shopping

Google's rumored Amazon Prime competitor, Google Shopping Express, has at least a couple of major retail partners, according to a report published yesterday.

In an e-mail reportedly sent to employees, Google said that its Shopping Express platform works at several retailers, including Target and Babies R Us, according to TechCrunch, which obtained a copy of the message. Google employees who are currently testing out the service and have opted to become members are allowed free shipping. Those who are simply testing it out but won't become members pay $4.99 per delivery, according to the e-mail.

TechCrunch last … Read more

The social-networking app Path, debuted a major upgrade today, adding on private messages, stickers, and the "Shop." The company says the goal is to boost personalized communication between users, but it looks like Path is also working to monetize the app.

The company describes its objective with private messaging in a blog post today -- the messages are not supposed to be like text messages or Facebook or Twitter posts, but rather aim to make users feel like they're truly interacting with friends.

"When we speak with friends, share a joke, a quiet word, or a … Read more

Amazon Prime, a service from the e-retail giant that offers free two-day shipping and discounted one-day shipping, might soon have a competitor.

Google is at work on a new platform called Google Shopping Express, which is designed to take on Amazon Prime, reports TechCrunch, citing people who claim to have knowledge of the search giant's plans. Signing up for Google Shopping Express would cost customers $10 to $15 less than an Amazon Prime membership, which sets customers back $79 per year.

Because Google doesn't offer a dedicated shopping site, its Shopping Express could work with retail partners and … Read more

Microsoft has confirmed that by no means is it winding down its anti-Google Scroogle campaign. In fact, the company was so pleased with the last two chapters of its crusade that it's gearing up for a third chapter.

"Scroogled will go on as long as Google keeps Scroogling people," a Microsoft spokesperson told CNET.

Microsoft began its Scroogle campaign with the goal of urging users to dump Gmail for its own Outlook.com over privacy concerns. Dubbed "Don't get Scroogled by Gmail," Microsoft addresses the issue that Google scans users' e-mails to determine relevant … Read more

Who needs a pen and paper grocery list when you've got a superpowered smartphone? Shopping List gives you a digital piece of paper on which to jot down shopping lists for every store you visit. It's not as dynamic as some other free list apps, but it gets the job done very quickly.

You can create multiple lists and enter your own titles and grocery items. Sadly, there's no autocomplete to speed things up. This does mean you can name your list and items any way you want, though. Unlike apps like Grocery iQ and Remember The Milk, … Read more

Kickstarter has birthed some pretty cool accessories for iPhones, iPods, and iPads. The ChargeCard, for example, which I recently saw and loved at CES. And the Woxom SlingShot video stabilizer/tripod.

If you sometimes feel like you might be missing out on the good stuff, or perhaps you just don't have time to troll Kickstarters listings in search of iDevice-related items, there's a site you may want to visit: BiteMyApple.co.

BiteMyApple offers a simple, stylish catalog where you can browse and, if you wish, buy various "Kickstarter success stories." You'll find items like the … Read more

Extraordinarily, Geoff Fisher has never been sued by Apple.

He's used its name for 20 years on the front of his little store. Yet somehow no one has come to his door pretending to be a local policeman -- or even actually being one -- and demanding to search his premises.

This is odd, given that his store is called the Apple Shop. Still, it doesn't sell products made by Apple, but products made from apples -- specifically, cider.

Everything seemed fine for many years. People would come into the store in Wroxham Barns, England, and they would … Read more

Do you use Google Maps for directions often? How about when you're looking for a new apartment or even school for your children? Almost every time you'll probably wonder how far away the selected place is from your home or work. Luckily, Google Maps allows you to set these addresses so you don't have to type them in each time.

Here's how to get started:

Step 1: Open your Web browser to Google Maps. Make sure you're signed into your account.

Step 2: Click the My places button near the upper left-hand side of … Read more