In other words – no excuses!

Delete Unused Apps

Sometimes it’s hard letting go of that photo app you used on one photo over a year ago, or the audience app you play when no one’s there to laugh are your hilarious one-liners. The novelty of these one-time apps doesn’t seem to shine next to the amount of space and data they use while staying idle on your device. Kindly show these space suckers to the door and enjoy a faster device almost instantly.

Unfriend the Unwanted

We know, it’s rough. It’s not that you still like that person, you just want to be able to check up on their life and reassure yourself your better without them. Push yourself in a new positive direction by simply clearing up your friends list!

Check for Software Updates

Our devices are a lot like our own bodies and need a check-up every now and then. Take advantage of the cleaning season and run those tests that your electronics sorely need. Worried about time? Perform updates while you clean out your drawers or closet and time will fly by.

Check Social Feeds for Questionable Content

Sure, we have photos set to private and privacy settings enabled, but those party pics from your weekend in Cabo aren’t invisible to everyone on the web. Set aside some time to dive into your social feeds this spring, including your lesser-used accounts. Trust us, your future employers will thank you.

Organize Your Photos

There’s no such thing as taking too many photos – that is, until you’re constantly deleting a few just to open up storage on your device. Save the good selfies, scrap any duplicates and even organize your pics to make the most out of your electronics.

Declutter Your Desktop

Whip your desktop or home screen back into shape by tidying up messy documents and loose-floating apps. Folders are your new best friend, especially when you realize what a difference unlocking a device to an organized screen can do.

Sync Devices

Bring some much needed Zen to your life by taking a few minutes to ensure your devices are in sync. Not many mobile users are aware of the convenience that comes with using cloud technology, and you’d be amazed at how easy it is incorporate into your daily life.

Trade in Your Old Electronics

Have you come across your graveyard of old phones while cleaning? Get those old devices traded in! Not only can turning your gadgets into Gazelle put added funds back into your wallet, it can also protect you and your family from the lurking chemicals inside that can cause harm to anyone around them.

With the help of these steps, you’re certain to have a breezy cleaning season. Comment below with your own personal tips that you’ve found helpful for staying organized.

The post 8 Simple Ways to Declutter Your Digital Life Claire Calvet appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

It’s true that some people were once reluctant to purchase pre-owned phones. But those were the early days. The industry has matured, and now consumers are seeking out refurbished phones.  Whether it is because your child broke their 3rd phone this month or you want a new phone without the hefty price tag, certified pre-owned phone purchases are on the rise.

According to research firm Gartner, the global market for refurbished smartphones is expected to reach 120 million units by 2017. The following are five reasons that a refurbished phone might be right for you:

1. Affordability

Refurbished phones sell at price points that are considerably less than similar new phones. You can get a great smartphone with all the bells and whistles, for a fraction of the price.

2. Care for the Planet

By 2019, according to Compass Intelligence, there will be an estimated 475 million idle devices that are laying around our homes, essentially gathering dust. Smartphones are made from materials that can be harmful to the environment and to humans. These include carcinogens, such as cadmium, lead and beryllium, not to mention arsenic. By purchasing a refurbished phone, you can help reduce the growing problem of e-waste.

3.  Replace your broken or lost phone

Phone replacements are often triggered by a phone that was smashed, stolen, or lost. If this is your scenario, then a refurbished device is the smart and cost-effective way to go. You can get the same model with a new-phone feel to it, but at a fraction of the price.

4. Avoid Change

Some people are creatures of habit. When Apple unveils a new iPhone, the early adopters get in line. But that’s not everyone. Some people like to stay in their comfort zones. If it works, why fix it? Getting a certified pre-owned phone allows a change-averse customer to stay with his or her favorite model.

5. Get a high-performing phone

Before they are re-sold, certified pre-owned devices are cleaned, tested, and – if necessary – fixed. In this sense they are different from used phones, which are sold “as is.” Refurbished phones are fast, high-performing and high-functioning phones that should work just like a new phone. At Gazelle, all cell phones must pass a 30 point inspection and are backed by a 30 day return policy.

For more information, visit Gazelle’s Certified pre-owned store.

The post Why Buy a Certified Pre-Owned Phone? Gazelle Labs appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Holiday purchases can strain the wallet. Shoppers will spend an average of $702 this season – up from $677 in 2014 – with $575 going toward gifts, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers’ Consumer Forecast. But despite the expected increase in purchases, consumers are feeling the sticker shock from high-ticket items. In a recent survey of 754 Americans, Gazelle found that 70% of shoppers feel the expensive price of a new iPhone or iPad prohibits them from buying it as a gift.

While it’s common to hunt for discounts and bargains, many shoppers don’t think about offseting hefty costs by selling things they own and never use. We’re not talking about planning a full-blown garage sale or spending hours on eBay. Rather, identifying a few key items around the house that could be sold for a sizeable profit.

iPads might be the golden key to your holiday shopping fund. Gazelle’s recent survey found 16% of households own an iPad that is no longer being used. Some of those families even own more than one, bringing the average to 1.3 spare iPads per household.

That unwanted iPad could fetch you up to $280, with the average iPad trade-in paying about $100. With a little over 120 million households in the country, we’re talking about $2 billion in iPads collecting dust across the United States. The unclaimed value of those devices depreciates over time, reducing the opportunity to recover easy money. Money that could go toward buying holiday gifts.

Find out how much your iPad is worth here.

The post How to Score Some Cash for the Holidays Taran Loper appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

So when Apple announced its fourth generation Apple TV this week, I couldn’t wait to see what is in store for the next generation of online streaming. After seeing the demo, I knew I needed the newest version. Here’s why:

1.  Fix All Search Frustrations with Siri

Apple TV has a new remote with voice activated capabilities, sending Siri to the rescue. This new control will be most valuable for browsing content. You can ask something like, “Show me new documentaries,” and Siri will present a compiled list, including content from multiple apps without navigating away from your current screen. Or search for your favorite actor, and all of his movies will show.

On current models, searches are isolated within single apps like Netflix and YouTube and are fulfilled by spelling out a query one letter at a time, an extremely frustrating and time-consuming process. Siri will easily fix that experience.

2.  Explore Endless Possibilities with TV’s First App Store

Along with the device, Apple released its new platform for developers: tvOS. Developers can now start building apps for consumers to download from the TV’s new App Store. As Apple demonstrated, apps can range from classic content providers like network TV channels and Hulu to interactive experiences like online shopping and home-buying.

3.  Game with Friends

The combination of a new motion-sensing remote and a new app platform adds an entirely new feature to the Apple TV: gaming. While the TV only includes one remote, most games will offer multiplayer options simply by connecting an iPhone. This is pretty cool, because now my friends and I can easily download and play a game together without ever leaving our seats to get new controls. All a player needs is an iPhone or iPod Touch.

4.  Subsidize the Price by Trading-in an Old Apple TV

Here’s the cherry on the cake: my new Apple TV won’t cost $149. Because Gazelle buys Apple TVs, I can trade-in my old one and get cash towards the new: as much as $42.

Will you be buying the new Apple TV?

Image courtesy of the Apple Special Event.

The post Why I’m Upgrading to the New Apple TV and You Should Too Taran Loper appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Price Tag

According to the Apple press release, the iPad with Retina display comes in both black and white, starting at $399 for the Wi-Fi model and $529 for the Wi-Fi and cellular model. It is available on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon with different data plan rates.

T-Mobile is offering a 200 MB data plan for free on purchase, while Sprint is offering a 1 GB data plan at $14.99 per month.

The new iPad is $100 less expensive than the iPad Air and $100 more expensive than the iPad mini. It will be sold at the same price as the iPad mini with Retina display, which is also going for $399. All come with the same data plan prices.

The Hardware

Though the new model has the same thick design as the original iPad 2, it comes with the improved A6X processor and a 5 MP camera. The old 30-pin dock connector has also been replaced with the Lightning connector, bringing some parity across the Apple tablet line.

According to The Verge, “The decision to replace the iPad 2 with the iPad 4 means that all of Apple’s iPads are now using the company’s Lightning connector and also makes the iPad Mini the only tablet from Apple not to feature a Retina display.”

Software

The device will come packed with iOS 7, likely with the ability to upgrade to future OS releases and updates. Similar to purchasers of other post-iOS 7 devices, users will also enjoy powerful free apps such as Pages, iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, Keynote, and Numbers.

Users will also have access to the ever-growing list of iOS apps, with 500,000 designed specifically to utilize the iPad ‘s Retina display, gyroscope, and/or accelerometer.

Meanwhile, Apple has also launched a cheaper, 8 GB iPhone 5c to its smartphone lineup in select countries outside of the US, including the UK, priced at £429 (roughly $708 USD). The 8 GB iPhone features a 4-inch Retina display and is rumored to replace the iPhone 4S, which has been viewed as the last vestige of the non-Retina era that still uses the 30-pin connector.

Apple is clearly moving towards streamlining its lineup of devices to ensure that they are compatible with later technologies, including the Lightning connector and the much crisper Retina screen.

Are you excited about the new iPad? Do you see yourself purchasing one?

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The post The New iPad Retina Display Has Replaced the iPad 2 David Gitonga appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

In our “Where’s my iPhone” infographic, you’re able to visually see the travels of a traded-in phone. You’re along for the ride, from the moment the phone leaves your house to its final destination.

Here’s a quick explanation of the process:

The first leg of your device’s journey with Gazelle brings it to our processing facility in Kentucky. Once it’s there, it is inspected to confirm its condition and all data is immediately wiped from the device, ensuring any personal information that may have been left behind stays secure. After the reset, the next leg of the journey begins, and the device is sent to a refurbishing center. This is where devices are made to look brand new again, through replacing a broken screen or smoothing out some of those deep nicks (for example). Then, it’s off to its resale location, which is typically an emerging country where the cost of a refurbished device is significantly more affordable than a brand new one.

Have an old device you’re ready to trade in? Check to see how much you can get for it today on gazelle.com.

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The post What happens to my iPhone when I sell it? appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Back in 2012, we were the first U.S. company to enter into a partnership with a company called Recipero, to use its CheckMEND tool to ensure we can identify any lost or stolen devices. This was a big step in helping prevent the theft of consumer devices because it ensured that each of you, our customers, the rightful owners, would be the only ones to benefit from trading in those old devices.

Today we became the first consumer electronics device trade-in site to join Recipero’s CheckMEND Charter. The CheckMEND Charter was designed to create a set of best practices that prevent trade activities of stolen consumer electronics. And in addition to protecting consumers, the Charter’s participants pledge to actively help law enforcement agencies combat theft and fraud related to consumer electronics. CheckMEND has stringent guidelines to be part of the Charter and members must meet a number of requirements (included below).

Gazelle has always promised that our customers will have a fast, easy and secure experience. Going into 2014, we vow to all of our customers that they — and their devices — will always be safe with Gazelle, and we’ll continue to take steps to keep our promise.

Sincerely yours,

Israel Ganot, CEO, Gazelle

CheckMEND Charter Requirements

Charter Members MUST do the following.

1. Take reasonable steps to ensure the seller is aware of the Charter conditions using substantially the same wording in Appendix A or an accurate translation of the same.
2. Conduct a CheckMEND check of a device PRIOR to paying the seller.
3. When a device fails a check, quarantine it to allow its reliable retrieval in the future if claimed by an Approved Body or return it to the seller.
4. When a device is quarantined, promptly notify the seller that their device has been quarantined and advise of a clear support process to allow them to dispute its status.
5. If the seller is present at the time the device fails the check, hand it back to the seller simply stating that your system says you cannot accept it. If the seller wishes to know the reason for the rejection you must advise of a clear support process to allow them to dispute its status.
6. Permit an Approved Body to collect the device in person at no cost at a mutually agreeable time.  Other collection methods should be by negotiation with the Approved Body concerned.
7. Maintain accurate records at all times so you may assist Law Enforcement Agencies to know how a quarantined device moved through your hands and where you returned it to. Always obtain a receipt for any device you pass on to an Authorized Body.

The post Keeping Gazelle Customers Safe Israel Ganot appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Apple introduced Find My iPhone back in 2010, and since iPhone owners have had great success in locating their lost and stolen iPhones. With success stories all over the web, Find My iPhone seemed to be a great way of locating and remotely erasing your iDevice. The one big flaw in Find My iPhone was blocking the ability to restore and erase the device if it gets into the wrong hands.

Now with Activation Lock added to Find My iPhone in iOS7, it requires your Apple ID and password in order to restore or erase your device. Activation lock is turned on by default as long as you log in with iCloud when activating iOS 7. Another way to check to see if it is on is to hook your device up to iTunes and attempt a restore.

How does this impact your trade in with Gazelle? It’s our policy not to pay for lost or stolen devices, so activation lock does not allow us to fully inspect your device. You, therefore, must to turn off activation lock before you send in your device to ensure a quick and speedy inspection and payment. If you happen to forget, don’t fret, it can be turned off remotely but it may impact your inspection time. It’s very easy to remove, and I’ve outlined all the steps below.

iTunes error message when attempting a restore with Activation Lock on

1. Locate and tap the “Settings” icon on your device’s home screen.

2. Tap “iCloud” in the Settings menu.

3. If Find My iPhone is ON, tap the slider to turn it OFF.

4. When prompted for a password, enter your iCloud password and tap “Turn Off” to confirm.

5. Congratulations! Find My iPhone and Activation Lock are off.

Below are full details on how to turn off Activation Lock from iCloud. These are the steps you’ll take if you’ve already sent your device in, and need to unlock it after the fact.

1. Go to http://www.icloud.com/#find and log in using your Apple iCloud account (this is the same account you use on your device).

2. Click “Devices” at the top, and locate the device you sent to Gazelle. After a few moments, iCloud will finish updating the location on each of your devices and the device you sent to Gazelle should appear as offline. Select the device, and the click the “X” button to remove it from your account.

3. Click “remove” on the next screen to confirm.

That’s all there is to it and now you have ensured a quick inpsection time with Gazelle.

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The post How to turn off Activation Lock in iOS7 appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Carrier Options

Your first option in insurance is to go with the carrier coverage. This coverage is often the most expensive but should roll right into your bill. Check out all the plans below from the four major carriers:

• Verizon: Total Equipment Coverage
• T-Mobile: Premium Handset Protection Bundle
• AT&T: AT&T Mobile Insurance
• Sprint: Total Equipment Protection

Your next option is to go with a third-party provider. The 2 most popular services are Squaretrade and Protect Your Bubble. Let’s see how these valuable options stack up:

Squaretrade

• Monthly Plan $6.99 for 24 months
• Two-Year Plan $125
• Covers smartphones purchased in the last 30 days
• $99 deductible
• Two claims per year
• Covers drops, spills, mechanical failure, display failure, broken ports, power issues
• No loss/theft coverage

Protect Your Bubble

• Monthly Plan $7.99 for 24 months
• Two-Year Plan $143.99
• Covers smartphones purchased in the last year that are still under manufacturer’s warranty
• $100 deductible
• Two claims per year
• Covers drops, spills, mechanical failure, display failure, broken ports, power issues, water damage
• Comprehensive loss/theft coverage

Conclusion

Once you’ve considered the factors above, making your final decision about purchasing a Samsung Galaxy warranty should be fairly simple. If you fear for your device and have a history of damaging your phone, then getting coverage is the right move. If you are truly concerned with theft and loss on your device, Protect Your Bubble is probably your best bet; it may be pricey, but the assurance of getting a replacement device for a theft/loss claim may be worth it for you.

For those who trust themselves to take care of their devices and who tend to be early adopters or frequent upgraders, a plan with comprehensive coverage may be overkill for you. With the cost of smartphones and plans at a high, the additional cost of a warranty will bite into your resale cost each time you upgrade.

Coverage or not, we would recommend that all smartphone users grab a protective case, cover, or skin as well as a screen protector to keep their phone in tiptop shape.

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The post Samsung Galaxy Warranty Options appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.