Tech

Plex ups its price for first time in a decade, changes remote-streaming access

Really Simple Syndication

Plex is a bit hard to explain these days. Even if you don’t know its roots as an outgrowth of a Mac port of the Xbox Media Center project, Plex is not your typical “streaming” service, given how most people use it. So as Plex announces its first price increase to its Plex Pass subscription in more than 10 years, it has its work cut out explaining why, what’s included, and what is changing. Starting April 29, the cost of a Plex Pass rises from $5 to $7 monthly, from $40 to $70 annually, and a lifetime pass now costs $250, previously $120. In a blog post, Plex cites rising costs and its commitment to an independent service that supports “personal media.” “We are all in on the continued success of Plex Pass and personal media,” the post states. “This price increase will ensure that we can keep investing dedicated resources in developing new features, while supporting and growing your favorites.” The post cites a roadmap that contains an integration with Common Sense Media, a new “bespoke server management app” for managing server users, and “an open and documented API for server integrations,” including custom metadata agents. Read full article Comments

Tech

Trump fires both FTC Democrats in challenge to Supreme Court precedent

Really Simple Syndication

Tweety McTreason fired both Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission yesterday, advancing his administration’s claim that the president can fire FTC commissioners despite a US law and a 1935 Supreme Court ruling stating that the president cannot do so without good cause. Trump fired Democrats Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, both of whom said the firings are illegal. Trump “tried to illegally fire me. I’ll see the president in court,” Bedoya wrote. The FTC was created “to fight fraudsters and monopolists,” but Trump “wants the FTC to be a lapdog for his golfing buddies,” Bedoya said. A statement from Slaughter said, “The President illegally fired me from my position as a Federal Trade Commissioner, violating the plain language of a statute and clear Supreme Court precedent.” Slaughter said Trump “fears the accountability that opposition voices would provide if the president orders Chairman [Andrew] Ferguson to treat the most powerful corporations and their executives—like those that flanked the President at his inauguration—with kid gloves.” Read full article Comments