Whenever Netflix raises its prices — which seems to happen roughly as often as Ben Affleck falls in love with an A-list celebrity — the company always gives the same reason. It needs the extra money, you see, in order to keep investing in the kind of programming and product its 302 million subscribers demand. That’s how the standard monthly price of ad-free Netflix jumped from $7.99 to $17.99 over the course of the last 13 years, including a $2.50 jump just announced during the company’s recent earnings report. There’s still a $7.99 monthly plan, of course, but that one includes ads — and it’s a dollar more expensive than it was a week ago.
Technology
Netflix won the streaming wars, and we’re all about to pay for it
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23951361/STK072_VRG_Illo_N_Barclay_7_netflix.jpg "Netflix won the streaming wars, and we’re all about to pay for it")
But let’s be real with each other. You want to know why Netflix keeps raising its prices? Because it can. Because Netflix won. The rest of the streaming industry is competing ferociously over a finite pool of money, dealing with carriage disputes because of dwindling subscriber numbers, and panicking over the future of TV. Netflix is the future of TV.
Over the last couple of years in particular, Netflix has gone from a solid streaming service to a practically unavoidable, virtually uncancellable part of mainstream culture. It has developed a slate of hit originals — Stranger Things, Wednesday, Squid Game, The Night Agent if we’re being really generous — that give it at least something approximating HBO-style appointment TV. It has proven, through things like the Paul / Tyson fight and the Tom Brady roast, that it can manufacture cultural events more or less out of nothing. It pulled off a day of NFL games without a hitch and spent billions of dollars to get WWE’s Monday Night Raw, one of cable’s biggest ongoing hits, onto the platform. And underneath it all, it has built a massive library of reality shows, cooking competitions, and the other filler TV that makes up most of our TV viewership.
Netflix has gone from a solid streaming service to a practically unavoidable, virtually uncancellable part of mainstream culture
Now, for the price of your Netflix subscription, you get a bunch of expensive movies, high-end TV shows, sports, and low-budget reality programs all in one place. You don’t want it all, but you pay for it anyway. That, my friends, is called a cable bundle. And it’s still the best business the entertainment industry has ever devised.
The average price of a basic cable subscription in 2006, the year before Netflix started streaming content over the internet, was between $40 and $50. People watched something like four hours of TV a day, which meant they probably watched about an hour of ads every single day. Today, services like YouTube TV and Comcast’s new sports and news bundle are $70 or more and only provide live programming. Meanwhile, Netflix subscribers watch two hours of the service every day, across all those categories, and are paying as little as a tenth of the price. Many of them see no ads at all. Think of the savings!
Netflix sure sees it that way. Greg Peters, the company’s co-CEO, said on this week’s earnings call that he’s optimistic about Netflix’s “long-term monetization opportunity.” “We earn, right now, only 6 percent of the revenue opportunity in the countries and segments that we currently serve,” he said. “And as long as we continue to deliver on improving the variety, the quality of our TV and film slate, we gradually expand the offering with newer content types, we believe we’ll be able to increase that share progressively every year.”
Translation: Netflix is coming for your entire entertainment diet. And your entire entertainment budget.
As it looks at price increases, Peters also said, Netflix considers signals like engagement, retention, and acquisition. All that amounts to one simple question: do you keep using Netflix when the price goes up? The answer, so far, has almost always been yes. And so the prices keep going up. It’s really just that simple. It’s clear to Netflix that it could charge more — maybe a lot more — and hardly anybody would leave. So of course it’s going to push the limits.
The other way to understand the specifics of the pricing strategy is that Netflix would very much like you to have that ad-supported plan. The company has said repeatedly that it makes more money on the combination of a smaller monthly fee and advertising than it does from the larger subscription price alone. A large percentage of new subscribers are choosing ads — about 55 percent in the latest quarter — and Netflix is beginning to test exactly how much its existing subscribers will pay to keep their Netflix ad-free. It’s no accident that the ad-free price just jumped two and a half times as much as the base price did. And remember: even if we all switch to the ads plans, the prices might still go up. Cable TV is expensive and filled with ads, after all, and Netflix sure likes that business model.
Netflix would very much like you to have that ad-supported plan
Netflix continues to signal that its ambitions are only growing, too. Ted Sarandos, the company’s other co-CEO, indicated on this week’s earnings call that the company is more open to live sports than ever, after the success of the Christmas NFL games and the Paul / Tyson fight. The company is increasingly getting into video games, too, which accounts for another huge chunk of many people’s entertainment budget. Netflix is even starting to borrow tactics from YouTube and TikTok, bringing creators like Ms. Rachel onto the platform.
Reed Hastings, Netflix’s co-founder and former CEO, famously said that Netflix’s main competitor is sleep. Sleep’s still a pretty powerful market force, to be fair. And YouTube continues to be an even more dominant force in people’s video-viewing experience. But Netflix has ascended above practically everybody else — even its ostensible competitors are now licensing their shows to Netflix because that’s where the viewers are, and where the culture is.
The streaming wars have been messy, and they’re certainly not over, but Netflix already won. The only question left is exactly how rich the spoils of victory will be. And you better believe Netflix is going to find out.
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/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25847349/Screenshot_2025_01_26_at_10.10.56_AM.png "Retro Remake opens preorders for its PS One FPGA clone")
Retro Remake’s Taki Udon announced last night that preorders had opened for the SuperStation One, a clone of the PS One variant of the original PlayStation. The $149.99 Founders Edition preorders are sold out already, but you can still preorder the standard $225 SuperStation One for $179.99 right now, with shipping expected in “Q4 or Earlier.”
While the SuperStation One looks like a PS One — complete with ports compatible with the original PlayStation controller and memory cards — it plays more than just PlayStation 1 games. It’s a custom MiSTER field-programmable gate array (FPGA) machine, as Polygon points out. That means rather than emulating game consoles, its hardware can actually function just like those consoles, with cores ranging from the Atari 5200 and NES to the PlayStation and Sega Saturn.
Retro Remake currently offers the system in black, gray, and translucent blue. It comes with a 64GB Micro SD card and has three USB-A ports, an ethernet port, and an NFC reader that you can use to trigger specific games to load. It uses USB-C for power.
On the video side of things, the SuperStation One will have an HDMI port, along with VGA, DIN10, composite, and component ports geared for retro gaming setups. You’ll also find a 3.5mm audio jack and a digital audio port. Finally, there’s an expansion slot to support Retro Remake’s planned SuperDock accessory that adds a slot-loading disc drive, a 2280 m.2 SSD bay, and four more USB-A ports. That’s not up for preorder yet, but you can put down a $5 preorder deposit for it with an order of the SuperStation One.
Credit card fraud has been on the rise in recent years.
The Federal Trade Commission’s most recent database indicates that 416,582 cases of credit card fraud were reported in 2024, making it one of the most common forms of identity theft. You know you’ve been a victim of this fraud when you notice unauthorized transactions on your credit card bill.
These transactions are usually below $100 to avoid detection. However, sometimes they can exceed $1,000. One such incident happened with Martin from Martinsville, Virginia, when he was randomly charged $1,095 in Hong Kong.
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“Hello, I recently received a fraud alert from my credit card company that said that there was a $1,095 charge on my credit card in Hong Kong. I use my iPad and Safari browser to buy online. Can you please explain how this could happen? By the way, my credit card company canceled my credit card and will send me a new Mastercard in the mail, and I’m not responsible for the charges on my credit card. What can I do in the future to prevent this from happening again?”
I’m sorry to hear about the fraudulent charge on your credit card, Martin. It’s good that your credit card company is handling it and that you’re not responsible for the charges. For future reference, I’ll be discussing how this could have happened and how to stay safe.
A woman using her credit card to shop online (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How credit card fraud happens
Credit card fraud can happen in several ways, often without you even realizing it. One common method is when fraudsters get hold of your card information through data breaches at online stores or banks, which means your details get leaked without your knowledge.
Another sneaky tactic is phishing, where scammers trick you into giving away your card info by posing as legitimate companies via emails or fake websites.
There’s also the risk of “card skimming,” where devices at ATMs or gas stations secretly capture your card details when you swipe it. In some cases, fraudsters might also exploit weak security on public Wi-Fi networks or compromised apps to access your information while you’re shopping online.
A man using his credit card to shop on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Credit card fraud is way too common
A report from Security.org reveals that 52 million Americans experienced credit card fraud in 2023, a figure even higher than the one reported by the FTC. With four out of five American adults owning at least one credit card, the report found that three in five cardholders have faced unauthorized charges — an estimated 128 million victims. Even more concerning, 75% of these victims reported having their credit card information stolen more than once.
The typical unauthorized transaction is around $100, which adds up to approximately $5 billion in criminal purchases each year. Interestingly, most unauthorized transactions involve credit cards that weren’t physically lost or stolen, highlighting the growing risks of online fraud and data breaches.
A woman using her credit card to pay (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
THE BEST BALANCE TRANSFER CREDIT CARDS 2025
The need for identity theft protection
Data breaches are one of the main ways credit card fraud happens. Hackers often get unauthorized access to sensitive information stored by businesses or institutions. When a retailer, financial institution or online store experiences a data breach, the hackers usually go after the payment systems where customer credit card details are kept.
If these systems aren’t properly secured, hackers can grab things like credit card numbers, expiration dates and sometimes even security codes. Once they have that info, they can either use it themselves or sell it to others.
But it’s not just credit card information at risk. Data breaches can also expose personal details like names, email addresses and phone numbers. Scammers can then use this stolen info to launch phishing attacks, pretending to be trusted companies and tricking you into giving away more sensitive information.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
This is why identity theft monitoring is so important. Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.
One of the best parts of some identity theft protection services is that they have identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
Illustration of a credit card crook (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HOW TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST DEBIT CARD HACKERS WHO ARE AFTER YOUR MONEY
10 ways to protect yourself from credit card fraud
1. Notify your credit card issuer immediately: If you notice fraudulent charges on your credit card, start by calling the number on the back of your credit card. From there, you should get more detailed information on what to do next.
2. Monitor your statements regularly: One of the best ways to catch credit card fraud early is to keep an eye on your statements. Review your transactions regularly to spot any unfamiliar charges. The sooner you notice something suspicious, the quicker you can report it to your credit card company and prevent further damage.
3. Regularly check your credit report: In addition to monitoring your credit card statements, periodically review your credit report to catch any unauthorized accounts opened in your name.
4. Use strong, unique passwords: Always use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, especially those that store payment details. Avoid using easily guessable information, and consider using a password manager to store and generate secure passwords. This reduces the chances of fraudsters accessing your accounts.
5. Use credit card alerts: Set up transaction alerts with your credit card company. This way, you’ll receive a notification via email or text for every transaction made with your card. If you receive an alert for a purchase you didn’t make, you can take immediate action to report it and prevent further charges.
6. Be Cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid making purchases or entering sensitive information when connected to public Wi-Fi networks because they’re often not secure. If you need to make an online purchase while on the go, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection and keep your credit card details safe from hackers. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices
7. Don’t store credit card info on browsers and websites: Storing your credit card information on browsers or websites can make it convenient, but it also exposes you to a higher risk of fraud. If your browser or the website’s security gets compromised, hackers could gain access to your saved card details. To stay safe, avoid saving your credit card information and manually enter it each time you make a purchase. If a site offers to save your details for future use, think twice before accepting. It’s better to take the extra step to enter your information each time, ensuring your data stays secure.
8. Use EMV chip technology: When making in-person purchases, always use the chip reader instead of swiping your card. Chip technology provides an extra layer of security against fraud.
9. Be wary of phishing attempts and have strong antivirus software: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts or phone calls asking for your credit card information. Legitimate companies typically don’t request sensitive information through these channels. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have 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 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
10. Keep your card in sight: When using your card in restaurants or stores, try to keep it within view. This reduces the risk of someone copying your card details.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
Kurt’s key takeaway
It’s clear that credit card fraud is more prevalent than ever, affecting millions of Americans each year. The good news is that there are effective steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim. By staying vigilant and employing best practices — like monitoring your statements and using strong passwords — you can significantly reduce your risk. Remember, awareness and proactive measures are your best defenses against credit card fraud.
Have you or someone you know ever experienced credit card fraud, and how did it impact you? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Imagine walking down a busy city street surrounded by the usual urban clutter — graffiti-covered walls, chained bicycles and various pieces of street furniture.
Among these familiar sights, you might pass by what appears to be a nondescript telecom signal box.
But with the push of a button, this unassuming object transforms into a fully functional motorcycle. Welcome to the world of the Nomoto, a revolutionary concept by designer Joey Ruiter that challenges our perception of urban transportation.
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The invisible motorcycle
The Nomoto, short for “No moto here, buddy,” is a remarkable electric motorcycle concept that blurs the line between vehicle and urban infrastructure. When parked, it looks like nothing more than a graffiti-covered metal box, seamlessly blending into its surroundings.
This camouflage serves a dual purpose. It’s an artistic statement about urban design and a practical solution to bike theft.
WHO CAME UP WITH THIS CRAZY BUT COOL ELECTRIC MONOWHEEL?
How the Nomoto works
The genius of the Nomoto lies in its transformation. At the touch of a button, the seemingly immobile box rises up on wheels, ready to ride. The design eliminates the need for a kickstand because the bodywork lowers itself to sit flush with the ground when parked.
A drop-down cover reveals the handlebars, while flip-up covers on the front and rear boxes provide small storage areas. While the Nomoto’s primary appeal is its unique aesthetic, it’s not just for show. The bike is a fully functional electric scooter, albeit a basic one. It features stealthy headlight and brake light arrangements, though it appears to lack mirrors and indicators.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
The Nomoto (J. Ruiter)
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
Joey Ruiter: The mind behind the concept
Joey Ruiter is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of design. Known for his minimalistic approach, Ruiter strips products down to their essence, reimagining ordinary objects in extraordinary ways.
His portfolio includes a 215-horsepower watercraft and the Snoped, an upright single-track snow bike with stark, boxy bodywork. Ruiter’s work often polarizes opinion, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I don’t mind if somebody doesn’t like my work,” he says. “I think the polarization makes it fun.”
The Nomoto embodies this philosophy, challenging our expectations of what a motorcycle should look like and how it should function in an urban environment.
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A PEDAL-ELECTRIC HYBRID THAT’S HALF BIKE, HALF CAR
Kurt’s key takeaways
The Nomoto represents a bold reimagining of urban transportation. It’s a testament to the power of creative design to solve practical problems while challenging our perceptions. While it may never see mass production, the Nomoto serves as an inspiring example of how thinking outside the box — or, in this case, inside a very unusual box — can lead to innovative solutions for city living.
Would you feel comfortable riding a motorcycle that looks completely invisible when parked, trading traditional motorcycle aesthetics for ultimate urban stealth? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover
Follow Kurt on his social channels
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
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