Tag: Subscription model

  • Samsung Galaxy Ring Price Leak: Not for Budget Buyers

    Samsung Galaxy Ring Price Leak: Not for Budget Buyers

    The Samsung Galaxy Ring, initially hinted at in January, is gearing up for an official release on July 10th. While many details are still under wraps, a recent leak has possibly revealed the price for this new wearable.

    Pricing Details

    According to Dealabs, the Galaxy Ring is expected to be priced at €449 in France. When converted, this is roughly $485, £380, and AU$720.

    For comparison, the popular Oura Ring starts at $299, with some variations reaching similar prices to the leaked cost of the Galaxy Ring. Samsung will need a solid justification for this price point, especially since there will also be an additional subscription service that could further drive up the total cost.

    Color and Size Options

    The leak also indicated that the ring will be available in three colors — black, silver, and gold — and in nine different sizes, ranging from US standard 5 to 13. Interestingly, the battery life is rumored to be proportional to the ring size, meaning users with larger fingers might enjoy longer battery life.

    The Galaxy Ring is expected to hit shelves in France on July 19, following its official unveiling on July 10th. It remains unclear whether this suggests a nine-day pre-order window or if pre-orders will commence on July 19, although a pre-order period starting on July 10th seems more likely.

    Subscription Model

    The report does not provide specific details regarding the subscription model, but it’s worth noting that this approach is not new. Oura, Fitbit, and Apple also offer subscription models for their wearables.

    These subscriptions typically unlock additional health tracking features and provide more detailed analysis. It remains uncertain whether the subscription cost is included in the rumored €449 price.

    Samsung is expected to formally introduce the Galaxy Ring at the Unpacked 2024 event in Paris on July 10th, where it will also reveal new foldable devices. Interested consumers in select markets can currently reserve next-generation Galaxy devices for a chance to receive $50 in Samsung Credit and enter a $5,000 sweepstakes.

    Samsung Galaxy Ring Price Leak: Not for Budget Buyers
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  • Amazon’s Alexa Adds Monthly Subscription Fee for Prime Members

    Amazon’s Alexa Adds Monthly Subscription Fee for Prime Members

    Amazon is preparing to revamp Alexa, though accessing its most advanced features may come with a price tag. Reports indicate a potential $5 to $10 monthly subscription fee in addition to a Prime membership to unlock the AI-enhanced Alexa. This upgraded assistant is slated for release in August 2024 and promises several enhancements.

    Enhanced Capabilities

    The new advanced Alexa is expected to offer personalized advice for activities like shopping or art. The need to say “Alexa” repeatedly might be eliminated. The updated version could process and complete multiple requests simultaneously, such as drafting an email and ordering takeout at the same time. It might even adapt to user habits, customizing routines like starting the coffee maker when the alarm sounds. Additionally, this sophisticated Alexa is anticipated to provide nuanced shopping recommendations.

    Free Tier Still Available

    Despite these changes, Amazon will not completely phase out the free tier. A basic version of Alexa with new generative AI features will remain accessible. This strategy appears to be a response to the escalating competition in the AI assistant market, with rivals like Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Apple's improved Siri all vying for user engagement. Alexa’s future strategy seems to focus on a dual approach: maintaining a free basic service while introducing a premium tier with advanced functionalities.

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  • Snapchat Update: Users Can Now Transform Pets into AI Avatars

    Snapchat Update: Users Can Now Transform Pets into AI Avatars

    Snapchat has enhanced its features with the introduction of AI-powered pet Bitmojis, adding a touch of charm to the platform. This special feature, exclusive to premium users, allows individuals to transform their beloved pets into adorable cartoon avatars that accompany them on the Snap Map.

    AI-Powered Pet Bitmojis

    Users can easily create these pet avatars by snapping a picture of their furry friends, after which the AI generates several cartoon versions for selection. While the customization options may not be as extensive as those for human Bitmojis, the AI effectively captures the essence of the pet, creating a virtual twin on the Snap Map.

    Subscription Benefits

    Since its debut in 2022, the subscription service has provided premium users with access to AI-driven features like the MyAI assistant, innovative camera filters through Dreams, and AI-generated snaps. Various companies are now offering AI assistants through subscriptions, with Snapchat's subscription model proving successful due to the attractive products it offers.

    Updates for All Users

    Those who are not Snapchat+ subscribers need not worry, as the app is introducing updates for everyone. A new template feature is set to streamline clip editing, while new swipe gestures aim to simplify the process of sending and editing snaps. Moreover, users can now upload longer videos within the app, with in-app captures extending up to three minutes and uploads supporting videos of up to five minutes, providing users with enhanced creative freedom for crafting Snapchat Stories.

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