TechBytes: Shopping by Smartphone
In TechBytes, No Nook Yet, Air Force Using PS3, Computers Warms Up Coffee
Nov. 30, 2009— -- More shoppers are dialing up holiday savings. There was a surge of mobile shopping on Black Friday with people using smartphones to do everything from find store locations to research prices to buy gifts. Retailers are making it easier to shop by phone and consumers are taking notice. Nearly 20 percent of Americans say they'll use their mobile device for shopping this holiday season. The number is more than double that for shoppers ages 18 to 29.
Nook Debut Delayed
Book lovers hoping to get their hands on Barnes & Noble's Nook are going to have to wait a little longer. The electronic book reader was supposed to be in some stores today, but now the bookseller says the device won't arrive until next Monday. The company is focusing on filling pre-orders first. Barnes & Noble wants to ensure customers who ordered before Nov. 20 get their Nook for Christmas. Anyone who ordered after that date won't receive the device until the week of Jan. 4.
PS3 Supercomputer
Sony's PlayStation 3 may be more powerful than you think. The Air Force is reportedly planning to buy 2,200 PS3's -- but not to play the new Call of Duty. They will use them to expand an existing supercomputer run by the console. The military is actually using the PS3 because it's cheaper than other options.
Coffee Cup Warmer
The Whirl Wind Warmer cup is the perfect gadget for people who can't stand it when their coffee gets cold. The cup keeps your beverage at a comfortable 104 degrees and it can also stir your drink at the push of a button. The Whirl Wind runs on a rechargeable battery and can be plugged in to an AC outlet or a computer. The cup costs $37 and is available online at a usb.brando.com. It begins shipping in the next couple of weeks.
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