Hot topics

Going elsewhere?

25.8 C
Singapore
22.1 C
Malaysia
27.8 C
Thailand
27.2 C
Philippines
19.9 C
Indonesia
16 C
Vietnam
26.4 C
Cambodia
22.3 C
Myanmar

Cybersecurity

OpenAI invests in cybersecurity to combat AI-driven threats

OpenAI has made its first cybersecurity investment in Adaptive Security, a startup that uses AI to train employees to detect and prevent cyber threats.

Roblox introduces new parental controls to enhance child safety

Roblox introduces new parental controls, allowing parents to block games, restrict friends, and monitor their childโ€™s activity for better safety.

Exabeam introduces Nova, an agentic AI that boosts cybersecurity operations

Exabeam unveils Nova, a proactive AI agent that boosts security team productivity and reduces incident investigation time by over 50%.

Tenable reveals privilege escalation flaw in Google Cloud Run

Tenable uncovers a privilege escalation flaw in Google Cloud Run, exposing risks linked to inherited permissions and service interdependencies.

ESET uncovers RansomHub links to rival gangs and highlights emerging EDR killer threats

ESET uncovers RansomHubโ€™s links to rival gangs and reveals its custom EDR killer, signalling new threats in the ransomware landscape.

Marketing

Spotify introduces AI-powered ads and programmatic ad buying

Spotify unveils AI-powered ads and the Spotify Ad Exchange, making it easier for advertisers to reach Gen Z listeners with real-time bidding.

Adobe: Redefining digital marketing in APAC through AI and privacy-first personalisation

Discover how Adobe helps APAC brands tackle data privacy, localise content, and embrace AI-driven marketing in a cookieless future.

Adobe introduces AI agents to Experience Cloud to improve customer experience delivery

Adobe unveils AI-powered features in Experience Cloud to help businesses deliver personalised customer journeys and better digital performance.

Adobe introduces new Firefly updates to streamline brand content production at scale

Adobe expands Firefly with video, 3D and GenStudio integration, helping brands scale on-brand content production with ease.

WeChat mini-game advertising sees 113% increase, creating new opportunities for developers

WeChat mini-game ads grew 113% in 2024, opening major growth chances for developers aiming to scale in Chinaโ€™s fast-moving mobile game market.

Southeast Asia

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK to help Hong Kong brands expand into Southeast Asia

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK, helping Hong Kong SMEs tap into Southeast Asia's booming US$600 billion e-commerce market.

MLBB and OPPO crown regional champions at APAC Smooth Legend Cup

IDONOTSLEEP and Maru Gamerpact Esports take top honours at the MLBB x OPPO Smooth Legend Cup APAC Grand Finals.

LinkedIn: How AI is reshaping hiring and workforce strategies in 2025

Discover how AI is transforming hiring and workforce strategies in 2025, from skills-based recruitment to internal mobility and continuous learning.

Kyberlife raises US$3 million to expand healthcare procurement in Southeast Asia

Singaporeโ€™s healthtech startup Kyberlife secures US$3 million to expand its digital procurement platform, streamlining healthcare supply chains in Southeast Asia.

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres gains NVIDIA AI certification to boost AI capabilities

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres has achieved certification under the NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center programme, boosting AI capabilities in Southeast Asia.

Geek

Lego and Pokรฉmon Company announce long-awaited collaboration

Lego has partnered with The Pokรฉmon Company, and official Pokรฉmon Lego sets will be available in stores in 2026.

Crunchyroll announces cinema release dates for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Crunchyroll announces cinema release dates for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, starting 14 August 2025 in Singapore and Malaysia.

Aetherdrift brings high-speed action to Magic: The Gathering fans

MTG's Aetherdrift brings high-speed action, new mechanics, and exclusive collectibles in an epic multiverse race starting 7 February.

Crunchyroll and Sony partners unveil anime adaptation of Ghost of Tsushima: Legends

Crunchyroll, Aniplex, and Sony partners reveal Ghost of Tsushima: Legends anime adaptation, set for a 2027 release exclusively on Crunchyroll.

Evangelion store marks two decades with new merchandise and an anniversary fair

Celebrate 20 years of EVANGELION with exclusive merchandise and special gifts at the anniversary fair, only at the EVANGELION STORE.

Hot topics

Going elsewhere?

25.8 C
Singapore
22.1 C
Malaysia
27.8 C
Thailand
27.2 C
Philippines
19.9 C
Indonesia
16 C
Vietnam
26.4 C
Cambodia
22.3 C
Myanmar

Cybersecurity

OpenAI invests in cybersecurity to combat AI-driven threats

OpenAI has made its first cybersecurity investment in Adaptive Security, a startup that uses AI to train employees to detect and prevent cyber threats.

Roblox introduces new parental controls to enhance child safety

Roblox introduces new parental controls, allowing parents to block games, restrict friends, and monitor their childโ€™s activity for better safety.

Exabeam introduces Nova, an agentic AI that boosts cybersecurity operations

Exabeam unveils Nova, a proactive AI agent that boosts security team productivity and reduces incident investigation time by over 50%.

Tenable reveals privilege escalation flaw in Google Cloud Run

Tenable uncovers a privilege escalation flaw in Google Cloud Run, exposing risks linked to inherited permissions and service interdependencies.

ESET uncovers RansomHub links to rival gangs and highlights emerging EDR killer threats

ESET uncovers RansomHubโ€™s links to rival gangs and reveals its custom EDR killer, signalling new threats in the ransomware landscape.

Marketing

Spotify introduces AI-powered ads and programmatic ad buying

Spotify unveils AI-powered ads and the Spotify Ad Exchange, making it easier for advertisers to reach Gen Z listeners with real-time bidding.

Adobe: Redefining digital marketing in APAC through AI and privacy-first personalisation

Discover how Adobe helps APAC brands tackle data privacy, localise content, and embrace AI-driven marketing in a cookieless future.

Adobe introduces AI agents to Experience Cloud to improve customer experience delivery

Adobe unveils AI-powered features in Experience Cloud to help businesses deliver personalised customer journeys and better digital performance.

Adobe introduces new Firefly updates to streamline brand content production at scale

Adobe expands Firefly with video, 3D and GenStudio integration, helping brands scale on-brand content production with ease.

WeChat mini-game advertising sees 113% increase, creating new opportunities for developers

WeChat mini-game ads grew 113% in 2024, opening major growth chances for developers aiming to scale in Chinaโ€™s fast-moving mobile game market.

Southeast Asia

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK to help Hong Kong brands expand into Southeast Asia

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK, helping Hong Kong SMEs tap into Southeast Asia's booming US$600 billion e-commerce market.

MLBB and OPPO crown regional champions at APAC Smooth Legend Cup

IDONOTSLEEP and Maru Gamerpact Esports take top honours at the MLBB x OPPO Smooth Legend Cup APAC Grand Finals.

LinkedIn: How AI is reshaping hiring and workforce strategies in 2025

Discover how AI is transforming hiring and workforce strategies in 2025, from skills-based recruitment to internal mobility and continuous learning.

Kyberlife raises US$3 million to expand healthcare procurement in Southeast Asia

Singaporeโ€™s healthtech startup Kyberlife secures US$3 million to expand its digital procurement platform, streamlining healthcare supply chains in Southeast Asia.

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres gains NVIDIA AI certification to boost AI capabilities

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres has achieved certification under the NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center programme, boosting AI capabilities in Southeast Asia.

Geek

Lego and Pokรฉmon Company announce long-awaited collaboration

Lego has partnered with The Pokรฉmon Company, and official Pokรฉmon Lego sets will be available in stores in 2026.

Crunchyroll announces cinema release dates for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Crunchyroll announces cinema release dates for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, starting 14 August 2025 in Singapore and Malaysia.

Aetherdrift brings high-speed action to Magic: The Gathering fans

MTG's Aetherdrift brings high-speed action, new mechanics, and exclusive collectibles in an epic multiverse race starting 7 February.

Crunchyroll and Sony partners unveil anime adaptation of Ghost of Tsushima: Legends

Crunchyroll, Aniplex, and Sony partners reveal Ghost of Tsushima: Legends anime adaptation, set for a 2027 release exclusively on Crunchyroll.

Evangelion store marks two decades with new merchandise and an anniversary fair

Celebrate 20 years of EVANGELION with exclusive merchandise and special gifts at the anniversary fair, only at the EVANGELION STORE.
Sunday, 6 April 2025
25.8 C
Singapore
27.8 C
Thailand
19.9 C
Indonesia
27.2 C
Philippines

Amazon Prime Video revises subscription tiers, adds extra charges for Dolby Vision and Atmos

Amazon Prime Video now charges extra for Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos surround sound, alongside the introduction of ads.

In a significant move, Amazon Prime Video has revised its subscription model, introducing additional fees for access to Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos surround sound. This change accompanies the recent introduction of advertisements to the platform, marking a notable shift in Amazonโ€™s streaming service strategy.

Subscription changes and user impact

As a regular user of Amazon Prime Video, you might have noticed a downgrade in your viewing experience. Previously standard features like Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos surround sound are now exclusive to an ad-free subscription. This policy update was initially reported by 4KFilme and subsequently confirmed by Amazon spokesperson Katie Barker to The Verge.

If you wish to enjoy these premium features, youโ€™ll now need to opt for the ad-free subscription at an additional cost of US$2.99 per month. This adjustment places Amazon Prime Video in a different pricing bracket than its previous model, where these high-quality features were included in the base subscription.

Comparison with other streaming services

This pricing strategy invites comparisons with other major players in the streaming market. For instance, Netflix charges US$22.99 per month for its 4K tier. In contrast, Amazon Prime Video, initially only available with an overarching Amazon Prime subscription, now requires an 18% increase in expenditure for ad-free, high-fidelity viewing.

The standalone Prime Video subscription is priced at US$8.99 per month. Adding the new US$2.99 fee for enhanced features results in a total of US$11.98 per month, a 28% increase for subscribers choosing this option. For those who prefer ad-supported viewing, the US$8.99-per-month tier remains a competitive option, notably less expensive than Disney Plus, with ads at US$9.99 per month. Netflix also offers a 1080p service with ads, priced at US$6.99 per month.

The evolving streaming market

This move by Amazon reflects the changing dynamics in the streaming industry, where service providers are continuously adjusting their offerings and pricing structures. As a consumer, itโ€™s crucial to stay informed about these changes, as they directly affect your viewing experience and the value you derive from these subscriptions.

The landscape becomes increasingly complex as streaming platforms diversify their services and introduce additional charges for premium features. This scenario underscores the importance of comparing services and understanding the cost implications before choosing a subscription.

In summary, Amazon Prime Videoโ€™s decision to charge extra for Dolby Vision and Atmos and introduce ads marks a significant shift in its service model. This change aligns with broader trends in the streaming industry, emphasizing the need for consumers to stay informed and considerate of their subscription choices.

Hot this week

Chinese investor questions commercial future of humanoid robots

Chinese venture capitalist Allen Zhu questions the commercial potential of humanoid robots, sparking debate amid rising AI investment in China.

OPPO Watch X2 smartwatch with titanium bezel now available in Singapore

OPPOโ€™s new Watch X2 smartwatch is now available in Singapore. It offers a 16-day battery life, smart health tracking, and a titanium bezel.

MLBB and OPPO crown regional champions at APAC Smooth Legend Cup

IDONOTSLEEP and Maru Gamerpact Esports take top honours at the MLBB x OPPO Smooth Legend Cup APAC Grand Finals.

Samsung unveils Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ and S10 FE with AI features

Samsung launches the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ and S10 FE, its first AI-powered FE tablets, in Singapore on April 25, 2025, with special offers.

NUS partners with Microsoft Research Asia to advance AI research and nurture future tech talent

NUS and Microsoft Research Asia partner to boost AI research and develop future computing talent through a joint PhD and industry collaboration.

Ring founder Jamie Siminoff returns to Amazon as vice president

Jamie Siminoff returns to Amazon as VP, now leading Ring, Blink, Key, and Sidewalk teams amid a new AI-driven chapter for smart homes.

OPPO Watch X2 smartwatch with titanium bezel now available in Singapore

OPPOโ€™s new Watch X2 smartwatch is now available in Singapore. It offers a 16-day battery life, smart health tracking, and a titanium bezel.

MediaTekโ€™s Kompanio Ultra chip challenges Copilot+ PCs with AI power

MediaTekโ€™s Kompanio Ultra chip brings powerful AI processing and high-end performance to Chrome OS, competing with Windows Copilot+ PCs.

Pixel 10 to feature more cameras, but with downgraded specs

Google's Pixel 10 may feature more cameras but with downgraded specs, including a telephoto lens, while the Pixel 10 Pro retains its advanced setup.

Related Articles