Technology

Buckle up for more subscriptions

Published

11 months ago

April 11, 2025

Two weeks ago, Garmin announced it was launching a new subscription. Where the Garmin Connect app had previously offered everything from in-depth metrics and training plans for free, the beloved fitness tech company was now adding premium AI summaries, among other features, behind a paywall. In The Verge comments, my social media mentions, and the r/Garmin subreddit, cries about enshittification ensued.

Then, earlier this week, Garmin-competitor Polar announced that it, too, was launching a premium subscription called Polar Fitness Plan. There was no AI component, but in a nutshell, Polar is now asking long-time users to pay for training plans that it had previously, in some capacity, offered for free.

The march toward subscriptions, particularly in the wearable space, didn’t crop up overnight. You could trace it back to Apple’s infamous services event in 2019 (if not earlier), when the company made a marked shift from hardware to services. But Garmin and Polar’s examples stand out. In the world of premium rugged smartwatches, long-time fans often accepted the several hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars for their hardware because they didn’t paywall features.

“Garmins have always felt a little on the high side price wise, but it was justifiable as there was no ongoing cost,” Threads user aaronpfisher told me when I asked Garmin loyalists how they felt. “Strava have taken more and more and hidden behind a paywall and that’s how I fear this will end up too.”

“Customers are rightly worried that all of the best features will be behind a paywall,” says subscriptions expert Robbie Kellman Baxter, author of The Membership Economy and The Forever Transaction. “They have told customers not to worry — that the base software will always be available for free. But they have not been clear about whether or how much they will continue to improve the free version.”

It’s an understandable frustration. Generally, Baxter says, customers are resistant to subscribing to access features or their variations if they’ve previously received them for free. That’s borne out in recent examples. Oura Health, maker of the popular smart ring, faced immense backlash upon launching a subscription alongside Oura Ring Gen 3 in 2021. Recently, popular tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHD, also incurred the internet’s wrath when he introduced a subscription to his wallpaper app. Likewise, BMW also received heat when it tried to add a monthly subscription for heated seats in its cars.

But that anger might be something consumers have to get used to in the coming months. Increasingly, hardware sales no longer keep the lights on — and President Trump’s tariffs will only add fuel to the subscription wars.

Regardless of what the final tariff rates are, experts who have spoken to The Verge largely agree that gadget prices — and the price of everything else — will rise. Should nothing change, it might spur short-term buying, as consumers rush to snap up devices before price hikes. It may lead to people holding onto their devices longer and buying less in the mid-to-long term. In that scenario, charging for services becomes the most obvious way to keep the lights on.

“If hardware becomes more expensive, software will be a way for hardware companies to grow.”

“If hardware becomes more expensive, software will be a way for hardware companies to grow,” says Baxter, noting that Trump’s tariffs will push companies to focus on accelerating software and software-as-a-service subscriptions. “It also might change how they manufacture their products—designing for long-term stability and software flexibility. If companies designed hardware to last twice as long, and to deliver much of the value through software upgrades, they might be able to funnel more of their revenue through the ‘software’ side than the ‘hardware’ side.”

The question is whether companies can convince their customers the cost is worth it. Simply slapping on new features without thinking of the value they can provide could alienate loyal users. In fitness tech, athletes have largely decried Strava’s attempt to add value to its subscription through AI summaries, describing the feature as useless. (Or, more cuttingly, like “reading a book report a third-grader wrote.”)

Either way, it doesn’t look like there’ll be any relief for subscription fatigue any time soon.

Related Topics:gadgets news Tech Wearable

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Technology

Sony appears to be testing dynamic pricing on PlayStation games

Published

6 hours ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

Sony appears to be testing dynamic pricing on PlayStation games

A site called PSprices has been tracking prices on Sony’s digital game store and noticed something unusual: some games were being offered at different prices to different users. What’s more, those offers are tracked in the PlayStation API with experiment identifiers like IPT_PILOT and IPT_OPR_TESTING.

Dynamic pricing is nothing new and is used across a number of industries. But it’s often met with backlash and isn’t typically found in online game stores. According to PSprices, Sony is running A/B testing on prices for over 150 games in 68 regions, though the US doesn’t currently appear to be part of the experiment. For now, at least, Sony isn’t toying with raising prices. Instead, the program appears to offer discounts to select users, ranging from 5 percent to 17.5 percent, on titles like Spider-Man 2, God of War, and Red Dead Redemption 2.

Still, even if Sony’s version of dynamic pricing is focused on lowering costs for some users, it’s likely to draw ire. Customers receiving a 10 percent discount on Sid Meier’s Civilization VII probably won’t be thrilled when they find out their next-door neighbor was offered 25 percent off.

We reached out to Sony for comment, but have yet to receive a response.

Technology

Be aware of extortion scam emails claiming your data is stolen

Published

6 hours ago

March 7, 2026

Press Room

Be aware of extortion scam emails claiming your data is stolen

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You open your inbox and see a message that instantly makes your stomach drop. Someone claims they have your passwords, your files, your credit card details and your entire digital life. They say they will sell everything on the dark web unless you pay them quickly.

One reader, Bobby D, wrote to us after receiving a message exactly like this.

“I received the attached email, and I’m wondering what to do. I have the capability to mark it as Spam with my email provider, Earthlink. Because of its threatening nature, is there any other type of action you can recommend? I was wondering if just designating as spam, there really would be no deterrence for the sender?”

It feels personal. It feels urgent. And it feels terrifying. Then you actually read the email. “I have your complete personal information… I will send this package to dark net markets… Or you can buy it from me for 1000 USD in Bitcoin…”

If this looks familiar, you are not alone. This exact extortion scam email is hitting inboxes everywhere right now.

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Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

Extortion scam emails often claim hackers stole your data and demand bitcoin, but they rarely include any real proof. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why this extortion email is a scam

At first glance, the message sounds confident and detailed. That is intentional. Once you slow down, the warning signs are obvious.

No proof of compromise

The sender claims they stole everything but provides no real evidence. There are no screenshots, no passwords and no files attached. Scammers rely on fear, not facts.

Vague language and sloppy writing

Phrases like “a multitude of files” and “your devices” sound dramatic but say nothing specific. Real breaches include details. Scams stay vague.

Bitcoin demand and urgency

Any email demanding bitcoin while warning you not to tell anyone follows a classic scam formula. Legitimate companies do not operate this way.

Mass sent message

This email is not personal. It is part of a large campaign sent to thousands of addresses at once. The goal is to scare a few people into paying.

MICROSOFT ‘IMPORTANT MAIL’ EMAIL IS A SCAM: HOW TO SPOT IT

These messages rely on fear and urgency to push people into acting before they have time to think. (Annette Riedl/picture alliance via Getty Images)

How scammers got your email address

Here is the uncomfortable truth. Your email address likely appeared in an old data breach somewhere online. That does not mean your computer, phone or accounts are hacked. Scammers buy leaked email lists, then send threatening messages in bulk. Even one payment makes the entire operation profitable. They are playing the odds, not targeting you.

What to do right now

If you receive an email like this, here is the correct response.

Step 1: Do not reply

Responding confirms your address is active and can lead to more threats.

Step 2: Do not send money

Paying does not make you safer. It only signals that the scam worked.

Step 3: Mark it as spam or phishing

Flagging the email in EarthLink or any provider helps train spam filters. It reduces how often these messages reach you and others.

Step 4: Delete the message

Once it is reported, remove it and move on. To Bobby’s question, yes, marking it as spam absolutely helps. It does not stop the sender directly, but it protects you and others from future scams.

APPLE APP PASSWORD SCAM EMAIL WARNING

Slowing down and verifying information independently is often all it takes to break the scam’s grip. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from extortion scam emails

You cannot stop scammers from trying. You can stop them from succeeding. These steps reduce risk and remove the fear factor.

1) Use unique passwords for important accounts

Reused passwords make old data breaches more dangerous. A password manager helps you create and store strong, unique passwords.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

2) Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of protection even if a password leaks.

3) Keep devices and software updated

Updates close security gaps scammers rely on. Automatic updates offer the strongest protection.

4) Remove your personal data from the web

Data removal services help limit how much personal information scammers can find and misuse. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com

5) Avoid links and use strong antivirus protection

Never click links in threatening emails. Strong antivirus software helps block malicious sites and fake support pages. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

6) Slow down when messages create urgency

Scam emails rely on panic and speed. Pausing to verify removes their power.

7) Reporting still matters even if it feels pointless

Many people wonder if marking these emails as spam does anything at all. It does. Spam reports help email providers identify patterns, block sender networks and reduce future scam attempts. You may not stop the individual scammer, but you help protect everyone else.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Extortion scam emails succeed because they hijack fear. They want you to act fast, alone and without thinking. The moment you pause, question the message and verify safely, the threat collapses. No stolen files. No hacked devices. Just a recycled script designed to scare. If you received one of these emails, you did the right thing by stopping and asking.

Have you ever received a threatening email that made your heart race before you realized it was a scam? What helped you spot it, or what would you do differently next time? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Time’s running out to get a free gift card when you preorder a new MacBook

Published

18 hours ago

March 7, 2026

Press Room

Time’s running out to get a free gift card when you preorder a new MacBook

This has been a week to remember here at The Verge. MWC 2026 in Barcelona lead straight into Apple’s week of product announcements. There was truly something for everyone, whether you’ve been wanting a company to make a phone that can start fires, or had your fingers crossed for a brand-new MacBook model that costs just $599.99. It was also a great week for gaming, with the launch of Slay the Spire 2 on Steam as an early access game, plus Pokémon Pokopia on Nintendo Switch 2, and Marathon on PC and PS5.

It was also a pretty good week when it comes to deals, especially if you’re in the market for new hardware. You can nab a free gift card with a preorder of early 2026’s most anticipated tech launching on March 11th, including Apple’s new MacBooks, plus Samsung’s lineup Galaxy S26 phones. Let’s not forget that Google’s Pixel 10A launched this week, and the gift card promo for that is happening through March 11th.

Here are this week’s best deals.

March 11th is a big day for tech launches. That’s when every product that Apple announced this past week will ship and hit shelves, including its M5-powered MacBook Air, its MacBook Pro models equipped with the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, its affordable new MacBook Neo, the M4 iPad Air, plus two new Studio Displays. But wait, there’s more! Samsung’s Galaxy S26, the S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra launch that day, too.

With a couple exceptions (the Studio Displays and the iPad Air), you can get a gift card when you buy any of those products right now. Best Buy is the source for gift cards on most of Apple’s latest gear (including $25 with the MacBook Neo, $50 with the MacBook Air, or $100 with the MacBook Pro), while you can get one with any of Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 phones at Amazon (ranging from $100 to $200, depending on the model). Let’s not forget about the Google Pixel 10A, which launched March 5th and includes a $100 gift card through March 11th at Best Buy and Amazon.

Spring is in the air, and that means the return of many things: warmer weather, beautiful green leaves on trees, and bugs. Alright, I’m not excited about bugs, but I am excited about the return of the creatures who feast a lot of them — birds! I’m tempted to get a camera-equipped bird feeder this year, in part to let my toddler get a close look at hummingbirds, and one of the most appealing models out there is 37 percent off. Birdbuddy’s Smart Hummingbird Feeder Pro Solar is down to $189 at Birdbuddy and just $10 more at Chewy.

This model is powered by its solar panel, which works even on cloudy days (it can be recharged via USB-C if where you place it doesn’t get enough sun). Its motion-activated camera can capture 5-megapixel stills, slow motion footage, and HDR video of hummingbirds doing their thing. While these birds are often too quick to fully appreciate with the naked eye, this feeder will give you access to view them leisurely from the company’s companion app. There’s a Birdbuddy Premium subscription that starts at $69.99 per year that lets you name birds and track returning visitors, plus other features, but the base bird-viewing experience doesn’t cost extra.

If you’re into first-person shooters, you’ve probably heard of — and possibly already own — Marathon, Bungie’s anticipated PvPvE multiplayer title that’s a modern remake of one of the studio’s first games in the 1990s. The game just launched on PlayStation 5 and PC for $39.99, and you can get a small deal on the Steam PC version. Fanatical is selling Steam keys for $34.39, which is a 14 percent discount. Nothing huge, but it’s a nice price cut.

Several of us here at The Verge are playing Marathon, and are digging it so far. Its art style is unlike any other game, and admittedly, it has me strongly considering buying an OLED gaming monitor to enjoy. I need to see those neon colors pop.