World News: Talking Tech: Your streaming bill is going up. Again.

Thursday, August 11

Welcome back, Talking Tech readers. I'm Brett Molina, and it's Thursday, which means more tech headlines.

Remember when we loved all these new streaming apps because it meant we could finally escape the scourge of cable TV and its high prices?

Yeah, a lot has changed.

If you subscribe to Disney+, which has been among the more affordable streaming services, get ready to pay up. The Walt Disney Company confirmed it's rolling out an ad-supported version of Disney+, which will cost $7.99 per month.

As for subscribers on the ad-free plan? You're going to pay $10.99 a month, $3 more than its current price.

But wait there's more: Hulu is hiking prices, too. Starting Oct. 10, Hulu's ad-free premium plan will rise $2 to $14.99, while the ad-supported option will jump from $6.99 to $7.99.

The upcoming price hikes follow Netflix, which is also considering an ad-backed plan, raising its prices earlier in the year.

Look, streaming services still have their perks. You may have to pay up for a device to stream on your TV, but it's nothing compared to monthly fees for a cable box. Plus, you can cancel your subscriptions at any time (which Netflix was reminded of after losing a million subscribers).

It won't be long before we see the streaming equivalent of "Survivor": Which services stay within our streaming islands, and which ones get dumped? Then again, maybe that process has already started.

What else happened in tech?

Should you share your location with your partner? It's not always a simple yes or no.

Samsung has new folding smartphones. The devices with foldable screens are available Aug. 26.

Kim Kardashian's latest accessory. The celebrity entrepreneur is partnering with Apple-owned Beats on custom Beats Fit Pro earbuds.

Tech and communication. Have tech tools changed how we interact with each other?

Thursday's tech tip

My not-so-favorite part of smartphone ownership is removing the case only to find gunk and other grossness your device has collected. Follow these tips for not only cleaning your phone, but clearing it of app clutter.

One more thing

As a Slurpee/Icee/slushie connoisseur, I did a double take after learning Sonic brought back its Pickle Juice Slush, which is basically a slushie with pickle juice. Of course, my colleague tried it and answered the big question: Is it dill-icious?

That's a wrap. Thanks for reading!

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.