If you mooch off someone’s streaming service, time is up. Disney+ is the next streaming service banning password sharing.
The morning habits of CEOs (including me!)
I ran across this story (paywall link) about the morning routines of tech billionaire CEOs. It was interesting but not that thorough, so I did additional research. Here’s what I found, and even though I’m far from a billionaire, I’ll share my morning recipe for success, too.
Jeff Bezos (Amazon): Likes to “putter” in the morning, reading newspapers and having coffee with his wife-to-be — no phones allowed! Then, breakfast with his kids. Jeff likes “breakfast octopus.” Oh, and he says his brain is most alert at 10 a.m., so that’s when holds his most important meetings of the day.
Sam Altman (OpenAI): He likes a big shot of espresso as soon as he gets up, followed by a fast for about 15 hours — no breakfast. While catching up on emails, he uses a full-spectrum LED light for 15 minutes to make him more alert. Altman doesn’t hold meetings in the mornings, preferring afternoons. I saw one of his two $27 million McLaren F1s parked outside the Rosewood Hotel in Montecito. It must’ve been an exception, as he was having Sunday brunch.
Evan Spiegel (Snapchat): He wakes up at 5 a.m. for “Evan time,” which includes alone time, checking emails and enjoying a shot of double espresso. This is followed by 45 minutes at the gym or Kriya meditation. He also reads the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times. His wife says he likes morning exfoliating masks, too. Relatable.
Mark Zuckerberg (Meta): Zuck begins his day around 8 a.m. by checking Facebook, Messenger and WhatsApp on his phone, a habit he acknowledges isn’t ideal. He’s giving up running for practicing jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts. He likes to wear similar outfits daily so he can focus his mental energy on more significant decisions.
Bob Iger (Disney): He wakes up at 4:15 a.m. and immediately works out alone on a Versaclimber in a dark room with a TV on mute. He doesn’t like distractions and doesn’t even check his phone until his workout is done. He gets to work at 6:30 a.m. and is usually the first person in the office, turning on lights and making coffee.
Tim Cook (Apple): Tim wakes up between 3:45 and 5:00 a.m. and reads about 700 emails from customers and employees for an hour. Then, he heads to the gym for an hour. Morning workouts are pretty common for CEOs; it sure helps me focus.
Peter Warwick (Scholastic): He wakes up between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. and reads the news (the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Financial Times). Then, he takes a long walk with his wife, followed by a walk to work, picking up an avocado toast and skinny latte on the way. Yes, every day.
How to watch Sunday’s Falcons vs. Jaguars NFL game animated in the style of ‘Toy Story’
This is so cool, and it’s happening this Sunday. ESPN and Disney are teaming up for a one-of-a-kind NFL experience.
While you’ve got your usual Falcons vs. Jaguars action from London happening in Week 4 on ESPN+, local channels and the NFL+ mobile app, a new twist comes from the magical world of “Toy Story.”
🦺 Junior mode: That’s the kid-friendly version of Disney+. To enable it for your little one, create a new profile, then tap Add profile. To do this with an existing profile, tap Edit profile. Toggle on Junior mode to limit streaming options to kid-appropriate content, all with a simpler, easier-to-navigate interface.
Disney+ tries the Netflix stunt
Just months after Netflix cracked down on passwords, Disney is hoping to rake in the cash with the same tactic.
Snow White loves taking photos; someday, her prints will come: Disney is replacing its expensive focus groups with AI. Imagine facial analysis tech that watches your face when you exit a ride or see a character — every smile, smirk or exhale. Spoiler: Everyone paying to get in isn’t exactly happy about it.
Which platform is winning the streaming wars, with the largest share of viewers? Is it … A.) Prime Video, B.) Netflix, C.) Hulu or D.) YouTube?
Streaming costs are higher than ever - Take steps to save now
I think we’re all wondering the same thing. Am I really saving any money since I ditched cable for streaming? And about those commercials … they’ve come to streaming, too.
Just this week, Disney+ and Hulu said that come October, prices will increase. Ad-free Disney+ is going from $11 to $14 — ad-free Hulu from $14 to $18. You could pay less to watch some ads, but … they’re annoying.
Of course they are: Streaming services and advertisers are suing to stop the FTC’s new click-to-cancel rule. Yep, that’s the rule that forces companies like Disney to make canceling subscriptions as easy as signing up. They call the rule “arbitrary, capricious and an abuse of discretion,” which is just a fancy way to say, “We don’t want to make it easy for people to cancel.”
Mickey needs the money: Disney+ subscriptions are now limited to one household based on using the same internet connection regularly. It’s a way for them to make more money, of course. Add an extra member to your household for $6.99 per month with a basic Disney+ subscription or $9.99 a month for premium plans.
👩🍼 Bundles of joy: Bundles can save you money by combining services at a lower total cost. Try Apple One, which bundles cloud storage, music, games and movies — or streaming services Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. Share it with family and it’s even cheaper.
The FTC bans fake online reviews
Using bots to boost social media followers and influence is off the table, too. Disney+ adds Hulu shows, sparking parental outrage. Plus, Waymo horror stories, Facebook rental scams, and tips for your next mechanic visit. And Earl from Chicago needs wedding help for his daughter.
Parents, know this about Disney
Disney+ adding Hulu content might seem like a win for variety, but parents aren’t thrilled. R-rated flicks and reality drama are creeping into what used to be a family-safe zone.
Bad Mickey: A woman with a severe dairy and nut allergy died after eating at a Disney restaurant earlier this year, despite assurances her meal was safe. Now, Disney is asking a judge to throw out the case. Her husband signed up for Disney+ in 2019 and, in the terms, agreed to settle disputes out of court through arbitration. No kidding, it was just a free trial account.
Apple’s next big idea: Robot butlers
Picture an AI smarty-pants to wash the dishes, clean the house and video chat with you when you’re not home. Plus, fakes on Facebook, no more sharing Disney+ passwords, and Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.
Too much power: Advertisers can now use Walmart’s shopping data for targeted ads on Disney+ and Hulu. Disney Advertising and Walmart Connect’s partnership gives marketers access to 145 million customers. They say they’ll match users’ data “without violating their privacy,” but they always say that.
Your old photos are worth money to AI
Big tech will pay top dollar for your cringey Myspace pics. Plus, how to file a claim in Walmart’s $45 million lawsuit (you could get $500), phony AI image generators run wild on Facebook, and Disney+ stops password sharing. And all the weird stuff you can gamble on online!
$10K for baby photos
That’s what some parents pay for over-the-top newborn photoshoots. From Disney-themed to “Game of Thrones,” no vision is too wild. Photographers report (paywall link) making custom-made props, importing tiny furniture and creating elaborate costumes.
1.3 million users canceled Disney+
That’s from September 2023 to December 2023. They blame the “substantial price increase.” Ya think? It’s now double the original cost.