Pricing to drop big on SmartPhones!

It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that the best time of the year to buy a Smartphone is after September 12th. Everyone always speculates about this but why? Apple usually refreshes their models with new ones (or "s" models) that generally have a better camera and or bigger processor. 

Samsung always tries to steal Apple's thunder by beating them to the punch and launching their newest models a month or two before Apple. With the exception of the Note 7, which had to ultimately be recalled, this strategy has been effective. I highly recommend not buying a new Smartphone until after September 12th and here are several reasons why...

1) Many carriers and mass merchandisers get scared of getting stuck with old merchandise and blow out current models with triple figure discounts and BOGOs.

2) Our main Apple factory "spy" indicates that there will be three new "X models. A copy of the current one (Xs) and two larger models. One is a larger budget model with an LCD display, while the other will be an even larger 6.5" jumbo version of the new "Xs". He also feels strongly that Apple will cut pricing $200-$300 on some or all of these new models to stay competitive.

3) The iPhone 8 never sold great because for a few hundred dollars more, you could have the X which was a major improvement. To make matters worse, Apple is about to acknowledge a problem with the iPhone 8 model that may require a recall. If that is the case, this model will be improved and become quite a bargain. Usually this drives down the other models (7 series, 6s+ and SE models) by $100.

---

Netflix and YouTube have been the biggest losers since Net Neutrality. That's because the carriers are now throttling them. Each carrier has made sweetheart deals if they haven't outright bought the content providers. That means Verizon has a deal with Apple Music, T-Mobile with Pandora, etc... You can thank FCC Chairman Ajit Pai for this as the major carriers and cable providers did.

The best time to buy a new big screen TV is Black Friday and here is why...
4K LCD/LED screen technology has plummeted with the newer OLED screens now widely available. I actually found a 50" Toshiba Smart TV for my daughter for $289. It is currently possible to find good deals on 55" and 65" 4K Ultra HD Tvs for under $1000. Unfortunately, the OLED models are still over double the cost. Samsung as a "QLED" model that is somewhere in between as far as picture quality and slightly less costly than full OLED. The great news is OLED will be taking a huge price drop by Black Friday. You can always count on the manufacturers to come up with the " next big thing" and it's called IMAX enhanced, which promises to bring the 4K movie theatre experience in to your home.