Tech

YouTube TV tells subscribers how to cancel after huge price hike

Published

5 days ago

March 17, 2023

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For a while, the value offered by YouTube TV seemed too good be true – and now the streaming service has shown that was indeed the case with its first big price hike in three years.

The US-only subscription service, which offers cable-like features like live sports, will see its price raised to $72.99 per month (opens in new tab) (up from $64.99). YouTube TV has blamed the rise on the fact that “content costs have risen”. Subscribers will see the price change from April 18, while new members will be charged it now.

That price doesn’t include 4K resolution streaming, but YouTube TV has at least lowered the cost of that add-on to $9.99 per month (down from $19.99). However, the Google-owned company hasn’t yet said if this price drop is temporary or permanent.

In an apologetic email to subscribers, YouTube TV added that “we also understand that some members may want to cancel their service”, which echoed an official Tweet stating that “we want to give you the flexibility to cancel at any time”. It provided subscribers a link (opens in new tab) to do just that.

In fairness to YouTube TV, many of the best streaming services have raised their prices in recent months. That includes the likes of Sling TV, which has traditionally been one its cheapest rivals, and also Hulu, whose Hulu Live TV bundle went up to $69.99 at the end of last year.

But during this challenging financial year, some subscribers may understandably conclude that the live elements and choice offered by YouTube TV are difficult to justify at this new monthly price, which now works out to over $875 a year.

Analysis: End of an era?

A TV screen on a grey background showing YouTube TV multiview during basketball

(Image credit: YouTube TV)

When it launched in 2017, YouTube TV looked like the perfect replacement for cable TV providers who bundled too many unnecessary features into overpriced bundles, while charging you for the privilege of bonuses like HD quality.

Back then, YouTube TV cost only $34.99 a month. So while this new price hike is the first one in three years, the service still costs more than twice its original launch price, which puts it closer to those cable TV rivals.

YouTube TV still has a few advantages over traditional cable, including the ability to cancel at any time. That’s a lot better than being locked into a never-ending contract. You can also share your YouTube TV membership with up to five other people by creating a ‘family group’.

But given the similar rises we’ve seen from its TV streaming rivals like Sling TV and Hulu, it does feel like the glory days of cheap TV streaming are over. Even if the likes of YouTube TV do now let you watch four streams simultaneously with features like ‘multiview’ (above).

Tech

Surrendered Naxals tie knot in presence of police – ThePrint –

Published

25 mins ago

March 22, 2023

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Sukma (Chhattisgarh) [India], March 22 (ANI): Displaying a sensible approach, police in the worst insurgency-hit Sukma district of Chhattisgarh solemnized the marriage of surrendered Naxals on Wednesday.

Under the campaign ‘puna narkom’ (a term coined in the local Gondi dialect which means new dawn), police have solemnized the marriage of two surrendered Naxals, said Sukma Superintendent of Police (SP) Sunil Sharma.

Sharma further elaborated that the cadres were identified as Jitendra alias Sanna and Kartami Deve.

Sanna was active in the banned organisation as a member of platoon 30 under the Kertapal area committee and carrying a bounty of Rs 2 lakh while Deve was associated with the Naxal outfit as a member of Mahupadar LOS and carrying a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh. Deve surrendered before the police in July 2021 while Sanna quit the red movement in May last year.

After shunning the path of violence, they were supporting police in anti-naxal exercises, SP Sharma added.

“Recently, the duo turned to my office and expressed their desire to marry each other. Acting swiftly, the officers were directed to ensure necessary arrangements for their marriage by establishing coordination with the Woman and Child Welfare Department,” the officer said.

The marriage of surrendered naxals was solemnized during the mass marriage programme hosted under the state government’s scheme on March 21, SP Sharma said.

As per the information received, SP Sharma and other officials registered their active participation in the marriage of surrendered naxals.

Meanwhile, the SP urged caders associated with the banned organisation to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream of society. (ANI)

This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

Tech

Govt launches app for taxpayers to view TDS, interest, and more

Published

55 mins ago

March 22, 2023

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The Income Tax (IT) Department has launched a mobile app that will enable taxpayers to check their information as available in the Annual Information Statement (AIS)/ Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS). Called ‘AIS for Taxpayer’, the app shows a detailed statement that lists all of your financial transactions for a given financial year.
App availability
AIS for Taxpayer is available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store free of cost. To access this mobile app, taxpayers need to register on the app by providing PAN, authenticate with the OTP sent on mobile number and e-mail registered on the e-filing portal.

After the authentication, the taxpayer can set a 4-digit PIN to access the mobile app. The app will also give taxpayers using Android and iPhones an option to provide feedback on the information displayed.
“The app is aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the AIS/TIS to the taxpayer which displays the information collected from various sources pertaining to the taxpayer,” the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said in a statement.
Consumer benefits of app
The taxpayers will be able to view information related to TDS/TCS, interest, dividends, share transactions, stock trades, mutual fund activities, tax payments, income tax refunds, and other information (GST Data, Foreign Remittances, and more).

“This is another initiative of the Income Tax Department in the area of providing enhanced taxpayer services facilitating ease of compliance,” the IT department said in a statement.
How to access on the web:
Login to URL https://www.incometax.gov.in/ on your web browser.
Enter your details to login on the e-filing portal.
Click on “Annual Information Statement (AIS)” under the “Services” tab from the e-filing portal.
Click on the AIS tab, on the homepage.
Select the relevant FY and click on the AIS tile to view the Annual Information Statement.