TECHNOLOGY: Amazon has “sunset” Freevee — like the Google Graveyard

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

https://www.androidauthority.com/amazon-freevee-app-shut-down-august-3573688/

Amazon’s Freevee app gets an expiry date, but here’s how to keep watching for free

Prime Video is the new home for all of Freevee’s ad-supported content.

By Pranob Mehrotra

July 3, 2025

*** begin quote ***

  •     Amazon confirmed plans to sunset its free streaming service, Freevee, late last year.
  •     The company has now notified users that the Freevee app will be shut down in August 2025.
  •     Freevee’s extensive library of movies, TV shows, and live TV will be available through Prime Video.

After announcing plans to wind down its free video streaming service late last year, Amazon has now confirmed that the Freevee app will finally be shut down in August. But there’s some good news for those who enjoy Freevee’s vast library of TV shows, movies, and live TV.

*** end quote ***

Remember if it’s “free”, then you are the product!

Now like the Google Graveyard, we have an “Amazon sunset”!

Amazon’s Dash buttons are no more. Remember the “Tide button”, and other product buttons to make reordering easy?  I don’t remember Amazon “sunseting” other things.  And certainly not as frequently as Google does.

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GOVEROTRAGEOUS: AT&T “cancels” NY State internet service

Friday, January 17, 2025

https://www.androidauthority.com/atnt-exits-new-york-home-internet-aba-3517417/

AT&T shuts down its home internet service in New York to avoid new broadband law
New York’s affordable broadband act comes into effect this week.
By Rashid Agrawal
13 hours ago << EDITOR ADDED DATE 2025-01-17>>

*** begin quote ***

TL;DR

  •     AT&T has announced it will end its home internet service in New York, effective January 15.
  •     The decision comes in response to the state’s Affordable Broadband Act.
  •     The law requires internet providers to offer low-income households broadband plans priced at $15 and $20.

AT&T has announced that it will cease offering its 5G home internet service in New York State. This drastic decision, first reported by CNET, comes in direct response to the state’s landmark Affordable Broadband Act (ABA), which mandates that internet service providers offer low-income households significantly cheaper internet plans. (h/t: Ars Technica)

*** end quote ***

Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerk strikes a blow for cheap internet for “the poor”.

One problem: AT&T picked up their tech and moved out.  Big middle finger to the Comunists who think their diktats have power.  Nah, nah, de nah.  

Did the politicians and bureaucrats expect this?

More and more businesses are pushing back.  I cite PornHub’s departure from certain southern States.

Finally, Ma Bell grew a set.  Where were they when Judge Green and DOJ were breaking up the finest phone system in the world?  The casualties were Bell Labs, a million employees, and untold numbers of investors who lost their collective shirts.

Argh!

Time to squeeze Gooferment back in a very very small box.

It really only has a few limited Constitution duties  —  protect against external aggression, foreign relations, and keep the States from interfering in interstate commerce.

States have more lattitude, but no guarantee that they won’t do stupid <synonym for excrement> like this.

What’s next the Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerk “diktat” that AT&T phones can’t handle calls in NY?

Argh!

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Posted by reinkefj

TECHNOLOGY: If you don’t pay for the product, then you get what you pay for … …

Friday, November 1, 2024

https://www.androidauthority.com/dead-android-apps-3491528/

It’s been years, but I still miss these dead Android apps dearly
Not every great Android app stands the test of time.
By Andy Walker 21 hours ago

<< EDITOR ADDED DATE 2024-10-22>>

*** begin quote ***

I’ve used some great Android apps over the years. Many of these still exist and find a home on my home screen to this day. However, a slew of apps have come and gone. Feeling particularly nostalgic, I donned my rose-tinted glasses and took a longing look back at some of the dead Android apps that I still wish were actively developed, listed on the Play Store, or weren’t shuttered by their owners.

*** end quote ***

Well, before I “invest” my time, attention, effort, and dikw (i.e., data, information, knowledge, wisdom) in any application, I consider that if I am not paying for it, it COULD, and likely will, disappear at the most inconvenient moment in time.  And, I could gripe but it would be my own fault.

As an old Info Sec DR practioner, I always worry about backup and recovery (i.e., one is none, two is one, and three is glee).  As well as export and import of my data.  For example, it does me no good to EXPORT my data if there is no way to or no place to IMPORT it too.  

(Anyone ever think of that?  Notably my Apple Contacts app and Google Contacts app.  Both can export and import but something always prevents it.  Argh!  My solution is to keep contacts in a note in a NOTEPAD app.  PIA to update stuff in THREE places.  But, I just shake my head when people complain about losing their data.  Or search their call logs and message log to find a long ago contact.)

FWIW YMMV faiwwypfi (Free Advice Is Worth What You Pay For It! ?zero?)

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“A key point to bear in mind: The value of attentiveness varies in proportion to its object. You’re better off not giving the small things more time than they deserve.” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

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RANT: “Click to cancel” is a good rule

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

https://www.androidauthority.com/ftc-click-to-cancel-rule-3491150/

FTC cracks down on subscription tricks with click-to-cancel rule

  • From streaming services to gym memberships, the new rule will make it as easy to cancel as it was to sign up.

By Matt Horne
October 16, 2024

*** begin quote ***

TL;DR

  •     FTC’s new click-to-cancel rule will ensure canceling subscriptions is as easy as signing up.
  •     The rule targets deceptive subscription practices and applies to renewals, free trials, and continuity plans.
  •     Businesses will have 180 days to comply or face a fine.

*** and ***

The broader rule goes on to address misleading advertising practices and provides other protections against deceptive negative option marketing. Most parts of the rule will go into effect 180 days after publication, giving businesses time to comply and avoid potential penalties.

*** end quote ***

Why did it take them so long and why did the Pepuls Republik of Kaliforkneeah have to do it first?

What all does it cover?

Didn’t see that banks and credit cards were included.

Now what about “misleading advertising” by the media as well as politicians and bureaucrats?

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Posted by reinkefj