Roku was hacked over the weekend. To keep yourself protected, I suggest changing your password ASAP!
Netflix just raised its prices again – Here's how much you'll be charged
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Streaming services raising prices is commonplace these days. It happens more often than you’d hope. DirecTV already increased its pricing late last year.
Now, Netflix has decided to increase costs. Again.
The popular streaming service, which has around 214 million subscribers globally, increased its prices early last year. Read on to see how much more you’ll be paying now.
Here’s the backstory
The streaming giant certainly isn’t the only company keeping up with the traditional bill hike. It raised the price of its Standard plan to $13.99 last year and was swiftly followed by Hulu and DirecTV Stream.
All three Netflix plans are being increased, ranging from $1 to $2. As for why costs are rising, Netflix said expenses to bring viewers the shows they enjoy have gone up.
“We’re updating our prices so that we can continue to offer a wide variety of quality entertainment options. As always we offer a range of plans so members can pick a price that works for their budget,” the company explained.
What you can do about it
Here is a breakdown of what the plans will cost when you sign up for Netflix today as a new user. Netflix will send you an email 30 days before your price change kicks in if you are an existing subscriber.
Basic plan
- Goes up $1 from $8.99 to $9.99 per month
- Can watch on only one screen at a time
- 1 phone or tablet can have downloads
- Unlimited movies, TV shows and mobile games
- Not available in HD
- Not available in Ultra HD
Standard plan
Streaming comparison: Roku vs. Apple TV vs. Fire TV vs. Chromecast
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The pandemic boosted the popularity of streaming as social distancing and remote work caused people to stay home. Online media companies helped fill the void by expanding their libraries and adding new content to stream, including big-budget productions that never made it to theaters.
📺 Wait, what was I watching? Roku has you covered. Go to the Home Screen, hit What to Watch and scroll to Continue Watching. Your shows are waiting to pick up where you left off.
Is 'oatzempic' a weight-loss miracle?
TikTok claims an oatmeal and lime smoothie can help you lose 20 pounds a month. Plus, there’s a major Roku hack, you can’t be anonymous on OpenTable and be careful what you click on X.
🐶 Streaming that wags: Want dog or cat videos on a loop? If you have a Roku device (now 28% off), check out their lineup of free channels for pet and animal lovers. Sure, there are ads, but free is still free. Perfect background noise for you or your furry friend.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Hulu won't work on these streaming devices soon
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One of the saddest things about following tech is how transient everything is. Today’s hot commodity can become yesterday’s garbage in a matter of weeks, and the cycle is inevitable for any kind of device once enough time has passed.
Rude awakening: Ever fall asleep watching TV? If you have a Roku, press the asterisk button on your remote to open the menu. Scroll to Volume mode and use the arrows to change it. Leveling makes sounds even so things like ads won’t jolt you awake. Night mode makes quiet sounds like whispering louder and lowers more intense sounds, like shouting.
🔍 Where’s the remote? If it’s for a Roku, here’s a trick to find it. Just open the Roku app, tap the microphone, and say, “Hey, Roku, find my remote.” Follow the beeping to track it down. Once you find it, press any button to stop the sound.
So, you unwrapped something techy and you’re already having trouble. Before searching online for help, know it’s dangerous to Google tech company phone numbers.
Scammers work the system to get spoofed websites and numbers as the top search results via ads. Instead of waiting for a response to an online form, try calling the manufacturer or tech company directly. I’ve included links below in case you’d rather use a contact form or chat service:
- Amazon: 888-280-4331; Amazon website
- Microsoft: 800-642-7676; Microsoft support
- Apple: 800-275-2273; Apple support
- Google: 650-253-0000; Google support
- Meta: 650-543-4800 (Heads-up: It’s hard to get someone to answer); Facebook support, Instagram support
- Roku: 816-272-8106; Roku support
- Samsung: 800-726-7864; Samsung support
- PayPal: 888-221-1161; PayPal support
An older CEO, long past retirement, called IT for support. He asked, “How can I print this document?” IT said, “All you need to do is Ctrl + P.” The CEO replied, “I haven’t been able to do that for years!” (I heard you laugh!)
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Stream 4K for free: If you have Sling TV, you’ll be able to stream sports in 4K starting this week, including NFL games and the Olympics. You’ll see two versions of an event as you browse. Just click the one labeled “4K” to watch. You’ll need a Roku or Fire TV with 4K in the name, too. Here’s the full list of compatible devices.
Roku frustration: Roku’s recent update added motion-smoothing to TVs, and people are fuming since there’s no way to turn it off. This feature is meant for fast-moving scenes, like sports, and it completely ruins movies. I’ll update you when they fix it.
Is 'oatzempic' a weight-loss miracle?
TikTok claims an oatmeal and lime smoothie can help you lose 20 pounds a month. Plus, there’s a major Roku hack, you can’t be anonymous on OpenTable and be careful what you click on X.
Yes, your streaming device is tracking you
Ever wonder how your Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV seem to know who you are? I uncover the secrets of their prying eyes.