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Taylor Swift Postpones Rio Concert Following Fan's Death

Taylor Swift Postpones Rio Concert Following Fan’s Death: Safety Concerns 

Taylor Swift announced the cancellation of her Rio concert amid safety concerns. The high temperatures are also posing as a threat. The statement comes a night after a fan 23-year old Ana Clara Benevides Machado passed away before the singer's era tour. It was held at Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Swift posted on her Instagram stories, saying, “I’m writing this from my dressing room in the stadium. The decision has been made to postpone tonight’s show due to the extreme temperatures in Rio. The safety and wellbeing of my fans, fellow performers, and crew has to, and always will, come first.” The temperatures prevalent in Rio have become a cause for concern. There have been several concerns about the conditions at the concert venue. On Friday, the temperatures reached a height of 35 degrees Celcius in Rio. Swift fans raided the stadium to watch Swift. Video footage from the concert saw Swift perform in front of a crowd of 60,000. It also shows how water was distributed with the music stopping momentarily. “If somebody says they need water when it’s this hot, they really need it." Swift was recorded to have said so. Rio de Janeiro's Mayor Eduardo Paes spoke on the issue, “The loss of a young woman's life yesterday at the show in Engenhão is unacceptable. Obviously, we are still finding out more details about the circumstances of what happened,” he wrote. “In any case, I have already ordered the municipality's Executive Chief of Operations to demand action with the production of the show.” Brazil’s National Consumer Secretary, Wadih Damous, also spoke out following Benevides Machado’s death. He said, “In addition to the Distribution of free water, through ‘hydration islands,’ which are easily accessible and visible to the public, bottles will be allowed for personal use." Read More About: Country Music Wins Big At The 2023 Billboard Music Awards Taylor Swift Is Topping The Charts On The U.K. Board With ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)

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The CEO Of OpenAI Joins Microsoft Adding Further To The Controversy

Sam Altman, CEO Of OpenAI Joins Microsoft Amid Controversy

In a chaotic boardroom coup at the OpenAI on Friday, Sam Altman, the company's CEO, was overthrown. He was also the company's co-founder; however, news came in of him joining Microsoft after he was fired. Microsoft is one of the biggest stakeholders of OpenAI, with an investment of $13 billion. The balance of power is a significant move in the age of Artificial Intelligence, especially with the integration of new technology over the decades. https://twitter.com/ericzhu105/status/1726668924652335188?s=20 After Altman was fired, another co-founder of OpenAI, Greg Brockman, joined the company Microsoft. Brockman was the president of the OpenAI company, thus influencing how OpenAI will function in the future. After Altman was fired, Mira Murati took the position of interim CEO of OpenAI but will return to her original role of chief technology officer at OpenAI. The ChatGPT company will hire Emmett Shear as the interim CEO, leaving her position as the former CEO at Amazon's streaming service Twitch. Satya Nadella, the Microsoft CEO, posted on the social media platform X about their hiring of Sam Altman at Microsoft. The two ex-colleagues and co-founders of OpenAI, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, will lead an advanced AI research team at Microsoft. The ChatGPT organization, OpenAI, significantly changed the industry, especially with the introduction of artificial intelligence. The balance of power changed, and with the acquisition of Altman and Brockman, Microsoft had the upper hand. https://twitter.com/Forbes/status/1726518259896201296?s=20 Altman visited OpenAI's headquarters and wrote, "First and last time I ever wear one of these." along with posting a photo on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, where he is holding a green guest badge which was connected to a labeled lanyard "OpenAI"! As per the rumors in the industry and certain reports by the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, the board that fired Altman is worried. They are trying to reconsider the decision and have second thoughts. They wanted to re-engage and discuss with Brockman and Altman to return, but the ball is out of their court now! Read More About: Pinterest Launched A New Education And Information Hub For Creators YouTube Premium Introduces International Price Hikes After Cracking Down Ad Blockers

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2023 Billboard Music Awards

Country Music Wins Big At The 2023 Billboard Music Awards

The 2023 Billboard Music Awards are here and the winners are going countryside. Presented by Marriott Bonvoy the annual music awards show aired on Sunday. It was viewable through BBMAs.watch and Taylor Swift won big with nominations in 20 categories. SZA and Morgan Wallen tied for second-most number of nominations with 17 each. The Weeknd has had 16 nominations and Drake was a finalist in 14 categories. Zach Bryan came close with 13 awards. This year's show also added nine new categories, namely- top Hot 100 songwriter, top Hot 100 producer, top rock duo/group, top global K-pop artist, top K-pop tour, top K-pop album, top global K-pop song, top Afrobeats artist and top Afrobeats song. Performers who made for a spectacular show at the 2023 BBMAs included Mariah Carey, Tate McRae, David Guetta and Bebe Rexha, Stray Kids, Karol G, NewJeans, Peso Pluma and Morgan Wallen. But who won? Winners Of 2023 BBMAs Top Artist: Taylor Swift Top New Artist: Zach Bryan Top Male Artist: Morgan Wallen Top Female Artist: Taylor Swift Top Duo/Group: Fuerza Regida Top Billboard 200 Artist: Taylor Swift Top Hot 100 Artist: Morgan Wallen Top Hot 100 Songwriter: Taylor Swift Top Hot 100 Producer: Joey Moi Top Streaming Songs Artist: Morgan Wallen Top Song Sales Artist: Taylor Swift Top Billboard Global 200 Artist: Taylor Swift Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Artist: Taylor Swift Top R&B Artist: SZA Top R&B Male Artist: The Weeknd Top R&B Female Artist: SZA Top R&B Touring Artist: Beyoncé Top Rap Artist: Drake Top Rap Male Artist: Drake Top Rap Female Artist: Nicki Minaj Top Rap Tourist Artist: Drake Top Country Artist: Morgan Wallen Top Country Male Artist: Morgan Wallen Top Country Female Artist: Taylor Swift Top Country Duo/Group: Zac Brown Band Top Country Touring Artist: Morgan Wallen Top Rock Artist: Zach Bryan Top Rock Duo/Group: Arctic Monkeys Top Rock Touring Artist: Coldplay Top Latin Artist: Bad Bunny Top Latin Male Artist: Bad Bunny Top Latin Female Artist  : Karol G Top Latin Duo/Group  : Fuerza Regida Top Latin Touring Artist: Karol G Top Global K-Pop Artist: NewJeans Top K-Pop Touring Artist  : BLACKPINK Top Afrobeats Artist: Burna Boy Top Dance/Electronic Artist: Beyoncé Top Christian Artist: Lauren Daigle Top Gospel Artist: Kanye West Top Billboard 200 Album: Morgan Wallen - One Thing at a Time Top Soundtrack: Barbie The Album Top R&B Album : SZA - SOS Top Rap Album: Drake & 21 Savage - Her Loss Top Country Album:   Morgan Wallen - One Thing at a Time Top Rock Album: Zach Bryan - American Heartbreak Top Latin Album: Bad Bunny - Un Verano Sin Ti Top K-Pop Album: Stray Kids - 5-STAR Top Dance/Electronic Album: Beyoncé - RENAISSANCE Top Christian Album: Anne Wilson - My Jesus Top Gospel Album: Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin - Kingdom Book One Top Hot 100 Song: Morgan Wallen - “Last Night” Top Streaming Song: Morgan Wallen - “Last Night” Top Radio Song: Miley Cyrus - “Flowers” Top Selling Song: Taylor Swift - “Anti-Hero” Top Collaboration: Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage - “Creepin’” Top Billboard Global 200 Song: Miley Cyrus - “Flowers” Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Song: Miley Cyrus - “Flowers” Top R&B Song: SZA - “Kill Bill” Top Rap Song: Drake & 21 Savage - “Rich Flex” Top Country Song: Morgan Wallen - “Last Night” Top Rock Song L: Zach Bryan - “Something in the Orange” Top Latin Song: Eslabon Armado x Peso Pluma - “Ella Baila Sola” Top Global K-Pop Song (NEW): Jungkook ft. Latto - “Seven” Top Afrobeats Song: Rema & Selena Gomez - “Calm Down” Top Dance/Electronic Song: David Guetta & Bebe Rexha - “I’m Good (Blue)” Top Christian Song: Brandon Lake - “Gratitude” Top Gospel Song:  CeCe Winans - “Goodness of God” Read Also: This Is Why Taylor Swift Sends Kelly Clarkson Flowers After Every Re-Recording Retail Giants Gear Up For Earnings; Walmart & Ross Leads, Target Lags Behind Taylor Swift Is Topping The Charts On The U.K. Board With ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)

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Pinterest Launched A New Education And Information Hub For Creators

Pinterest Launched A New Education And Information Hub For Creators

Recently, Pinterest established a new education hub for creators, which delivers insights into making the best pins and how users can monetize their presence on the platform. In this new platform, users will be getting opportunities, including a large range of notes and guides on how to utilize pins, including the details of how to get featured on the editorial surfaces of Pinterest. Users even will be able to align with platform-promoted actions. Pinterest has also incorporated education walk-throughs, providing users access to even more distinctive pointers on succeeding in the software application. This social media platform has been made in terms of building incentives for creators to maximize its in-stream contact flow. This domain mainly works like Pinterest creator fund.  Apart from its creator fund, this provides direct payments where you can select creators. This newly launched education platform is the next stage where you can push, providing access to all the creators of Pinterest resources in just one place. There are also a lot of values for marketers that will gear toward the Pin creators. Pinterest also tried out the “Creators Rewards” program, which enabled creators to participate in several challenges where users can earn cash, add new profiles, discover tools, etc. This also helps to showcase creators and their content in-stream. This is the central hub of Pinterest’s several resources, which you could track on earning money through pins. Read More About: Meta Launching Free Subscription For Ad-Free Experience In Europe News For Investors!! Pinterest’s Exciting Partnership With Amazon Is A Game-Changer For Shareholders

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Retail Giants Gear Up For Earnings Walmart & Ross Leads Target Lags Behind

Retail Giants Prep for Earnings; Walmart & Ross Top, Target Trails

This week, several key players in the retail sector are slated to reveal their quarterly earnings. The spotlight is on companies navigating these turbulent waters in a year marked by economic challenges and fluctuating consumer confidence. Those prioritizing discount goods over discretionary items have emerged as industry leaders. Predicting Earnings Surprises   Investors eyeing these retail giants have a powerful tool at their disposal—Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction). This tool aims to identify companies experiencing positive earnings estimate revisions, leveraging the belief that recent information holds predictive power during earnings season. Historically, combining a Zacks Rank #3 or better with a positive Earnings ESP has yielded positive surprises 70% of the time, boasting a 28.3% average annual return over a 10-year period. https://twitter.com/anycurrencynews/status/1725133408811065432?s=20 Earnings Anticipation In Retail   In the challenging landscape of retail, this year has been a litmus test for what resonates with consumers. Despite varied stock performances, all eyes are on a group of retailers forecasted to beat earnings estimates, indicating a bullish sentiment among analysts. Walmart   Walmart, a standout performer this year with a 20.3% year-to-date rally, holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The retail giant's strategic focus on discount offerings and a robust e-commerce expansion have contributed to its success. Walmart's Q3 earnings report, set for November 16, is anticipated to exceed estimates, with a Zacks ESP forecasting a 0.8% beat. The TJX Companies   Benefiting from its discount pricing strategy, TJX Companies has seen an 18% YTD gain. Operating across 4,900 stores in nine countries, this off-price retailer is set to report earnings on November 15. The Zacks ESP projects a 2.6% earnings beat, reflecting a mixed earnings outlook. Ross Stores   With a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), Ross Stores has capitalized on the discount retail trend, gaining 10% YTD. Expected to report on November 16, the Zacks ESP suggests a 2.08% earnings beat. Ross Stores offers in-season, branded, and designer merchandise at prices 20% to 60% below regular department store rates. Target   Facing headwinds this year, Target's stock has dipped by -23.7% YTD. Target reported on November 15 that it had experienced a significant drop in comparable sales as consumers cut back on discretionary spending. Despite a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), indicating falling earnings estimates, there's a glimmer of hope with a Zacks Earnings ESP projecting a 1.97% earnings beat. While Walmart continues to lead the pack, Target's dip in valuation raises questions about its future trajectory. Investors are advised to stay vigilant and monitor shifts in earnings estimates for potential investment opportunities in this dynamic retail landscape. Learn More About: Walmart Deals On Black Friday: Apple Watch, PS5, And More Elon Musk To Introduce New Products That Will Challenge YouTube And LinkedIn

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Taylor Swift Is Topping The Charts on The U.K. Board With '1989 Taylor's Version

Taylor Swift Tops U.K. Charts with ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’

Taylor Swift successfully fends off the challenge Oasis and BTS' Jung Kook posed to her album re-release. She is holding on to the UK chart for a second week with 1989 (Taylor's Version). Being the fourth in Swift's re-recording projects, 1989 Taylor's Version is squeezing past The Masterplan of Oasis. It is enjoying a new chart life because of its 25th anniversary. Released originally in 1998, The Masterplan brings together b-sides from the Britpop Era. Its first three albums Definitely Maybe (1994), (What's The Story) Morning Glory? (1995) and Be Here Now (1997). These were led-off by "Acquiesce" which is a fan favorite. By the middle of the week, The Masterplan makes it into the chart at No. 2 which is also the original peak position after its release in 1998. It is a bestseller at the UK's latest chart cycle. The freshest of the lot is the is Jungkook's Golden from BigHit Entertainment. It completes the podium at No. 3. It has become the highest-standing album from a member of BTS with the best position for a solo Korean artist. The news has been confirmed by the Official Charts Company. Another track from the album, "Standing Next To You" comes in at No. 6 on the national singles chart. This becomes his fourth U.K. top 10 for the year. English pop artist Cliff Richard brings in his 48th U.K. top 10 album with Cliff With Strings- My Kinda Life (EastWest/Rhino). It stands at No. 5. While Johnny Marr's Spirit Power: The Best Of Johnny Marr (BMG) that debuts at No. 7. This also marks the 5th U.K. solo top 10 appearance of the ex-Smiths guitarist. The U.K. Singles Chart rings in Beatlemania once more with Now And Then (Apple Corps) which is powered to No.1. Fans of Fab Four are feeling the rush of nostalgia. The 2000 career retrospective 1 makes a come back to the top 40 at No. 21.Gregory Porter (Christmas Wish) ranks at No.14 via Decca, Caroline Polachek (Desire I Want To Turn Into You at No. 23 via Perpetual Novice) and Van Morrison (Accentuate The Positive at No. 39 via Exile) debut at top 40 for the first time. Learn More About: Meta Launching Free Subscription For Ad-Free Experience In Europe Elon Musk To Introduce New Products That Will Challenge YouTube And LinkedIn

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Taylor Swift Sends Kelly Clarkson Flowers After Every Re-Recording

Taylor Swift Sends Flowers to Kelly Clarkson After Re-Recording

Kelly Clarkson has recently told the media about the sweet gesture Taylor Swift shows each time she re-records her albums. The host of Kelly Clarkson Show revealed to E! News, “You know what's so funny? She just sent me flowers. She's so nice. She did. She was like, 'Every time I release something'—'cause she just did 1989. I got that really cute cardigan, too." As we know, Kelly had suggested in a tweet back in 2019 that Taylor should re-record her music after Scooter Braun's company Ithaca Holdings LLC acquired her former label Big Machine Label Group, and got hold of the rights to the masters for her first six studio albums. And that's precisely what Taylor did - she re-recorded her music. The Breakaway singer insists however that Taylor would have re-recorded even if Kelly had not made the suggestion. https://twitter.com/PopCrave/status/1722801460901986399?s=20 Kelly went on, "I love how kind she is though. She's a very smart businesswoman. So, she would have thought of that. But it just sucks when you see artists that you admire and you respect really wanting something and it's special to them. You know if they're going to find a loophole, you find a loophole. And she did it and literally is, like, the best-selling artist I feel like of all-time now." The American Idol ex has praised the efforts of Swift fans for supporting Taylor all along. Kelly concluded, "It's so cool to see a fanbase really get behind her in that too because it's important. She's known for being such an incredible songwriter and the soundtrack to a lot of people's lives and that's her life. So, you should have the option of owning that." Kelly is now the daytime talk show host of her show and is also the owner of SiriusXM channel Kelly Clarkson Connection. She told E! at SiriusXM’s Major Next Generation event, "We called it Kelly Clarkson Connection because there is literally no connection with all the music I'm playing except that I like it. I've always wanted since I was a kid—I didn't understand why Whitney Houston and Nirvana couldn't be played on the same channel. Like, I like both, so why can't we do that?" Read Also: Its A Clash For Dr Disrespect And Ninja Over Multi-Streaming: Report Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” Becomes #1 On Billboard 200’s With Record-Breaking Debut

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Walmart Deals On Black Friday

Walmart Deals On Black Friday: Apple Watch, PS5, And More

Walmart is currently holding its early Black Friday sale, which includes discounts on various products such as electronics, toys, and housewares. Walmart + members were granted early access to the sale, starting from 12 p.m. Eastern Time, three hours before the general public. To know when to avail them check out Walmart neighborhood hours to get all the discounts. However, unless you're a die-hard Walmart shopper, we don't think the Walmart+ program is worth the investment. We have carefully examined all the advertised deals and ongoing discounts offered by Walmart to bring you the best deals on the items that our experts recommend. https://twitter.com/Owen_Falconer8/status/1722477724676010320?s=20 Our experts have selected a new top pick for the best smartwatch for iPhone users, which offers a perfect combination of style, health and fitness features, app selection, battery life, and price, surpassing any other smartwatch available on any platform. We have picked out some of the best products across various categories. For instance, we have selected a cordless stick vacuum that is lightweight, powerful, and easy to handle. It can compete with more expensive models in terms of suction, airflow, and cleaning power. Additionally, we have handpicked some great audiophile headphones that provide accurate sound for bass, mids, and treble at a price below $100, making them an excellent choice for recording sessions and music students. We have also identified the best PlayStation game console, which now comes with the new Spider-Man 2 game that we recently reviewed and loved. The console features a disc drive that can play UHD Blu-ray movies, as well as new or used PS5 and PS4 game discs. Lastly, we have found the best smartwatch for iPhone owners, which offers stylish design, advanced health and fitness features, a great range of apps, long battery life, and an affordable price, making it the best pick among all smartwatches across any platform. Keep Reading: Operating Hours: What Time Does Walmart Customer Service Close And Open? Walmart Pharmacy Hours: What Time Does Walmart Pharmacy Close And Open?

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Clash For Dr Disrespect And Ninja Over Multi-Streaming

Its A Clash For Dr Disrespect And Ninja Over Multi-Streaming: Report

Tyler "Ninja" and Herschel "Dr DisRespect" have had a clash on social media over multi-streaming. Dr DisRespect appeared to be insulting those who multi-stream on different platforms in a tweet. For those who don't know, Tyler is one of the most popular creators who actively simulcast on various websites like Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter. Dr DisRespect is known for his boisterous antics on the stream, and his social media posts reflect his on-stream personality. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he seemed to be calling out creators who simulcast on multiple platforms, suggesting that those who multi-stream do it because they are not good enough for one platform. "If you have to multi stream, that’s because you’re not good enough for one platform,” tweeted Dr DisRespect on X. This happened to have worked, and Tyler came up with a reply, wasting no time. It was clear to the community that Dr DisRespect's post was aimed at Ninja. SypherPK, another streamer who multi-streams, tried to spark a playful exchange between the two creators by tagging Ninja in a reply. Ninja was one of the leading creators who openly multi-streamed. He ended his partnership with Twitch in September last year to stream on other platforms such as YouTube and Kick. Additionally, the renowned Fortnite star was one of the most vocal critics of Twitch when they introduced policies that prevented streamers from simulcasting. After the Twitch CEO's announcement at TwitchCon that the multi-streaming policy would be reversed, Tyler returned to his old platform as a partner. Given his public support for multi-streaming in recent months, it was inevitable that Dr DisRespect's comments would provoke a response. Read Also: HBO Max Decides To Take Away 4K From Ad-Free Subscription Plans Elon Musk To Introduce New Products That Will Challenge YouTube And LinkedIn

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Taylor Swift's "1989 (Taylor's Version)" Becomes #1 On Billboard 200's

Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” Becomes #1 On Billboard

Taylor Swift is back at the top of the charts with her album "1989 (Taylor's Version)," which has skyrocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, dated November 11. This accomplishment marks Swift's 13th No. 1 on the chart. The album made an impressive debut with 1.653 million equivalent album units earned in the United States during the week ending November 2, according to Luminate. This remarkable feat represents the largest week for any album, in terms of units earned, since Adele's "25" launched with 3.482 million units in the week ending November 25, 2015. A significant portion of "1989 (Taylor's Version)"'s first-week units, approximately 1.359 million, came from traditional album sales. This is Swift's highest sales week for any of her albums, surpassing her previous record set when the original "1989" album debuted with 1.287 million copies sold in the week ending November 2, 2014. In fact, the first-week sales of "1989 (Taylor's Version)" are the largest for any album since Adele's "25" was released. In total, since Luminate began tracking music sales electronically in 1991, the debut of "1989 (Taylor's Version)" stands as the sixth-largest sales week for any album. The top six biggest weeks belong to Adele's "25," *NSYNC's "No Strings Attached," *NSYNC's "Celebrity," Eminem's "The Marshall Mathers LP," Backstreet Boys' "Black & Blue," and now "1989 (Taylor's Version)." The success of "1989 (Taylor's Version)" was amplified by its availability in various collectible physical formats, including color vinyl variants, CD editions, and digital download options. In addition, Billboard mentioned that “All 13 of Swift’s full-length studio albums and re-recorded projects from 2008’s Fearless, her second studio album, through 2023’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) have debuted at No. 1.” This has solidified her record for the most No. 1s among women in the chart's history. She now ties with Drake for the third most No. 1 albums among all artists, with The Beatles holding the top spot with 19 No. 1s. Swift announced "1989 (Taylor's Version)" during her performance at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, as part of her "The Eras Tour" in August. Pre-order sales for the album began shortly thereafter via Swift's official webstore. In summary, Taylor Swift's triumphant return to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 albums chart with "1989 (Taylor's Version)" is a testament to her enduring popularity and the anticipation for her re-recorded albums.Additionally, SEVENTEEN makes a strong debut at No. 2 on the chart with "SEVENTEENTH Heaven: 11th Mini Album," marking their fourth top 10-charting effort. The rest of the top 10 includes familiar names like Drake, Bad Bunny, Morgan Wallen, Rod Wave, and another of Swift's albums, "Midnights." Read Also: HBO Max Decides To Take Away 4K From Ad-Free Subscription Plans Elon Musk To Introduce New Products That Will Challenge YouTube And LinkedIn YouTube Premium Introduces International Price Hikes After Cracking Down Ad Blockers

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HBO Max Decides To Take Away 4K From Ad-Free Subscription Plans

HBO Max Decides To Take Away 4K From Ad-Free Subscription Plans

In May, HBO Max underwent a transformation and became Max. At that time, Warner Bros. Discovery assured existing subscribers on the ad-free plan that they could enjoy certain perks, such as 4K streaming, for a minimum of six months without any additional charges. Now, as we approach that six-month mark, it's time for a change. Max is reaching out to its affected customers, notifying them that while their monthly subscription cost of $15.99 will remain unchanged, they will lose a couple of perks starting on or after 5 December 2023. Specifically, 4K (and HDR) streaming will no longer be available for legacy customers. They will be limited to HD quality, similar to new signups for Max's ad-free tier. To continue enjoying 4K playback, legacy subscribers can upgrade to the "ultimate" plan, which costs $19.99 per month. This will be done for users who use their plan on smartphones and on their smart televisions. Legacy ad-free subscribers also had an extra concurrent stream (for a total of three) compared to the standard two offered to new $15.99 plan subscribers. Unfortunately, this perk will also be discontinued starting with the December billing cycle. There is currently no clarification from Warner Bros. Discovery regarding whether any subset of customers can retain these benefits. It's worth noting that downloads remain unaffected by these changes. Both legacy and current ad-free customers can still save up to 30 titles on supported devices for offline viewing when they don't have an internet connection. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, Max offers a "with ads" tier priced at $9.99. While this tier doesn't include offline downloads, it does allow for two simultaneous streams and offers HD picture quality. Additionally, Max recently introduced an optional sports add-on that is free until 29 February 2024 but will cost an additional $9.99 per month for customers who wish to continue using it. Read Also: Elon Musk To Introduce New Products That Will Challenge YouTube And LinkedIn YouTube Premium Introduces International Price Hikes After Cracking Down Ad Blockers

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YouTube Premium Introduces International Price Hikes After Cracking Down Ad Blockers

YouTube Premium Raises International Prices Post Ad Blocker Crackdown

After the incident of disabling ad blockers, YouTube Premium has recently made headlines by implementing significant price increases for its services, impacting users in the US, Canada, and beyond. Last October, the YouTube Premium family plan experienced a substantial price hike in the US and Canada. Subsequently, in July of this year, the company raised the cost of its YouTube Premium individual plan by $2 for US customers, leaving international users unscathed. These changes were coupled with YouTube's experiments in delivering longer ads and combating ad-blockers, indirectly encouraging users to consider subscription options. https://twitter.com/BSTechOfficial/status/1719980194902213109?s=20 Fresh off the heels of YouTube's global crackdown on ad-blockers, the company has decided to elevate the prices of its Premium plans for international users. This decision has sparked reactions from YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium subscribers in various countries, including Germany, Australia, and others, who have received emails notifying them of significant price increases. These new rates are set to take effect on November 1, impacting individual, family, and student plans. In Australia, where the YouTube Premium subscription was previously priced at AU$12 per month, a notable AU$5 increase will bring the monthly cost to AU$17. The family plan, too, is witnessing an increase, rising from AU$23 to AU$33 per month. However, for those on grandfathered plans, the price hike is even steeper, climbing from AU$18 to AU$33 monthly, constituting an 83% surge. YouTube acknowledges the impact of these changes, noting in its email that this marks the first price increase for the service in Australia and that such decisions are not made lightly. Long-term subscribers will experience a higher subscription cost from April 2024, with an additional three months at the existing rate as a token of appreciation for their loyalty. Meanwhile, in Germany, YouTube Premium will see a €1 increase, rising from €12 to €13 per month, while the family plan undergoes a more substantial €6 rise, reaching €24 monthly. New users will experience these changes immediately while existing subscribers will witness the new pricing after 30 days from their next billing cycle. Reports from 9to5Google indicate that price hikes are also impacting YouTube Premium users in Austria, Chile, Poland, and Turkey, suggesting that YouTube may roll out similar price increases in other key international markets in the near future Read More About: WhatsApp Is Testing Pinning Feature With Specific Timeframe Youtube’s Ad Sales For Q3 Fy23 Surged By 12.5%, Reaching Nearly $8 Billion Elon Musk To Introduce New Products That Will Challenge YouTube And LinkedIn

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