your only option, and in fact there were a number of other options I considered before making my purchase. If you want to see what equipment is available for Home Safety &Energy Management, just take a look here on BestBuy.com. I still find it sad that because of someone else’s actions I am left feeling less than safe in my own home; however, I can assure you that having this system makes me feel a lot safer, and I only wish I had been more proactive in protecting my home.

p.s. On a side note, my dogs are the inadvertent benefactors of this system. After watching them just lie around on the couch all day ,they have seen a lot more visits to the dog park, and our walks last until they want to go home instead of when I want to go home.

Be Safe!

Hey,

SanDisk recently announced a new storage device called the Memory Vault, and as the name implies it’s designed to protect your images as if they were locked up in a bank. As a photographer I can say that guarding against the loss of my photographs is at the top of my priorities, and this seemed like just the type of device that would be right up my alley.

The Memory Vault comes in two different storage capacities of eight gigabytes or sixteen gigabytes, and SanDisk claims that it will protect your data for up to 100 years. Obviously they have not been testing this device for 100 years, and have come to this conclusion based upon exhaustive scientific testing. SanDisk states that this length of protection is made possible by the quality of the product, and the fact that this flash based storage device uses their proprietary Chronolock technology.

Their claim of data protection is backed up by a limited lifetime warranty, and this actually got me thinking about other uses for the product. I could actually see this being used as secure storage for PDFs of my most important paperwork (i.e. Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, etc…), and for me I would store my most important photos on the device.

When I first got to test one out I was pleasantly surprised with the weight of what is obviously a very well constructed storage device. I think I will stick with multiple external hard drives to store my vast image library, but when it comes to the images and paperwork I can’t live without the SanDisk Memory Vault is most certainly a great option.



Two Sundays ago we launched a slew of new services that benefit the gaming shopper and, can I say, these were much-needed.  These services really cover some common areas of concern that can come up for game hardware purchasers and I think they’ll be put to good use.  We’re adding a whole new level of confidence to video game shopping at Best Buy.

iOS 5

When iOS 5 launches on October 12th, 2011, it will bring over 200 additional features for compatible devices. Here are some of my favorites:

Notification Center
Instead of annoying pop up interruptions, all of your notifications will be located in a swipe down accessible menu. When a new notification comes in, you’ll get a quick preview at the top of the screen without disrupting your current interactions.

iMessage
Your device will now have a built in instant messaging service, to use between other iOS 5 devices. It will be similar to text messaging or other instant messaging clients but will be fast and unlimited. In addition to text you can send photos, videos, locations and contacts. This feature will work over any internet connections, including cellular data and Wi-Fi.

Camera
The iOS 5 camera app is focused on convenience and speed. You’ll be able to access the camera directly from the lock screen. No more failed attempts to snap a picture quick while mistyping in your unlock code.

Photos
You’ll now be able to crop, rotate and remove red-eye right in the photos app.

Safari
For users of iPad you’ll enjoy the new addition of tabbed browsing. Users of all devices will enjoy having a reading list for things you want to read later. In addition, Safari Reader will allow you to view web articles without all the clutter on the page.

iCloud
This new service in iOS 5 will be particularly useful for people with multiple iOS 5 compatible devices and for people who don’t have a syncing type account like Microsoft Exchange. It will automatically store your music, photos, documents, apps and more and push them to all your devices. Apple will provide 5GB of storage for free.



iPod
The iPod nano and iPod touch are now lower in price.

iPod nano
The iPod nano will start at $129 for 8GB and $149 for 16GB. It will include new software that has new user interface enhancements as well as fitness updates and new clocks. Click here to shop the new iPods on BestBuy.com.

iPod touch

The iPod touch will start at $199 for 8GB, $299 for 32GB and $399 for 64GB. They will ship with iOS 5 come in both black and white. The battery will last for up to 40 hours of music playback.

Apple® - iPod touch® 8GB* MP3 Player (4th Generation - Latest Model) - Black

Apple® - iPod touch® 8GB* MP3 Player (4th Generation - Latest Model) - White

Apple® - iPod touch® 32GB* MP3 Player (4th Generation - Latest Model) - Black

Apple® - iPod touch® 32GB* MP3 Player (4th Generation - Latest Model) - White

Apple® - iPod touch® 64GB* MP3 Player (4th Generation - Latest Model) - Black

Apple® - iPod touch® 64GB* MP3 Player (4th Generation - Latest Model) - White

If there is one thing for certain, NBA 2K12 will be released on 10/4!  At this time, we don’t know if the NBA will settle their collective bargaining agreement so fans can enjoy basketball live this year, but we do know that they can from the comfort of their favorite video game chair.  I haven’t got a chance to play this year’s installment yet; however, from the screenshots I have seen and previews I have read, it seems pretty amazing. 

Last year’s version of this game won all kinds of sports gaming awards.  There are a bunch of legends playable this year so you can really see who the best players of all time are.  I just hope Clyde “The Glide” Drexler is sporting a Trailblazers jersey.    I’ll be 100% honest that I haven’t been extremely interested in the “now day” NBA so this may actually be a title I will pick up!  Being able to use a bunch of old-school ballers’ will be so much fun and it will bring me back to the Jordan vs. Bird days on my NES. 

If you are thinking about pre-ordering NBA 2k12 in anticipation of it being released next week, don’t forget about our “50%* more trade-in value” on this title.

 

*In-store offer only- current promotion on 9/26/11

Visitors to the Dyson website recently have been greeted with a digital count of sorts.  Beginning at 0 and stopping at 72 with the date 15.9.2011 (It’s a British company, remember), visitors are left guessing what this new technology will be.  The wait is now over.  The countdown has been replaced with information on the Dyson Hot^™ fan heater.

This will no doubt be one of the hot (pun intended) items this fall.  In a week where Minnesota temperatures have gone from mid 80’s to mid 30’s, the timing couldn’t be better.

Dyson Air Multiplier Ceramic Heater - Iron/Blue

Model: 22159-01 | SKU: 2809717

Stay warm with this portable heater that features Air Multiplier technology and long-range heat projection to quickly heat up to 240 sq. ft. of space. Oscillation helps distribute warm air evenly throughout a room.

  Read reviews (0)

Sale: $399.99

The size of their table fan and shaped like their tower fan, the Dyson Hot^™, or AM04 fan heater, has everything that makes their fans great: no spinning blades, touch tilt, 90 degree oscillation, and a remote control that magnetically attaches to the top of the heater when not in use.

But what makes it a great heater? Heating elements heat the air that is drawn in through the base.  The oscillation allows the heated air to travel to all corners of the room faster.  Remember the digital readout on the website?  This heater has a precise temperature control with digital readout, allowing you to perfectly set the temperature of your room.    When your temperature is achieved, the heating unit will shut off, but the fan will continue to run, continually testing the air temperature.

Ever notice a burning smell using a traditional heater?  This is from the heating elements burning the dust that has collected on them.  You won’t have that with the Dyson Hot.  The heating elements never exceed 392° F versus the 752° F required to burn dust.

Dyson makes the claim that this will heat your room faster than any other space heater on the market.  Given their track record, I’m inclined to believe them.  Always aware of design as well as function, the heaters are introduced in the color schemes of silver/white and iron/blue. Look for the Dyson Hot^™ fan heater on BestBuy.com or at a Best Buy near you.

Have you ever left home for the day wondering if you left the lights on? Forgot to adjust the thermostat? Left the coffee pot on? Or even worse, forgot to lock a door? I know I have, but soon these worries will be a thing of the past. Someday our homes will be smart enough to automatically adjust to the changing environment (saving on energy costs), and all devices in the home will be connected to one network that can be controlled/monitored remotely.

Basically a Smart home allows anyone with access to the home’s network to control and monitor any device in the home from anywhere, and the home can be pre-programmed to change a setting under specified circumstances. For example, a Smart Home could be set to detect when a room is empty and automatically shut off the lights in that room.

A common technology used in Smart Homes is called Z-Wave wireless technology, and many of the products we sell to increase the IQ of your home comes with this technology. Z-Wave technology can control everything from a Trane Energy Management Thermostat to Schalge’s LiNK home lock system. Z-Wave has a very informative demo on their technology and, I have to admit, I was impressed.

So if you’re the proud owner of the average not-so-intelligent house. you might want to look into some home education, and not only make your house smarter but save money in the process.



Were you missing that terrific Bose sound at your tailgate party last Sunday? What about the final camping trip with music to watch the sun set? Gathering your friends for the Disco party you’ve been promising all year? Yeah, I know, that’s my life in a nutshell.  Well, guess what? Bose has not let us down. Check it out!

The new SoundLink® Wireless Mobile speaker lets you play your music from your smartphone, tablet, laptop or other Bluetooth enabled devices. And I’m not kidding you! This compact 5.1” x 9.6” 2.8 lbs speaker delivers full, rich sounds wherever you want. . There’s no need to physically connect or dock. This little beauty pairs with up to six of your Bluetooth devices. Your kids can enjoy their music out loud and so can you. Wait a minute… isn’t that like having your cake and eating it too?

The cover flips back and acts as the stand. Flip it over and it safely covers the speakers. Optional covers are available in red and purple nylon as well as burgundy and tan leather. By-the-way, when you do flip the cover back over it automatically shuts the SoundLink® speaker off. The battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion. The indicator on the speaker lets you know your battery status easily with red (charge needed), yellow (approximately 20-70% charge remaining), and green (70+% charge and ready to go!).

The SoundLink® Mobile speaker by Bose comes with the main speaker unit, a wall charger and a 3.5mm plug and play cable for devices that don’t have Bluetooth . Play life on the battery is around 8 hours, and your Bluetooth paired device can be up to 30 feet away from the speaker.  The volume control is both on the SoundLink® and your device. No need to keep dashing back and forth adjusting the sound. Nice!

Holiday gift giving is just around the corner. Won’t the SoundLink® Mobile speaker make a terrific gift for that special music lover?  I know for sure what is on my wish list; Bose has done it again! They have answered all my questions on how to take my music everywhere I go.  My question to you is: where will you be using your new Bose SoundLink® Wireless Mobile speaker?

Check it out at http://bbyurl.us/BoseSoundLink

1. GET SLEEP

I know it is a midnight release and I know you can’t wait to get online and chainsaw your friends in half, but try to keep some perspective. Once you get home from Best Buy, the urge to throw the disk in your Xbox and frag away will be hard to resist. The graphics are beautiful, the gameplay is outstanding, the multiplayer is… well, you get the point. However, you must remember there are about a million other players out there who are feeling the same as you and can’t wait to turn you into a meat shield. In order to get the drop on them you must keep your senses sharp- this means GET SLEEP.

I recommend playing just a couple hours when you get home from the store and then go to bed; you don’t need much more than that in order to hone your skills back into shape. If you stay up past that you run the risk of getting ‘gamer brain’ and everything will turn to mush up there. When you wake up in the morning after sweet dreams of fallen foes, you will be primed and ready to mess up the morning of all the fools who stayed up all night.

2. GO TO SCHOOL/WORK

In these highly digital times, most schools and employers know when the BIG games are being released. If one were to look at productivity levels after games like Halo 3 and Portal 2 were released, it would look like the whole country got sick at the same time. Your boss knows it, your school knows it, EVERYONE will know you are playing your game.

Show up on time and look ready for action. You will impress your boss with your punctuality and dedication to your job (they’ll remember it when promotion time comes). Your teachers will all think you are really cool and good looking (and might give you a break when finals come). I know you will be missing precious game time, but that just means the gameplay will be that much sweeter when you get back home. You know the old adage, “absence just makes the heart grow fonder.”

3. KEEP A SOCIAL LIFE

No matter what they say, online multiplayer is not a substitute for real, personal interaction. Sometimes, a good game can make you lose track of the real world if you play it too long (my roommate knows to lock up his chainsaw since the release of Gears 2). Scientists call this effect, “Game Addiction” and liken it to gambling addiction. Now we all know that science is a lie they made up to make you think you’re crazy, but it does help your combat skills to take a break now and then.

Hang out with your friends, go out on a date, chase squirrels at the park- ANYTHING to get you out of the house. Heck, if you feel up to it, pretend you are playing the game in real life… just don’t use a REAL chainsaw. You will find that the world is not a burned wasteland filled with horrible monsters, but rather a beautiful place with just a few horrible monsters.

I hope this has been helpful, and informative. As always, have a nice day.

Visit BestBuy.com/Gears for more information.

Hi,

This last weekend, I was fortunate enough to be able to help out in Best Buy’s booth at the Eco Experience building of the Minnesota State Fair. Between answering questions about our recycling program and informing fairgoers on the benefits of our trade-in program, I was able to look around at the other booths. One booth featured the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle, and Nissan representatives told me about a $7,500 tax credit you can get from the U.S. Department of Energy for purchasing an electric vehicle.

While I’m not really in the market for a new vehicle, I am looking to purchase new appliances for my home. This got me wondering what kinds of rebates or tax credits are out there for energy efficient appliances. What I found out was impressive. There are rebates and tax credits for energy efficient appliances from both manufacturers and the government. I also found rebates through my local gas/electric company that are provided when a customer’s major appliances are upgraded to energy efficient models in an existing home or installed in new construction.

In the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the government passed a rebate program for U.S. citizens who upgrade their appliances to energy efficient models. Each state was provided a specific amount of funds for this program, and it was left up to them to decide how to distribute these funds. This program is now closed in most states, but as of today there are still 12 states where this program is still open. To see a list of these states, you can look here on the U.S. Department of Energy’s website.

The U.S. Department of Energy also provides tax credits for all sorts of energy efficient upgrades to your home, has an abundance of information on how to cut your energy costs, and has additional information on Energy-Efficient Financing offers.

Each state provides incentives to their citizens when they make energy efficient purchasing decisions For a look at what your state offers, you can go to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency website. I looked through what was offered in my home state of Minnesota and was impressed by the sheer number of incentives provide by the state and local governments.

When it comes to saving money on purchasing new appliances, it is not only the government that can help cut the cost for a customer. As a retailer we are always striving to provide our customers with the best possible value for their money and try to have as many energy efficient models as possible for sale. Appliance manufacturers also provide people rebates for specific models; if you want to see what’s available from the manufacturer in your area, you can check here on BestBuy.com.

Being in the market for new appliances and having limited funds available, I was very excited to see all the ways I can make these purchases more affordable. More importantly, I am excited to see how much money I will save in the long run on energy efficient appliances.



Have you ever dreamt of running your own Best Buy® store? For just one week beginning August 31, 2011, you will have a chance to have Zynga CityVille’s first ever branded store, Best Buy®. If CityVille were a city, it would be the largest in the world. So, why not move in and get your own Best Buy® store?

Throughout the week, you can collect various bonuses from the Best Buy® store such as high payouts, extra points, energy, and five collection items. When you collect from the store, a Geekmobile is dispatched to protect your technology. In addition to the store, citizens can receive two decorative items, a More Surprises statue and a Wifi Robot that will remain in the game.  Look for a surprise from the More Surprises statue in early November, 2011 if the statue is active in your city.

How can you get your Best Buy® store and bonus items? Just visit the More Surprises tab on our Best Buy® Facebook page using the link in CityVille starting August 31 to start the quest and receive your More Surprises statue. Once you’ve placed the Best Buy® Store business in your city, you will receive the Wifi Robot in your inventory, which will provide a 20% payout bonus for the surrounding businesses. Collect all five collection items from the store to complete the collection and redeem it for extra energy. The Best Buy® items will only be active for players at level 7 or above. Just remember you only have until September 6, 2011 to complete the quest and receive the benefits of adding Best Buy® to your city!



It’s that time of year... Madden time!  The one day every year that I wait at my local Best Buy store’s midnight opening.  After getting my copy I get home, throw my feet up, and get crackin’ on the important stuff… you know, like roster updates.  I'll then spend the whole next day feasting upon the other online gamers like it's my second nature.

I had the opportunity last night to check out the demo of this year’s edition and was pleasantly surprised.  There are improvements in the tackling animations and defensive setup.  The visual changes I liked were in the kicking game and after touchdowns.  I begrudgingly chose the lesser of two evils, the Packers as my team of choice in the demo (the other team to choose was the Bears).  Instantly I fell in love with the "Tecmo Super Bowl" style kickoffs from the sideline camera.  I scored on my first drive with a 15 yard slant to Donald Driver. After kicking the extra point from a camera angle that seemed to be from the other end zone, it showed my offense congratulating each other on the side line.   This was a pretty cool value add to the game. 

You wouldn’t think the graphics could get any better but then, every year it happens. I noticed the paint-trading on the helmets; pretty sweet if you ask me.  Soldier Field also looked wonderful from the overhead view. 

I am super pumped to pick up my copy of Madden NFL 12 featuring cover athlete Peyton Hillis.  EA Sports had a cool idea this year to let fans pick the player you want on the cover.  They had bracket style voting open to fans only and the Cleveland Browns bruiser Hillis beat out the competition for the honors. 

If you are a Madden fan, you should love this year’s edition just like all the others.  If you are not a fan… you should be!      

Check out Bestbuy.com to pre-order Madden NFL 12  today!



Hey,

Lately I have been looking for any possible way to save money and, given the current state of our economy I’m confident I’m not alone. Every time I walk into my kitchen and hear the whining of my ancient refrigerator I’m reminded of its imminent demise. I then go into my basement to check on the clothes I put in the dryer over an hour before only to find that the dryer is still struggling away to remove the moisture. This is my daily reminder that my wallet is in dire need of all new energy efficient appliances.

My wife and I are acutely aware of this need, and every time we go to our local Best Buy® store we inevitably end up browsing appliances. If saving on energy costs is important to you, always look for the Energy Star logo on an appliance. An Energy Star refrigerator should save its owner around $240 in savings a year; a clothes washer with the Energy Star Logo should use 50 percent less water, and 30 percent less energy.

If you want to learn more about how to save money with energy efficient appliances go to the Energy Star page on BestBuy.com. Did you know that in order for the Environmental Protection Agency to award a specific product the Energy Star label the item must prove through testing that, over the average lifespan of the item, the owner will save money in energy expenditures? Find more energy saving information and advice like that on the Energy Star website.

I think it is time for my family to stop browsing and finally start saving money with new Energy Star appliances. I’m sure my bills will be very happy to hear that I’ve finally put these appliances out of their misery, and more money will be going their way.



Self proclaimed god of MCs “Jayhova” Jay-Z and “The Louis Vuitton Don” Kanye West have come together for an electric collaboration. The fruits of this collaboration bring one of the most anticipated releases of the year, Watch the Throne. These two titans go way back to 2001 when Kanye rose to stardom for helping produce one of Jay-Z’s most successful albums, The Blueprint. The Blueprint became a hip-hop classic with hits like "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" and “Girls, Girls, Girls”.

This partnership showcases the duo’s unique expressive skills and has already received critical acclaim from the press and music enthusiasts. The Deluxe CD-version of Watch the Throne will be available exclusively at Best Buy® stores on Aug. 12. The Deluxe edition included four bonus songs and special gold packaging. So go out and get what many claim will be an instant classic album. Is this the first of more albums from the duo to come? Will it live up to the hype and receive accolades galore?

-  Jesus

Being a homeowner in MN I can personally attest to how much it costs to heat a house through months of bone-chilling temperatures and I can assure that, in my 114-year old home, it isn’t cheap.

This last winter was longer and colder than I have seen in many years, and my utilities bill is a testament to that. In order to save on energy costs this summer my wife and I agreed to not use our air-conditioners this summer. In hindsight, I can honestly say that I didn’t know what I was agreeing to.

We have just gone through two months of heat and humidity that just confirms why I never want to live in the tropics. We have sweated it out, and with any luck (knock on wood) we have seen the worst. I can’t wait to see if this has all been worth it when I get my next utility bill.

What a utility bill doesn’t tell you, however, is how you can reduce your energy costs without having to suffer through excessive cold, heat, and humidity. I was glad to learn that the Geek Squad® will perform a Home Energy Survey. In this survey the agent will show you how to lower your energy costs while still maintaining the level of comfort you’re used to. At the end of the survey they will give you a full report of their findings and recommendations.

Did you know that 30 percent of the energy used in most homes is just wasted? If my utility bill was reduced by 30 percent I can promise you the savings would add up fast. Did you know that five percent of your energy costs come from electricity being used by your electronics when they are not in use?

Some quick an easy things to start saving right-away would be to get a smart power strip for all your electronics, and start replacing your light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL). Did you know that a CFL will pay itself off in six months, and should last substantially longer?

So let’s say you had the Geek Squad® out for a Home Energy Survey, you took their recommendations to heart, and made the changes to your home. How will you know if these changes are saving you any money?  Well, you could invest in a Home Power Monitor that will list your power usage in either kilowatts or dollar amounts.

In the end it is nice to know that you are doing your part in saving energy usage, and the money you are saving will make it all worth it!

I last attended school a couple years ago, so one would think that enough time has passed for me to dispose of all my old binders, textbooks and course catalogs.  I got rid of everything I could have as soon as I graduated by either recycling it or selling it back to the university bookstore.  Imagine my surprise then when I discovered a box of physics, calculus and history lecture notes buried beneath the drafting supplies in my office closet this past Saturday.

I didn’t have any other plans that afternoon, so I decided to skim through every notebook in the box to figure out why I would’ve kept them.  There were notes from presentations I could have sworn I missed because I fell asleep in class.  There were highlighted and underscored blurbs from professors who frequently inserted subtle jokes into their lectures.  And there were countless doodles from forgettable (and confusing) group meetings and projects.  In the end, I think I spent an hour trying to make some sense of it all.

It wasn’t until after I broke the box down and pitched its contents that it finally hit me: I kept those notes with the intention of sharing them with a friend who wound up taking many of the same courses I did.  I also thought they might come in handy with future course work.  They simply got misplaced when I moved after graduation.  Had the notes been digital I probably wouldn’t have lost them – I remember where nearly everything is stored on both my computer and backup hard drive.  In fact, a program like Dragon NaturallySpeaking probably would have come in handy.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a speech recognition title that’s available for PCs, Macs and select mobile phones.  It supports general dictation, as well as voice-directed web browsing and text-to-speech options for existing files.  The latest version (11.5) even allows you to post to Facebook or Twitter with a simple voice command.  It’s compatible with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook, several web browsers and Open Office Writer.

Want to learn more?  Make sure to check out our selection of voice recognition software on BestBuy.com or ask other users about it in our Computers & Home Networking board!

Last year the tournament drew over 950 teams and a little over 13,000 soccer players from all over the world including 25 states and 16 countries! The USA Cup is a full week experience all about football, or better known here in the states as soccer.

July 19^th will hold an opening ceremony similar to that of big sporting events showcasing all the teams in the USA Cup. A multicolored parade of teams escorts the lighting of a cauldron. Each team is identified with their team uniform color or country’s flags colors. This is all followed by a neat fireworks show and a live concert! USA Cup World Cup group matches start the same day and matches run through Saturday July 23^rd which features the semi-finals and finals.

The USA Cup is hosted by the massive National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota that includes 50 full sized soccer fields and a soccer stadium.

The USA Cup is not all about playing the beautiful sport. Teams have the opportunity to meet teams from a different club, a different city or even a different country. Is it up to them what they’d like to do, like enjoy a picnic together or tour the Twin Cities. Visitors have the chance to really experience Minnesota, with complimentary transportation to Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins to watch a ball game and other tourist attractions.

Other activities include a 5K dash where players can chose to run while dribbling a soccer ball. Of course you have the chance to win awesome prizes! Also an Athlete party filled with fun activities and lots of dancing. As you can see this is a well rounded week full of nothing but soccer. We wish every team the best of luck and Joga Bonito.

Ever wish you could take advantage of OnStar’s automatic crash response service, turn-by-turn navigation and hands-free calling features in an older GM vehicle?  How about in a vehicle made by another manufacturer?  Well, soon you’ll be able to do just that!  In the coming months, we’ll be introducing OnStar FMV (For My Vehicle) products to each of our retail stores.

What is OnStar?

OnStar is a subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security and navigation service.  It can instantly connect you with emergency responders in the event of an accident, as well as help authorities locate your vehicle if it’s stolen.  OnStar also provides turn-by-turn navigation, hands-free calling and roadside assistance at the touch of a button.

How can I get it?

It’s really simple!  Just stop by your local Best Buy store and purchase an OnStar FMV kit – it’ll replace your vehicle’s current rearview mirror.  We can even install it for you, if you’d like.  Next, press the blue OnStar button on the device to activate your account and subscribe.

When can I get it?

Not just yet!  We’d be glad to notify you as soon as it’s available though, so make sure to sign up for our e-mail news letter on BestBuy.com:

http://bbyurl.us/OnStarFMV

Want more information?  Make sure to check out OnStar’s official FAQs:

http://www.onstar.com/web/portal/onstarfmv

A couple weeks ago I wrote about another Smartphone maker jumping into the tablet wars and now this week HTC, the maker of hit Android Smartphones like the Droid Incredible, Thunderbolt, and G2, is taking their turn with the HTC Flyer.   It runs the Android Gingerbread operating system, so it will feel like coming home (to a bigger screen!) for those of you attached at your pointer finger to Android Smartphones. 

The Number 7:

With a 7 inch display it’s big enough to watch movies on the go and call in Angry Bird strikes with laser precision while still being small enough to fit in a jacket pocket.  It manages to cram all the goodies we’ve come to expect from an Android tablet into a little aluminum package including a front-facing camera for video calling, a 5 MP rear-facing camera for High Definition video and photo capture, Flash support for full web browsing, Google productivity apps, Gyroscope, GPS, mini-USB for easy file sharing, and microSD card slot for more file storage (deep breath).  Did I mention Angry Birds and more Android apps than you could ever need?

How is that different than most other tablets out right now, you ask?

The Letter M:

What really sets the Flyer apart is the optional Magic pen, a digital stylus that lets you doodle on and annotate just about anything.  At any point while you’re wandering the web, browsing your photo gallery, or doing just about anything really, take a screen capture and load it into the Notes app, designed to take advantage of the pen's unique capabilities, to add some personal flair.  The Flyer also has a Kid’s Mode so budding gadget monsters can use the pen to game, paint, and surf the web safely.

In short, it's just about everything we hope for in a 7 inch tablet with a few of HTC's signature touches and a fun stylus add on. Get the Flyer and the Magic Pen first, exclusively at Best Buy®.  Let us know if you have any questions!

When Best Buy® originally announced its Buy Back program on January 5^th of this year, only contract-based mobile phones, laptop and netbook computers, tablets and select HDTVs were eligible for the program.  A number of new product categories have since been made eligible for coverage, providing customers a great way to future-proof even more of their favorite gadgets.

As of May 15^th, Buy Back plans were made available for the following product categories:

• Digital Cameras
• DSLR Cameras
• Camcorders
• GPS Units
• iPods
• MP3 Players
• Video Game Consoles
• Desktop Computers
• Monitors
• eReaders
• Pre-paid/No Contract Phones
• Blu-ray/DVD Players

Want more information?  Make sure to check out the FAQ at http://bbyurl.us/BuyBack.

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Do you love actions sports like motocross, skateboarding, skiing, etc….? Have you ever wished you had video footage of your action adventures? If you answered yes to any of these questions you should check out the GoPro camcorders.

These camcorders are designed to shoot full HD video in the first-person while mounted to a helmet, vehicle, or surfboard. There are actually many accessory mounts provided by GoPro that allow the user to mount the camera to virtually anything.

There are basically two versions of the camcorder itself, and the main difference in the different models offered are the mounting accessories that come with the GoPro HD Hero. GoPro makes the HD Hero that shoots videos in four different resolutions up to full 1080p, and in slow motion if wanted. They also make the HD Hero 960, which for less money will shoot up to 960p video footage.

One thing that I was impressed by when looking at these camcorders is the sheer variety of accessories and replacement parts that GoPro provides. Once such accessory that caught my eye was the 3D Hero System; this system you to use two HD Hero camcorders to record 3D action footage in full 1080p.

Growing up in the beginning days of skateboarding (you know the Tony Hawk days) I will admit that I tried my hand at this sport, and failed miserably. It was fun trying, and would be priceless to re-live these experiences. If modern technology had existed back then I would definitely have loved the GoPro Helmet camcorder.

I was given the opportunity to try out one of these camcorders, and of course jumped at that chance to try out this camcorder while riding around on my scooter. I will say that the accessories that came with the GoPro HD Helmet Hero were as impressive as I thought they would be, and once I learned out to navigate the camera menus it was very simple to use.

Given the type of footage that this camera is intended to capture you really won’t be framing your shot before you start shooting; I believe this is why GoPro designed the camcorder without an LCD screen. The lack of an LCD screen was not a problem at all when capturing the footage, but I did find myself wishing I could review the footage I just captured after the fact. Don’t worry GoPro has thought of this to by offering the LCD BacPac that easily attaches to the back of the HD Hero.

This camcorder comes supplied with a waterproof housing allowing for use in the rain, or if you want underwater. Due to the fact that user error can cause water to leak into the housing their warranty does not cover water damage.

What was most impressive to me was the sheer quality of the video this little camcorder was able to capture. I have seen footage from full blown HD camcorders that pale in comparison. This is a very well thought out camcorder in a small but sturdy package, and if you’re into action sports I would say it’s a must have.

Happy shooting!

The PlayBook is exactly the kind of mad science that happens when a bunch of Canadians with a history of creating popular phones are let lose in a room full of tablet parts.  There’s a lot to set it apart from tablets that are already out there, so I’ll get right to the good stuff.

What’s Unique:

The iPad uses iOS and Android tablets use, of course, the Android operating system from Google, but BlackBerry decided to go their own direction.  They used an operating system from QNX, a company that has developed software to help run everything from lasers that perform eye surgery to unmanned aircraft control.  The operating system was designed to take full advantage of the PlayBook’s dual core processor so that it can run multiple apps at the same time and fly through the web like a jet.

What’s Cool:

Flash: BlackBerry has added full Flash compatibility, which means you’ll be able to watch your favorite shows on Hulu and stay addicted to your Flash games on the go.

HD Cameras: It comes with two cameras, a 3 megapixel front facing and a 5 megapixel rear facing, that can both record video in full 1080p.

HDMI and presentation mode:  The HDMI port lets you connect to your high definition television and watch your games, videos, and PowerPoints on the big screen.  Going into presentation mode lets you keep your video or PowerPoint playing uninterrupted on the television while you control it from your tablet screen, browse the web, or queue up the next thing to share.

BlackBerry Bridge:  For those of you who are already completely hooked to your BlackBerry phone, you’ll be able to connect your PlayBook to your phone by Bluetooth and access all the productivity apps you’ve come to know and love such as BlackBerry Messenger, email, and calendar.

What to look forward to:

More Apps:  In addition to having its very own set of apps available through the BlackBerry App World, the PlayBook has the ability to run Android apps too.  While there aren’t nearly as many apps available as a full Android system right now, that number will continue to grow.

4G:  Only WiFi versions are currently out, but BlackBerry has announced that they are planning 4G models for later this year.  They hope to make versions that are compatible with most major mobile carriers starting with Sprint this summer.

With BlackBerry Bridge and presentation mode, there’s a lot here to help you manage work on the go, which is what BlackBerry has always been good at, but there are plenty of features that make this a great tablet for connecting with family and enjoying the web too.  You can find it in 16, 32, and 64 GB versions at your local Best Buy ® and on our website.  Check the link below for more information and let us know if you have any questions!

http://bbyurl.us/PlayBook

Hi Everyone,

I had no idea how my world would change when I purchased my first Smartphone, but I have to admit that how I interact with the world is vastly different now. I won’t go into all the specific ways that my life has been changed, but one thing is for certain; it has definitely impacted my outlook on photography.

As soon as I got my Smartphone I very quickly realized how easy it was to share photos taken with the phone with my family and friends via social media. Pre-Smartphone, in order to share an image to a friend or family member via social media, I would have to upload my photos from my camera, and then upload them to whatever site I wanted to share them on. With a Smartphone, I can just take the image and instantly share it with whoever I want.

Although this is very convenient, you end up with image files that are much inferior to an image taken with a dedicated digital camera. I was willing to sacrifice image quality for convenience in many cases, but this trade-off is no longer necessary for most people.

Eye-Fi has recently announced Direct Mode for their X2 SDHC wireless memory cards, which allows a user of these cards to connect their digital camera wirelessly to their Smartphone or tablet. This means a user of these memory cards can quickly access photos that they just took with their camera on their Smartphone, and share them via Facebook, Twitter, etc…, while still retaining a high quality copy of these images.

The Direct Mode actually creates its own Wi-Fi network that your mobile devices can connect to. Keep in mind that this will require installation of the appropriate free mobile application on your mobile device, and as of right now Eye-Fi is concentrating on an iPhone/iPad and Android applications.

Direct mode is included on new Eye-Fi X2 SDHC memory cards, and if you purchased an X2 memory card in the past you can upgrade your card to include Direct Mode free of charge.

Another service that Eye-Fi cards feature that, as a photographer, I could see being very useful is Eye-Fi View. This service allows a user to wirelessly upload their images to be shared with approved family and friends, or to be transferred to your personal storage device at a later date. No more worrying that you might lose the vacation photos you just took.

For me this seems like a very handy service; I can be on location, upload what I have shot, and then access these images at a later date. I should point out that, with the basic service, your images will only be stored for seven days, but Eye-Fi does offer their Premium service which would give you unlimited storage and access to your images on their servers. Their premium Eye-Fi View service costs $4.99 a month, or $49.99 a year.

There are many other features of these cards that I can envision users finding very handy, and to read all about these cards you can visit their website. The only real criticism I have for these cards is that they don’t have a Compact Flash version; most Professional cameras primarily use Compact Flash memory cards for storage, but I could see a number of business uses for this technology.

I have to say I am thoroughly amazed that in such a small package these memory cards can not only hold up to eight gigabytes of data and connect to an existing wireless network, but can transmit their own wireless signal to a nearby wireless device. If my camera took SDHC memory cards I would be getting one today.

Happy shooting!

If you’re a fan of shopping (and an even bigger fan of loyalty reward programs) then we’ve got some great news for you: Shopkick is now available at Best Buy!

What is Shopkick?

Shopkick is smart phone app and loyalty program that rewards consumers for simply visiting their favorite retail stores and interacting with products.  Anyone with an iPhone or Android-based phone can join and no purchase is necessary to start earning rewards.

How does it work?

It’s really simple!  Just download the free Shopkick app from either the iTunes App Store or the Android Marketplace, visit a participating Best Buy® store with your smart phone, and check in at the door or the customer service desk.  You’ll immediately start receiving special offers that are only available to Shopkick members, as well as earn Kickbucks each time you check in or scan featured products using your smart phone’s built-in camera.

How can I take advantage of Shopkick offers?

Just present your smart phone to the cashier at the time of sale.  They’ll take care of the rest.

What can I use Kickbucks for?

You can redeem Kickbucks for a whole mess of goodies!  Whether you’re interested in Best Buy® gift cards, movie tickets or restaurant vouchers, we’re sure you’ll find something you want in the rewards section of the Shopkick app.  You can even donate your Kickbucks to over 30 different causes!

Want to learn more?  Make sure to check out http://www.bestbuy.com/Shopkick for program details.

According to Mr. Jobs, 2011 will be the year of the iPad 2. With all the new bells and whistles, I don’t think this is an overstatement. iPad 2 has an all-new design, is 33% thinner and is up to 15% lighter than its predecessor, plus it is available (from day one) in black and white. Mark your calendars as iPad 2 is available March 11^th. Here is the list of new features:

Front and rear facing cameras – The rear camera is able to shoot 720p HD video, which you can edit into awesome movies using Apple’s iMovie App for the iPad 2. iMovie will be available on March 11^th for purchase in the Apple app store. The front facing camera can be used to take some cool self portraits and now you can use the ever so popular Photo Booth (you know, the program on Macs that lets you take silly pictures with all those cool filters and effects!). Not to mention, FaceTime!, Apple’s video chatting software is on the iPad 2! You can FaceTime with your friends and family that have an iPad 2, iPhone 4, new iPod touch or Mac using a Wi-Fi connection.

Dual-core A5 chip – Multi-tasking will be smoother, and loading your favorite apps and websites will be up to twice as fast. Graphics performance will be up to 9x faster, which will make gaming on the iPad 2 even smoother than it already is! This is all thanks to the two powerful cores in the A5 chip.

Video mirroring – Have a big presentation at work? Want to share your photos with the whole family? Thanks to the new adapter, this is all possible! Everything you see and do on your iPad 2, including all your favorite apps, can be projected for everyone else to see on a HDTV. Whether you are using your iPad 2 in landscape or portrait mode, the image will also flip on the HDTV. All this in 1080p! I can see this being used by a lot of teachers in classrooms.

Gyroscope – Most apps in the app store take advantage of the three-axis gyroscope for gaming. I’m curious to see what developers will come up with for the iPad 2. With a gyroscope, the iPad 2 will basically be able to detect your every move. It won’t just measure when you flip the device from landscape to portrait; it will measure nearly every angle you move your iPad 2.

Smart Cover – The smart cover is this sweet magnetic “flap”, if you will, that attaches to the iPad 2 and nicely protects the screen while keeping it clean. It falls into place and auto adjusts to a perfectly snug fit. There’s some wicked cool technology behind this too! As soon as you flip the cover over the screen, it puts your iPad 2 into sleep mode and vice versa; when you uncover it, it wakes it up! It also has the ability to bend into a stand for easy typing and easy video watching. This truly stands up to its name!

Worried your iPad 2 will be replaced by the next iPad rather quickly? Don’t fret and Future Proof your device with the Best Buy® Buy Back program! Learn more about the Buy Back program here: http://bbyurl.us/BBfaq

So, do you think the iPad 2 lives up to all the hype? Is the iPad 2 a good replacement for the original iPad? What is your favorite feature of the iPad 2?

Thanks for reading!

Hi Everyone,

When suggesting to a customer that a DSLR might fit their needs better than the Point-and-Shoot camera they were considering I often times here things like “I wouldn’t know how to use a DSLR”, or “That’s more than I wanted to spend”. I can certainly understand both points given the cost of even an entry level DSLR, and the historically complex nature of film SLRs. Although the price point of a modern DSLR might still be a valid concern for many customers, almost every modern DSLR is just as easy to use as a Point-and-Shoot camera.

Canon has recently announced the T3i Advanced Entry-Level DSLR that does a number of things to alleviate the concerns that a DSLR would be too difficult to use. The T3i has two new features that help make it the very easy to use.

The first feature is a take on their Fully Automatic mode, featured in previous models, called Scene Intelligent Mode. Canon states that this mode takes into account the scene’s faces, colors, brightness, movement, contrast, and then automatically sets the camera to capture the best looking image. I tried out this mode, and it works very well compared with my Canon 7D in full Auto mode.

After using SLR film cameras for fifteen years I finally made the switch to digital, and I wish this second feature had been available on my first DSLR. The second feature, included to assist newcomers to DSLR cameras, is the Feature Guide; this feature offers short descriptions of each setting selected (along with advice on how to use the selected setting).

I don’t want to imply that the T3i is just for beginners, and in fact in many ways it is just as advanced as the Canon 60D. The screen on the T3i is one of the best screens I have ever used, and in fact has the highest resolution to date on a Canon DSLR. Like the Canon 60D the screen is articulated allowing the user to view the LCD screen at many different angles. The articulated LCD is very handy when shooting video footage.

This Camera also use the Digic 4 processor ensuring fast image capture, has the ability to capture RAW and Jpeg files simultaneously, and has the ability to capture images at the rate of 3.7 frames-per-second (great for sports and fast moving subjects).

Speaking of the video capabilities of this camera I can honestly say that Canon continues to lead the market when it comes to DSLRs that also capture video, and the T3i affirms their dedication to this feature on their DSLRs. The camera shoots full 1080p footage in 30/25/24 frame per second rate, and allows the user full manual control of the exposure while shooting. This camera is more advanced than almost any consumer level camcorder, and if you combine the price of a Point-and-Shoot camera with the price of a mid-level consumer camcorder you are coming very close to the price of this camera.

This camera kit comes with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens that has image stabilization. This lenses image stabilization is optical stabilization, and should provide sharper images at slower shutter speeds. This lens is Canon’s entry-level zoom, and I would consider upgrading to higher quality lenses if you do end up purchasing this camera kit.

There are many of features to the Canon T3i that could be mentioned, but the ones above I feel are the features that really distinguish it from its predecessor in Canon’s line-up the Canon T2i. We recently did an un-boxing of the Canon T3i kit, and I encourage everyone interested in this camera to watch this. In my opinion this is a great addition to Canon’s DSLR lineup, and if you do decide to give it a try the new features of this camera will have you taking great images (or videos) in a flash!

Happy Shooting!

Cast your vote for a new ending on Facebook at http://bbyurl.us/fbbb

The exclusivity of the iPhone has ended with today’s announcement of the iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless.  Fans of the Apple made phone can rejoice in their new found carrier option.  Since 2007, the iPhone has only been available on AT&T, leaving customers of the other networks wondering when they can have it.

The announcement came from the Verizon President, Lowell McAdam.  He said, “If the press writes something long enough and hard enough, it eventually comes true," adding, "We're bringing the fruit of our labor with a giant partner, and that's Apple."

Pricing for a two year contract will be $199.99 for 16GB and $299.99 for 32GB, which is identical to current pricing with AT&T.  There is no word on what the monthly pricing will be.

Verizon did mention that their iPhone 4 would include the ability to be a mobile hotspot, supporting up to five devices.  This will be considered an advantage to many, as the iPhone on AT&T does not currently support this.

When asked about the antenna issue that the iPhone 4 faced at its original launch with AT&T, Tim Cook, COO of Apple said, “We had to make changes for it to work on the CDMA network; it’s going to work great.”

Verizon said that the device would be available for pre-order starting on February 3^rd to existing customers and to everyone else on the 10^th.

For the latest information on this launch, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Have you ever purchased a brand-new cell phone only to find one with additional features you like even more six months down the line?  Ever wish that you could trade in the netbook you bought for school for a laptop with more gaming power?  Want to make sure that your TV stays on the cutting edge of 3D technology?  Well, if you answered “yes” to any of these questions then we’ve got some great news for you!

On January 5^th, Best Buy® announced a brand-new way for its customers to future-proof their technology: the Best Buy® Buy Back Program.  Rather than simply offering repairs like traditional factory warranties and service plans, this program instead provides customers the option of trading in their TV, mobile phone, laptop, netbook or tablet PC for a gift card that can used towards another purchase.  Here’s how the program works:

1)     Purchase the Buy Back program along with your new product

2)     Bring the product back in good, working condition when you’re ready for something new

3)     Receive a gift card towards a new product of your choice

It’s as simple as that!  And you don’t have to wait for a rebate or ship your product to a return center – it can all be done at your local Best Buy® store.  For more information on the Buy Back program though, make sure to speak with an in-store computer or home theater specialist or simply check out the link I’ve provided below.

http://bbyurl.us/BuyBack

Do you know a dedicated, hard-working, college-bound teen who takes an active role in their community?  If so, then we’ve got some great news you may want to share with them!

Today Best Buy announced the launch of its 2011 @15 Scholarship program, a program that awards up to 1,200 scholarships of $1,000 each to students in grades 9-12 living in the United States and Puerto Rico who plan to enter a full-time undergraduate course of study upon graduation from high school.  The @15 Scholarship program is open to students from public, private, alternative and home school backgrounds, as well as to Best Buy employees and their relatives.

Want more information?  Make sure to check out www.at15.com or www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com for full program details.  Just keep in mind that the deadline for scholarship applications is February 16, 2011!

The latest offer for the Free Smartphone Sales Event sweeping Best Buy stores is the iPhone 3GS! For one day only, Friday, Dec. 10, Best Buy Mobile will be offering a FREE iPhone 3GS 8 GB for any new 2-year or qualifying upgrade contract with AT&T (in-store only).

The iPhone 3GS is loaded with features you'll use every day, including:

# 3.5" widescreen color multitouch display # 8GB built-in memory # Built-in 3.0MP digital camera # Bluetooth-enabled # Multimedia messaging # Visual voicemail # Operates as an Apple® iPod® # Maps with GPS # Voice control # Landscape keyboard # Up to 5 hours talk time; up to 300 hours standby

Limit one per customer. This differs from the previously announced Free Smartphone Sales Event devices in that the promo price is only available on Dec. 10.

As an added bonus, check out the iPhone Buy One, Get One case promotion. You can get a free phone AND protect it all at the same time!

The offer is available at Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores nationwide.

Carriers, coverage and products may vary by store. Available in New Jersey. Carrier requirements may include data plan subscription, credit approval, usage fees and termination fees. While supplies last. Limit 1 per customer. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and Multi-Touch are trademarks of Apple Inc. TM & © 2010 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. See a Mobile Phone Specialist for details. BEST BUY, the BEST BUY logo and the tag design, BEST BUY MOBILE and the BEST BUY MOBILE logo, are trademarks of BBY Solutions, Inc. All other trademarks or trade names are properties of their respective owners. ©2010 BBY Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. See a Mobile Phone Specialist for details.

I recently purchased for myself an Apple iPad.  I’ve had people ask me “What did you buy it for?” and my answer is always “You don’t know why you buy an iPad until you’ve bought it.”  I mean, if you buy an iPad, you have to have a computer to activate it and manage it (through iTunes), which means you already have a device that can handle everything the iPad does… but not with the class of an iPad.

There’s just something about rifling through email with your fingers or showing your friend a website like it’s a newspaper article.  It’s almost like we’ve taken a step back towards the primitive by gaining manual control (RIP rotary telephones) but combined it with something so cutting edge like the internet that the marriage of the two hurled us towards a new level of seamless integration of technology and daily life.  I have a Pages document titled “Captain’s Log”.  I felt it was necessary.

Now, with iOS 4.2 out and multitasking, folders, and AirPrint implemented, the iPad is really a viable option for those looking for mobile computing power comparable to netbooks and laptops.

“How is he going to tie this in to music?” you ask.  Well, a couple weeks ago (11/5/10) an app called M7CL StageMix hit the app store.  Some of you sound engineers might recognize that model number as belonging to a popular Yamaha digital mixing console.  Put simply, this app is a remote control for the M7CL, which at first mention might not seem too earth-shattering until you start to think of the possible implementations.

First off, you have to have the console on a wireless network and have the iPad connected to that same network.  Then you can connect to the console and make adjustments to faders, EQs, etc. in real time.  It doesn’t control every feature on the console but enough to be practical.

I was on stage the other night playing piano and the other keyboardist was just a touch too loud in my monitor wedge.  In the middle of the song I pulled up my monitor mix on this app, located the other keyboard’s channel, and turned the fader down a couple decibels.  I noticed the change immediately and knew exactly when to stop turning it down when it hit the perfect listening level.  No waiting to make eye contact with the front of house engineer and playing Charades to get him to realize that I want the other keyboard turned down in my monitor, not my own.  It was a beautiful thing really.  No one would even know that I had control of monitor mixes from a device that was sitting on my stand next to my sheet music.

There are even apps that would display my chord charts (OnSong) for me so I can just swipe my finger to turn the page rather than fumbling with physical pages.  This new portable computing power is just changing everything, I tell ya!

Hey Everyone,

When photography began people were amazed with the realism that a photograph could capture, and in fact to this day people still wonder at the true to life appearance of most photographic images. As this industry has grown the technology developed to capture the most representative images possible has only gotten better and better.

As good as any photograph can be it is never a perfect replication of what was actually in front of the camera, and the main reason for this is that it only recorded in two dimensions. There are tricks of composition that can make an image look more three dimensional (i.e. converging lines at the horizon, out of focus objects in the foreground, etc…), but inherently a photograph lacks the dimension of depth.

Back in 2009 Fujifilm announced the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1 camera that captured 3D images that would be played back on the proprietary picture viewer designed to display these 3D images. This camera really never took off, and the main reason for this was that to view the 3D images you had to have Fujifilm’s 3D viewer.

This year one of the hottest new technologies in consumer electronics has been 3D TVs, and this trend has not been lost on Fujifilm. They recently released the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 digital camera that captures 3D images and 720p HD video to be viewed later in three dimensions on any 3D TV (with 3D glasses), on the cameras 3.5 inch 3D LCD (that doesn’t require 3D glasses), or on Fujifilm’s 3D picture frame (the FinePix 3D Viewer).

As good as this camera is at taking 3D images it also has an impressive 2D capability. Because this camera has two lenses, each lens can simultaneously record an image to their own separate CCD sensor. There are three 2D features that really stand out to me; you can set the camera to record a telephoto and wide angle image at the same time, you can have the camera record the same image with two separate color tonalities, or you can set the camera to record the same image at separate sensor sensitivities.

Many years ago I remember seeing a camera in a photography magazine that had four lenses, and took 3D images on 35mm film. The problem was you had to send your film off to a specific company; that company would then develop the images into the 3D prints. This was very expensive to get done, and the results tended to be disappointing.

I normally am not attracted to most point-and-shoot cameras; I have to be honest this camera has me wanting to try it out in the Rocky Mountains, and then view my images on a 50 inch 3D TV. The Star Trek fan in me is wondering if a holographic camera is just around the corner that captures our life experiences to be played back at a later date in the Holodeck installed in every home.

Happy shooting!

“He’s on fire”

That epic childhood gaming phrase is back and better than ever with the New NBA Jam video game.  It has all the old content with a new remix.  Legendary unlockable rosters, HD Graphics, secret characters; this game packs a punch and it’s just as fun as its old school counterpart. 

Some of our Best Buy® store locations are lucky enough to be invaded by NBA Jam’s Invasion Tour.  During these events you can enjoy playing one of the greatest arcade games ever in HD and of course, you can also attempt to win some killer prizes.  To get your own copy of NBA Jam before visiting the tour, click here!

The following are dates and locations where you can visit the Invasion Tour for yourself… “Slam-a-Jamma”

Also, feel free to visit the official NBA Jam Invasion Tour webpage

Best Buy Arlington TX – November 13^th

1730 Pleasant Pl
Arlington, TX 76015
Phone: 817-467-3155

Best Buy LBJ/Midway TX – November 13^th

4255 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy Midway/LBJ Shopping Center
Farmers Branch, TX 75244
Phone: 972-239-9980

Best Buy Sugarland TX – November 16^th

16980 Southwest Fwy
Sugarland, TX 77479
Phone: 281-240-1110

Best Buy Brownsville TX – November 21^st

2701 Pablo Kisel Blvd
Brownsville, TX 78526
Phone: 956-546-0755

Best Buy Willowbrook TX – November 23^rd

7318 Fm 1960 Rd W
Houston, TX 77070
Phone: 281-444-5768

Best Buy Gwinnett GA – November 30^th

1875 Pleasant Hill Rd
Duluth, GA 30096
Phone: 770-381-9494

Best Buy Athens GA – December 5^th

3898 Atlanta Hwy
Bogart, GA 30622
Phone: 706-354-8311

Best Buy Sawgrass FL – December 7^th

12301 W Sunrise Blvd Flamingo Shopping Center
Plantation, FL 33323
Phone: 954-423-1999

Best Buy Daytona Beach FL – December 9^th

1900 W International Speedway
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: 386-226-2267

Best Buy Hialeah FL – December 11^th

4001 W 20th Ave
Hialeah, FL 33012
Phone: 305-819-0722

Best Buy Pinecrest FL – December 12^th

11905 S Dixie Hwy
Miami, FL 33156
Phone: 305-971-5039

*All locations and dates are subject to change.

Initially deemed Project Natal, Microsoft is releasing Kinect, a remote-less motion-detecting interface for Xbox 360 this Thursday (11/4/10).  This device gets rid of the traditional remote control and makes you the controller. Bye bye to hardware controls and sayonara to massive tangle ups. Thanks to the Kinect Sensor this puppy can detect your every move; recognize your face and speech! Creepy? More like awesome!

All this is possible thanks to the highly sophisticated Kinect sensor. The sensor features RGB camera and  depth sensor which provide full-body 3D motion capture and facial recognition.  Not to mention the multi-array microphone, which opens it up to the world of voice recognition.  Safe to say that it will watch and hear your every move!

With a plethora of games that the entire family can enjoy, Kinect makes for a perfect gift this holiday season. Take for instance the game Dance Central. Do you like to shake it and get your groove on? Well Dance Central has your name written all over it. Bring the dance floor to your living room with this exciting game! Kinect senses your moves as you groove to the beat, for a real life dancing experience. In addition to the fun-factor, Dance Central has the potential to improve your arsenal of moves with its selection of genuine expert choreography!

What are some other uses for Kinect? I present you with, VideoKinect. This allows you to stay in contact with not only your friends on Xbox Live but also your friends and family on Windows Live! The Kinect camera automatically adjusts itself to capture everybody in the room to send a family member or friend a group greeting. I can see this being used a lot this holiday season. The Zune is also ready for Kinect, scroll through your collection of music and movies with a simple gesture or just by saying something. Zune pass is required.

You can learn more about Kinect for the Xbox in the Best Buy Gaming Insider. Check it out here!

http://bbyurl.us/InsiderKinect

Xbox Kinect releases on 11/4/2010 just in time for the holidays. Anxious to get your hands on Kinect? Check out if any stores in your area are holding a Midnight Release here:

http://bbyurl.us/XboxKinect

Have any questions or concerns regarding Kinect? Visit your local Best Buy® store and talk to a BlueShirt, they’ll be happy to answer all your questions or visit our Community Forums!

Over and out,

-Jesus

One of the greatest challenges parents face in today’s world is finding a way to introduce their kids to computers and the Internet.  It has to be fun, it has to be interactive, and it has to be safe.  Well, with these things in mind Best Buy® and Toshiba partnered to find a solution to this techno-dilemma.  The result: the very first laptop in our FIRST SPARK™ kids’ PC line.

In addition to a wipeable keyboard, each Toshiba L635 features the following software preinstalled:

• 1 year of Net Nanny (Internet filtering service)
• 1 year of KidZui (kids' Internet browser)
• Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 2 movie
• Disney's The Princess and the Frog movie
• LEGO Batman: the Videogame

For more information, make sure to visit http://www.BestBuy.com/KidsPC.

Remember that post I made way back in May introducing Google TV?  Well, it’s time for an update:

It’s officially here!

Not only can you now seamlessly navigate the Internet and watch TV on the same screen at the same time, but you can make and receive high-definition video calls right from your television.  You can even bookmark shows, websites and apps for instant access to your favorite content with the help of a Sony Internet TV or Logitech Review set-top box.

To find out more about how it all works – or to browse our selection of Sony Internet TVs and Logitech Google TV peripherals – make sure to check out the following links:

What is Google TV?

Sony Internet TV

Logitech Google TV

Hey Everyone,

A few years ago my wife wanted a camera to match the new puppy she just got for her birthday, and although I had just parted with a pretty penny for her brand new yellow lab, I agreed to help her choose a new camera (since I knew she would want to take plenty of pictures of Cloe, her new favorite in the family).

I asked her what she wanted in a camera, and she said that she wanted a camera that could take professional quality images, have manual controls, have the ability to attach a more powerful flash, and one that could fit in her purse. This is of course a tall order, given that almost all point-and-shoot cameras don’t take professional quality images, but there was one model that came close. The Canon G9 was the point-and-shoot camera of choice for professional photographers because of its quality of build, its optics, the ability to shoot in Raw, and the capability to shoot manually if need be. This camera was definitely not the most affordable option, but I’ve learned long ago that with photography equipment that you really do get what you pay for. We of course got this camera, and she has loved it ever since. The newest version of the Canon G series Point-and-Shoot cameras is the Canon G11, which retains all the features of the G9 and more.

So I was surprised the other day when she said that she was interested in getting the Olympus PEN interchangeable lens camera. I asked her what made her interested, and she said it looks like it’s a combination of a point-and-shoot camera and a DSLR. She also said that the possibility of getting a macro lens for her camera would be something she would love. I had heard many great things about this family of Olympus cameras, and this really peaked my interest in this new type of digital camera. Some other 4/3 models that look interesting are the Samsung NX10, or the Panasonic GF1. Sony also recently released two cameras that are very close to these micro 4/3 cameras called the Sony NEX-3/NEX-5, but the main difference is that these two cameras come with a 3/2 APS-C sized sensor that most DSLRs use.

Manufacturers have recently started releasing this new type of camera which is commonly referred to as a 4/3 camera; this designation describes the aspect ratio of the sensor. There have actually been a number of true DSLR cameras in the past that have a sensor with a 4/3 aspect ratio, but I think the real revolution of this new class of camera isn’t the aspect ratio of their sensor. Unlike a DSLR these cameras have no mirror that flips up at the time of exposure to allow light to hit the sensor. This has a number of advantages. One such advantage is that the fewer moving parts a camera has, the less likely it is to break; this should also drastically reduce blurred images caused by the vibrations that occur when the mirror is moving up and out of the way of the sensor.

These cameras are also much lighter and smaller than a traditional SLR, but still retain the advantage that interchangeable lenses provide. Another big positive over Point-and-Shoot cameras is that these 4/3 cameras use the same size sensor that a much larger DSLR might use; this larger sensor should produce far superior results. I have to be honest that after hauling my DSLR system around for a day I might be a little jealous if my wife gets one of these cameras. With that said these cameras are not intended to replace a professional/advanced amateur photography system, but they are definitely a viable option to consider when upgrading from a point-and-shoot camera!

Happy shooting!

If you’re a football fan and are in the market for a new TV then now may be the perfect time to buy!  For a limited time, Best Buy® and DirecTV are offering up to $250 in Best Buy® gift cards with the purchase of an HDTV and new DirecTV service totaling $499 and up.  You can even get 5 months of DirecTV’s best package free when you sign up for their NFL Sunday Ticket.

Want more information?  Then make sure to check out the link I’ve provided below.  This offer is only valid until 10/06/2010, so don’t miss your chance!

http://bbyurl.us/p3q

Please welcome our guest blogger, John-BBY.

Steve Jobs announced the new line of Apple iPods, the second generation of AppleTV and new features for iTunes and iOS 4 at what has become a traditional late summer press event featuring music products.

The next version of Apple’s mobile operating system,  iOS 4.1 will be available beginning next week and feature HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos, direct HD video upload via wi-fi, and bug fixes.  Also announced was iOS 4.2 which will bring iOS 4’s multitasking and folders to the iPad in November, along with wireless printing and media streaming via AirPlay (AirTunes re-branded).  The final key innovation in iOS 4.1 is Game Center which will facilitate friends gaming together.  Later this year, Epic Games will introduce a dynamic new multiplayer role-playing game currently code named Project Sword. 

iTunes, Apple’s venerable media management application achieves version 10 and debuts with a new logo and more streamlined interface.  In addition, Jobs introduced Ping, iTunes new music-focused social network community.  iTunes 10 is available as of September 1.

As rumored, the new line of iPods was announced with a new model for every line (except Classic).  iPod shuffle now features buttons, playlists, and Genius Mixes along with VoiceOver and 15 hours of playback time.  The new model is $49 SRP.

iPod nano gets a huge makeover and is now equipped with a square multi-touch functional screen and clip so that it can be worn similarly to iPod shuffle.  According to Jobs, it is 46% smaller and 42% lighter than the previous incarnation.  The biggest change is the multi-touch screen that allows for multiple menu and media access.  The screen display can be rotated with two fingers.  It allows for 24 hours of music playback and comes in two sizes, 8 GB for $149 and 16 GB for $179 SRP.

The iPod touch is thinner with the iPhone 4’s Retina display with four times the number of pixels in a backlit LED screen.  It employs the Apple A4 chip and has a three-axis gyro.  New to the iPod touch are a front facing camera and rear facing HD video camera with Facetime.  iPod touch features 40 hours of music playback and video can be edited on the device using the iPhone version of iMovie.  It has three sizes, 8GB at $229, 32 GB for $299, and 64 GB at $399 SRP.

The new iPods can be preordered starting September 1 and will be available for purchase next week.

Jobs’ final announcement was for the second generation of Apple TV.  The device is one quarter the size of the previous model and eliminates cumbersome functions like syncing and storage management.  The new device only allows for content rental with first run HD movies being available on street date for $4.99.  TV show episodes can be rented for 99 cents with two networks currently on board to provide TV content.  The device features wi-fi, Ethernet, an HDMI port.  In addition, Netflix members will be able to stream their movie queues directly through AppleTV.  The new Apple TV will be available in about four weeks.

Have a question about mobile codes?  Then you've come to the right place!

1.    What are MOBILE codes?

A Mobile Code is any two-dimensional (DataMatrix or QR code) or linear bar code (UPC) which can be read by a smart phone, linking the physical world with the on-line world. Some bar code symbologies are in the public domain, such as UPC and DataMatrix and some symbologies are proprietary (e.g. Microsoft’s Tag and EZ codes).  Bar Code scanners today are “image scanners” and since most smart phones have cameras built into them we can now use them as personal bar code scanners!

2.    Do I need software to read a Mobile Code?

Yes, the Best Buy app is free software you can download to your phone and it contains a bar code reader. The reader will scan several types of mobile codes, including Best Buy and non Best Buy codes. To download the reader, simply follow these instructions:

a.    Text “APP” to 332211.    Click on the link that is returned
c.    Download and install the Best Buy app on your phone
d.    Launch the app, push the yellow Mobile Code symbol and hover the phone over the code.  Try this one:

3.    What phones are supported?

The Best Buy reader is available on most iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry devices.  Currently there is no bar code reader available for Palm.

4.    Do I have to buy a new phone?

No, Best Buy has written their app to work on older phones, too. You do, however, have to have a fairly recent version of your phone’s operating system.

5.    What service plans will I need?

The service relies on a data plan from your provider. The amount of bandwidth consumed varies based on the product experience rendered. If you do not have an unlimited data plan, please plan accordingly. Remember, watching videos can use more bandwidth than viewing mobile web pages.

6.    What type of bar codes can I scan with the Best Buy app?

The Best Buy app reads QR (Quick Response) Codes, which are the square two-dimensional bar codes with the three smaller squares in the upper right and left of the bar code and in the lower left.   The Best Buy app can also read UPC codes (the codes used at cash registers in stores). However you will have the most fun with QR codes right now. You can use the Best Buy reader to scan QR and UPC codes from other companies. The app does not currently read Data Matrix codes which are square two-dimensional codes, but they don’t have the three smaller squares in them.

7.    What will happen when I scan the Mobile Code?

After reading a Best Buy Mobile Code you will be taken to a mobile web page that contains item specific or general information or perhaps a song or video. You can use the Best Buy app to compare a number of products or narrow your selection of items based on parameters you select while in the store. In the future mobile codes will take you to a Geek Squad Agent Chat session or an “un-boxing” video, or give you the ability to create a wish list. When reading a non-Best Buy QR code, if it is a generic code that does not depend on interaction with a specific app, you should get the same experience that company intended with their QR codes. We are just starting to use mobile codes in our stores and Sunday inserts and we are looking forward to hearing from our customers and Blue Shirts on what kind of experiences you want us to build for you.  We’ve set up a web site to get your input (http://bestbuyideax.com/currents/14). You do need to register, but it’s quick.

8.    Is there any personal information involved?

No personal information is obtained from your phone. If you have the Best Buy app and have logged in, your RewardZone information may be used to create a personalized experience.

9.    How do mobile codes work?

The Best Buy app includes the software required to turn your phone into a scanner. All you need to do is initiate the scanner and hover the phone over the code. The app scans the code and launches the corresponding experience. It’s the best of both worlds; you can be on-line and in the store at the same time!  

10.    How do I save the data for use later?

On the iPhone and Android, add the product to your cart. Products added to your cart are available until removed. On all other devices, simply bookmark the page to return to it later.

11.    What prices will I see on my mobile device?

You will see our regular BestBuy.com prices.  In some cases they may vary from the in-store price.  

12.    What if I have trouble with the Best Buy app or the bar code scanner function?

You can either call 888-BestBuy (888- 237-8289) or send an email to MobileCodes@BestBuy.com

If you’ve bought anything in the past 40 years or so, chances are you’ve seen a barcode somewhere on an item you’ve purchased.  That barcode identifies the product it’s attached to and tells cashiers how much that product costs.  But did you know that an amazing new kind of barcode is starting to appear on your favorite products that can tell you more than that?

I’m talking about mobile codes.  Mobile codes are scannable codes, just like the one to the right, which are your key to a wealth of information.  Not only can they provide instant access to product reviews, video demos and side-by-side comparisons, but they can even help you do product research while shopping.  No more need to write down model numbers at home or print out countless web pages!

Sounds great, right?  But what do you need to use mobile codes at your local Best Buy® store?  The answer’s surprisingly simple: just your smart phone and our mobile code app which you can download from http://bbyurl.us/app1.

They’ve got adapters for everything these days.  I mean, if we’re going to have a connected world, we need something to connect it with right!?

Think of all the things having the right adapter can solve… I bet you could use a cell phone to announce at a ball game… maybe you could play with a Tamagotchi pet on a movie theater screen… or perhaps you could use a car’s cigarette lighter to charge another electric car… surely you could charge a Wiimote on a space station.

Let’s bring things back down to Earth here and talk microphones… to USB.  Yeah, not just a USB microphone, but converting an XLR microphone signal into USB format using a device no bigger than a Popsicle.  Coincidentally, once such converter, made by Blue microphones, is called the Icicle. 

Shure makes one similar, which they’ve dubbed the X2u.  Clever little abbreviation for a clever little device.

Both of these take any XLR microphone, dynamic or condenser, and allow you to connect it to your computer via USB to make recording on-the-go that much easier.  From podcasting to live recording, this could really lessen your baggage when you’re on the road, or even when you just want a quick and easy solution to record where you are at.  Both support the 48V boost for mics that need phantom power so even your nicest condenser will be good to go.  Find out more and buy yours on BestBuy.com here:

The X2u by Shure

The Icicle by Blue

If you’ve browsed the laptop section at your local Best Buy® store or on BestBuy.com anytime within the past two years chances are you’ve seen signs mentioning our additional service plans.  These service plans, called Geek Squad® Black Tie Protection (or GSBTP for short), are available for most models we carry.  Customers frequently have questions about what benefits are included in GSBTP coverage though, so we’d like to take this opportunity to provide a basic overview.

Standard GSBTP Plans

Standard GSBTP plans include repair coverage for the following:

• Factory defects
• Hardware failure
• Standard wear-and-tear
• Damage due to dust, power surges, internal heat and humidity

Each plan also includes our No Lemon Policy.  This policy guarantees that if your computer accrues three previous qualifying hardware repairs and a fourth confirmed hardware failure – or if it cannot be repaired - it will be exchanged with a brand-new, technologically comparable model or store credit.  We even offer one-time battery replacement to customers with this level of coverage, as well as one-time replacement of the unit’s charger and power cord.

These plans are available for purchase on BestBuy.com and at each of our retail stores.

Advanced GSBTP Plans

Advanced GSBTP plans feature the same benefits as our standard plans, with an additional layer of protection in the form of Accidental Damage from Handling (ADH) coverage.  This benefit protects your laptop from damages due to common mishaps like liquid spills, falls from furniture, or being closed improperly – anything that might reasonably occur over the course of normal use.  It even provides coverage for broken LCD screens and image burn.

One-year ADH-only plans are also available, but both Advanced GSBTP plans and ADH-only plans can only be purchased at one of our retail stores.

Premium GSBTP Plans

Premium GSBTP plans feature the highest tier of protection we offer.  Not only do these plans include the same perks as both our standard and advanced plans, but they also feature the following additional benefits:

• PC customization and optimization services
• Creation of a restore CD/DVD
• Anti-Virus/Spyware Installation
• One year of Vi-Spy coverage
• 5GB of online data backup for the term of the plan
• 24/7 Telephone tech support for usage, connectivity and installation issues (up to 4x/year)
• Annual preventative maintenance checks
• Prioritized shipping and repairs

Just like our Advanced GSBTP plans and ADH-only plans, Premium GSBTP plans are only available through our retail stores.

Still have questions?  Then make sure to speak with a computer specialist at your local Best Buy® store for more information.  You can also find an FAQ and the full terms and conditions of our service plans by clicking on the “Service Plans” link at the top of the page on www.GeekSquad.com.

{Information current as of 08/05/2010}

Just a heads up: this blog contains several instances of nerding out.

Anyone else have a Final Fantasy soundtrack change their life?  For me it was Final Fantasy III (Final Fantasy VI in Japan); the only RPG I’ve played through completely 4 times.  I can still hear the drum beat and tune that accompanied many hours of walking in circles around the plains in search of new abilities for Gau.  I can hear Shadow’s haunting theme song as his 8-bit little sprite walks onto screen from some obscure hiding place.  Of course, there’s the unforgettable Chocobo theme, which admittedly is perhaps the only melody that got a little old.  My band tried, on several occasions, to recreate a rock version of the opera song… “Oh Maria, so far away now, will I ever see your face?”  The music made that game legendary, in my opinion.  I even bought the 3-disc soundtrack. 

I don’t think people realize how amazing of a feat that music was for composer Nobuo Uematsu.  The NES sound board only had the capability for 5 sound channels so it wasn’t like he could import a .wav file and be done with it.  No, he had to write parts (melodies, rhythms, note durations, volume levels) for each of those channels individually according the limitations on each given channel.  Think of it as giving a painter 5 colors and saying “You can only paint circles with these two, lines with this one, shading with this one and dots with this one… now make something beautiful.”

I think video games have it harder than movies when it comes to developing a soundtrack because they have to deal with looping and coding it so the music triggers at just the right times.  However, just like movies, if done right, they can have people whistling the themes as they strut down the sidewalk after hours of gameplay.  Super Mario Bros. comes to mind.  Also, the Legend of Zelda; my band actually played that theme song every-so-often during sound checks.

Let’s bring things to the 21^st century though.  Games have claimed so much ground in the media market now that we’ve got fully orchestrated scores.  Take for example The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Halo 3.  They both had superb composers contracted for their soundtracks and could easily pass for a film score.  Also, bands having songs featured on games stand to increase their popularity/fan-base drastically.  That was the way a bunch of my buddies and I discovered a band called Cage the Elephant, from their song featured during the intro cinema of Borderlands.  You’ve also got the Guitar Hero craze now, which sparked a whole line of musical instrument game controllers and has infiltrated practically every gaming device known to man.  As a result, I think the technological line between casual musicians and casual gamers is slowly blurring.

I really like the direction music is heading in gaming.  It is getting more recognition and playing more of an integral role in the overall experience of a game.  I have always secretly dreaded that reviewers would take the Music/Audio category out of their ratings but now I think it is safe and secure.  

Weird, I have this strange desire to play Mega Man 2…

No matter who you are – a student, business professional, someone looking for a career, or just an individual who enjoys keeping your documents organized – Microsoft Office 2010 has something in store for you.   

Features of Microsoft Office 2010:

• Transform your visuals into works of art using new design tools such as color saturation, SmartArt™, graphic layouts and other artistic effects.
• Work on the same file at the same time as other people – even if they’re in different locations using co-authoring tools within Word 2010, PowerPoint 2010, Excel WebApp and OneNote 2010. 
• The new Broadcast Slide Show feature within PowerPoint 2010 allows you to broadcast your presentations straight from your desk to a remote audience using their web browser, even if they don’t have PowerPoint installed.
• Outlook 2010’s Quick Steps feature lets you handle multi-command tasks, like reply and delete, with one click simplicity – keeping your inbox streamlined and organized.

Tired of missing your favorite shows because you’re out and about?  Can’t quite figure out how to set up the DVR?  Need a way to keep the entire family entertained while you’re on a road trip?  Well, if you answered “yes” to any of these questions then the FLO TV Personal TV may be just the thing you’re looking for!

The FLO TV Personal TV is a light, compact and wireless device that provides instant access to programming that is ideal for the mobile lifestyle: breaking news, live sports, hit shows, kids’ programming and more.  With channels like ABC Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, The Disney Channel, ESPN and FOX Mobile there’s something for everyone.

Now only does it feature both a 3.5” touch screen and built-in stereo speakers, but using it’s a breeze too.  Simply scroll through the program list like you would with your TV at home, pick which program you want to watch, and touch the screen to change the channel.  There are even parental controls so you can block entire channels or restrict shows based on their content and ratings.

Want to learn more?  Then make sure to check out the product page and demo video on BestBuy.com:

http://bbyurl.us/FLOTV

Between the rise in popularity of disc-based media and the emergence of on-demand video services, one might wonder if the days of traditional VCRs are numbered.  In fact, it could be argued that the introduction of internet connectable home theater equipment has hasted their demise.  But what options does that leave you with when it comes to recording your favorite TV shows or local programming?  The answer to that question is surprisingly simple: DVD recorders and digital video recorders (DVRs).

DVD recorders function much in the same way that VCRs did: simply insert a blank disc into the device and set the program timer, and then the unit records the indicated program.  Multiple programs can generally be recorded on a single disc and can be recorded over if necessary.  Most models even support a number of recording modes, each offering different levels of sound and video quality.  Once recorded, discs can be finalized for playback in standard DVD players, including those in computers and video game consoles.

On top of that, blank discs are relatively inexpensive, with multiple-disc packs available for as little as $10.

DVRs, on the other hand, rely on built-in hard drives to store recorded content.  While this means that the recorded content isn’t quite as accessible (or portable) as it would be with a DVD recorder, many more shows can be recorded before any additional action is necessary.  They also tend to take up less space than their DVD recorder counterparts because there aren’t any discs to put away!

Some DVRs, including those available with a TiVo subscription or through select cable and satellite providers, may also include customizable programming.  Not only do they remember what kind of shows you watch, but they can also make recommendations based on your viewing/recording history.  Some DVR services even feature online scheduling, allowing you to set up recording sessions from the office, at a friend’s house, or while on vacation.

Not sure what would work best for you?  Then make sure to check out the links below or to speak with a home theater specialist at your local Best Buy store!

BestBuy.com - Internet Connectable Devices

BestBuy.com – DVD Recorders

BestBuy.com - TiVo & Internet TV Players

Hey Everyone,

If you’re one of the lucky ones to be able to go and watch this year’s big soccer event in South Africa I’m sure you will be bringing a camera. I would suggest bringing a DSLR so you can not only capture the best possible images, but also be able to use extreme telephoto lenses to get close to the action.

Telephoto lenses with fast apertures are a staple for every sports photographer; these lenses get you close to your subject from a long distance, while still allowing you to use the fast shutter speeds need to stop the action.

The standard telephoto lens for a sports photographer is a 300mm (or 400mm) f/2.8 lens. Keep in mind that these lenses are very expensive, but then again so is a trip to South Africa. If you do end up purchasing one of these lenses I would also suggest investing in a monopod to stabilize the camera since these lenses are very heavy.

If one of these lenses is out of your budget I would suggest going with the longest Telephoto lens you can afford with the smallest aperture possible. You should also look for lenses with built in optical image stabilization to eliminate blurry images from “camera shake”. For example, if you shoot with a Nikon DSLR you could look at the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR as a more affordable option.

With all that being said don’t forget to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the bigger picture. Some quick tips for better sports photos are get close, use a wide aperture, the faster the shutter speed the better, set the camera to continuous shooting, and use focus tracking whenever possible.

Now that you have all these great lenses you can also try your hand at some wildlife photography; I’ve heard Africa is good for that too!

Best Buy presents a whole new movie-going experience:  Best Buy Movie Mode.

Soon, you will be able to download the only mobile app to sync with the movie screen for a one-of-a-kind experience.  Apps will be available for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile.*

Launching with the movie Despicable Me, use the app to translate what the minions are saying, and unlock exclusive content after the show.

How does it work?  When you enter the theater:

   1. Put your phone into silent mode.

   2. Start the application and enter Movie Mode before the movie begins.

   3. Your phone will vibrate when it's time to enjoy a whole new experience during the end credits.

Worried about your phone ringing?  Movie Mode will silence and dim your phone until it's needed to make sure you do not ruin the movie experience for those around you.

For more information, and to download the application once available, visit http://BestBuyMovieMode.com or text ME to 332211.*

In theaters July 9

*Message and data rates may apply.

Hey Everyone,

As digital cameras became more compact and affordable, people started carrying them everywhere they go. It seems like everywhere I am someone has a camera with them, and in fact anyone with a cell phone almost assuredly has a camera with them.

This availability of cameras has led to images being taken everywhere, and anywhere. One type of photo that I see more and more these days (especially on social media sites) is the self portrait (or photo of a group of friends) taken with a camera held at arm’s length. You know the picture! The one where you can tell the person taking the picture isn’t quite sure what they are capturing, but they sure do look like they are having fun doing it!

Samsung seems to have noticed the popularity of these types of images, and has developed four cameras that seem to be specifically marketed for this type of image (in addition to traditional types of images). These Samsung Point-and-Shoot cameras (models TL225, TL220, TL210, and TL205) have an LCD on both the front and back of the camera, which allows the user to compose their images while looking at the lens (via the front LCD).

No more hoping you are in the frame, or wondering if your friend is making faces next to you. You can now see exactly what you are getting before you take the photo.

This made me think about cell phones (the other device that is commonly used to take these types of images), and made me wonder when the cell phone manufacturers will start putting the camera lens on the front of the phone. Well I guess I can stop wondering since HTC just released the EVO cell phone for the Sprint wireless network, and this phone has a camera on the front as well as on the back of the phone.

Why does this matter at all? I can foresee a day when all cell phones have cameras on the front of the phone. This should allow the user to not only hear the person their speaking to, but also allow them to see that person while their talking.

I think I will take a trip to my local store to try out these cameras!