March 2023

Do you feel like canceling free trials and subscriptions can be a complicated process that makes you jump through hoops? Well, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants to change that. On Thursday, the FTC announced a proposed rule change that applies to digital and physical subscriptions called “click to cancel”. According to CNN, “The FTC regulation could hit some of America’s biggest retailers and online platforms...

Apple has reportedly started taking attendance to ensure its employees are commuting to the office at least three days a week. Zoë Schiffer, the managing editor of the Platformer tech blog, tweeted that, based on an unnamed source, Apple would be tracking employees’ attendance using bandage sign in records to see if they are coming into the office. Apple has been trying to return to the office...

Amazon announced on Wednesday that Panera is the first restaurant to test out its palm-reading payment and loyalty system known as Amazon One. Customers will be able to pay and access Panera’s loyalty program all with the scan of their hand. According to TechCrunch, Panera currently has Amazon One as a payment method for customers in two locations in St. Louis, but will expand the technology...

Amazon announced on Wednesday that the company will be expanding its Fire TV line including newer, cheaper options as well as offering its flagship Fire TV Omni QLED series in more sizes. The new, cheaper Fire TV addition is called the 2-Series and starts at just $200. The set comes in 32-inch (720p) and 40-inch (1080p) options. According to Amazon’s website, the Fire TV 2-series allows...

YouTube TV announced last week that the price of its subscription service would be raised from $65 per month to $73 per month. The price raise is effective immediately for new subscribers and existing subscribers will be hit with the updated price starting April 18. YouTube TV explained in a tweet, “An update for our members. As content costs have risen and we continue to invest...

The reimagined Mickey’s Toontown reopened last weekend at Disneyland Park with improvements to be accommodating to every guest. Mickey’s Toontown first opened 30 years ago and, according to Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, the goal was to preserve what makes Mickey’s Toontown special for so many and the many memories made there while improving it for the future generations of guests. According to...

Starbucks made the announcement on Monday that Laxman Narasimhan will take the lead of the company, officially becoming the CEO. Narashimhan was named incoming CEO in September and, according to CNBC, was expected to take control on April 1. Ahead of his transition, he spent time learning the business of Starbucks and even training as a barista. Narashimhan is taking over the reins from interim CEO, Howard...

Chick-fil-a customers will notice an update to the company’s loyalty program starting at the beginning of next month. They will now have to spend more to get rewards. “Chick-fil-A One is a tiered membership program that allows customers to earn points with every qualifying purchase when using the company's app. As customers collect points, they can redeem them for available rewards,” according to Fox Business. "Some of...

Samuel Adams has remastered its flagship beer, Boston Lager, and compares its classic taste to “your favorite band you used to play on vinyl.” Last year, Samuel Adams introduced the company’s first non-alcoholic beer, Just the Haze, which is a New England-style IPA. Now, the company is rolling out the new, remastered product for Spring 2023. Samuel Adams describes the Remastered Boston Lager as “brighter and easier...

On Tuesday, Hershey announced two new dairy-free products that will hit stores soon: Reese’s plant-based peanut butter cups and a vegan chocolate Hershey bar with almonds and sea salt. The candies will be made with oats instead of milk. Teal Liu, brand manager of Better For You, The Hershey Co., explained, “We are excited to introduce these delicious, plant-based options. Our purpose is to create more...