Netflix has dropped its $10 basic plan in the US. Mashable.com reports that people who are presently on the plan can keep it, as long as they don’t change their plan or cancel their account. For new sign ups or returning customers, the only way now you can get Netflix for under $10 bucks is to take the $6.99 ad supported plan, or step up to the $14.99 ‘Standard’ subscription. The Standard plan does allow users to add one extra device for simultaneous viewing and to share the account with one person outside the account holder’s household.

Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have extended their merger agreement to October 18th. According to theverge.com, this will let negotiations continue with UK regulators. The deal has been approved here in the US and in 40 other countries. Microsoft had originally planned to close on the deal July 18th.  in an internal memo to Xbox employees, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer says he’s “optimistic” about the acquisition still being finalized.

New Samsung models will be shown at the Unpacked event coming up on July 26th, and one of them is rumored to be a ‘Business’ model of the Galaxy Watch 6. Cnet.com says there aren’t a lot of details so far on what the business features may be…but the Watch 6 is expected to have sapphire crystal glass, a temperature sensor, and a thinner bezel. It will come in 40 mm and 44 mm sizes…with the Watch 6 Classic available in 43 mm and 47 mm sizes. 

TikTok is rolling out a new program that is designed to identify the next wave of rising artists in the music industry. TechCrunch.com reports the program is called elevate, and it is intended to help musicians create a lifelong career in the music industry, beyond being a one-hit wonder. The company did not go into detail about how it selected its batch of artists for the program, but noted that it looked at “signed and unsigned talent, to build a roster of artists that span across the globe and many genres of music.” The program will run exclusive performances from each artist in their hometowns at locations that inspired their music. TikTok has also cut a licensing deal with Warner Music Group.

I’m Clark Reid and you’re ‘Technified’ for now.