Tag: subscription

  • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro & Others Get Free Satellite SOS

    Garmin Fenix 8 Pro & Others Get Free Satellite SOS

    Key Takeaway

    – Garmin now allows SOS functions on “suspended” inReach subscriptions, saving activation fees.
    – Pausing a subscription for up to 12 months enables year-round SOS access with just one $7.99 payment per year.
    – Other features (check-in messages, photo/voice transfer, LiveTrack) still require a paid subscription.
    – Voice calls and text messages via mobile network need at least the cheapest “Enabled” subscription.
    – The SOS-only feature on paused plans requires a firmware update and is limited to specific Garmin products.

    New SOS Access on Garmin Devices

    While smartphones like the Apple iPhone 17 ($759 on Amazon) have been offering free satellite SOS features for years, users of a Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, a Quatix 8 Pro or even a dedicated inReach satellite communication device have to take out a paid subscription to be able to use this function. This is now changing, at least partially, as users with a “suspended” inReach subscription can now also access the SOS functions.

    Subscription Pause Changes

    Until now, pausing a subscription was mainly practical in order to save the activation fee of $39.99 if the subscription was to be continued at some point. A subscription can be paused for a maximum of twelve months at a time and is then automatically reactivated. The new arrangement means that it is effectively possible to pay $7.99 once a year for the cheapest inReach subscription and use Garmin inReach emergency call features all year round. However, as this requires a firmware update, emergency calls are only available on the following products during a paused subscription:

    • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
    • Garmin Quatix 8 Pro
    • Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
    • Garmin inReach Mini 2

    Remaining Features Still Paid

    All other inReach features, such as sending check-in messages to friends, transferring photos and voice messages via the satellite network, and LiveTrack location requests are still only available if a paid subscription has been taken out. Voice calls, text messages and voice messages via the mobile network also require at least the cheapest “Enablded” subscription


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  • WhatsApp Could Introduce Paid Subscription for Ad-Free Experience

    WhatsApp Could Introduce Paid Subscription for Ad-Free Experience

    Key Takeaways

    1. WhatsApp is preparing to launch a paid subscription service to eliminate ads, found in the latest beta version.
    2. The platform has been funded mainly by its parent company, Meta, and is currently showing ads in status updates and channels.
    3. Users may have the option to pay a monthly fee of €4 to access an ad-free experience while keeping essential features free.
    4. The subscription service targets users who want a seamless experience without distractions from ads or channel suggestions.
    5. The timeline for the public release of this paid service is currently unclear.

    The messaging platform WhatsApp seems to be getting ready to launch a paid subscription service that will eliminate ads. A recent report from WABetaInfo revealed that code hints related to this feature have been found in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, version 2.26.3.9. This indicates that users might soon have the choice between a free version with ads and a paid, ad-free alternative.

    Financing Model Changes

    Up to now, WhatsApp has mainly been funded through its connection with its parent company, Meta. Recently, some users have started seeing advertisements; however, these ads currently do not show up in private conversations and are restricted to status updates and channels located in the updates section. Meta claims these ads are not personalized or targeted, meaning that a user discussing their pet cat won’t receive ads for cat food. On their business site, Meta is already advertising the potential to reach over 1.5 billion people with these ads.

    Subscription Details

    For those who prefer not to see ads, there may be an option to pay a monthly fee of €4. The essential features of WhatsApp, including messaging and calling, will likely remain free for all users. As it stands, ads will still appear in status updates, and users may still encounter channel suggestions occasionally. This could prove to be quite distracting for many individuals.

    Target Audience

    The subscription service appears to target users who appreciate a seamless experience while checking status updates or navigating their channels. It is also anticipated that the paid service will remove the previously mentioned channel suggestions. A screenshot indicates a monthly cost of €4, although it’s possible this is just a temporary figure. It remains uncertain when or if this new WhatsApp update will be available to the general public.

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