Small-biz boost: TikTok isn’t my favorite, either, but if you have a small biz, it’s a good way to reach a ton of customers. Here’s a free webinar on how to make successful TikTok ads.
Use Roku? You may lose dozens of channels soon
If we’re honest, most of us would admit we have a binge-watching problem. At least over the last year or so while we spent so much time at home. But with so much to watch, it could be a difficult choice to decide which streaming services get your cash.
While streaming providers compete against each other over your money, they are also competing over content. Sometimes boardroom battles can get nasty, as the ongoing dispute between Google and Roku has proved.
In April this year, there was a real possibility that YouTube TV could have been pulled from Roku devices. That crisis was prevented, but the internal arguments are far from over. Keep reading to find out why you could lose some popular channels soon.
Here’s the backstory
Google owns YouTube, and it is yet to reach an agreement with Roku over the distribution of its content. The negotiations have been going on for months, and the Dec. 9, 2021 deadline is fast approaching.
The deadlock stems from discussions in April when Roku claimed YouTube had anti-competitive demands and preferential treatment for other companies. If a deal is not reached soon, Google will remove YouTube and YouTube TV from Roku devices. This includes 85 popular channels.
One issue is Roku claims that Google manipulates search results to favor its own content.
“While we are working to resolve our differences, we want to be transparent about these negotiations. As we shared in April, the threat remains that Google may remove YouTube TV from the Roku platform,” Roku said in a blog post.
What you can do about it
It will be a big blow for Roku customers if YouTube and other channels under Google’s umbrella get pulled from the service. YouTube has fired back, pulling no punches. “Roku has once again chosen to make unproductive and baseless claims rather than try to work constructively with us,” it said.
With so much animosity between the companies, it’s looking unlikely that they will be able to agree before the deadline hits. So, if YouTube is removed from Roku, what are your options?
YouTube TV will still be available on Chromecast, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV devices and Apple TV. The app is also available on the Xbox and PlayStation gaming consoles and Android and iOS devices. Tap or click here for our streaming comparison: Roku vs. Apple TV vs. Fire TV vs. Chromecast.
Data breach warning: Wireless network usernames and passwords hacked
Verizon customers are having a bad week. Many have been receiving texts claiming to be from the company, thanking them for paying their bills. The message includes a link supposedly offering a little gift. Of course, it’s actually a scam looking to rip them off. Tap or click here for complete details.
Why isn't anyone talking about the Verizon outage?
Did your cell service go out on Monday? Millions of Verizon customers were left in the dark and no one’s explaining why.
“Needless Markup” hacked: Hackers stole info from at least 64,472 Neiman Marcus customers and employees, including names, contact details and birth dates. The data is for sale on the dark web for $150,000.
600,000 routers
Destroyed in 72 hours by a mysterious hacker. In October 2023, thousands of Windstream internet customers reported their routers had suddenly gone dark. A new security report reveals it was a targeted attack using a single piece of malware anyone can find online. The who and why are both still a mystery.
Amazon banned 600 Chinese brands for sketchy reviews
There are only a few online stores that can compete with Amazon. By sheer numbers, Amazon easily beats the nearest competitor in product selection. Tap or click here to avoid falling for this Amazon trick that will cost you money.
New cars, AI, and unhappy customers
Thinking about splurging on a new car? Discover why some of the latest high-tech features might be more hassle than they’re worth and how you can save big by skipping the tech gimmicks.
🎨 Give the kids (and yourself) some culture: Bank of America customers get free admission to museums nationwide for the first weekend of every month. Perfect for summer vacation!
How to make money in podcasting
We talk with Rob Walch from Libsyn about the current state of podcasting and get his top tips for starting your own podcast. Plus, X makes your ‘likes’ private, SoftBank uses AI to make angry customers sound calm, and nobody likes being called a bot.
Ticketmaster hack exposes data of 560M customers
Got concert tickets? Your personal info might be on the market. Plus, why Gen Z is ditching driving, the latest malicious apps on Google Play, and how an international burglary ring is using Wi-Fi jammers.
Power move: T‑Mobile is shelling out $4.4 billion to acquire almost all of UScellular’s network and customers and compete with the Big Two (Verizon and AT&T). If you have UScellular or T‑Mobile, expect better 5G service across the country, especially in rural areas. UScellular customers can keep their current plan or switch to T‑Mobile.
Too much power: Advertisers can now use Walmart’s shopping data for targeted ads on Disney+ and Hulu. Disney Advertising and Walmart Connect’s partnership gives marketers access to 145 million customers. They say they’ll match users’ data “without violating their privacy,” but they always say that.
😤 Dangerous oversight: A heartbreaking 15 folks have died after ingesting sodium nitrate, listed on Amazon as a food preservative. It’s safe at low concentrations, but it was sold at 99% purity. Now, the victims’ families are suing, saying Amazon ignored warnings, deleted bad reviews and nudged customers to buy. Amazon’s defense? It says it’s not liable for how customers use its products.
Insurance cancelled? Blame the drones
Customers are suddenly finding their coverage vanish. Here’s why.
AT&T’s massive breach: They finally confirmed a data breach affecting 73 million current and former customers … after pointing fingers and denying it happened. AT&T has reset 7.6 million passcodes and will reach out if your account was breached. Reset your passcode now for good measure.
The last straw: Password manager LastPass has all kinds of drama around keeping its customers’ logins safe. The latest: A fake app pretending to be the real deal was pulled from the Apple App Store. If you recently downloaded LastPass onto your iPhone, iPad or Mac, it’s time for a complete password purge. I recommend Total Password (it’s just $19).
More bad news for EVs
The news just kept getting worse for the electric vehicle industry. Here’s why customers aren’t buying.
EVs - why customers don’t like what they see
Feel the pressure to buy an electric vehicle? Here’s why buyers aren’t thrilled with them.
The DoorDash shakedown
DoorDash has issued a warning to all their customers. Here’s all you need to know.