Technology

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21 Dec: For $30 or less, these last-minute gifts will impress

On the hunt for stocking stuffers or last-minute gift exchange goodies that recipients will really want?

Tech often impresses, and we have a lot of options at Best Buy.

Jake Bonura, a Blue Shirt at our store in Rochester, Minnesota, recommends going with tech gifts that are one-of-a-kind, useful and not too big. Something that will get a “Wow!” when it’s pulled out of a stocking or raise eyebrows at an exchange.

“Go for something that’s in that super popular category of things that are trendy right now, like PopSockets,” said Jake, who hosts a gift swap with friends every year.

Gifts for yourself

20 Dec: Wrapping up your shopping? Don’t forget yourself

We all do it. When we’re buying last-minute gifts for friends and family, we find ourselves wishing we could keep the items in the cart.

Don’t worry. When it comes to wishful thinking, we wanted to flag some good finds that are true “treat yourself” products worth wrapping with your name on the tag. Go ahead and say they’re from your pet, Fluffy if that makes you feel better.

Personal care

Taking care of yourself is important, especially when it comes to handling stressful relatives and busy plans.

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11 Dec: Tech to make the most of your holiday hosting

The holidays are upon us, and with that comes the fun — but sometimes stressful — task of getting your home ready for celebrations.

And the right tech can add a little pep to your holiday prep.

Josiah Barker, an expert Blue Shirt at our Best Buy store in Castleton, Indiana, loves listening to music while enjoying a cup of eggnog and spending time with friends and family during the holidays. He has several recommendations for getting the most out of being the host.

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07 Dec: Gift Green This Holiday Season

It feels good to give. And it feels good to help out the planet. What do you get when you combine those things? An extra-feel-good green gift list!

Here are some gifts that we think are Mother Earth-approved and will have you dreaming of a green Christmas. And because most of this tech can cut energy costs, they’re gifts that will keep on giving.

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04 Dec: Best Buy stores open late for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Mario, Link and Pikachu are back for the ultimate faceoff.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch, one of this year’s hottest new games, comes out later this week. And Best Buy will be open late, so you can be one of the first to take it home and play all night long.

More than 600 Best Buy stores across the country will open for the release at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on Friday, Dec. 7. (That means Thursday, Dec. 6, at 11:01 p.m.

In-Home Advisor Fermin Saldana

26 Nov: A smart home expert (and owner) gives tips on getting started

Fermin Saldana knows a thing or two about how to turn a house into a bona fide smart home.

He’s an In-Home Advisor for Best Buy in San Antonio, where he visits customers’ homes every day to give them free consultations on tech products and services. But he doesn’t just talk about the gadgets, he lives with them, too. Fermin has a smart thermostat, smart lights and voice assistants throughout his house.

When it comes to smart home devices, there are great options at a variety of price points.

Pixel 3

18 Oct: Google Pixel 3 is now available at Best Buy

Google announced its latest lineup of tech last week, including the newest addition to the Pixel family: Pixel 3 and 3 XL.

Pixel smartphones are known for their incredible photography, quick charge and built-in Google Assistant, and the Pixel 3 brings even more of these signature features. That means a brilliant camera, more charging capabilities and even more help from your Google Assistant. 

(And as a bonus, Verizon customers will get a $100 Best Buy gift card with qualified activation on a Verizon plan.

Best Buy on Google Express

16 Oct: Best Buy is now on Google Express and Google Assistant

When it comes to buying tech, we know it’s important for people to shop how, when and where they want – whether that’s in stores, online or with an expert at home. That’s why we’re partnering with Google to give you yet another way to explore the latest tech products at Best Buy.

Many of our hottest tech products can now be found on Google Express or via voice with Google Assistant. Simply say “Hey Google, buy [product] from Best Buy,” and your Assistant will get product options for you.

Portal

08 Oct: The latest in video calling is here: Portal and Portal+ from Facebook

Today, Facebook announced the latest in video calling: Portal and Portal+, two new video calling devices that bring your friends and family closer than ever, no matter the distance.

Portal+ and Portal are home video communications devices that make it easier to stay connected with loved ones. The devices use Messenger to easily connect with friends and family, even if they don’t have Portal. You can include a total of seven people on a group call, which makes group calls easier and more fun than ever.

electric transportation

27 Sep: Electric transportation helps commuters make that last mile

Longtime Best Buy employee Gilbert Moore was excited about his recent move to a new store in San Francisco, but getting there quickly proved to be a challenge.

He tried taking the bus — a 10-minute ride followed by a 12-minute walk from the stop to the store. Sometimes the bus was late or didn’t show up.

He tried riding his bicycle, but the crowded morning commute and finding space to store the bike was difficult.

“One day, I came to work and one of the managers was riding an electric scooter, and I said, ‘We sell those?!’”

Future Festival

24 Sep: Future Festival gives Best Buy insights on trends, innovation

There were a bunch of new ideas flying around Toronto last week as innovation leaders from many industries gathered for Future Festival.

Established companies, startups and big thinkers showed off new technologies and cutting-edge ideas. Best Buy’s Evan Buhr, a trend expert, was there to take it all in.

We chatted with Evan to learn more about the event.

 

Q: Why was Best Buy at this event?

A: As a part of our relationship with event organizer, a company called Trend Hunter, several members of the Best Buy Market and Consumer Insights team and I had the opportunity to attend this year.