As Netflix’s ad-supported tier catches more eyeballs, the company has announced plans to sunset its Basic membership tier—previously the most budget-friendly ad-free option.

This shake-up in subscription options is set to begin in Canada and the U.K. this spring, with other regions likely to follow suit.

The move indicates a significant shift in Netflix’s strategy, potentially pushing subscribers towards its ad-supported offering or encouraging them to level up to pricier plans.

This change comes amid a broader conversation about the cost of streaming entertainment. Netflix’s leadership, in a subtle nod within their shareholder letter, has suggested that the price tag for its service could climb in the future.

The rationale?

As Netflix pours funds into improving and expanding its offerings, it anticipates asking members to chip in a bit more to reflect these “enhancements.” This is a classic business move: as the value proposition grows, so does the cost to consumers.

For subscribers, this means keeping an eye on their monthly bills and weighing the value of Netflix’s ever-growing content library against the increased expense.

And for the industry, it raises questions about how pricing strategies might evolve in the highly competitive streaming market.

I don’t know about you all, but this seems like a good time to reconsider your Netflix subscription. And if you decide to give them the axe, here’s a good place to start.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Netflix signs $5 billion streaming deal for WWE Raw
• Prime Video & Netflix neck-and-neck in latest streaming report
• Netflix expands its gaming library with the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy 
• Netflix offers downloads to its ad-tier subscribers

The post Netflix hints at future price increases in shareholder letter appeared first on KnowTechie.

But what if there was a way to stop that mid-journey face-palm? Meet the Prox PRD, the Bluetooth buddy that’s hoping to be your smartphone’s new best friend.

Our phones are practically extensions of our bodies; it’s almost comical how often they’re forgotten.

Wallet, keys, phone – the holy trinity of “Things We Routinely Pat Our Pockets For” – and yet, the phone, our digital lifeline, is the one we manage to leave behind. Every. Single. Time.

Enter the Prox PRD. With its minute dimensions of 1.77 inches by 1.77 inches, it’s as unobtrusive as the common car key fob. Pair it with your phone, and the Prox PRD will sound an alert if you start to walk away without it. 

To get a better understanding of what makes the Prox PRD stand out, I reached out to Michael McCrary, the CEO of Prox Devices. He was quick to clarify a few misconceptions:

‘We know what you’re thinking!’ McCrary said in our conversation. ‘NO – it’s not a tracker; NO – it’s not a key finder; NO – it’s not an item finder; NO – it’s not a phone finder; NO – you don’t already have one when you have an AirTag or Tile; YES – it will keep you from forgetting your phone.’

The Prox PRD is a Phone Reminder Device that alerts you before you forget your phone and leave it behind, with no subscription, no data collected or sold, no app, no sign-up, no registration, no passwords, and no tracking ‘Location Services’ used to invade your privacy and drain your phone’s battery.

Prox PRD

4.0

$69.95 $57.95

Designed by Prox Devices, this little guy is a no-hassle solution to keep your phone by your side. Forget complex setups. This is a simple, no-subscription, no-app-required approach to ensure your smartphone isn't left behind.

What We Like:

• Privacy Champion: It doesn't collect data or need an app, ensuring your personal details stay personal.
• Forget-Me-Not: This device alerts you before you leave your phone behind, acting as your digital leash.
• Year-Long Vigil: A long-lasting battery life means fewer worries about maintenance.
• Effortless Setup: Attach it to your keychain or bag, pair it with your phone, and go about your day with one less worry.

Amazon Website - Promo Code: AN15%OFF

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/25/2024 07:41 pm GMT

Ever find your phone in the fridge? Guilty as charged. So naturally, I jumped at the chance to test the Prox PRD.

Indoors, the PRD’s alerts are crystal clear. Step outside, however, and the bustling city may easily drown out its alarm.

Battery life is another consideration. The PRD joins the club of devices that nudge us to stockpile batteries. While it’s not a major inconvenience, it’s certainly an addition to the mental checklist.

The team at Prox Devices claims that the Prox PRD is energy efficient, but how long can it really last? And what about its performance in different environments? Airports, shopping centers, and places teeming with Bluetooth signals – can it hold its own?

For the most part, yes, it can. From its easy setup to its reliable alerts, this little device seems to stand tall amidst the ocean of forgetful phone owners.

The folks at Prox Devices are pretty open about what this thing can and can’t do. Even its troubleshooting page is upfront about potential issues, a refreshing nod to transparency.

According to McCrary, Prox Devices CEO, the thoughtfulness behind the Prox PRD’s design comes from a careful examination of the market; he tells KnowTechie in an email. McCrary shared that a friend asked him to create a simple device to remind him about his phone before leaving it behind.

And Prox Devices isn’t stopping there. McCrary shared that the company is currently developing three new products, all of which will be easy to use and reliable. The first of these is expected to be released sometime in 2024.

So, if you’ve ever felt the cold dread of Phone Separation Anxiety, the Prox PRD might just be the gadget for you. It won’t solve world peace, but if it prevents that heart-stopping ‘Where’s my phone?’ moment, it could be worth its weight in gold.

It won’t solve world peace, but if it prevents that heart-stopping “Where’s my phone?” moment, it could be worth its weight in gold.

The Prox PRD retails for $57.95 and can be purchased directly from the company’s website or Amazon. As an added bonus, KnowTechie readers can use promo code AN15%OFF for a 15% discount via the company’s website.

Prox PRD

4.0

$69.95 $57.95

Designed by Prox Devices, this little guy is a no-hassle solution to keep your phone by your side. Forget complex setups. This is a simple, no-subscription, no-app-required approach to ensure your smartphone isn't left behind.

Amazon Website - Promo Code: AN15%OFF

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/25/2024 07:41 pm GMT

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to locate a lost cell phone that’s turned off
• More phones are lost in summer, but you can increase the chance of finding yours
• How to clear your app cache on Android
• You can disable ‘OK Google’ on your Android phone – here’s how

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post The Prox PRD is the perfect solution for forgetful phone users appeared first on KnowTechie.

This isn’t just any old software tweak; it’s a major pivot to a system that’s entirely powered by neural networks. That’s right, they’ve shelved the traditional coding strategies in favor of a setup that’s all AI, all the time.

Before FSD Beta v12, or v12.12, Tesla’s FSD software was a combo meal of neural networks for the visuals and standard code for the driving decisions. But with v12, it’s a full-course neural network feast.

To compare apples to apples, imagine swapping out a hefty 300,000 lines of C++ code for a single neural network that’s been trained on a mountain of driving footage.

The early feedback from the beta testers is promising, with reports of drives that feel like there’s a human behind the wheel. They’re spotting improvements in how the car handles complicated driving situations and adapts to new roads.

However, others note the software still has ‘rough edges’ and might not be ready for a wider release until March.

Tesla began handing the keys to the new beta to an exclusive club of over 15,000 Tesla employee-owned vehicles in late December 2023. Following encouraging reviews and some testing, the software started its rollout to the public in January 2024.

Despite the buzz around Tesla’s FSD Beta v12, some skepticism remains. A recent Fortune article echoes concerns that, while improvements are evident, Musk’s promise of a ‘ChatGPT moment’ for Tesla may not be fully realized just yet.

With the ‘beta’ label still in place, investors and enthusiasts are left wondering if the dream of a fully autonomous robo-taxi is closer to reality or if expectations need to be tempered.

Do you think Tesla will ever reach full autonomy, or is Musk just blowing smoke? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

The post New Tesla update promises a human-like driving experience appeared first on KnowTechie.

This means that X users can now make and receive audio and video calls just like they can on other platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and FaceTime.

However, there’s a catch: only premium subscribers can initiate calls, while anyone can receive them. So, if you want to make calls on X, you’ll need to pay for a subscription.

The rollout of this feature is gradual, so not all Android users will have access to it right away. If you want to use the calling feature, you’ll need to make sure you have the latest version of the X app installed.

To start a call, simply open a Direct Message (DM) conversation with the person you want to call and tap the phone icon to choose an audio or video call. To receive calls, you just need to be on the X platform.

X also offers Enhanced Call Privacy, which routes call traffic through its own infrastructure instead of directly connecting callers. This can help to mask your IP address and protect your privacy.

How to prevent Twitter Blue and Twitter Premium users from spamming you with calls

Here’s a step-by-step guide on controlling who can call you via Twitter:

1. Accessing Message Settings:
   • Begin by tapping the envelope icon to go to your messages.
   • Look for the settings icon positioned in the top right corner and tap it to enter your Messages settings.
2. Managing Call Features:
   • Within your Messages settings, you will find the option to enable or disable the audio and video calling feature. Decide whether you want the feature active.
3. Setting Caller Permissions: If you opt to enable calls, you have the flexibility to control who can contact you. The choices are:

• Contacts Only: Limit calls to individuals in your address book, a sensible option for keeping communications private.
• People You Follow: Select this option to receive calls from users you follow, which could include friends, colleagues, or public figures.
• Verified Users: This option restricts calls to verified users only, which might be a preferred setting for professional communications or to avoid spam.

By adjusting these settings, you can tailor your Twitter experience to your personal preferences and comfort level.

Remember, staying in control of how you interact on social platforms is key to maintaining your online privacy and peace of mind.

As for whether or not this feature is a good idea, that’s up to you to decide. But I have a feeling that if it’s only for Twitter Blue subscribers, it’s going to be a complete clown show.

Some people may find it convenient to have all of their communication needs in one place, while others may prefer to use separate apps for different purposes.

Do you plan on making or blocking Twitter/X calls? Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Marc Cuban slams Twitter as Elon Musk’s echo chamber
• NASA says Elon Musk’s urine is clean
• Elon Musk backtracks on Twitter/X URL headline feature
• Elon Musk announces Grok AI assistant, a ChatGPT rival

The post Elon Musk just gave Twitter Blue subscribers the option to call you appeared first on KnowTechie.

Cuban fearlessly entered Twitter’s snake pit, acknowledging its tendency to amplify the viewpoints of Elon Musk, who often dominates the platform’s discourse.

But here’s the deal: Cuban isn’t the type to back down. He took to Twitter with gusto, defending the importance of diversity and inclusion in the face of criticism from Musk.

Musk accused him of just trying to look good, but Cuban was all about sparking a real conversation, as highlighted by Business Insider.

Cuban was clear-eyed about this: he was talking to people who might not be ready to hear what he had to say. He wanted to challenge the status quo, to get even one person to see things differently.

That’s the heart of the matter — making your voice heard even when it’s tough.

Looking for a response from Musk? Well, we hope you like radio silence. But that’s not surprising. Musk often makes waves with his tweets, and then finds the next shiney thing to tweet about.

So what’s the next move in Musk’s playbook? A parody account of Elon Musk humorously suggested a “cage fight” location, showcasing the playful side of this discourse. But this is reality, and Musk challenging someone to a fight isn’t out of the norm.

Seriously, the man tried to provoke Mark Zuckerberg into a fight, but Zuck didn’t back down. He stood his ground, making Musk back off and give up in his own public platform.

So, what’s the takeaway from this high-stakes tweet-off? Simple: don’t be afraid to echo your truth, even if you’re doing it in someone else’s chamber. Whether you’re a titan of industry or just a keyboard warrior, your words have power — use them wisely.

And while the Twitter echo might be loud, it’s not impenetrable. So go ahead, make some noise. After all, isn’t that what Twitter is for?

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• NASA says Elon Musk’s urine is clean
• Elon Musk is reportedly on drugs, and the cracks are showing
• Elon Musk’s rebranded Twitter, X, sees a major drop in value
• Elon Musk backtracks on Twitter/X URL headline feature

The post Marc Cuban slams Twitter as Elon Musk’s echo chamber appeared first on KnowTechie.

In a blog post, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva urged governments to knit a social safety net and roll out retraining programs.

She’s not playing fortune teller here; she’s basing this on hard data ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where the elite swap business cards and hot topics.

“In most scenarios, AI will likely worsen overall inequality, a troubling trend that policymakers must proactively address to prevent the technology from further stoking social tensions,” she wrote In her statement preceding the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

Davos, usually more famous for its slopes than its seminars, is already decked out in AI ads as it preps to host the summit. It’s like Silicon Valley swapped zip codes for a week.

Heavy hitters like Sam Altman, the big brain behind ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, and his wingman, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, are set to take the stage.

The agenda? A debate on whether AI is the new steam engine powering our Fourth Industrial Revolution. Spoiler alert: it’s complicated.

AI is expected to boost businesses and worker productivity in some ways but could give the pink slip to others.

Georgieva, echoing the collective wisdom of many tech pundits, suggests the impact will be felt more sharply in the plush offices of advanced economies than in the fields of emerging markets. So, if you’re a white-collar worker, it might be time to look over your shoulder.

In developed nations, up to 60% of jobs could be AI’s playground

Sure, about half might get a productivity pat on the back, but the other half? They’re potentially looking at the business end of AI’s efficiency scythe. We could be talking lower wages, less hiring, or, in true dramatic fashion, jobs going poof.

Turning our gaze to emerging markets and developing countries, the numbers are a bit different – 40% and 26% of jobs could get an AI makeover, respectively.

But here’s the kicker: many of these spots don’t have the tech or the training to ride the AI wave, which means the inequality gap could get a steroid boost.

Georgieva waved the red flag on the potential for social unrest, too.

Imagine the young guns using AI as a cheat code for productivity while the seasoned pros can’t seem to catch a break. It’s the perfect recipe for a workplace drama and not the fun kind with cake on Fridays.

Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. Remember how ChatGPT became the talk of the town last year at WEF Davos?

Yeah, I don’t either, but that was just the appetizer. AI has since become more mainstream, and the cash is flowing in like never before. Despite the reshuffling of the workplace, AI might be the wild card we need.

The bottom line? AI is set to remodel our economic landscape – the challenge is to ensure it’s a renovation that benefits us all, not just the select few with the fanciest tools.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can ChatGPT do your job? OpenAI says yes, at least 19% of you
• GAMURS Group job ad ignites backlash in gaming/tech media
• Microsoft shakes up keyboard layout with new AI Copilot key
• This website lets you clone anyone’s voice in under 30 seconds

The post AI’s rise could put 40% of global jobs at risk appeared first on KnowTechie.

Announced at CES 2024, the AirFlow earbuds are designed to cater to both the audiophile and the professional, ensuring that whether you’re jamming to tunes or jumping on a conference call, you’re covered with clean audio.

According to EMEET, the comfort of these earbuds is unparalleled, thanks to the company’s meticulous testing on over 2560 ear shapes.

The result is an ergonomic earhook design, complete with a skin-friendly coating and stabilizer fins for a secure, barely-there fit. Each earbud weighs a mere 8.5 grams, ensuring all-day comfort without the bulk.

But the real showstopper is the AirFlow’s detachable microphone boom. This not only enhances call clarity but also brings flexibility to the user experience.

Paired with EMEET’s VoiceCore noise-canceling technology, the AirFlow provides dual-channel noise cancellation – minimizing distractions for both the speaker and the listener.

Looking after your health, the AirFlow’s charging case comes equipped with a UV light, sterilizing up to 99.99% of bacteria like colibacillus and staphylococcus aureus.

Plus, there’s a hearing protection reminder via the EMEET TUNE app, showcasing EMEET’s commitment to your auditory wellness.

For music lovers, the AirFlow doesn’t skimp on sound. Thanks to HyperBass and a 16.2mm dynamic

driver, the bass performance is robust and rich, satisfying even the most discerning ears.

Wrapping up the package, the EMEET AirFlow promises 8 hours of playtime on a single charge and a total of 40 hours with the charging case. And with an IPX5 waterproof rating, these earbuds are ready to tackle workouts and workdays alike.

EMEET’s AirFlow earbuds are already making a splash in the open-ear market, setting a new standard for what users can expect from their audio gear.

Available now via the company’s website, the EMEET AirFlow earbuds can be yours for $179.99.

As a launch special, shoppers can snag them at a discounted price for a limited time for $50 off, exclusively on emeet.com.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Master & Dynamic unveils MW09 active noise-canceling earbuds
• Sony Pulse Explore headset, Pulse Elite earbuds get launch dates
• Review: QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds
• Air4 Pro earbuds: Your pocket-friendly option for quality audio

The post EMEET AirFlow earbuds are made to take your worst business calls appeared first on KnowTechie.

According to multiple sources, YouTube has been caught red-handed, intentionally dragging its feet when it comes to loading videos for users who are using ad-blocking tools.

Reports from Android Police, supplemented by user rants on Reddit and discussions on Hacker News, suggest that YouTube has been deliberately slowing down video load times for those with ad blockers enabled.

This isn’t their first rodeo either; it seems to be similar to a test they ran back in November. The move appears to be part of a broader campaign to discourage the use of ad blockers, which are a thorn in the side of YouTube’s ad revenue model.

While YouTube is pointing the finger at ad blockers for the slowdown, some are calling out the platform for what they perceive as a tactical move to nudge users away from ad-blocking extensions.

What’s really happening here?

Some speculate that this might even be a step towards pushing users to switch to browsers where YouTube’s parent company, Google, can exert more control, like Chrome.

And then there’s Raymond Hill, the creator of uBlock Origin, the open-sourced ad blocker. Hill suggests that the situation is more complex than initially thought.

He claims that deactivating ad blockers isn’t a silver bullet for the slowdown. Instead, the residual code from these extensions continues to affect page load times until the pages are completely refreshed or reopened.

It’s also not an issue exclusive to YouTube. Hill indicates that similar performance hitches could plague any dynamically updating websites.

For those installing uBlock Origin afresh, Hill advises patience while the filter lists update, after which webpages should function without hiccups.

So, what does YouTube have to say about all this?

They’ve confirmed that the ‘suboptimal experience’ is indeed a result of using ad blockers regardless of the browser, according to a statement provided back in early November 2023.

It seems like a clear message: disable ad blockers on YouTube or prepare for a less-than-stellar streaming experience.

It’s a bold strategy, Cotton. Let’s see if it pays off for them. Meanwhile, users might start looking for new ways to bypass these digital roadblocks or, heaven forbid, actually sit through a few ads. 

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• You can now export your Google Podcasts shows to YouTube Music
• Teens are tuned in to TikTok and YouTube ‘almost constantly’
• YouTube Premium price hike to soon hit grandfathered accounts
• Google Bard gets the ability to understand YouTube videos

The post YouTube is punishing ad-block users with longer load times appeared first on KnowTechie.

Now, let’s not pretend Musk hasn’t raised eyebrows before. Do you remember the time he puffed the magic dragon on camera? I mean, who doesn’t?

Yeah, that kept the media cycle busy for months and eventually led NASA to cough up $5 million to probe whether SpaceX was staying on the straight and narrow.

In the end, SpaceX has passed with flying colors, proving they’ve been good space cadets when it comes to the no-nos of narcotics.

Indeed, Musk himself has proclaimed that he and his space squad have been acing drug tests for a while, leaving those tattle-tale tabloids to munch on their own words.

But at the same time, figuring out how to pass a drug test when you’re the richest person on the planet doesn’t sound all that hard. Heck, one of my cousins does it every month.

NASA has confirmed that mandatory random drug testing is the norm for SpaceX employees, ensuring that their only trips are strictly of the galactic variety.

With the rocket launches safe and sound from any high-flying shenanigans, Musk and his team remain steadfast in their mission to conquer the skies—no illicit substances required.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Elon Musk’s rebranded Twitter, X, sees a major drop in value
• Is Elon Musk actually good at business?
• How to mute Elon Musk on Twitter and remove him from your timeline
• Where is Elon Musk from?

The post NASA says Elon Musk’s urine is clean appeared first on KnowTechie.

According to a Reddit thread, you’re gonna need Face ID to pre-order this fancy gadget. So, for those rocking an iPhone SE 3, you might be out of luck.

Now, Yahoo! Finance is also spilling the beans about the necessity of Face ID. It seems like Apple’s going all in on the “no face, no service” policy.

And if you plan on getting your hands on one on day one, pre-orders kick off January 19th, so better make sure your iPhone or iPad Pro is ready for its close-up.

Interestingly, Apple’s official website is playing it cool not to mention the Face ID hoopla for pre-orders. But they do talk about this “Optic ID” thing – sounds like something out of a sci-fi flick, right?

So, in a nutshell, if you want to get your hands on the Vision Pro, you better make sure your device knows your face. And for those with non-Face ID devices, well, there’s always the next Apple release. Hang in there, folks

When and where can you preorder the Vision Pro?

Again, Apple Vision Pro will be available for pre-order starting on Friday, January 19, at 5 a.m. PST, with availability beginning on Friday, February 2.

Pricing starts at $3,499 (U.S). Customers can pre-order Apple Vision Pro from all U.S. Apple Store locations and the U.S. Apple Store online.

Do you plan on jumping on the Vision Pro bandwagon? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple Vision Pro box contents revealed ahead of pre-orders
• Apple Vision Pro could launch as early as January 26, says leak
• Apple Vision Pro 2 to get brighter, more efficient Samsung display
• Why the Apple Vision Pro might be a challenge to get your hands on in 2024

The post If you plan on preordering Apple’s Vision Pro, better own an iPhone appeared first on KnowTechie.