All articles tagged with #premium features
Meta is rolling out a paid variant of WhatsApp called WhatsApp Plus that emphasizes cosmetic upgrades (premium stickers, themes, pinned chats, and custom ringtones). Pricing is reportedly modest (PKR 229 to €2.49), while core messaging remains free; Instagram Plus is also being explored with similar premium concepts, and no release date has been announced.
Samsung is considering introducing paid subscription plans for its Samsung Health platform to offer advanced health insights and coaching features, which may be limited to newer Galaxy Watch models and available as part of a premium service, though pricing and launch dates are not yet decided.
Bluesky, a social networking startup and competitor to X, is exploring a subscription model called Bluesky+, as revealed in a recent mockup on GitHub. The mockup suggests potential premium features like higher quality video uploads, profile customizations, and verification badges, though these are not finalized. The proposed pricing is $8 per month or $72 annually. Bluesky is also considering other revenue streams, such as selling domain names and ads. The company emphasizes that the mockup features are not guaranteed to be part of the final subscription offering.
After a year of absence, blue check marks have reappeared on some large and influential accounts on X, following Elon Musk's changes to the platform. Musk announced that accounts with more than 2,500 verified subscriber followers would receive X Premium features for free, including the return of the blue check mark. However, the blue check mark has become associated with paying for a subscription and has been a target of mockery. Some recipients are choosing to hide the check mark, and many previously verified accounts with smaller followings have not been restored to their former status. Additionally, Musk announced a "purge of bots & trolls" and Meta's Threads is attracting disgruntled X users.
Google is considering introducing premium features for its AI-powered search engine, potentially incorporating them into its existing subscription services. This move would mark the tech giant's first attempt to put core products behind a paywall as it aims to compete in the rapidly evolving AI space. The traditional ad-supported search engine would remain free for all users, and the company emphasized that it is not considering an ad-free search experience.
The OnePlus 12 aims to challenge Samsung and Google flagships by striking a balance between premium features and affordability. With impressive specifications including a record-breaking display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a large battery with fast charging capabilities, the OnePlus 12 competes with top-tier smartphones. Notably, the camera system has received significant upgrades, offering improved zoom capabilities and video recording. The pricing of the OnePlus 12 outside of China remains uncertain, but if priced competitively, it has the potential to be a strong contender for the best-value flagship phone of 2024.
Samsung is reportedly developing a Chromebook Plus laptop, as indicated by a code commit found by ChromeUnboxed. The device, codenamed 'Pirrha,' is expected to feature a 12th-gen Intel Core i3-N305 processor, similar to the Lenovo Chromebook Slim 3i. Google's Chromebook Plus program certifies premium Chrome OS laptops with higher-end specifications, and if Samsung incorporates its premium features like an OLED screen and S Pen, it could create a compelling offering. The launch of the Galaxy Chromebook Plus is anticipated in the coming weeks.
Shortwave, an email app developed by former Google employees as a successor to Google Inbox, has officially launched on Android after 18 months of beta testing. The app offers features similar to Inbox, including Bundles, Delivery Schedules, and AI-powered smart replies. While the basic version is free, premium features require a $9 monthly subscription. Shortwave aims to fill the void left by the discontinuation of Google Inbox in 2019.
Amazon UK is offering a 23% discount on the 128GB Obsidian-colored Google Pixel 7, allowing customers to save £138. The Pixel 7 boasts premium features such as an AI-powered Tensor G2 chipset, 50 MP camera, 6.3-inch OLED display, and a 4,355mAh battery. The deal is a great opportunity for those who want to own a high-end smartphone at a discounted price.
Buick has introduced its all-new Envista small SUV, which will be used to attract sedan owners, young professionals, and small families to the brand. The Envista has the cargo space of an SUV with a sedan-like feel and starts at $23,495. It is part of Buick's transformational journey that started with the Wildcat EV concept revealed last year. The Envista is the first model in Buick's lineup to fully incorporate the design cues from the Wildcat concept. The 2024 Envista is expected to enter production in Korea next month.
Volkswagen has unveiled the ID.7, its first global electric model for the upper mid-size class, with ranges up to 700 km (WLTP), superior powertrain, spacious interior, and premium technologies. The ID.7 launch is planned for this year in Europe and China, and from 2024 in North America. The model features a new operating and display concept, massage seats, electronically dimmable panoramic sunroof, and enhanced best-in-class assistance systems. Volkswagen plans to offer the widest electric range of all manufacturers in Europe by 2026, from the entry-level model for less than 25,000 euros up to the ID.7 as the new top model within the ID. family.
Tinder is reportedly testing a $500-a-month subscription called "Tinder Vault" that would give users access to a "personalized concierge service" and a "priority pass" for profile boosts. The feature is still in early stages, and the company is leaving itself room to change the name, price, or any other aspect of this potential offering. The move is part of Tinder's efforts to broaden monetization and move away from its hook-up app image. The dating app conglomerate Match Group, which owns Tinder, has previously purchased dating platform The League, which also offers pricey access options.