Compare Google Store Event Deals

Groupon has agreed to pay $8.5 million for allegedly imposing illegal expiration dates, reports the Chicago Tribune. The suit claims the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act forbids the sale of gift certificates with expiration dates of less than five years. Google has more reader-friendly articles on the suit; click here for legal and claim-filing information.

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and trust us, even though she says she doesn't want anything, she will appreciate a token of your love for her on this day. What that token should be, however, really depends on the kind of lady your mother is. Here's our essential guide for selecting the perfect Mother's Day gift.

Today, Google announced the launch of its free Music Beta service, which allows you to upload and store your music library online. (You must login to Google and request an invitation.) The library can then be accessed via browser or Android-based device, and select files can be locally cached for offline usage. Music Beta is compatible with iTunes files and playlists, the latter of which are automatically synced across devices. The service is free for a limited time and offers cloud storage for up to 20,000 songs. Android users will need to download the Music application to access Music Beta on their device.

Google Apps, Google's free "cloud-based" messaging and collaboration application service, will cut its custom account limit to 10 per new user or business after May 10. Currently, new signups are allowed as many as 50 custom accounts; new organizations which require more than 10 users after May 10 will have to sign up for Google's paid service. Google has more information.

As noted in Computerworld today, Cisco Systems announced the end of production for its Flip video camera. The networking company said that although no new models will arrive, it still plans to support all models already sold. However, it's unclear just how long the support will last. Google News has more information.

Google Checkout still takes $5 off orders of $30 or more at several merchants, while several more receive $10 off $100 or more or $20 off $200 or more. That's tied with our mention from December as being among the best selection of discounts we've seen from Google Checkout in several months. Notable stores:

• TigerDirect.com: $5 off $30 or more
• Petco: $5 off $30 or more
• Shoebuy.com: $5 off $30 or more
• Nautica: $10 off $100 or more
• see all Google Checkout discounts

Through December 19, each tab opened via Google Chrome web browsers will result in a free donation to a charity of your choice. (To participate, install Google's Chrome for a Cause extension or download Chrome with the extension for free via this link.) It's the first such donation offer we've seen direct from Google's Chrome browser.

Google Checkout still takes $5 off orders of $30 or more at dozens of merchants, while several more receive $10 off $100 or more or $20 off $200 or more. That's tied with our mention from three weeks ago as the best selection of discounts we've seen from Google Checkout in several months. Notable stores:

• TigerDirect.com: $5 off $30 or more
• eBags.com: $10 off $100 or more
• pcRUSH.com: $10 off $100 or more
• see all Google Checkout discounts

Google Checkout takes $5 off orders of $30 or more at dozens of merchants, while several more receive $10 off $100 or more or $20 off $200 or more. It's the best selection of discounts we've seen from Google Checkout in several months, and the first we've seen available at Buy.com in nearly a year. Notable stores:

• Buy.com: $5 off $30 or more
• TigerDirect.com: $5 off $30 or more
• eBags.com: $10 off $100 or more
• pcRUSH.com: $10 off $100 or more
• see all Google Checkout discounts

Google recently implemented Google Voice in its Gmail service, allowing your microphone-equipped computer (Mac or PC) to call any US or Canadian landline for free within your email. That's the best such service we've seen. (For comparison, Skype currently charges 2.1 cents/minute via pay-as-you-go or 1.2 cents/minute on a monthly plan for computer-to-landline calls.)

Of note, international calls are also possible but do cost more. See Google's country calling list for fee rates.

At select online merchants, pay using Google Checkout and receive either $5 off orders of $30 or more, $10 off orders of $100 or more, or $20 off orders of $120 or more. It's the only dollar-off discount we've seen since just before Christmas from Google Checkout that everyone can use. Deals are limited to one use per store for each Google Checkout account. Participating stores:

• FromYouFlowers.com: $5 off $30 or more (select items)
• Shoebuy.com: $5 off $30 or more
• pcRUSH.com: $10 off $100 or more
• BlueNile.com: $20 off $120 or more
• see more stores at Google Checkout

At select online merchants, pay using Google Checkout and receive either $5 off orders of $30 or more, $10 off orders of $60 or more, or $20 off orders of $120 or more. It's the best dollar-off discount we've seen this year from Google Checkout that everyone can use. (We recently mentioned a similar deal from this merchant; some vendors no longer accept the discount.) Notable participating stores:

• TigerDirect.com: $5 off $30 or more
• Shoebuy.com: $5 off $30 or more
• Sierra Trading Post: $5 off $30 or more
• Petco: $5 off $30 or more
• DEAL800: $10 off $60 or more
• Blue Nile: $20 off $120 or more
• see all participating stores

At select online merchants, pay using Google Checkout and receive either $5 off orders of $30 or more, $10 off orders of $60 or more, or $20 off orders of $120 or more. It's tied with our September mention as the best dollar-off discount we've seen this year from Google Checkout that everyone can use. Notable participating stores:

• TigerDirect.com: $5 off $30 or more
• Buy.com: $5 off $30 or more
• Sierra Trading Post: $5 off $30 or more
• Toys "R" Us: $10 off $60 or more
• Blue Nile: $20 off $120 or more
• see all participating stores

Already, it's almost 100 days to Christmas. We've been watching the trends, analyzing the data, and it's time for us to put our soothsaying skills on the line. From Blu-ray players for $49 to 46" LCD HDTVs for $599 — and dozens more — check out dealnews CEO Dan de Grandpre's Black Friday 2009 predictions to see what this year's crop of Black Friday deals will be. Plus, Apple prophecies, advice on when to buy and when not to buy, and more. Nostradamus would be proud.

Samsonite Company Stores have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing a lack of demand for travel gear. This retail division of Samsonite operates 173 stores nationwide, although no closings have been announced. Various news agencies available through Google News have more detailed information.

At select online merchants, pay using Google Checkout and receive either $5 off orders of $30 or more, $10 off orders of $60 or more, or $20 off orders of $120 or more. It's tied with our June mention as the best dollar-off discount we've seen this year from Google Checkout that everyone can use. Deal ends September 1. Notable participating stores:

• eForCity.com: $5 off $30 or more
• TigerDirect.com: $5 off $30 or more
• ShoeBuy.com: $5 off $30 or more
• Petco.com: $5 off $30 or more
• pcRUSH.com: $10 off $60 or more
• see all participating stores

Clear has ceased its airport security fast-lane service as of 2 am ET this morning, according to its website. Clear's parent company, Verified Identity Pass, Inc., no longer has funds to continue operations. In addition, no refunds will be issued to current subscribers. Google News has more.

Eddie Bauer has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing a high debt load including costs stemming from its 2005 Chapter 11 filing. (It successfully emerged from that filing.) The outdoor clothing and gear retailer operates 371 stores nationwide; no store closing have been announced while the company looks for a buyer. Various news agencies available through Google News have more detailed information.

At select online merchants, pay using Google Checkout and receive either $5 off orders of $30 or more, $10 off orders of $60 or more, or $20 off orders of $120 or more. It's the only dollar-off discount we've seen so far this year from Google Checkout that everyone can use. Deal ends June 21. Notable participating stores:

• JR.com: $5 off $30 or more
• Shoebuy.com: $5 off $30 or more
• eForCity.com: $5 off $30 or more
• Orvis: $20 off $200 or more
• see all participating stores