New Delhi: Netflix, a popular streaming service, has announced a price hike for most of its subscriptions in several countries. This includes the US, Canada, Portugal and Argentina. As part of the change, the cost of the ad-supported tier will rise from 6.99 dollar to 7.99 dollar per month. Meanwhile, the standard ad-free plan will jump from 15.49 dollars to 17.99 dollars per month. This move reflects Netflix’s ongoing efforts to adjust its pricing strategy, as reported by The Verge, citing a statement from the company’s spokesperson, MoMo Zhou.  In addition to the changes for the ad-supported and standard plans, Netflix is also increasing the price of its premium tier. The cost will go up from 22.99 dollars to 24.99 dollars per month. These new prices will take effect during subscribers’ next billing cycle. Why Is Netflix Raising Its Prices? The report quoted Netflix’s letter to investors, which stated, “As we continue to invest in programming and deliver more value for our members, we will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can re-invest to further improve Netflix.” This price hike follows the last increase in October 2023 and marks the first time the streaming service has raised the price of its ad-supported plan, which was introduced in 2022. This decision comes after a strong year for Netflix which added nearly 19 million new subscribers over the holiday season, This brings its global total to more than 300 million by the end of 2024. The company also saw its operating income surpass $10 billion for the first time, as per the report. In addition to the price increase, Netflix revealed plans to launch a new “Extra Member with Ads” option, allowing subscribers on the ad-supported plan to add someone outside their household to their account. The Power of Netflix Originals Netflix’s original content continues to have a major impact, with global hits like Squid Game—which returned for its second season—remaining the platform’s most-watched series of all time. Popular shows like Stranger Things and Wednesday also help strengthen Netflix’s cultural influence. The company is expanding its content lineup through partnerships and sports programming. US subscribers will soon have access to WWE content, as well as NFL games on Christmas Day. Additionally, Netflix has begun bundling services with former competitors like Peacock and Apple TV to offer more options to its viewers.

PhonePe Cashback Offer: PhonePe has launched a special campaign for the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. As part of this initiative, the company is offering the ‘Mahakumbh Ka Mahashagun’ deal, where first-time users in Prayagraj can receive a flat cashback of Rs 144 on their first transaction. The offer is valid until the end of the Mela on February 26 and is applicable for transactions as low as Rs 1. To promote the campaign, PhonePe is leveraging Mahakumbh-themed QR codes, banners, posters, and other branding materials at key locations to raise awareness among attendees. To make this auspicious event even more exciting, PhonePe has also launched a special message on its SmartSpeakers, wishing attendees, “Maha Kumbh ki Shubhkamnayein, Maha Shagun ke Saath.” The campaign aims to make the Mahakumbh Mela more convenient and seamless for the over 40 crore attendees expected at the event. It allows users to move around stress-free, eliminating the need to carry cash for payments at stalls, stores, or even for Shaguns, as PhonePe will be accepted as a mode of payment throughout the venue. This initiative also promotes the adoption of digital payments across the country, driving financial inclusion for millions of Indians who have yet to embrace digital payment systems. What To Do Before Availing ‘Mahakumbh Ka Mahashagun’ Offer Step 1: Download the PhonePe app on an iOS or Android device. Step 2: Link a bank account to the app. Step 3: Set up a UPI PIN. How to Avail the ‘Mahakumbh Ka Mahashagun’ Offer Step 1: Allow location permission on the app. Step 2: Ensure location services are enabled on your device. Step 3: The offer is valid exclusively for users in Prayagraj city. Users can pay seamlessly using their linked UPI account across various use cases and receive cashback, which will appear as a scratch card on the PhonePe app. (With IANS Inputs)

OnePlus Nord 4 5G Discount Price In India: Chinese smartphone brand OnePlus had launched the OnePlus Nord 4 5G in July last year. Now, the smartphone has received a massive discount offer from the e-commerce giant Amazon. The phone was launched with prices starting at Rs 29,999 for the base 8GB RAM + 128GB storage option.  The premium segment phone came with 4 years of OS and 6 years of security updates. Furthermore, the OnePlus has also announced generative AI features on Nord 4 like AI clear face, AI eraser and AI summarise.  OnePlus Nord 4 5G Discount Price In India The OnePlus Nord 4 is now available at a great discount on Amazon. The 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant is priced at Rs 28,999, down from its original price of Rs 32,999. The 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant is listed at Rs 31,999, reduced from Rs 35,999. If you use an ICICI Bank card, you can get an additional Rs 4,000 off on both models. This brings the price down to Rs 24,999 for the 8GB variant and Rs 27,999 for the 12GB variant. OnePlus Nord 4 Specifications  The smartphone features a 6.74-inch flat AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 2,150 nits and a smooth refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring vibrant visuals and fluid performance.  The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, the phone delivers excellent speed and efficiency. It is equipped with a robust 5,500mAh battery that supports 100W rapid cable charging, allowing it to go from zero to fully charged in just about 30 minutes. For photography, the Nord 4 boasts a 50MP primary camera with OIS, accompanied by an 8MP Sony ultrawide lens, while a 16MP front camera handles selfies with ease. 

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series India Launch: The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for January 22, and there’s significant buzz surrounding the launch of the Galaxy S25 series. The mega-event is expected to showcase the latest Galaxy S25 lineup, including the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. While the official details remain under wraps, rumours have leaked the expected prices of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series ahead of its global launch, including in India. It is important to note that the new series could be more expensive than the Galaxy S24 series across all storage models. Samsung Galaxy S25 Price in India (Leaked) According to a recent leak by Tarun Vats on X (formerly Twitter), the standard Galaxy S25 is expected to start at Rs 84,999 for the base model, featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The top-end variant with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage is rumoured to be priced at Rs 94,999. Last year, the Samsung Galaxy S24 started at Rs 74,999 for the base 8GB+128GB storage model. Here’s what I’m hearing from retail sources,Galaxy S25 Series Indian prices might be S25 • ₹84,999: 12+256GB • ₹94,999: 12+512GB S25+ • ₹1,04,999: 12+256GB • ₹1,14,999: 12+512GB S25 Ultra • ₹1,34,999: 12+256GB • ₹1,44,999: 16+512GB • ₹1,64,999: 16+1TB Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/HIqBJr6I4e — Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) January 17, 2025 Samsung Galaxy S25+ Price in India (Leaked) The Galaxy S25+ is rumoured to start at Rs 1,04,999 for the base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage, which is higher than the Rs 99,999 starting price of the Galaxy S24+. The higher-end variant, offering 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, is expected to be priced at Rs 1,14,999. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Price in India (Leaked) The flagship Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumoured to be priced at Rs 1,34,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model. The 16GB RAM + 512GB variant is expected to cost Rs 1,44,999, while the top-tier 16GB RAM + 1TB model could carry a price tag of ₹1,64,999. In comparison, the Galaxy S24 Ultra was priced at ₹1,29,999 for its base 256GB storage option. The rumoured price hike for the Galaxy S25 series could be linked to Samsung’s adoption of the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is expected to power this much-anticipated smartphone. Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Pre- Reserve Benefits South Korean tech giant Samsung has opened pre-reservations for the Galaxy S25 series in India and can get benefits up to Rs 5000. Customers can pre-book the Samsung Galaxy S25 series through the company’s official website, Samsung Exclusive Stores, and select online and offline retail outlets across the country.

Samsung Galaxy S24 5G Plus Discount India Price: The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event is set to take place on January 22, 2025, in San Jose, California which means that the new generation Galaxy S series models will debut just in a few days. Hence, the company is set to mesmerize its fans with the flagship S series smartphones this time and with a few leaks of design and specs here and there fans can expect an upgrade in both design and features.   As we wait for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series models, the prices for older generation S series models have experienced a major price drop on the e-commerce platforms.  Now, the Samsung Galaxy S24 5G Plus (256 GB Storage Model) is available at a hefty discount price on the e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart amid the Republic Day sale, allowing buyers to get the flagship model at a reasonable price. Notably, this price drop comes just one week before the Galaxy S25 series launch.     Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus 5G (256GB) Discount In India On Amazon: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus 5G, originally priced at Rs 99,999, is now available at a massive 35% discount during the Republic Day Sale. This brings the price of the 256GB variant down to just Rs 64,999. On top of this, Amazon is offering a cashback of Rs 1,949 when you pay using Amazon Pay balance. Buyers can also opt for an EMI plan starting at Rs 2,296 using an Amazon Pay ICICI credit card. Adding further, if you have an old smartphone, you can exchange it for a value of up to Rs 53,200, making this deal even more affordable. Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus 5G (256GB) Discount In India On Flipkart The Samsung Galaxy S24 5G 256GB, originally priced at Rs 99,999, is now available on Flipkart at a discounted price of Rs 59,999 during the Republic Day Sale—a massive 40 per cent price drop.  Adding further, Flipkart is offering 5 per cent cashback on purchases made with the Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card. To sweeten the deal further, you can trade in your old smartphone for an exchange value of up to Rs 38,150, making it even more affordable. 

New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on January 17, 2025 launched the Sanchar Saathi mobile app which makes it simpler for users to protect themselves from fraud. The app lets you easily flag suspicious calls or messages directly from your call logs, helping to keep you safe with minimal effort.  SANCHAR SAATHI APP is now LIVE! Scan for your digital safety today and access essential tools at your fingertips!#SancharSaathiMobileApp pic.twitter.com/TNKhRHUE4O — DoT India (@DoT_India) January 17, 2025 The Sanchar Saathi portal was launched in May 2023 and has already made a big difference in fighting calls and improving mobile security.  Now, the new mobile app takes this a step further. It offers users an easy and secure way to manage and protect their mobile connections, making it even simpler to stay safe on their phones. The app is available for download on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted that the Sanchar Saathi initiative offers “a safe and secure environment where privacy and security of each customer are safeguarded,” as reported by news agency PTI. Scindia also introduced two other initiatives: the ‘Vision for National Broadband Mission 2.0’ and Intra-circle roaming at 4G mobile sites funded by the ‘Digital Bharat Nidhi,’ according to the report.