The company has been aware that password sharing has been eating away at its profits for years, and it is finally preparing to address the issue.

A new report from The Wall Street Journal outlines how Netflix plans to address it.

Under its new rules, Netflix will start charging extra to users who share their passwords with people outside their homes.

It has already tested a similar feature in Latin America, charging around $3 for each extra household on an account.

WSJ says Netflix could adopt a similar method in the United States. The company may charge just below the $6.99 it costs for an ad-supported tier to add an additional household to an account.

By doing that, Netflix could potentially sway users to sign up for their own accounts instead of using a shared account.

The company plans on enforcing its new sharing rule by looking at IP addresses, device IDs, and other account activity.

Netflix has been aware of password sharing for years now. However, it turned a blind eye after a huge uptick in subscribers and revenue thanks to the pandemic.

But now, the platform has been losing subscribers for the first time in a long time. It hopes ending password sharing could help regain some lost revenue.

Netflix is treading lightly with this change, however. The company knows it will lose a lot of goodwill with customers by ending password sharing.

Look for the company to gradually start cracking down on password sharing worldwide in the next few months.

So much for “love is sharing a password,” right?

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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• Netflix finally lets you log out of individual devices remotely

The post Netflix to put an end to password sharing in early 2023 appeared first on KnowTechie.

According to Reuters, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is considering acquiring the entertainment company. The reporter presents the argument for this potential acquisition

The biggest reason is that it “make[s] strategic sense” as the two companies already work together.

Microsoft is Netflix’s ad partner for its ad-supported tier. The Netflix board has one seat taken up by Microsoft President Brad Smith.

A merger would enable the two to keep creating what they already do. It would also give Netflix a larger pot of money to create original content with.

Microsoft Azure servers could host Netflix, removing its reliance on Amazon Web Services. It would also provide a platform for game streaming, something Microsoft wants to bring to every platform.

Will this prediction come true? We can’t see any reason not, other than Microsoft cutting spending as a hedge against a recession.

Microsoft could still have anti-trust issues

Microsoft is currently trying to clear regulatory hurdles in its purchase of Activision Blizzard for the modest price of $69 billion.

The Federal Trade Commission has taken the unusual step of suing to block the merger.

That lawsuit came mere days after Microsoft offered a ten-year contract to keep Call of Duty games on PlayStation consoles.

Will the FTC succeed in blocking the merger? We don’t know, but it can’t be counted out.

The baffling thing is that Xbox is in third place in the console wars. Sony is the market leader, and they’re the ones saying Call of Duty could break them.

The level of hypocrisy is staggering. Sony has long used market dominance to force developers into time-gated or exclusive content.

Bungie, the maker of the Destiny series, still has content for those games that are only accessible on PlayStation consoles.

Sony even owns the developer, paying $3.6 billion for the company earlier this year.

Microsoft used to own Bungie, and they created the flagship Halo game for the original Xbox launch. Then it went independent before signing a ten-year contract with Activision.

Is Sony really worried about the market, or are they just unhappy they didn’t try buying Activision-Blizzard first?

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Xbox is going to win the console war without even selling any games
• Netflix is reportedly making a push to acquire Roku
• Netflix finally lets you log out of individual devices remotely
• Disney streaming services now match Netflix subscriber numbers

The post Could Netflix be Microsoft’s next acquisition target? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Netflix’s licensing rights aren’t always global, so content changes from region to region. VPNs can change your location, but does that work with Netflix?

Using a VPN, you can simulate an IP address from another country. In theory, you could use this to tell Netflix you are in a different country.

So how does Netflix feel about you doing this? Will a VPN even work with Netflix? We’ll answer those questions down below.

Will your VPN work with Netflix?

Short answer: Yes, but it might not work as expected

Technically, there isn’t anything in Netflix’s terms of use that say you can’t use a VPN when using the streaming platform.

In fact, the company’s FAQ page confirms that it allows people to use a VPN when streaming. But you will typically only have access to global content.

Netflix is constantly working to stop VPNs from being able to stream regional content to make sure its licensing agreements remain intact.

VPN companies try to work around the constant blocks. But the streaming giant generally stays ahead of most VPNs, and you’ll only see non-region-locked content when using one.

What are the best VPNs for Netflix?

As we’ve outlined above, VPNs on Netflix often don’t work. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try trusted options.

ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are solid VPNs stuffed with features to help you stay secure while using your computer.

Just keep in mind that the platform will likely be working against you (and the VPN companies).

You might have to find alternate solutions

Ultimately, you might have to look elsewhere if you are looking for a specific show or movie. Another streaming service might have it. Or you could rent it from somewhere like Amazon Prime Video.

Hopefully, this quick explainer broke down everything you need to know about using a VPN with Netflix. We’ll continue to up this if the streaming giant ever changes its stance.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to download Netflix shows and movies on basically any device
• Can you download Netflix shows and movies on a laptop?
• Does Netflix have the same shows and movies in every country?
• Here’s why Netflix is really cracking down on password-sharing

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

The post Can you still use a VPN with Netflix? appeared first on KnowTechie.

When Disney Plus added a bunch of Marvel shows, the platform updated its parental controls to account for the more mature content.

Now, the company lets parents set the content level for certain profiles attached to the account.

Users can also set passcodes to protect their profiles from being breached by prying eyes. Here’s what you need to know.

How to set content rating limits on Disney Plus

The main resource parents have at their disposal on Disney Plus is the ability to set content rating limits on individual profiles. You can set limits for your kids at various levels, from TV-Y up to TV-MA.

In fact, setting these content rating limits will stop users from watching content at or above the limited rating on the individual profile.

You can set rating limits on the Disney Plus website and the mobile app.

Set content rating limits on the website

First, we’ll check out how to set content rating limits on a profile through the Disney Plus website. The process is pretty similar on both platforms, though the menus might look a little different.

Start by heading to the Disney Plus website and logging into your account:

1. Click your profile picture in the top right

2. Select Edit Profiles

3. Select the profile you wish to add controls to (this is where you can create a new profile if you want)

4. At the bottom, select Content Rating

5. Enter your password, then Continue

6. Choose the content rating you want then click Save

There you go. As you can see, you’ll be able to set your content rating limits at varying levels, depending on the kind of content that you want your kids to be able to see.

Set content rating limits on the mobile app

If you primarily use the Disney Plus app on your mobile device, don’t worry. You can also set content rating limits through the mobile app, though the menus could look a little different.

Start by downloading the Disney Plus app on your iOS or Android device and log into your account:

1. Tap your profile picture in the bottom right

2. Tap Edit Profiles

3. Select the profile you wish to add parental controls to (this is where you can create a new profile if you want)

4. At the bottom, select Content Rating

5. Enter your password and select Confirm

6. Select your preferred content rating and tap Save at the top right

That’s all you have to do. Now, whenever a person goes to watch content on that profile, the parental controls will kick in and limit the available content accordingly.

How to use the Kid’s Profile parental control in Disney Plus

Another feature available on Disney Plus is the ability to create a “Kid’s Profile.” When you label a profile as a Kid’s Profile, the platform automatically limits its content to anything considered suitable for all viewers.

Additionally, the Kid’s Profile feature changes the platform’s interface to a much more kid-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate.

There’s also an option that requires the viewer to complete a captcha before exiting a Kid’s Profile to help ensure that your kids aren’t exiting and hopping into other profiles unnoticed.

Again, you can set up a Kid’s Disney Plus Profile on either the website or through the platform’s mobile app.

How to set up a Kid’s Profile on the website

First, we’ll check out the Kid’s Profile feature on the Disney Plus website. Setting up a Kid’s Profile is pretty simple and can be done to any profile (aside from the primary one), even after it has been created.

Start by logging into your account on the Disney Plus website:

1. Click your profile picture in the top right

2. Select Edit Profiles

3. Choose the profile you wish to change into a Kid’s Profile

4. Near the bottom, toggle the Kid’s Profile option on

That’s all there is to that. After you toggle the Kid’s Profile option, you can toggle the Kid-Proof Exit.

This will require a simple captcha-like entry before you can switch to another profile. If you want to turn this option on, you’ll have to confirm the change with your password.

How to set up a Kid’s Profile on the mobile app

Now we can check out how to set up the Kid’s Profile parental control option on the Disney Plus mobile app. Fortunately, the process is similar, though the menus might look slightly different.

Start by downloading the Disney Plus app for iOS or Android and log into your account:

1. Tap your profile picture in the bottom right

2. Select Edit Profiles

3. Select the profile you wish to add Kids Mode to (this is where you can create a new profile if you want)

4. Swipe down and toggle the Kids Profile option on

You won’t have to confirm your password to change to a Kid’s Profile, but you might have to confirm it if you wish to change back to a normal profile.

Again, you can add the Kid-Proof Exit option to require a small, captcha-like input before a user can switch from the Kid’s Profile to another profile on the account.

How to add a PIN to your Disney Plus profile

The last parental control option available on Disney Plus is the ability to add a PIN to your profile. The streaming service will let you add 4-digit PINs to individual profiles within the Disney Plus account.

While this isn’t necessarily parental control in terms of monitoring a child’s use of a profile, it will lock others out if they don’t have the PIN.

Without that, they’ll be required to use another profile, or they won’t be able to use the account at all.

This process is very similar to the other parental control processes mentioned above. And, like the others, you can do it either through the Disney Plus website or through the iOS or Android mobile app.

How to add a PIN to your Disney Plus profile on the website

First, we’ll check out how to add a Disney Plus PIN through the website. The first few steps are exactly the same as the other parental control options above.

As always, start by heading to the Disney Plus website and logging into your account:

1. Click your profile picture on the top right

2. Select Edit Profiles

3. Choose the profile you wish to add a PIN to

4. Scroll down and click Profile PIN

5. Enter your password and select Continue

6. Check the box and enter a PIN. Click Save when you’re finished

And there you go. Once you add a Disney Plus PIN to your profile, you’ll have to enter the 4-digit number anytime you wish to watch content from that account.

And you can always edit your Disney Plus profile PIN by returning to the same place.

Again, this is another layer of security that you can add to keep your nosy kids from seeing content they’re not supposed to see.

How to set a PIN to your Disney Plus profile on the mobile app

And finally, you can set up a PIN for your Disney Plus profile using the mobile iOS or Android app. If you’ve been following along with this guide, the steps for this process will be pretty familiar.

Start by downloading the Disney Plus app for iOS or Android and logging into your account:

1. Select your profile picture in the bottom right

2. Select Edit Profiles

3. Choose the profile you wish to add a PIN to

4. Scroll to the bottom and select Profile PIN

5. Enter your password and tap Confirm

6. Toggle the Profile PIN option on and enter a PIN. Tap Save at the top right to confirm

Now your account will have an extra layer of security thanks to the 4-digit passcode.

You’ll have to enter the PIN every time you want to watch content from that profile, but no one else can access your profile without it.

Secure your Disney Plus profiles with parental controls

So there you have it. As you can tell, Disney Plus offers several options for parental control and security.

Whether you want to limit the content rating for your kids or create a Kid’s Profile tailored specifically for young ones, Disney Plus will let you do it.

You can also add a 4-digit PIN to each individual profile within an account. So you’ll have an extra layer of protection to help keep your kids away from the content you don’t want them to see.

Fortunately, setting up parental controls on Disney Plus is relatively simple, as long as you know where to look.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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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 How to update Disney Plus parental controls appeared first on KnowTechie.

And now, many video game developers and entertainment producers are turning some of the most beloved game franchises into TV shows.

After the success of shows like The Witcher and Riot’s Arcane (based on League of Legends), there are plenty of others looking to bring video game stories to television platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

We’ve scoured the web in search of all the popular video games that are rumored or revealed to be currently in the works. Check out some of our favorites below.

These video games are being turned into a TV series

There’s a big list of iconic game series being turned into TV shows, so buckle up and let’s get into it.

God of War

Rumors of a God of War television series circled around Amazon for a few months ahead of the release of 2022’s God of War Ragnarök.

Now, a month after the critically acclaimed sequel to 2018’s God of War was released, Amazon has confirmed that a God of War show is in the works.

The God of War show will be part of Amazon’s Prime Video service. It’ll cover the events of 2018’s God of War, seeing Kratos take on the gods of Norse mythology.

We don’t know too much about the upcoming show yet. We know that Rafe Judkins, the showrunner for Amazon’s The Wheel of Time adaptation, will take the reigns for the God of War show.

God of War is known for its brilliant story and character development, which could transfer wonderfully to a television adaptation. We’re looking forward to checking this one out when it makes its way to Amazon Prime Video.

Horizon Zero Dawn

In May of 2022, Sony revealed that its hit RPG Horizon Zero Dawn was making its way to TV screens via Netflix.

The post-apocalyptic story littered with terrifying robotic beasts was a major success for PlayStation, and it could translate well to the TV screen.

A few months after the original announcement, we learned who would handle the show-running duties for the upcoming show.

Umbrella Academy’s Steve Blackman is joining in alongside Michelle Lovretta, who’s known for two SyFy shows, Lost Girl and Killjoys.

We don’t have a lot in the way of details about the upcoming Horizon Zero Dawn show quite yet.

However, the apocalyptic world could make for some good television. We can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Resident Evil

Next, we have the upcoming Resident Evil series coming to Netflix. And this show’s actually coming pretty soon, with a release date of July 14 this year.

The Resident Evil TV series follows the Wesker kids and their journey into New Raccoon City.

Resident Evil has seen its fair share of screen time through movies. But this is the first time the popular video game franchise will get its own TV show.

The Last of Us

Next up, there’s the highly anticipated series based on the incredibly popular The Last of Us franchise from Naughty Dog.

The show will follow the series’ main protagonists, Joel and Ellie, as they rely on each other to traverse the post-apocalyptic United States.

HBO plans on launching The Last of Us TV series sometime in 2023.

As far as video games go, The Last of Us has a seemingly great plot for a TV show. So we have some high hopes for this one.

Gears of War

Gears of War is one of the biggest franchises in Xbox gaming history, and Netflix has decided to bring the series to Hollywood.

The streaming giant shared a tweet in November 2022 announcing the big news.

This adaptation will reportedly include a live-action film initially. The plan after that is to continue the story with an adult animated TV show.

Beyond that, Netflix didn’t share any details about the upcoming projects other than it is teaming up with The Coalition, the game’s creators and developers.

One thing we do know, however, is they’re going to have to find some big bodies to fill the pants of Gears of War characters.

Assassin’s Creed

Netflix announced its plans for a TV series based on the popular Assassin’s Creed video game franchise back in October 2020.

Like many shows on this list, the COVID pandemic caused a delay in this project. And it’s unclear when it will make its way to the streaming app.

The original deal between the two companies was for one live-action show, one animated show, and one anime series based on the franchise.

But it’s unclear if all three of those will come to fruition.

Pokémon live-action

Following the success of the 2019 film Detective Pikachu, Netflix reportedly scooped up a deal to create a live-action TV series based on the incredibly popular video game franchise.

Not much is known about the upcoming series other than the identity of the show’s writer and producer.

Joe Henderson, the frontrunner for another Netflix show, Lucifer, will take up the mantle of writer and producer in the Pokémon TV series.

Twisted Metal

Next up on the list is a wacky concept that I certainly didn’t expect.

In February of 2021, it was revealed that a show based on the vehicular combat classic Twisted Metal was in the works at Sony.

Initially, I wasn’t too excited about a Twisted Metal show. Video game TV shows tend either hit or miss, and Twisted Metal seems like a strange premise for a show.

But it’s said to be an action-comedy starring Anthony Mackie, so there could be potential for a successful show there.

There isn’t a lot of information about the show other than a recent revelation that it will be available on Peacock.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

After the turbulent release of CD Projekt Red’s latest title, Cyberpunk 2077, the company announced plans to release an anime spinoff based on the game.

The series will revolve around a teenage “edgerunner,” or mercenary outlaw, who does what they must to survive.

CD Projekt Red announced the upcoming show in 2020 alongside the game’s release. Cyberpunk Edgerunners is still slated for a Netflix release in September 2022.

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon

Adi Shankar, the creator of the popular Castlevania series adaptation on Netflix, announced another video game adaptation for the platform.

Captain Laswerhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix is based heavily on the Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon expansion from 2013.

The show is in an alternate universe filled with automation and a tyrannical massive tech company, Eden.

Shankar originally revealed Captain Laserhawk in 2019, and Netflix hopped on board a couple of years later in 2021.

There’s still no official release date for the show, but it will span six episodes and be filled with characters familiar to Ubisoft games.

Castlevania: Nocturne

Castlevania has already had a successful run on Netflix, and it’s coming back for another new series. Castlevania: Nocturne was revealed at Netflix’s Geeked Week in 2022.

The new series takes supposedly takes place many years after the original series if it follows the video game’s lore.

The main character, Richter Belmont, is a descendant of characters in the previous series. Kevin Kolde will be the showrunner for Castlevania: Nocturne, having worked on the original Netflix series.

There’s no official release date yet, but some estimate it could be coming in the summer of 2023.

Devil May Cry

Adi Shankar is back once again with yet another animated series for Netflix. This time, they’ll be taking on the Devil May Cry series.

Devil May Cry: The Animated Series is an adaptation of the popular action-adventure series coming to Netflix.

It will feature many characters familiar to those who played the game, such as Dante, Vergil, and Lady. The initial season will take place over eight episodes, but Shankar says the story doesn’t stop there.

The plan is for Devil May Cry: The Animated Series to take place over multiple seasons.

We don’t know exactly when the show is coming, but the show has been in the works for a couple of years.

Knuckles spinoff

The sequel to the 2020 film Sonic the Hedgehog is set to hit theaters soon.

In a trailer for the movie, Knuckles, a familiar character for fans of the series, makes his debut as a new villain for Sonic.

And the show’s creators have confirmed that Knuckles will be getting his own TV series on Paramount+.

The studio revealed its plans for the series in a tweet a few months ago. It will star Idris Elba, who plays the antagonist in the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 2 movie.

It has a scheduled release date of 2023 on Paramount+, but we all know how planned release dates work these days.

Splinter Cell

Netflix surprised fans of the Splinter Cell series with the reveal of an upcoming animated series based on the video game back in June 2021.

We don’t know much about the series except that the show’s frontrunner will be Derek Kolstad, who created the John Wick series.

Like many TV shows mentioned in this list, it’s unclear exactly when the Splinter Cell show will make its way to our screens.

Fallout

One video game franchise that has long deserved a TV adaptation is Bethesda’s Fallout. And Amazon Studios will be the one to make that finally happen.

The Fallout TV series is currently in production at Amazon. We still don’t know anything about the plot or setting of the show or when we could expect a release date.

What we do know is that Amazon Studios has its work cut out for it developing one of the most beloved gaming franchises into a TV series adaption.

Dragon Age: Absolution

In June of 2022, Netflix announced Dragon Age: Absolution alongside a trailer for the upcoming animated show.

The show features an ensemble cast of characters straight out of Dragon Age lore, including elves, knights, mages, and more.

It’s planned to be a six-episode series set in the empire of Tevinter, a familiar Dragon Age location.

Dragon Age: Absolution is coming to Netflix in December of 2022.

The Witcher: Blood Origin

Following the initial success of The Witcher series on Netflix, the company signed on to develop a spinoff of the series.

The Witcher: Blood Origin gives an origin story of the Witcher brotherhood. It will be set 1,200 years before the story of Geralt of Rivia.

The Witcher TV show proves that this video game franchise is great for television. Hopefully, The Witcher: Blood Origin has the same feeling.

Like the original series, The Witcher: Blood Origin will be based on the fantasy novel series by Andrzej Sapkowski.

Although, the television adaptation will surely have its own spin. Netflix plans on releasing the series sometime in 2022.

Tomb Raider

Lara Croft is no stranger to the big screen. Tomb Raider was first introduced on the big screen more than 20 years ago. Since then, the franchise has seen several games, including a recent trilogy.

That trilogy is the groundwork for an upcoming animated Tomb Raider TV series adaptation on Netflix.

The developers of the latest trilogy, Crystal Dynamics, are teaming up with Legendary Television to bring an anime-style program to Netflix.

The show will pick up where the latest trilogy left off, with events following shortly after.

Like most of the entries on this list, we don’t know exactly when this show is coming, so keep your eyes peeled.

Sonic Prime animated

And to close out our list of upcoming video game TV shows, we have the upcoming Sonic Prime animated series set to hit Netflix sometime this year.

After the success of the Sonic the Hedgehog movie revitalized the franchise on the big screen in 2020, Netflix penned a deal to bring a new animated show, Sonic Prime, to its platform.

We don’t know exactly when the show will come out. But Netflix says it will be coming sometime in 2022.

And many more

And several other video game-based TV shows are in the works currently. There’s a live-action show in the works based on Ubisoft’s upcoming pirate game, Skull and Bones.

And the classic shooter, Brothers in Arms, is getting its own TV show, though details are still pretty limited.

Additionally, some classic RPGs could be making their TV debut soon. Sony revealed an upcoming live-action Final Fantasy TV series a couple of years ago.

Bioware’s beloved Mass Effect franchise is also getting its own show on Amazon.

As you can see, tons of video games are currently being adapted into TV series.

Like many other industries, the COVID pandemic hit the television industry hard. So, the current state of many of these titles is still up in the air.

We all know it’s pretty easy to turn a video game into a pretty abysmal representation on the TV screen.

Hopefully, some of these shows remain true to their core and deliver an entertaining experience for gamers who love these games.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Mario Golf is coming to Nintendo’s Switch Online Expansion Pack
• Max Payne 1 and 2 are getting remade on PC, PS5, and Xbox
• Unreal Engine 5 is here to take gaming to the next level
• Microsoft is reportedly adding a family plan to Xbox Game Pass

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 All the video games being turned into TV shows appeared first on KnowTechie.

We’ve known this change was coming since March, with pricing and the release date stated in August. The ad-free tier has increased in price to $10.99 per month.

To take the sting out of the increased price, ad-free subscribers can also download shows to watch while away from internet access.

Disney has said that it will show no more than four minutes of advertising per hour of watch time.

The House of Mouse hopes the ad-supported tier will stem the bleeding of revenue from the streaming service.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Disney+ has cost Disney “more than $8 billion over the past three years.”

Variety reports that the initial crop of advertisers includes premium companies like Chick-fil-A, Mercedes, and Marriott.

Those will be traditional ads, but Disney+ plans to bring innovative ad experiences starting in 2023.

Those could be interactive ads with links to the advertiser’s goods or services.

Perhaps we’ll see the ability to purchase products from advertising like Instagram.

Disney is also revamping its bundle offerings

Disney+ and Hulu are $9.99 a month, both being the ad-supported tiers. You can add ESPN+ to the mix for $12.99 a month.

If you want all three streaming services to be ad-free and have download options, it will cost $19.99 a month.

The subscriber count across Disney’s streaming services is now higher than the king of streamers, Netflix.

Will that still be the case now that the ad-free tier has increased?

Higher prices traditionally increase “churn,” or subscribers that temporarily cancel or suspend their service.

Disney might be betting on its brand recognition to mitigate this.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can you watch Netflix without an internet connection?
• TikTok is moving forward with its music streaming plans
• Peacock is finally strutting its way onto Amazon’s Fire TV
• HBO Max and Discovery Plus will be replaced by a new service

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 Disney+ ad-supported tier releases as ad-free price increases appeared first on KnowTechie.

It’s never been more complicated to figure out what you’re buying when you shop for a new TV.

Acronyms abound, as do buzzwords and unnecessary jargon. TV manufacturers love to give the same technology different, weirdly-specific names. It’s a mess, I know.

We can completely understand if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. You’re about to make a considerable-sized purchase. So, roll up your sleeves because it will require some research.

Previously, buyers could use price to determine the best TVs. That’s no longer the case, as the latest brands chew away at the big three – Sony, Samsung, and LG.

Thankfully, you can get a great TV for less if you choose a lesser-known brand. You might sacrifice a little polish or design, but the underlying technology remains.

2023 range TVs are hitting the market. To walk you through this big purchase, we’ll walk you through the terminology and specifications you should pay attention to.

Quick TV buying tips

In a hurry? Want the too-long, didn’t-read (TLDR) version? Here you go:

• 4K resolution, minimum: You don’t want a 1080p TV, FHD, or even 8K. 4K is the sweet spot.
• Budget for $500: A good entry-level 55-inch 4K TV will run you five bills.
• Check the native refresh rate: You’ll want either 60Hz or 120Hz, with higher being better. The more times the panel refreshes, the smoother your image will look.
• HDR-compatible: HDR offers more realistic colors and better contrast. Look for sets that mention Dolby Vision, HDR10+, or both.
• OLED looks the best (but is expensive): You can get a similar look with QLED from Samsung, Vizio, or TCL.
• 4 HDMI ports: You want at least four HDMI ports, preferably HDMI 2.1, if available. Oh, and at least one eARC port for use with a soundbar.
• Add budget for a soundbar: TV speakers are worse than ever, partly because of the thinner design. You’ll want at least a budget soundbar to make up for it.
• Extended warranties are just profit for the store: Buy on a credit card that extends the warranty for free. Amex and many other lenders will double or triple the manufacturers’ warranty.

Now you’ve got the quick list, here’s the longer version.

Display technology

All TVs on the market use one of two types of technology on their screens. An LED-LCD display or an OLED display.

There are many names for LED-LCD, such as QLED, NanoCell, and Mini-LED.  OLEDs can be either OLEDs or QD-OLEDs, which add quantum dots to OLED technology.

Let’s dive into what that actually means.

LED-LCD

Most TVs on the market use a form of this type of technology. It uses an LED backlight to shine through an LCD layer to create the image you see.

Some sets often use quantum-dot film over the LCD. This improves the color range, accuracy, and vibrancy of the panel. Most manufacturers call this QLED.

Q for quantum, right? While they’re cheaper to manufacture, they come with some drawbacks.

Relying on transmissive light from the backlight means it’s hard to reproduce black areas on the content.

You could even see light bleed around the edges of the screen. Manufacturers have produced multiple ways to increase black performance.

These include local dimming areas and larger numbers of smaller LEDs to make up the backlight.

Expect more TVs using Mini-LED backlighting to arrive on the market. These use tiny LEDs to create a more uniform backlight across the whole panel.

That allows for more control over local dimming and peak brightness.

Until OLEDs become more affordable or Micro-LEDs take over, we believe this is the best combination of price and performance.

NEO QLED

This is the newest tech from Samsung, which uses it on their entire 2021-2022 4K and 8K range.

It’s the next evolution of QLED, which still uses a quantum dot film to improve the color range, accuracy, and vibrancy, now paired with a Mini-LED backlight.

That means better local dimming zones, improving the contrast ratio.

LG uses this same tech, only they call it QNED. TCL and Hisense also sell mini-LED TVs using quantum dot films, but they don’t have a separate acronym to describe it.

OLED

OLED is a hugely different technology. The light comes from inside each pixel, so there is no need for a backlight. That means that TVs can be made thinner.

They can also have “perfect” black areas as they can turn off the pixels completely.

The flip side is that they can suffer from a “black crush.” That loses detail in dark shadows.

Early OLED TV sets had issues with burn-in. That happens when displaying static images on the screen has them permanently etched onto the screen.

Rtings did a 9000-hour test with six LG C7 OLED sets, and the only TVs that showed burn-in issues were displaying content with static lower-thirds, like sports programming and news channels.

That’s an OLED model from 2017, though, and the technology has vastly improved.

There should be no real reason that a new OLED will experience burn-in. New tech has been introduced by the manufacturers to mitigate any effects.

Did you know LG is the only company making OLED panels for TV use? Well, now you do.

One of these is pixel-shifting, where static content is moved slightly on the screen. So the same pixels aren’t always under stress.

New OLED panels also use pixel refresher routines that run every so many hours. OLED TVs also reduce brightness in any areas showing static images.

OLED has one main drawback these days, and that’s peak brightness. LG has added a white pixel to improve this, but it’s an imperfect solution.

The organic material in OLED panels isn’t permanently stable. The more brightness you try to get out of it, the lower its life expectancy.

QD-OLED

In normal OLED, red, blue, green, and white pixels emit light. QD-OLED works differently. In it, blue OLED material illuminates a film with red and green quantum dots on it.

Each pixel has this film on it, allowing it to create red, green, blue, or even pure white light.

As the quantum dots don’t lose light energy, they’re supposed to be brighter than traditional OLED panels.

QD-OLED is still in its initial stages. Only Sony and Samsung TVs use it, and Dell/Alienware on one gaming monitor. W

We’ll keep monitoring the tech as it matures and if it fixes the issues with OLED.

Brightness, viewing angles, and uniformity

Okay, this bit is important, and it’s all to do with things you already know. After all, who knows your living room better than you?

To get the most out of your TV, make sure to pick a panel that matches how you’ll be using it and the room it’ll be in

Have a room with high ambient light levels? You’ll probably want an LCD or a QLED. That’s because LCD-based panels can be up to twice the brightness of OLED.

The flip side is also true.

Those with darker rooms will prefer OLED, as the image quality is better overall. The lower brightness doesn’t matter if you’re in a relatively dark room.

OLEDs also have better viewing angles than LCD-based TVs. If you like to have a large group watching TV or have a huge room, OLED is your best bet.

LG’s NanoCell is based on IPS panels, which have wide viewing angles but suffer from a lack of contrast ratio.

TVs like Samsung’s QLED line use VA panels, which suffer from small viewing angles.

Adding quantum-dot film gives you a great picture in the “sweet spot,” but off-center viewers get lesser image quality.

None of the current TV technologies are perfect. It’s all about which one fits your use case and your space.

High Dynamic Range (HDR)

High Dynamic Range content is going to be the future of all content. It brings more detail across the spectrum, from the darkest darks to the brightest lights.

It’s measured in stops from the video gear used to film the content.

Standard Dynamic Range screens have about six stops of range, while new HDR panels can have up to twenty stops.

That increased range means better details in the shadows, highlights that don’t just “blow out” in whiteness, and an overall richer image.

The specifications also include higher peak brightness and a wider color gamut.

Basically, it all adds to an image that looks closer to what your eyes see. The producers then add some tweaks for cinematic effect.

You’ll want a TV with HDR, especially if you do any gaming on it. Current-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X heavily take advantage of HDR content.

They use it in-game, and they can play through various streaming services.

That’s not to say you can’t say which is more supported right now, and we’ll go into that a little.

If you’re looking for a new TV, we recommend looking for something with Dolby Vision. Netflix uses this for almost all its latest content.

In addition, the Xbox Series X and Series S support it, and it has the weight of Dolby behind it.

Other features you may need

Recently, image quality has improved across all price points. As a result, even $500 TV sets compare to ones that cost twice the price.

You can only assume that paying more will improve your image quality. But, unfortunately, in some rare cases, you’ll get less image quality.

What you do get on more expensive TV sets are extra features. You may want some of these depending on what you watch or do on your TV.

The image quality of any TV is primarily affected by the internal image processor. Good ones can turn 720p content into presentable images on a 4K screen.

The bad ones make things like 24p cinematic content judders or motion in sports look bad.

Of course, most of the best TV sets will have some issues here. However, premium brands like Sony always perform well in this area.

If you’re a movie buff, you’ll want a set with black frame insertion (BFI) to make motion look smoother while watching your favorite movies.

Ports

Connectivity is usually improved once you start climbing into the midrange prices.

Almost every TV will have HDMI 2.0 ports now, but you might get fewer on a cheaper TV. Know how many devices you want to connect before you buy.

More expensive TVs should come with the newer HDMI 2.1 standard, and you should make sure they do.

Your TV will be compatible with other devices for longer. You’ll also get the most out of your next-gen consoles, like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.

Refresh rates

Speaking of consoles, you’ll want to make sure your TV panel has a 120 Hz native refresh rate. We bolded this because manufacturers love to fudge the refresh rate figures.

They’ll use terms like “Motion Rate,” which increases the frame rate internally. You can’t make a slower refresh panel display higher than its rated refresh rate. Buy one that has native support.

TVs for gaming use also come with variable frame rate tech in the form of G-Sync or FreeSync.

Audio

With a few worthy exceptions, like LG’s OLEDs, which use the whole screen as a speaker, the speakers inside any TV are there to be “just enough.”

Make sure you budget to add external audio to your purchase.

Even $100 spent here instead of on a more expensive TV will pay dividends immediately. You don’t need Dolby Atmos, eARC, or anything fancy.

Just know that almost any soundbar will sound better than the internal speakers.

4K support

Finding a TV that’s not 4K or without HDR support is getting harder and harder. What about the new 8K TVs? Do you need that increased pixel count yet?

Do you really need 8K?

The answer to that, at least currently, is no.

Sure, 8K is a more impressive tech and should correspond to a better image for you to watch. The thing is, just like when 4K TVs first came out, there is almost no content created in 8K.

Even the most powerful graphics cards can’t reliably play games at 8K. Movies are mostly filmed in 4K or lower, and we’re a few years off from the first fully-8K movies.

Even when 8K content is available, buying an 8K TV might not be worth it to some people.

The only real benefit to 8K is that you can sit closer to your TV. Do you like sitting close to your TV? Then you might benefit.

Oh, and one last point about content. With Netflix recommending 25Mbps internet speeds for 4K content, imagine the hefty internet speeds you’ll need for 8K.

It’s four times the pixel count, so around four times the data. Now think about your poor data cap, and the jump to 8K starts to make even less sense.

One last thing…

As with almost any electronic device, read the reviews, and watch some YouTube videos.

RTINGS is probably the best source of independent, in-depth, fully tested reviews. They are always our first stop when working on TV content.

TV showrooms are still a good place to see how your new TV will look (and how the remote feels). They still employ some shady tactics to favor some units over others.

Get yourself a shortlist of possibilities to look at before you go. That way, you don’t get distracted by the in-store shenanigans.

It’s likely the display model won’t match up with what RTINGS or others have said.

TV showrooms don’t always have the optimal settings on the display models. Because of that, the only specification that you can judge in the showroom is the viewing angle.

Just remember, only you know your living room well. Use your knowledge to determine if that new TV fits your viewing habits.

Have any thoughts on this? Anything you would like to add? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Called Apple Music Sing, the feature provides accurate lyrics and user-adjustable vocal levels. Apple says that at launch, it will feature “tens of millions of the world’s most singable songs.”

Additionally, Apple is releasing 50 curated playlists to make it even easier for people starting out.

The biggest draw is being able to adjust the song’s vocal levels. This means you can sing along with vocals or take the lead on any of your favorite tracks.

Apple tells Mashable that the feature is powered by an Apple-created “on-device machine learning algorithm that can process music in real-time.”

Apple Music will also show real-time lyrics, animated to “dance to the rhythm of the vocals,” with individual syllables highlighted.

If a verse is from a background singer, it will dance to its beat for easier following. Any tracks with multiple vocalists will have their respective lyrics on opposite sides of the screen.

Only newer Apple devices will be able to use the karaoke feature. That’s because the on-device processing needs a powerful chip to power it.

That means you will need an iPhone 11 or later, iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd gen or later), iPad Air (4th gen or later), iPad mini (6th gen), iPad (9th gen or later), or the Apple TV 4K (3rd gen).

Rival Spotify also has a karaoke feature, which uses your microphone to give you an accuracy score. That’s a neat option, although you can’t reduce the vocal track volume.

Apple says Apple Music Sing will be available to all subscribers later this month. We’ll update this post once we get an exact release date.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Want to know if the viral hits of 2022 landed in your constant rotation? Maybe you want to prove to your peers that your tastes are eclectic and impeccable.

Regardless of what you want to gain from the report, Spotify Wrapped has become a yearly tradition for many music lovers.

This year, you’ll see your Top Songs of 2022, Your Artists Revealed, Top Tracks & Artists of 2022, A Look Back at 2022, and more.

2020’s Wrapped had mini-quizzes, but you get some more personal touches this year. That includes music personality tests and listener habits.

READ MORE: Apple Music Replay 2021 is Apple’s pathetic take on Spotify Wrapped – here’s how to check yours

You’ll also get basic stats, like how many minutes of music you listened to and artist messages to top fans.

Here’s how to see your Spotify Wrapped 2022 stats

READ MORE: Spotify wants to share your listening habits in real-time

Again, you’ll only be able to see your Spotify Wrapped 2022 on the iOS or Android app.

Once you’ve had enough of reliving your year in music, go to literally any social media platform to see what your friends are posting about.

Spotify Wrapped has become a huge event, and it’s always fun to see what friends are sharing regarding music tastes.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post Spotify Wrapped 2022 is here – here’s how to check your stats appeared first on KnowTechie.

The company announced that new and free Spotify listeners can sign up for the Individual Premium plan for three months at no charge. After those three months, the usual $9.99 monthly fee kicks in until you cancel.

Plus, those who previously subscribed to Spotify Premium but canceled before October 28, 2022, can sign up again now and receive three months for the price of one.

A Spotify Premium subscription allows you to download music, listen to music without ads, play any song, and skip songs without limits.

How to get three free months of Spotify Premium

Individual Spotify plans cost $9.99. However, until December 31, 2022, new subscribers get three months absolutely free.

Then, once the free period passes, you can start paying for the plan come late February.

To claim your offer, tap on the “Get Started” button, create your account, enter any payment details, and you’re good to go.

Remember that the free subscription offer is only available to new users who haven’t tried Spotify Premium.

Is Spotify Premium worth a try?

With this offer, Spotify can increase its user base even as TikTok plans to join the music streaming business.

Also, Premium subscribers will enjoy the new play and shuffle buttons; other new Spotify features like Friends Mix, and the ability to buy live concert tickets.

And if, at the end of the day, you don’t want to continue with the Premium subscription, you can always cancel at any time, making this deal essentially risk-free.

Deals

Spotify Premium

Eligible Spotify Free and first-time Spotify listeners can sign up for the Individual Premium plan for three months free of charge. Once three months are up, Spotify will automatically renew for $9.99 a month unless you cancel.

See at Spotify

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post Score three months of free Spotify Premium this holiday season appeared first on KnowTechie.

Twitter user, Tesla fan, and owner of abettertheater.com, Aaron Cash, was at Tesla’s exhibit at Los Angeles’ Petersen Automotive Museum when he noticed something on the Model S.

The museum exhibit has a fully-functional Model S that lets attendees experience the Tesla infotainment center. That includes games, maps, and other apps.

While poking around on the car’s infotainment center, the Apple Music logo showed on the app carousel. The icon was live, opening the Apple Music UI with a QR code to log into an Apple Music account.

It also seems that whoever last used the Model S before the museum exhibit was a fan of Disney’s Frozen, as Let It Go was the last played track.

What’s more, Cash also took some pictures of the About page on the infotainment. That’s where Tesla vehicles say which software version they are running.

On this Model S, the software was v11.0, with a development version of 2022.40.50. According to Tesla-Info, the current software version on consumer vehicles is 2022.40.

That means the Model S is running software that isn’t far from release. The pictures from Cash show Santa Claus on a sleigh on the Software Version page, which probably indicates this is the holiday update for this year.

Tesla released a holiday update in 2021 that included a customizable app launcher, simplified controls, a better blind spot camera, and a choreographed light show.

It looks like this year’s holiday update will bring Apple Music, which will need Tesla’s $9.99 monthly Premium Connectivity package.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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The post Apple Music is finally coming to Teslas appeared first on KnowTechie.

Netflix is a massive streaming platform, but streaming implies the need for an internet connection. Can you watch Netflix without one?

Maybe you have a data-limited connection that stops you from streaming videos regularly. Or maybe you want to watch a show or movie on your device in an area where you don’t have easy access to WiFi.

Whatever the situation, it would be nice not to rely on a stable internet connection to watch shows and movies from Netflix. So, can you use Netflix without the internet?

Will Netflix work without the internet?

Short answer: Technically yes, but you still need it to set everything up

Netflix has a feature that lets subscribers watch TV shows or movies while not connected to the internet. However, you will need an internet connection at some point to set everything up.

READ MORE: Can you still use a VPN with Netflix?

This works by downloading content onto your device. Netflix lets you download shows and movies directly to various devices, including iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire tablets, and computers.

But not all of the content on Netflix is available to download. You will see a download icon (shown above) next to each movie or show that can be downloaded.

And, of course, once you download the content you want, you can watch it at any time on your device.

Let Netflix decide what you want to download

In addition to being able to manually download many shows and movies over an internet connect, Netflix has another feature for users.

Downloads for You, available on Android and iOS, uses an algorithm to download shows and movies over WiFi.

Essentially, it looks at the other content you’ve streamed and decides what would be helpful to download.

Maybe it’s more episodes of your favorite show. Or possibly the sequel to a movie you’ve watched recently.

Download & Go is very convenient

So there you have it. Technically, you can watch Netflix without an internet connection, although you’ll need a connection to make any initial downloads.

But once you’ve downloaded the shows or movies you want to watch, you’re good to start watching without the internet.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post Can you watch Netflix without an internet connection? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Coming to Apple TV on February 1, 2023, MLS Season Pass will stream every live regular season game, all playoff games, and the Leagues Cup.

There will be no “blackouts,” or games shown on another service but not on MLS Season Pass.

Pricing will be $14.99 monthly while the season is active or $99 for the entire season. Apple TV+ subscribers get a discounted rate of $12.99 monthly or $79 for the whole season.

This is the start of a ten-year partnership, with Apple carrying all games during that time.

Apple TV will have every MLS game

Apple TV will carry every MLS game in the future. The MLS players will also carry Apple TV in the form of a sleeve patch which will be different colors for every one of the 29 clubs.

On game days, MLS Season Pass will feature an “exclusive live match whip-around show” packed with highlights, replays, and analyst takes.

Soccer is among the most popular sports for Latin speakers, so Apple will have English and Spanish broadcast teams. Matches will mainly be on Saturdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 PM local time.

All matches on the opening weekend will be free to stream on Apple TV.

It sounds like Apple wants its MLS partnership to succeed. That’s possibly due to its popular Apple TV+ show, Ted Lasso, which introduced the world of soccer to a new audience.

MLS Season Pass launches on February 1, 2023. The MLS season kicks off on February 25, with the LA Galaxy facing off against 2022’s champions Los Angeles FC.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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The post Apple unveils new MLS Season Pass pricing and release appeared first on KnowTechie.

Meta is hosting an event later this year where it will use a ‘hyper-realistic’ VR avatar of the East Coast hip-hop legend. It will take place in a virtual 90’s era backdrop and feature special guests, including Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

The concert will be available to watch in 3D for anyone with a Meta Quest VR headset. it will be livestreamed on December 16th, but you’ll be able to go back and watch it later on Meta Quest TV.

Of course, many people feel that Meta is taking advantage of the deceased legend for its gain. Many commenters on HotNewHipHop’s tweet criticized Meta’s use of the Notorious B.I.G. in its show.

I, on the other hand, think this is a great way to pay tribute to a legendary and influential artist. B.I.G.’s impact on rap is immeasurable, and what better way to pay tribute than to give him another chance to perform?

And this isn’t the first digital show that hip-hop fans will have been treated to. It’s now been over 10 years since Tupac made his Coachella debut via a surprise hologram on stage.

While the Tupac hologram was cool, Meta’s Notorious B.I.G. concert will likely be much more impressive. Unfortunately, I’ll be stuck watching in 2D without a Quest headset.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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

The post Meta is planning a ‘hyper-realistic’ Notorious B.I.G. VR concert appeared first on KnowTechie.

That includes cloud gaming apps from Xbox, Amazon’s Luna, NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW, and Utomik. In early 2023, Blacknut Gaming and the retro-focused Antstream Arcade will be added to the list.

That means 1,500+ retro classics through Antstream and 500+ family-friendly titles through Blacknut.

The company is also rolling out support for 4K 60fps game streaming through GeForce NOW. This will be available on all 2020 TV sets and some 2021 models and requires the RTX 3080 subscription level.

Apparently, when the 2022 range received game streaming functionality, “when is game streaming coming to my 2021 TV?” was the number one question on people’s minds.

Now we have an answer, and it’s before the end of 2022.

All of Samsung’s 2021 range are getting game streaming

While all of Samsung’s 2021 TV sets are getting game streaming apps, only a few are getting Samsung’s Gaming Hub. Those are the Q70A, AU8000, and the 98-inch QN90A and 32-inch Q60A.

Here are all the models receiving the new feature:

Samsung says these models will have game-streaming app support by the end of 2022. Again, that will be individual apps on most 2021 TVs, with the four options previously mentioned getting the Gaming Hub.

The company is also running multiple promotions leading up to the new year.

Buying the QN85B, QN90B, QN95B, QN800B, QN850B, QN900B, or S95B gets you an Xbox controller and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

The Q60B or Q80B also comes with three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, but no controller.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post Samsung is rolling out cloud gaming features to all 2021 TVs appeared first on KnowTechie.

A new option in your account settings under the Security and Privacy section will show all the devices signed into your account.

The Manage Access and Devices page shows everywhere you are signed into Netflix, with the option to log out.

That’s good to have for all those times you’ve signed into a device you don’t own. Now you can sign into your Netflix account from any web browser and boot them off.

The dashboard has all the information needed to determine which devices are using your account. Device type, last show or movie watched, time and date, and location are all visible to subscribers.

Before this, the only way to log out of remote devices was to force every device attached to your account to log out.

Netflix will also email the subscriber when a new device signs in. That’s handy if someone else knows your password and freeloads without your consent.

When we signed in to check if the new feature was live, we got an email reminding us that only our household members were allowed to use our subscription.

It also had a link to reset our password in case we didn’t recognize the device that just signed in.

Netflix is cracking down on password sharing. The streamer estimates that 100 million households are using shared passwords, revenue it is losing out on.

A new fee for sharing passwords outside your home location is currently rolling out. This will enable you to keep sharing for an additional $2.99 per month per location.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post Netflix finally lets you log out of individual devices remotely appeared first on KnowTechie.

The company revealed its plans in a blog post earlier this week. The special is coming sometime in early 2023 and will join Rock’s existing Netflix special, Chris Rock: Tamborine.

While the platform has been in the comedy special business for a few years, this will be the first live-streamed content that the platform produces.

READ MORE: Netflix finally lets you log out of individual devices remotely

For Netflix, live content is a major change from what the platform is built on. Over the years, the company has developed a massive library of on-demand content users can hop in and watch whenever they want.

But live shows are a completely different animal. They rely on bringing people together to watch a specific event at a certain time.

Of course, the special could remain on-demand after the livestream. But the experience won’t be the same as watching it live while everyone is talking about it on social media.

Netflix has been considering livestreaming for the better part of this year. And the company isn’t a total stranger to live events.

The company held a live comedy event called Netflix is a Joke: The Festival earlier this year. However, the Chris Rock special will be the first live event streamed on the platform.

Netflix is a rollercoaster platform, with content that sometimes goes viral and becomes the only thing the world talks about for a few days.

The platform is likely hoping that virality will happen with its upcoming live special from Chris Rock.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post Netflix will host a live show starring Chris Rock in 2023 appeared first on KnowTechie.

The search giant has highlighted some features of Search that will help. On mobile, searching “World Cup” plus your favorite team will give you all the information any fan could want.

Hitting the bell icon on Android Search will give notifications about your team’s progress. That will include in-depth stats, win probabilities, and key events of every game.

You will also be able to pin the score to your Android home screen.

The desktop version of Search doesn’t have the notification toggle, but you can get the same deep statistical analysis.

All versions of Search will feature recap videos from FIFA+, the Football Association’s streaming service, and other official broadcasters like BBC, ZDF, and more.

Other Google services are joining the fun

Devices powered by Google TV will have all matches, from group stages to knockouts to the final. Those will feature on the For You tab, with a new row full of all the FIFA content.

Google Maps will have a “Showing the World Cup” label that businesses can add to their profile. Searching “where to watch the world cup near me” will give a list of these venues.

Another Google-owned service, the popular navigation app Waze, is also getting World Cup fever. You’ll be able to change the navigation voice to talk like a soccer commentator.

Imagine hearing phrases like “Hazard reported ahead. Getting through that defense could prove tricky” or other commentator snippets.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 kicks off on November 20, with the final scheduled for December 18. 32 teams play each other through group stages and knockout stages to be crowned the winner.

The U.S. plays Wales on Monday, November 21, for its first game in the group stages. ESPN says the U.S. team has a “50% chance of advancement” as their group is deceptively difficult.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post Google is making it ridiculously easy to keep up with the World Cup appeared first on KnowTechie.

That’s the official word from the House of Mouse’s full-year and fourth-quarter earnings report. The report shows 12.1 million new Disney+ subscribers joined in the last few months.

Hulu and ESPN+ also added new subscribers, with another 2.5 million between the two. That brings the company’s streaming services to a total of 236 million, 164 million of those from Disney+ alone.

That’s enough to surpass Netflix’s current subscriber count, which stood at 223 million during its latest earning report.

We have to wonder how many of those are paying customers. Other companies, like Verizon FiOS, have promotions for a certain number of months of Disney+ service when signing up for other services.

While that would be cause for celebration, the markets disagree. Disney’s stock dropped by 10% on the news, mainly from missing revenue projections by a billion dollars.

The costs of running multiple streaming services are also mounting up. Disney lost $1.5 billion for the quarter, almost double the loss from the previous quarter.

That’s down to production and technology costs increasing and also an increased marketing budget.

All streaming services are feeling the pinch of increased costs. Spotify’s CEO has warned of a future subscription price increase, possibly to match rivals Apple Music and YouTube Family.

Streaming losses for Disney will likely narrow going forward, buoyed up by the introduction of its new Disney+ ad-supported tier later this year.

The service is launching its ad-supported subscription tier on December 8. It will cost $8 a month. At that time, the ad-free tier of Disney+ will increase to $11 per month.

If you don’t want to pay the increased price (especially after Andor is over), you can easily cancel your subscription to Disney+.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post Disney streaming services now match Netflix subscriber numbers appeared first on KnowTechie.

Clicking the new double thumbs rating tells Netflix that you “Love this!” That will train your recommendation algorithm, so you see even better matches.

Netflix spent a year testing the new feature to see if users preferred two thumbs up or the universal icon of a heart.

The two thumbs up won, possibly because of movie critics Siskel and Ebert, who used “Two Thumbs Up” as their trademarked top mark.

The feature is available on desktops, smart TVs, Android, and iOS. Let’s discuss how to use double thumbs up on Netflix.

Where to find Netflix’s double thumbs up button

Netflix’s double thumbs are easy to locate and generally hang around the Play button on most devices. The new “Love this!” rating icon appears alongside the classic “I like it” and “Not for me” options.

Here’s where to find Netflix’s double thumbs up on desktop, mobile, and TV

Regardless of your device, here’s where to locate the button that helps shape Netflix’s algorithm:

Desktop: Either hover over the Rating button for a movie/series on the Home screen or on the More info panel.

Mobile: Open the More info panel for a movie/series and tap Rate.

TV: Open the More info panel for a movie/series, and all available thumbs will appear above the Play button.

And there you have it. A quick guide to understanding where to find the newest rating system on Netflix.

Netflix should add more thumbs

The addition of the double-thumbs-up button should help the streaming platform offer more relevant recommendations to its users. In the interest of fairness, the streamer should add a double-thumbs-down option.

That would give a better indicator of which shows Netflix should cancel.

The only feature we don’t want back is user reviews. Netflix’s personalized recommendation algorithm should be trained by every individual user, not influenced by others.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post How to use the double thumbs up feature on Netflix appeared first on KnowTechie.