Apple Fitness+ offers a variety of guided video workouts for all levels, and there are multiple ways to access it for free, including through Apple One bundles, family sharing, or with new device purchases, making it an accessible fitness option for many users.
NFL RedZone is offering free access this weekend across various streaming platforms, allowing fans to watch every touchdown without extra cost, as part of a promotion to boost viewership and engagement during the mid-season.
Perplexity has made its AI-powered Comet browser available for free to all users, allowing easy download and setup without a subscription. The browser features an agentic AI that can perform tasks on the internet on your behalf, such as opening links, summarizing pages, and more, offering a glimpse into the future of AI-assisted browsing.
Perplexity has made its AI-powered Comet browser free for all users, offering a sidecar assistant to enhance browsing and productivity, with a new 'background assistant' for Max subscribers that can perform multiple tasks simultaneously. The move aims to compete with major browsers and AI-driven competitors, while offering additional tools and features for different user tiers.
Google Vids, initially exclusive to Workspace subscribers, is now available for free users, offering a browser-based video creation tool with templates, AI features, and sharing options, with upcoming enhancements like noise cancellation and format options.
Microsoft Bing has launched a free AI video generator called Bing Video Creator, powered by OpenAI’s Sora model, allowing users with a Microsoft account to create up to 10 videos for free, with additional videos costing 100 Microsoft Rewards points each. The tool currently only supports vertical videos and is not yet available on desktop, with videos taking hours to generate even in fast mode.
OpenAI has made all GPTs in the GPT Store free to use, providing educators with unprecedented access to custom AI tools. This move allows teachers to automate tasks, personalize learning experiences, and quickly access information, enhancing efficiency and productivity. While creating GPTs still requires a paid account, the ability to use existing GPTs for free empowers educators to innovate and streamline their workflows, fostering a more inclusive and efficient educational environment.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is offering free access to its multiplayer mode, including six maps from Modern Warfare 2, from December 14 to 18. Players can enjoy various game modes and a new map called "Meat" set in a compact slaughterhouse. The "Tac-Stance" aiming mode adds an interesting element to the gameplay.
Microsoft's CFO, Tim Stuart, hinted at the possibility of an ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, where users could watch a 30-second ad in exchange for two hours of game streaming. This model could be particularly beneficial in regions where phone ownership is higher than traditional consoles or gaming PCs. While it's uncertain if Microsoft will launch such a subscription, the company has been expanding Xbox Cloud Gaming to new markets and has seen success with free access to Fortnite on the service. Microsoft has also been exploring streaming PC games and testing mouse and keyboard support for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Xbox Game Pass may become available for free in the future, with the condition that players watch a certain amount of advertisements. Tim Stuart, Microsoft Gaming CFO, shared this vision during a Wells Fargo summit, suggesting that players could watch ads in exchange for a designated amount of time with Xbox Game Pass Cloud streaming. This model aims to provide a cheaper way for gamers to access the platform, particularly for those who may not have other means to do so. However, it is important to note that this is just an idea and not a confirmed plan.
The internet has never been truly free, and it likely never will be. While some websites may offer free access, users pay for it with their personal information or through various fees such as subscriptions, product sales, or targeted ads. Recent events, such as Google restricting video access for users with ad blockers and Reddit charging third parties for access, highlight the fact that internet businesses need to generate revenue to cover their expenses. Services like Netflix, Twitter, and Facebook also require payment in the form of subscriptions, ads, or data tracking. The rise of generative AI services like ChatGPT raises concerns about privacy and copyright infringement. Ultimately, users must recognize that they are paying for their internet use in one way or another.
Activision has announced a free multiplayer period for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, starting on March 16 and ending on March 20. Players can try six multiplayer maps, including the new Himmelatt Expo, and a handful of game modes, as well as the game's first co-op raid. The free access period coincides with the Season 2 Reloaded update, which includes a new camo challenge event and a TMNT collaboration.