DJs

Motorola Responds After Phones Were Found Modifying Amazon Links

Motorola Responds After Phones Were Found Modifying Amazon Links
Quick take: Motorola says an affiliate link issue affecting some smartphones was unintentional after reports revealed Amazon links were being modified automatically.

Motorola has responded to concerns after reports revealed that some of its smartphones were automatically modifying Amazon links shared by users.

The discovery sparked privacy and trust concerns online after researchers found that Amazon links opened through certain Motorola devices had affiliate tracking codes added automatically.

What Happened?

The issue came to light after users noticed that Amazon URLs shared from some Motorola phones were being altered before being opened or shared.

Specifically, affiliate tracking parameters were reportedly being inserted into Amazon links. These tracking codes are commonly used by websites, influencers, and retailers to receive a commission when a purchase is made through a referral link.

The concern was not the affiliate system itself, but the fact that users were unaware that links were being modified in the background.

For many observers, the discovery immediately raised questions about transparency and user consent.

Why Were People Concerned?

The controversy arrived at a time when users are becoming increasingly sensitive to how their devices handle personal data and online activity.

While the affiliate codes did not expose passwords, payment information, or private account details, some users argued that altering links without clear disclosure crossed an important trust boundary.

Others compared the situation to recent controversies involving browser extensions and shopping tools that automatically inserted referral tracking into online purchases.

Motorola's Response

Motorola has now responded publicly, stating that the behavior was not intended.

According to the company, the affiliate code insertion was linked to a third-party service used within parts of its software experience and was not designed to secretly profit from user activity.

Motorola says it has taken steps to address the issue and is reviewing how the functionality was implemented.

The company also emphasized that no personal information, passwords, payment details, or private account data were collected as part of the process.

A Reminder About Trust

While Motorola's explanation may ease some concerns, the incident highlights how important transparency has become in modern software.

Users increasingly expect their devices to clearly explain when data is being collected, links are being modified, or third-party services are interacting with their online activity.

Even relatively minor software behaviors can quickly become major stories when they happen without users realizing it.

For Motorola, the issue appears to have been addressed, but the debate around transparency and user trust is likely to continue.

DJs

Get up to $250 off the Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium on Amazon and B&H

Get up to $250 off the Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium on Amazon and B&H

The Sony Xperia XZ2 is an expensive smartphone, usually retailing for close to $1000 and competing with handsets like the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Apple iPhone X. You can currently pick one of these handsets up for only $649.99 on Amazon and B&H.

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium features a 5.8-inch display, 64GB of internal storage with microSD, dual (19MP+12MP) rear cameras, a 13MP front camera, a fingerprint scanner, wireless charging, a 3540 mAh battery and a Snapdragon 845 chipset with 6GB of RAM.



Amazon has the handset in Black and Chrome Silver colors, while B&H only offers the device in Black. It is also important to note that the handset is GSM unlocked, meaning it will only work on carriers like AT&T, Cricket Wireless, MetroPCS and T-Mobile.


DJs

Get the first-gen Amazon Echo Show for $70 on Woot!

Get the first-gen Amazon Echo Show for $70 on Woot!

The first generation Amazon Echo Show, which was originally released back in the summer of 2017 is on sale today on Woot!. These are pre-owned units, said to be in "good" condition, but the price makes them a very desirable deal.

The first-gen Echo Show is no longer sold on Amazon in either new or refurbished condition, so Woot! is one of the few places you can purchase this smart speaker from. At $69.99 its less than half the retail price of a brand new Google Home Hub, and $140 cheaper than what the second-gen Amazon Echo Show retails for.

The first-gen Echo Show is available in black and white and is backed by Woot's standard 90-day warranty. You also get free shipping nationwide if you are an Amazon Prime member. As a pre-owned device, your Echo Show may have "minor cosmetic blemishes", but they have been restored to "fully working condition by an Amazon technician." As a customer, you will have no reason to worry about the functionality of these devices.

DJs

Amazon acquires Eero, a mesh WiFi router company

Amazon acquires Eero
Amazon has announced that they will be acquiring Eero, a company which specializes in the production of mesh routers for improved Wi-Fi throughout the home. Unlike a traditional Wi-Fi router, a mesh system offers multiple nodes throughout the property which all work together to offer better Wi-Fi connectivity across your home.

While no financial terms pertaining to the deal have been publicly disclosed, it seems that Amazon sees the acquisition to quickly get its own hardware into the homes of consumers interested in smart home technology.

Dave Limp, Amazon’s Senior Vice President of devices had this to say about the impressive work carried out by the Eero team:

"We are incredibly impressed with the Eero team and how quickly they invented a WiFi solution that makes connected devices just work. We have a shared vision that the smart home experience can get even easier, and we’re committed to continue innovating on behalf of customers."

Having a mesh Wi-Fi router in your home ensures you have no dead zones or areas without a signal in your property. Additionally, consumers with an Eero mesh system in their property also get access to a convenient and simple-to-use smartphone app which allows them to control the full system. Customers can also take advantage of an additional chargeable aftermarket service offering parental controls and additional security mechanisms.

Following this acquisition, it's not known if Eero will continue to trade as it currently does or if we will see it blend into Amazon's smart-home hardware lineup.
DJs

Get $150 off the Apple iPad Pro (10.5-inch) 64GB

Get $150 off the Apple iPad Pro (10.5-inch) 64GB

The 2018 iPad Pro lineup is a top choice for anyone looking to purchase a new iPad, but those looking to save some money can always look towards the older models. Fortunately, Amazon has an ongoing sale offering the iPad Pro 10.5-inch for $150 off its usual retail price.

The 10.5-inch LCD display on the iPad Pro has a 1668 x 2224 pixel resolution. You also get 64GB of internal storage, a 12-megapixel rear camera, a 7-megapixel front camera, TouchID fingerprint scanner for security and Apple Pay, and a powerful Apple A10X Fusion chipset with 4GB of RAM. You can purchase the tablet in any of its four colors - Space Gray, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold.

It is capable of recording 4K video, includes Apple Pencil support and has been outfitted with four-speakers, ensuring you get amazing audio no matter what orientation you have the tablet in. If you are interested in adding one of these tablets to your profile, you can pick one up for $499.99 by following the links below:
DJs

Get a free Galaxy Tab A 10.5 when you purchase a Galaxy Note 9 on Amazon

Get a free Galaxy Tab A 10.5 when you purchase a Galaxy Note 9 on Amazon

Amazon has a special offer for anyone looking to purchase a Samsung Galaxy Note 9. The retailer is bundling a complimentary Galaxy Tab A with the purchase of an unlocked Galaxy Note 9 as part of its 24-hour "Deal of the Day" promotion.

The Galaxy Note 9 features a 6.4 inch AMOLED display, up to 512GB of internal storage with optional microSD up to 512GB, dual (12MP+12MP) rear cameras, an 8MP front camera, Qi wireless charging, a fingerprint scanner, a 4000mAh battery and an octa-core processor with up to 8GB of RAM.

You can pick the 128GB model, priced at $999.99;




Or the 512GB variant which will cost you $1049.99 and walk away with the free tablet.




The Galaxy Tab A features a 10.5 inch LCD display with a 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution, 32GB of internal storage which can be expanded through microSD, a 7300mAh battery and a 1.8GHz Snapdragon 450 processor with 3GB of RAM. 

This Android 8.1 Oreo tablet comes with four powerful speakers boasting Dolby Atmos surround sound, a relatively large battery, fast charging support, and a headphone jack. It is a great alternative for someone not interested in an iPad.
DJs

Get discounted Amazon Echo devices on Woot

Get discounted Amazon Echo devices on Woot

Amazon-owned retailer Woot is known for sometimes offering great deals on refurbished, reconditioned, or used gear backed by a generous warranty. As such, a new one-day-only sale features the first-gen "regular" Echo, as well as the Echo Look and Echo Connect.

The Amazon Echo was originally released back in 2015 and can be purchased today for only $29.99 in either black or white. These tall cylindrical smart speakers are in "good" but not great condition, with "minor cosmetic blemishes" on them and a 90-day limited warranty. The units are repackaged in non-retail boxes, these devices have been returned, inspected, and restored to "fully working condition."

Woot also has the Echo Look on sale for $29.99. With the Echo Look. The unit is "factory reconditioned" and marked "as close to new", indicating that it has gone through refurbishing, testing, and certification operations to "look and work like new." The Echo Look which usually retails for $99.99 is a hands-free camera optimized to capture your outfits and act as a style assistant. With built-in LED lighting, Style Check to get a second opinion on your outfit, and a dedicated app where you can see yourself from every angle and build your personal lookbook, Echo Look helps you manage your style.

Meanwhile, you can purchase the Echo Connect for $14.99. The Echo Connect essentially turns your Echo into a voice-controlled speakerphone, using your existing home phone service to make and receive calls. It usually retails for around $35. The unit is "factory reconditioned" and marked "as close to new", indicating that it has gone through refurbishing, testing, and certification operations to "look and work like new."

DJs

Get the Amazon Echo Input for $20 and make your speakers smart

Get the Amazon Echo Input for $20 and make your speakers smart

The Amazon Echo Input is an Alexa enabled device that can turn your regular speaker into a smart speaker. You simply need to connect it to your speaker using 3.5 mm audio cable or Bluetooth and it will turn it into an Alexa enabled smart speaker. The Amazon Echo Input is usually priced at $34.99 but it can be yours for only $19.99 (43% off) during this promotion.

With the Echo Input connected to your regular speaker, you can ask it to stream your favorite tunes, get the latest news/sports/weather, set an alarm or timer and much more.




Amazon also offers some bundle deals with the Echo Input, like the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A1 portable speaker, the Marshall Woburn II wireless speaker and the iHome iAV2 V2 speaker and alarm clock. All of these have various discounts and would make a great bundled gift.
DJs

Get the BlackBerry KEYone for $270 on Amazon

Get the BlackBerry KEYone for $270 on Amazon

BlackBerry fans looking for an affordable smartphone could consider the BlackBerry KEYone, which has been discounted to $270 on Amazon. The KEYone was launched back in April 2017 and usually retails between $350 and $400 these days.

The BlackBerry KEYone features a 4.5-inch display, a physical keyboard, 32GB of internal storage with microSD, a 12-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel front camera and a Snapdragon 625 chipset with 3GB of RAM.

The handset on sale is unlocked for GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile.




The BlackBerry KEYone for Verizon is also available on Amazon but is priced much higher at $430 since its still offered by the carrier.
DJs

What's Coming to Amazon Prime Video in January

What's Coming to Amazon Prime Video in January

Amazon Prime Video has an amazing lineup in store of its customers in January with new movies, new seasons of your favorite shows and some classics you can rewatch. Check out the full list of content coming to Amazon Prime Video this January.

Jan. 1

  • A Beautiful Mind
  • Alpha Dog
  • Brazil
  • Breaking Big, Season 1
  • First Civilizations, Season 1
  • Frontline, Season 36
  • GI Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II
  • Going to War
  • Jane Eyre
  • Nova Wonders, Season 1
  • Reprisal
  • Rwanda: The Royal Tour
  • The Art of the Shine
  • The Jazz Ambassadors
  • Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Jan. 3

  • Leave No Trace

Jan. 4

  • Beautiful Boy
  • Sherlock Gnomes

Jan. 11

  • Informer, Season 2

Jan. 12

  • Final Score

Jan. 13

  • Eighth Grade

Jan. 16

  • The Debt

Jan. 18

  • The Grand Tour, Season 3

Jan. 19

  • Fahrenheit 11/9

Jan. 25

  • Escobar: Paradise Lost
  • Four More Shots Please!, Season 1

Jan. 29

  • Endeavour, Season 5

Coming in January, date TBD

  • The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle, Season 1b
You can also check out all the new shows coming to Netflix in January.
DJs

BLU Vivo Go announced with Android Pie for just $79.99

BLU Vivo Go announced with Android Pie for just $79.99

BLU has officially unveiled the Vivo Go as its first Android Go edition smartphone. The device is available for purchase starting today on Amazon for only $79.99.

As you can imagine from the low price, you are looking at entry level hardware for the BLU Vivo Go but the specs are pretty decent. You get a 6-inch display with a 720p resolution and an 18:9 aspect ratio. You also get a dual camera setup on the rear which consists of an 8-megapixel primary sensor and 0.3-megapixel (VGA) secondary sensor. Other specs include 16GB of internal storage which can be expanded by an additional 64GB of microSD, a fingerprint scanner, a 2600MAh battery and a 1.5GHz quad-core MediaTek 6739 processor with 1GB of RAM.

The smartphone is GSM compatible and should work on 4G LTE networks from AT&T or T-Mobile.

On the software side, you get the Android 9 Pie based Android Go. At least on paper, this should indicate quick updates for this device from BLU, but we will have to see if the manufacturer puts in the effort for this device.

If you are interested, follow the banner below to purchase the BLU Vivo Go from Amazon and you can have it delivered in time for the holidays.
DJs

Get the Nokia 6.1 for just $179 on Amazon, Best Buy and B&H

Get the Nokia 6.1 for just $179 on Amazon, Best Buy and B&H

The Nokia 6.1 is an affordable mid-range phone with a premium build and Android 9.0 Pie onboard. We've seen the handset discounted down to $229 a few months ago, and as low as $200 in early November. Now the handset has been discounted down to only $179 on Amazon.

This is an amazing price for this smartphone which features a 5.5-inch display 1080p IPS display, 32GB of internal storage which can be expanded through microSD, a 16 MP Zeiss branded camera, a fingerprint reader, an 8 MP front camera, a 3000mAh battery and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor with 4GB of RAM.




It appears that Amazon is not the only retailer offering the Nokia 6.1 at this discounted price. Best Buy along with B&H Photo Video are also offering the handset for $179 as part of this ongoing promotion.

DJs

Get Apple iPad (2018) for $249 on Amazon

Get Apple iPad (2018) for $249 on Amazon

This isn't the first time we've seen the Apple iPad discounted on Amazon, but this is one of the better deals on Apple's affordable tablet. The 2018 regular iPad which usually retails for $329 is being offered for only $249 for the holidays.

The Apple iPad 9.7-inch 2018 features a 9.7-inch display with a 1536 x 2048 pixel resolution, up to 128GB of internal storage, an 8-megapixel rear camera, 1.2-megapixel front camera, option LTE connectivity, a Touch ID fingerprint scanner, and is powered by the Apple A10 chipset with 2GB of RAM. It also features support for the Apple Pencil, which you will have to purchase separately.

The iPad is available in Space Gray Silver and Gold. The cellular variants and the 128GB storage model are also options but will cost you more. Head over to the link below and pick up a discounted iPad while stocks last.




DJs

Get the Apple iPhone 7 128GB for $320 on Amazon

Get the Apple iPhone 7 128GB for $320 on Amazon

Amazon is running a promotion on the Apple iPhone 7, offering the 128GB version of the handset for as low as $319.99 for a limited time. The device is refurbished and available in all color options. Usually, Apple charges $469.99 for the refurbished model, making this a great discount for anyone looking for this large capacity device.

The Apple iPhone 7 features a 4.7 inch LCD display, up to 256GB of internal storage, a 12MP rear camera, a 7-megapixel front camera, a TouchID fingerprint scanner and an Apple A10 Fusion chip with 2GB of RAM. Additionally, the handset has an IP67 rating which allows it to be submerged up to 1meter for up to 30 minutes.

These iPhones are professionally refurbished by the Amazon Renewed program, a trusted destination for pre-owned and refurbished products that are inspected and tested to work and look like new. A renewed supplier who is Amazon-qualified and performance managed, but not Apple certified, performs a full diagnostic test, replaces any defective parts, and thoroughly cleans the product.

Any repairs are made with Apple components that are new or reused and in like-new condition. The products will have minimal to no signs of wear, no visible cosmetic imperfections when held 12 inches away, batteries with at least 80% capacity relative to new, and may arrive in a brown or white box with relevant accessories that may be generic.

Amazon Renewed products also include a 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee which makes you eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if it does not work as expected. You can also get quick support for claims and free troubleshooting via a single point of contact at Amazon.

Buy an iPhone 7 128GB (fully unlocked) in a color of your choice by following the links below:
DJs

Get two Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) for $50

Get two Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) for $50

Amazon has an ongoing promotion on its 3rd Gen Echo Dot smart-speakers, offering them for $29.99. As an added discount to anyone purchasing two of them, your total will only be $50 (at $25 each).

The Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker is available in Charcoal, Heather Gray, and Sandstone colors. They are ideal to be placed around the house, actively responding to your commands when needed. You can use these AI enabled speakers to check for weather or traffic or control any smart electronics you have around your home.

The deal is available now through December 15, so grab a few of them to add to your holiday shopping list this season.




DJs

Amazon Go could be coming to larger supermarkets like Whole Foods


Amazon Go is the company's cashier-less shopping tech, which lets shoppers scan in with their mobile devices, then pick their product and walk out. Currently, the tech is offered in seven Amazon Go stores in Seattle, Chicago, and San Francisco, but it could be coming to larger supermarkets soon.

Currently, Amazon Go stores are more convenience stores than supermarkets, with limited groceries and prepared foods. The technology uses a mix of computer vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning to register what you're buying, then charges your Amazon account when you leave.

However, a recent report from WSJ suggests that Amazon is testing its technology at a space in Seattle, which has been arranged like a large store. Higher ceilings and shelves, and a bigger product range would mean more work for Amazon. There's also the issue of how the technology would work with items like fruit and vegetables, which unless pre-packed, need to be weighed to determine the price.

If the company can get the technology working for a supermarket type store, we could see it implemented in Whole Foods, which has an average of 34,000 items in its stores. While Amazon hasn't made any official statement, it would make sense for them to take advantage of their partnership with Whole Foods, which the retailer purchased last year for $13.7 billion.
DJs

Get Apple iPad (2018) for $289 on Amazon

Get Apple iPad (2018) for $289 on Amazon
The affordable iPad is currently on sale at Amazon, where you can purchase the 9.7-inch tablet for $289 for a limited time. The same device usually retails for $329 from most retailers.

The Apple iPad 9.7-inch 2018 features a 9.7-inch display, up to 128GB of internal storage, an 8-megapixel rear camera, 1.2-megapixel front camera, option LTE connectivity, a Touch ID fingerprint scanner, and is powered by the Apple A10 chipset with 2GB of RAM. It also features support for the Apple Pencil, which you will have to purchase separately.

Amazon also has the 128GB model on sale, which is priced at $389.99 compared to its regular $429 price. The 128GB model with cellular connectivity is also available at a discounted price for anyone interested. If you are interested in picking up an affordable Apple tablet in time for the holidays, grab an iPad from Amazon while this deal lasts.


DJs

Get the SanDisk Ultra 128GB microSD card for only $18 on Amazon

Get the SanDisk Ultra 128GB microSD card for only $18 on Amazon
Amazon has an ongoing deal for anyone in the market for some additional storage for their smartphone, tablet or digital camera. You can get the SanDisk Ultra PLUS 128GB microSD card for only $18.21 during the promotion.

If you are looking for even more space, Amazon has a few more storage options available at discounted prices as part of the same promotion

If you are looking for speed instead of capacity, you could consider a SanDisk Extreme microSD card, which offers faster reading and writing speeds. These are more costly and is likely suited for customers who capture a lot of 4K videos.
DJs

Get the Nokia 6 for only $150 on Amazon and B&H

Get the Nokia 6 for only $150 on Amazon and B&H

If you are looking for a solid yet affordable smartphone, you can purchase the Nokia 6 (2017) from retailers like Amazon and B&H for only $149. That is an $80 or 35% discount off of the usual price of the handset.

Shipping is free and if you have plans to have it delivered before Christmas, Amazon only has the Copper colored variant readily in stock. While the silver version is also available, Amazon warns that your delivery may arrive after Christmas.


B&H Photo Video also has the Nokia 6 on sale for $149.99 and has the $80 discount available until the end of the day today (Dec 2). B&H includes expedited free shipping with your purchase, and taxes are free in most States.



The Nokia 6 features a 5.5-inch display, 32GB of internal storage with microSD, a 16-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel front camera, a fingerprint scanner, dual-SIM and a Snapdragon 430 chipset with up to 4GB of RAM. The handset features a full metal construction built from industrial grade aluminum and ia built to last. The Nokia 6 is GSM unlocked and will work on carriers in the US like AT&T, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, Cricket, H2O.
DJs

Get all five Jurassic Movies for $28 on Amazon (Blu-Ray+Digital)

Get all five Jurassic Movies for $28 on Blu-Ray

Amazon has the five-film Jurassic movie collection on sale for just $28. The collection takes you through the first Jurassic Park trilogy and includes the last two movies in the Jurassic World franchise. The purchase includes the physical Blu-Ray discs and the digital copy you can save on your Movies Anywhere collection.

The Jurassic World franchise takes us into a world where dinosaurs once again roam the Earth in an amazing theme park on a remote island. The action-packed adventures find man up against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking filmmaking.

The collection contains the following movies in Blu-Ray and Digital:



Check price on Amazon