Get a Dimple 4-button NFC sticker for $19.99
From the Cheapskate: If you have a compatible phone, you must get one of these. Makes a great gift item, too. Plus: 99-cent MP3 albums!
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Add four buttons to your phone!
Today's deal is for Android users, because it relies on NFC technology. Sure, modern iPhones have it, but Apple doesn't let third-party products access it, so...today's deal is for Android users.
Wouldn't it be cool if you could add some physical buttons to your phone? You know, in addition to volume and power? Maybe one button that instantly launches the camera, or one that plays podcasts, calls your spouse or even triggers a smart-home appliance.
That's the idea behind the Dimple, as ingenious a product as I've ever seen. And for a limited time, StackSocial has the Dimple 4-button NFC sticker for $19.99 shipped. That's not a huge savings -- normally it's $24.99 -- but five bucks is five bucks.
It's available in black, white or grey, but you'll choose that color after you make your purchase. Shipping is expected to take around 14 days after you redeem your voucher -- plenty of time if you're getting this as a gift.
The Dimple is literally a sticker that adheres to the back of your phone. Although it can work through cases, it can't work with phones that have metal bodies. The only other requirement is that your phone have NFC; check with the manufacturer if you're not sure.
It may take a little experimentation to figure out where to stick the sticker, as it needs to be right on top of the NFC antenna. But once that's done, it's a simple matter to program each button via the Dimple app. There's no pairing required other than enabling NFC on your device. Even better, the Dimple requires no external power.
One small letdown: It doesn't function when your screen is off. It would be nice if a button-press could wake your device and perform its action, but Android doesn't currently allow this. (There's a workaround if you're willing to root your phone.)
Even so, this is such a great accessory, really cool and practical. I definitely recommend it for yourself or anyone who needs a gift!
Bonus deal: Tune time! The Microsoft Store is offering a smattering of MP3 albums for 99 cents each. Among the artists on sale: The Weeknd, Justin Beiber, Frank Ocean and Shawn Mendes.
Bonus deal No. 2: These won't last long, but TechRabbit has the Tylt Powerplant 5,200mAh mobile charger for $6.99 shipped. Ideal for iPhone owners (but compatible with all mobile devices), the Powerplant features a pop-out Lightning cord -- one less thing to bring along! Alas, it doesn't have the folding wall prongs like some Tylt chargers, but at $7 out the door, beggars can't be chargers choosers.