Skip to main content

Netflix Announces Dip In Subscriptions

Netflix Announces Dip In SubscriptionsFor the first time, Netflix has reported a quarterly drop in subscriptions, and has issued warning on subscriber numbers, revenue and profit for the year in theface of stiff competition from Blockbuster.   Blockbuster has already said it will spend $170 to push its Total Access program, under which customers can rent DVDs online and swap or return them at a Blockbuster store.   In response, Netflix has cut apair of its subscription plans, to $8.99 and $16.99 respectively, to compete directly. It had previously cut two other plans by $1 each.   Netflix was the trailblazer of online DVD rentals, andhas actually still beaten projections from Wall Street, earning 31 cents per share, compared with the Wall Street target of 25 cents. Net income for the quarter was $25.6 million.   ChiefFinancial Officer Barry McCarthy was pessimistic about the immediate financial picture.   “When Blockbuster decides to operate its online business profitably, our financial results willimprove also, but until that time both subscriber growth and earnings will remain under pressure.”

Editors' Recommendations

Digital Trends Staff
Digital Trends has a simple mission: to help readers easily understand how tech affects the way they live. We are your…
Everything announced at Amazon’s fall 2023 devices event
The Amazon Echo Show 8 at the Devices Event 2023.

The leaves are starting to turn color, and you know what that means: Amazon's annual fall Devices and Services event is upon us, bringing with it a veritable smorgasbord of product announcements, from new Fire TV streaming gadgets and Echo devices to Amazon smart home gear like Blink and Ring cameras, as well as Eero Wi-Fi routers and Alexa galore.

Taking place Wednesday, September 20, from Amazon's shiny new HQ2 second headquarters in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, the invite-only event was heavy on themes of generative AI and its use in the home, specifically how it relates to its own products. Dave Limp, Amazon's outgoing senior vice president of devices and services, delivered his last keynote, spilling the details on Alexa's most significant AI upgrade yet. Limp revealed its all-new advanced large language model (LLM), which will make the smart assistant more intuitive, conversational, and able to understand more complex nomenclature and nuances. And it's all integrated with Amazon's Alexa devices throughout your smart home.

Read more
Is a Roku Smart Home Subscription worth it?
roku is now in the home security business 3

Roku has started branching out into the smart home market, offering a variety of cameras, sensors, and other gadgets to help keep your home safe. The products are usable without a subscription, but opting for one of two Roku Smart Home Subscriptions will get you a few premium security features.

However, not every home needs to sign up for the plan, and the free plans might be more than adequate for most households. Here’s a closer look at the Roku Smart Home Subscriptions to see if you should sign up.
What is the Roku Smart Home Subscription?

Read more
Do you need a subscription to use Hatch Restore 2?
The Hatch Restore 2 on a nightstand.

If you’re looking for a premium smart alarm clock, it’s hard to do better than the Hatch Restore and the new Hatch Restore 2. Offering a variety of sleep sounds, wake-up alarms, and lighting options, the two devices are bound to help your nighttime and morning routines. However, they’re not cheap -- and the availability of a premium Hatch Sleep plan only makes them more expensive.

But do you need a Hatch Sleep membership to use your Hatch Restore, or can you start using it right out of the box without dropping more cash? Here’s a closer look at the service and everything it has to offer.
What is Hatch Sleep?

Read more