News

I haven't had a lot of time to post new news, but there's been some good stuff happening this week. So I figured I'd post a single news article with some interesting things that happened this week.

First, if you're a Netflix subscriber that has a plan using streaming and DVDs, you're probably pissed. Netflix split it's streaming and DVD plans into two separate billable items. Now, you'll have to pay $7.99 for each service totalling $15.98 for both at the base level. That's a significant hike from the $9.99 that was billed before. I'm in this group and I'm not thrilled with it, though I do understand that what Netlix has to pay more and more to license all of the selections. But I think they need a lot more selections to justify an increase this high. Everyone used social media to show just how pissed they were about the change. Hopefully, Netflix will reconsider. In the meantime, here's an article reviewing the alternative options:

http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-20079003-285/nine-netflix-alternatives/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

T-Mobile also launched their new caller ID feature. This would be awesome if it was free, but I don't think it's worth the $3.99/month they're asking for it. I think it's easier and cheaper to just let things to to voicemail and it it's important enough, they'll leave a message...

http://www.tmonews.com/2011/07/t-mobile-introduces-name-id-caller-id-for-everyone/

Google began testing the new Google + social media site. I haven't gotten an invite yet, so I guess I'll have to wait... Apparently, it's mostly dudes right now. That sucks. You'd figure since women are more social creatures by nature, that they would have jumped at the chance to try it. I suppose that if invites were given to a bunch of nerdy dudes, then there weren't going to be too many women that they knew who could get an invite.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-20079285-71/google-its-a-man-thing/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

The Demo for "Catherine" became available on Xbox Live. I'm not one for puzzle games, but this was really an interesting game. It's certainly one of the most unique games I've seen in a long time. I'll likely get it when it comes down in price. I don't think I can justify $60 bucks on it.

http://majornelson.com/2011/07/12/demo-catherine/

So, there you have it. A weeks worth of news in one post. Hopefully, I'll get more time to keep up.

This was released a while ago, but I never posted it as news. I don't like T-Mobile in a few respects, but I thought this was awesome. T-Mobile won't charge for the ability to make calls over WiFi! So, you won't use precious minutes when you're calling over WiFi. From what I understand, you have to log into My T-Mobile and add it to your plan though. So if you have a WiFi enabled phone from T-Mobile you should add the feature immediately. I intend to....

Quote

Currently, placing calls over Wi-Fi deducts from a customer’s in-plan minutes. Effective5/13, a new feature will launch that will allow customers with capable phones the ability to place calls over Wi-Fi without deducting from in-plan minutes! This is not only a great value, being FREE, but can help customers who experience coverage issues in areas that Wi-Fi is available.

This new feature is available to all Even More and Even More Plus Postpaid rate plans for customers with Wi-Fi Calling capable handsets.

http://www.tmonews.com/2011/05/t-mobile-unlimited-wi-fi-calling-feature-going-live-tomorrow/#xdm_e=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tmonews.com&xdm_c=default8031&xdm_p=1&

I've been following this in horror as it continues to unfold. Don't get me wrong, I think two companies should be allowed to enter into a contract if they should so desire. It just sucks for T-Mobile's customers. I had AT&T before I switched to T-Mo and I know they suck really really hard. I have no intention of remaining a customer if this goes through. I want to thank TmoNews for following this so closely and accurately. I also think they've done an excellent job of voicing the T-Mobile customer opinion. They were referenced during the hearing this week.

Quote

Imagine our surprise as Rene Obermann, Deutsche Telekom CEO says the sale of T-Mobile USA is on track. Speaking to shareholders at DT’s annual general meeting he expects the deal to close in the first half of 2012.

While he remains confident, I’m slightly more optimistic after yesterdays Senate hearing. Assuming for the moment that our nations leaders aren’t simply in AT&T’s back pocket, it was a clear showing that the deal won’t be rubber stamped. Ultimately the deal may very well be accepted and that’s still the general consensus around the interwebs but still, watching AT&T’s CEO squirm under fire was enjoyable.

http://www.tmonews.com/2011/05/deutsche-telekom-ceo-says-att-sale-on-track/