Netflix recently made a significant change to its pricing structure, removing its $10 Basic tier in the US and UK. This plan, which was once the cheapest option without ads, is no longer available for new and rejoining members in both countries.
If you are currently subscribed to the Basic tier, you can continue using it and pay the $10 monthly fee until you decide to cancel or change your subscription. However, the future of the Basic tier is uncertain as Netflix may change its mind about its availability.
For new members who do not want to pay for a Standard plan, their only option now is the Standard Ad-Supported tier. This plan costs $7 per month in the US and £5 in the UK. While it offers Full HD streams and allows viewing on two devices simultaneously, it does not include offline viewing. Additionally, users of this plan can expect to see an average of four minutes of ads per hour, with each ad lasting around 15 to 30 seconds and being unskippable.
The removal of the Basic tier by Netflix is part of a larger trend among streaming services to increase revenue. Whether it’s closing off their cheapest plans or raising their base prices, platforms like Netflix and YouTube Premium are finding ways to make more money from their subscribers.
In other news, Apple is reportedly working on its own chatbot called Ajax. This chatbot, built using Google’s JAX framework and named AppleGPT by engineers, is being developed by multiple teams within Apple. One team specifically focuses on addressing privacy concerns associated with chatbot technology. This move aligns with Apple CEO Tim Cook’s statement about the company’s interest in generative AI. The initiative is being led by John Giannandrea and Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering.
Nothing, a tech company, has introduced the Phone 2, a unique alternative to midrange phones. Its design draws inspiration from clear plastic gadgets from the ’90s but with a more sophisticated touch. Nothing’s Monochrome UI encourages users to use their device more thoughtfully, and it includes features like the Glyph interface, which presents information and notifications in innovative ways. The Phone 2 closely resembles the company’s first phone, offering a refreshing option in a market where new phone releases often lack excitement.
Beats has released the Studio Pro, a new pair of over-ear noise-canceling headphones. This model is a significant upgrade from the Studio 3 Wireless, featuring a second-generation audio chip from Beats, which enhances active noise cancellation, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and wired audio modes via a USB-C connection. However, the price remains the same at $350.
Robosen, a robotics company, has unveiled a new auto-converting Transformer product, following the success of its self-transforming Optimus Prime. The new product is Grimlock, a robot that transforms into a mechanical T-Rex. Standing at 15 inches tall in both robot and dinosaur mode, this auto-transforming collectible is priced at $1,699, or $1,499 for pre-orders.
These developments highlight the constant evolution and innovation in the tech industry, with companies continuously striving to provide new and exciting products to meet consumer demands.
