The $429 Acer Holo360 4K camera can be yours for $80
Your dirt-cheap path to snapping 360-degree photos and videos. Plus: Two outdoor smart plugs for just $30.
Capture 360-degree photos and videos with this Android-powered dual-lens camera.
Capturing images that are just in front of you? How 20th century. These days, it's all about 360 shooting.
Think you can't afford it? Think again: For a limited time, and while supplies last, the Official Acer Recertified Store has the Acer Holo360 4K 360-degree Camera for $79.99. Shipping is free. Believe it or not, this originally had a list price of $429, though it's mostly been selling for around $200. And despite the store's name, this is new, not refurbished.
Update, 7:04 a.m. PT: The camera was showing a price of $49.99 when I first published this deal at 6:37 a.m., but minutes later it jumped to $79.99.
On paper, the Holo360 is super impressive. It features two Sony image sensors and a 3-inch touchscreen display that runs full-on Android -- meaning you can actually install other apps.
Cooler still, it offers both Wi-Fi and optional LTE connectivity. Although it's not indicated on the product page, reviews I've seen mention the inclusion of an AT&T SIM card and a $35 credit good for one month of service. Again, I'm not sure whether that's included here or not. But the SIM card slot certainly is.
Speaking of reviews, they're generally favorable, with a few usability dings -- some of them centered around the included protective case, which must be removed if you want to change modes or settings but is necessary if you want to use any kind of tripod mount.
Of course, as I've noted before, a low price often helps problems seem less, er, problematic. Remember, the Holo360 hit the streets less than two years ago at $429. Now it can be yours for $80.
Your thoughts?
Read more: 10 things I wish I knew before shooting 360 video
And more: The best digital cameras for 2019
Get two outdoor Wi-Fi smart plugs for $30
Sure, you've got smart plugs for inside the house, but what about outside? Don't you want an easy way to control those outdoor lights and inflatable Santas and whatnot?
Get two of these for $30.
Here you go: Today only, and while supplies last, Newegg has the Geeni Outdoor Smart Plug 2-pack for $29.98 shipped. Price at Amazon for just one of them: $25.
There's no hub necessary to operate this Wi-Fi-equipped plugs, which are water-resistant and compatible with all the smart things: Alexa, Cortana and, er, Google Lady. (She really needs a name, don't you think?)
Here's the rub: Reviews are mixed, at least over at Amazon. Some users reported great success with the Geeni, others indicated "didn't work" or "stopped working." Indeed, fully one-quarter of the reviews there are just one star. Same deal at Newegg: two buyers loved it, one encountered a plug that just "stopped working."
My work here is done: This deal exists, and it's a pretty good one. Now you'll have to decide if you want to roll the dice.
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