FAIR OR NOTTech & software
Everything on the site about tech & software: practices to vote on, common pricing problems, and the tactics companies use to charge more.
Fair or not?
Windows 10 end of support
Is it fair to push Windows 10 owners to pay for updates or buy a new PC when their computer still works?
Lifetime software deals that change later
Is it fair to sell software with free or lifetime updates, then start charging for those updates later?
Phones and devices that stop getting updates
Is it fair for a phone or tablet that still works to stop getting security updates after a few years?
Smart devices that stop working
Is it fair for a company to shut down servers and leave the smart devices you bought useless?
Features removed after you buy
Is it fair for a company to remove features or put them behind a paywall after you bought the product?
Being blocked from repairing what you own
Is it fair for makers to make it hard to fix things you own, or to use the repair shop of your choice?
"We can change these terms at any time"
Is it fair for a company to change the deal after you've already signed up?
No way to reach a human
Is it fair for a company to give you no way to reach a real person when something goes wrong?
Locked out of your account with no appeal
Is it fair to lose your email, photos or money in an account with no person to appeal to?
Data brokers selling your personal information
Is it fair for companies you have never dealt with to collect and sell your personal information?
Accounts and data that are hard to delete
Is it fair for companies to make it hard to delete your account or to keep your data after you leave?
Common pricing problems
TV remote apps
Your TV maker's own app or your phone may already work as a free remote.
PayQR code and document scanner apps
Most phones scan QR codes and documents for free. Paid scanner apps often aren't needed.
PayFlashlight, calculator and utility apps
Flashlights, calculators and other basics are built into your phone at no cost.
PayPhoto and video editing apps
Free editors on your phone or computer handle most everyday photo and video edits.
PayVPN apps
Know what a VPN can and can't do before paying, and watch for long auto-renewing plans.
PayPhone cleaner and antivirus apps
Your devices already include free security and storage tools. Ignore scary pop-ups.
PayDating apps
Know what free dating app features cover and how paid tiers and auto-renewals work.
PaySoftware subscriptions
Free office tools cover most home needs. Watch for auto-renewals and bundled extras.
PayCloud storage
See what's using your free storage before paying for an upgrade you may not need.
PayKids' games and in-app purchases
Free games can lead to costly in-app buys. Use free parental purchase approvals.
PayPrinter ink and printer subscriptions
Ink plans, pricey cartridges and printers tied to subscriptions
PayPeople search and background check sites
Free searches that lead to paid reports and monthly memberships
PayWeather apps
Basic forecasts are free on your phone. Watch for weekly fees on look-alike apps.
PayWallpaper and ringtone apps
Your own photos and built-in tones are free. Beware weekly 'premium' wallpaper plans.
PayTranslator apps
Free translation is built into many phones. Watch for weekly-billed copycat apps.
PayAI chat and AI photo apps
Major AI chat tools have free versions. Watch for look-alike apps with weekly fees.
PayAstrology and horoscope apps
Daily horoscopes are easy to find free. Be wary of pricey weekly 'readings' plans.
PayLanguage learning apps
Your library card may unlock free language lessons. Watch for auto-renewing plans.
PayMobile game coins, gems and passes
Coins, gems and passes can drain money fast. Phone settings can block or limit buys.
PayPassword managers
Free password managers are built into phones and browsers. Compare before you pay.
PayKeyboard and font apps
Built-in and free official keyboards cover most needs. Beware 'fancy font' subscriptions.
PayCall and text blocker apps
Phones and carriers include call-blocking tools. Check them before paying for an app.
PayWebsite, domain and hosting renewals
Low first-year website prices that renew much higher, plus add-ons you may not need.
How companies charge more
Locked-in ink and parts
Ink chips, parts pairing and brand-only accessories that lock you into pricey supplies.
Digital “ownership”
Digital movies, books and games are often licensed, not owned. What that means for you.
Paying for support
Fees to talk to a person, skip the line, or buy protection you may already have.
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