ASUS refunding Nexus 7 owners in Europe for purchases prior to price drop

Europeans who picked up a 16GB Nexus 7 before Google dropped the price of the tablet on October 29th are being treated to a refund courtesy of ASUS. Those that purchased the slate directly from ASUS or Google are eligible to receive a €30 voucher provided they register their purchase a provide a receipt showing the date of the transaction.

Users are eligible to apply for a voucher through November 30th with funds expiring on December 31st. There is no word from ASUS as to whether or not a similar program will be implemented in other regions, particularly the US. Google is already taking a big enough hit on the Nexus 7 given its US pricing (in Europe, the exchange rates have the tablet selling for slightly higher), so refunds for American customers don’t seem likely.

[via The Verge]

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Google Play Movies, Music reach Australia, Canada and parts of Europe on November 13th (update: Google scales it back)

Google's long-awaited offering of Google Play Movies and Music on Google TV may have answered a longstanding demand for streaming access from some viewers, but it still left many of those outside of the US turning to alternatives. The company is closing that open loop with plans to take the media strategy global. Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the UK will all get similar streaming video options on their Google TV hubs as of November 13th; while content will undoubtedly vary, the gesture once more puts the international stores on roughly the same level as their American counterpart. The only debate left likely centers on what movie to rent for celebrating the occasion.

Update: Google has made a new post suggesting that its earlier outline was a mistake: Australia and Canada aren't part of the November 13th mix.

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Apple's Lightning to micro-USB adapter now available in US, not just Europe anymore

By Nicole Lee posted Nov 3rd 2012 2:34AM

Just in case you thought the Lightning to micro-USB connector was Europe-only (to stave off that pesky European Commission), Apple has decided to sell it stateside as well. The tiny choking hazard recently made its way to the company's online store in the US for $19 each (over in Europe, it's £15 / €19), and brick-and-mortar locations will probably get them too -- if they're not in stock already. We're not sure if there's a huge demand for this, but if you're a recent iPod, iPhone, or iPad (Mini or 4th gen) owner with a plethora of existing micro-USB cables, an adapter like this could help lighten your nest of wires.

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