World News: Talking Tech: Netflix will soon end password sharing. What about other streaming services?

Thursday, February 16

Happy Thursday, Talking Tech readers. Brett Molina back again with your latest tech news.

It won't be long now before Netflix formally cracks down on password sharing. Although we've seen hints of what that future might look like, such as tests charging extra to add other people, it's still not clear how the streaming giant will approach this.

It also begs another question: what about our other streaming platforms? How long before other services like Disney+, Hulu and others do the same?

Here's a quick recap of how some of the top streamers are handling password sharing:

HBO Max. They'd rather you did not share, but don't expect them to go full Tony Soprano and "persuade" you to reconsider.

Hulu. If you have a regular plan, you're all good. Live TV subscribers have to check in to their home network every 30 days when someone using the account is away.

Disney+. The House of Mouse lets you watch on up to four devices simultaneously. Sounds like the happiest place on (streaming) Earth!

Prime Video. Amazon supports sharing through its Amazon Household service, but you also have to share payment methods.

What else happened in tech?

Musk Watch. The billionaire shares when he'll find a new CEO for Twitter.

RIP Internet Explorer. Microsoft pulls plug on browser for most versions of Windows 10.

"I don't want you to leave me." Bing's ChatGPT is being a bit clingy. And rude.

Check your iPhones. There's a new software update. Here's what Apple includes.

Thursday tech tip

Face ID is a useful feature on iPhone. You quickly log in to your phone without having to type a password. But it's possible others can abuse it if you're sleeping. This is the key Face ID setting you should update.