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Netflix intros cheaper standard definition streaming plan for new subscribers
If you consider yourself both extremely frugal and averse to the luxuries of seeing Hollywood eye candy actors in Super HD, Netflix's new SD tier could be right up your alley. The streaming service has begun offering a low-end plan for new subscribers only that'll allow standard definition streaming to one device -- that's right, no simultaneous viewing -- for $6.99 per month. We can confirm the plan is indeed now live as it appeared when we attempted to sign up for new service though, as TechCrunch reports, that may not be the case for everyone. Take note, this recent plan addition is only $1 cheaper than the basic HD tier that lets users stream to two devices at once, making the SD plan's cost benefit a bit dubious. So, if you're really counting your pennies and haven't bothered to upgrade to an HD-capable TV or tablet or phone (which makes us wonder if you even have broadband), then by all means, have at this promo. You're also probably not into account sharing anyway. And really, that's what that extra $1/mo is for, right? Right.
BlackBerry Bold 9930, Torch 9850 go on sale at Sprint for $200, $150
As expected, the BlackBerry Torch 9850 and BlackBerry Bold 9930 went on sale at Sprint yesterday as part of its BlackBerry 7 lineup. Both phones feature 1.2GHz Snapdragon processors and five-megapixel cameras, but the 9850 has a 3.7-inch touch-only display compared to the Bold's 2.8-inch screen and keyboard combination. Purchased online with contracts and after rebates, the 9850 is selling for $150 while the 9930 is going for a cool $200 -- a departure from the originally announced Bold price tag of $249, with no mention of cash back. For Sprint users, a rebate is clearly better than no rebate -- even if it does require a stamp.
AT&T rumored to rework texting plan to counter Verizon iPhone
AT&T may enjoy inviting Verizon iPhone owners to life in the slow lane, but the latest rumor out of GearLive suggests that AT&T may be modifying some of its pricing plans to entice customers to stick with the GSM iPhone. The leaked Best Buy screen grab suggests AT&T will drop several existing messaging plans and offer two plans that fit in with its K.I.S.S. (keep it simple silly) philosophy. The lower priced plan will provide customers with 1000 text messages for $10 per month, while the upper tier plan will offer unlimited messaging for $20 per month ($30 on a family plan). The soon-to-be defunct plans include the Messaging 200, which included 200 messages for $5/monthly, and the Messaging 1500, which offered 1500 messages for $15 per month. These changes will reportedly take place starting January 23. Customers with these older plans will be grandfathered. It is worthy to note that these changes may not be tied to the Verizon iPhone. Though these new messaging plans trump Verizon's current messaging plans, AT&T may be enacting them before announcing some new messaging phones or even in anticipation of the arrival of its three new Android handsets, which include the Motorola ATRIX 4G, HTC Inspire 4G and the Samsung Infuse 4G. Plus, a small change amounting to $5 is not going to help a company retain many customers. AT&T may need to up the ante with the return of its unlimited data plan or free personal hotspot to keep unhappy iPhone customers from jumping ship. [Via Gizmodo]
AT&T announces iPhone 3G pricing plans
Finally, a piece of news we can actually do something with. AT&T today announced its pricing structure for the next iteration of Apple's iPhone -- which you can plunk down money for come 8 am, July 11th. There's not much that's surprising here -- new customers and those eligible for an upgrade will be able to nab the phone for $199 (8GB) or $299 (16GB), while "early upgraders" will have to fork over $399 or $499, all with a two year contract and $18 upgrade fee, of course. The telco says a no-commitment version of the phone will be available for $599 and $699, though it looks like that will come after the initial launch. AT&T appears to be leaning pretty heavily towards the all-in unlimited plans, but there are options if you don't want to go that route. We've sorted out the basics after the break, and included AT&T's "iReady" video -- certainly good for a few chuckles.
