World News: Talking Tech: The price of Amazon Prime is going up

Thursday, February 17

It's Friday eve, Talking Tech readers, as we approach the first weekend without NFL football. It's Brett Molina back with your latest tech news.

Let's start with Amazon, which has been a lifeline for many consumers since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

If you are a member of Amazon Prime – the tech giant's subscription program with free shipping, Prime Video and other perks – prepare to pay more.

The price change takes effect this Friday. If you're new to the service, you'll pay $139 for the year, up from $119. If you want to pay monthly, it goes up from $12.99 to $14.99.

However, if you want to save the $20, is it possible to lock in an annual membership for at least an extra year at $119. But you should act quickly.

What else happened in tech?

BUDGET SMARTPHONES. You don't have to pay hundreds of dollars for a smartphone, especially if you only need it for basic tasks like email, texting and surfing the web. Check out our guide on affordable smartphones.

BLIND DATES ON TINDER? The dating app has a new feature so users can chat with a prospective partner before viewing their profile or photos.

WANT TO FLY TO SPACE? It only costs $450,000.

YOUR WEEKLY WORDLE FIX. Two more Wordle style games to try out. First is Worldle, which is Wordle if you love geography. Then there's Quordle, which is Wordle but you have to solve four puzzles at once.