It has been a crazy couple of weeks for Tyler "Ninja" Blevins, the 26-year-old Twitch streamer who recently played the popular game "Fortnite" with Drake and reportedly makes half a million dollars every month from his bedroom.

In just the past five days, he's gained an average of 83,000 followers a day on Twitch, broken a world record for greatest number of in-game kills on a "Fortnite" mode called Duos. He also entangled himself in his first large-scale scandal by casually rapping a racial slur during a livestream.

Ninja has taken the internet by storm. And Twitch projections show that Ninja's online popularity is only growing.

Here's everything you need to know about Ninja, the pro gamer who's bringing streaming into the mainstream:

SEE ALSO: We asked famous YouTubers what it’s actually like to play video games for a living — here are all the perks and drawbacks that come with the job

Ninja is one of the highest-paid personalities among Twitch streamers, YouTubers, and e-sports players.

In an interview with CNBC, Blevins confirmed he earns over $500,000 a month from his more than 160,000 paid Twitch subscribers, which are separate from his 4 million followers on the same platform.

On Twitch, streamers net $3.50 for every subscription, which costs the viewer $5 a month and gets them exclusive emotes and badges while allowing them to view the stream without ads. Meanwhile, simply following a streamer is free, but doesn't come with any perks.

Ninja's subscriptions have ballooned in the days since the interview, so it's safe to say that he makes much more now. Even without accounting for the likely rise in "tips," which Twitch lets viewers leave for streamers, Blevins also makes money from his 6 million YouTube subscribers, and any additional sponsorships he's likely to have taken on since his appearance on national TV.

Ninja spends most of his time playing "Fortnite: Battle Royale," the internet's favorite video game right now.

Ninja's success has been bolstered in part by the surge in popularity of "Fortnite: Battle Royale," a shooter game in which a hundred online players are dropped onto an island where they mine for materials, build structures, find supplies, and kill each other until a single player is left standing, similar to the dystopian arena game described in the "Hunger Games" books and movies.

While packages with the full version of "Fortnite" start at $39.99, the "Battle Royale" game mode is free to play on PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and mobile (both iOS and Android). It stands as the most-watched game on Twitch, by a lot.

The popularity of "Fortnite" is what sparked his friendship with Drake, who is also a fan of the game.

Drake initiated the unlikely pairing, saying he had watched Ninja's streams before they played together.

On March 14, Drake joined Ninja for a "Fortnite" stream late at night, and the two broke Twitch's record for the most concurrent viewers of all time, partly thanks to Drake's advertising the marathon to his 36.9 million Twitter followers.

During the hours-long session, Ninja implied that it had been Drake who actually initiated the team-up.

While the two ran through the virtual island looking for weapons, Drake said he had recently been playing "Fortnite" in the recording studio during his breaks, had seen a video of Ninja playing on Instagram, and later watched more of his content on YouTube.

"I am 99.9% sure we are about to break Twitch," Blevins said shortly after, pointing out the number of their concurrent viewers had surpassed the previous non-tournament record of 388,000, held by Dr. DisRespect.

"That's easy," Drake replied.

The duo was later joined by rapper Travis Scott and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who admitted during the game he is a huge Ninja fan.

That night, they maxed out at 635,000 concurrent viewers. Luckily, Twitch didn't actually crash. You can watch the recorded games on Ninja's YouTube channel.

As a member of Amazon Prime, you get a convenient and well-publicized perk: free two-day shipping on almost any item on Amazon. 

But the $119-per-year membership actually gets you a lot more than expedited shipping. In fact, signing up for Prime unlocks features like Amazon's vast digital library of music, movies, television, and books; one-hour restaurant delivery; and unlimited cloud storage for your photos. 

And now, Prime members are getting a special discounts at Whole Foods, thanks to Amazon's acquisition of the grocer.

Here are 18 of the coolest benefits of Amazon Prime:

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime members can upload their outfits and get a fashion expert's opinion — here's what it's like to use in person

1. Free two-day shipping

Most things you buy on Amazon are eligible for free two-day shipping, but there are a few exceptions:

- Some items that are fulfilled by Amazon Marketplace sellers

- Magazine subscriptions

- Personalized gift cards

- Items sent to international addresses and addresses in US territories, possessions, or protectorates (except for Puerto Rico)

2. Amazon Restaurants

For a $20 minimum order, you can get restaurant food delivered in less an hour in Manhattan, Orlando, Los Angeles, and 17 other metro areas. 

3. Prime Photos

A Prime membership also gives you access to Prime Photos, Amazon's cloud storage feature. Members get unlimited storage for photos, plus 5 GB for videos and documents. 

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Nowadays, there's a subscription box or service to help us do anything and everything more conveniently.
• Subscriptions offer practicality and convenience, and some are just straight up fun. This variety is what makes them such great gifts.
• We rounded up a list of 13 subscription services that make great gifts for recent grads, from services that'll help them hone in on their style, think up big ideas, and taste coffee beans from around the world. 

From meal kits that help you make delicious dinners with ease or services that let you watch your favorite shows wherever you are, subscription services are popping up everywhere. 

With so many subscription boxes and services out there, there's something to fit all tastes, budgets, and lifestyles. The personalization and immersive experience of subscriptions is what makes them such great gifts. If you're shopping for a gift for a recent grad, consider getting them a subscription service. It's a gift that keeps on giving.

Choose something they really need to help their transition to the real world, or treat them to a fun splurge they're unlikely to buy to for themselves. Whatever you chose, we're sure your recent grad will love any of the ideas below.

Keep reading for 13 subscription boxes and services that make great gifts for recent grads.

Blue Apron

Give them a Blue Apron gift card to put towards home-cooked meals, from $60

Best for: The dining-hall frequenter turned aspiring home cook.

They'll get: a gift card to put towards Blue Apron's meal kit deliveries. How many boxes they'll get depends on the amount of your gift card. After perusing the site, they can choose the meals they'd like to get delivered. The kits come full of fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes for all kinds of simple, but creative meals like Chicago-inspired Italian beef sandwiches and miso ramen with soft-boiled eggs. 

It costs: $47.95 a week (for two-person meal plan with two recipes).

Read our full review of Blue Apron here.

Daily Harvest

Give them access to quick, healthy meals with a Daily Harvest gift card, from $25

Best for: The busy grad who still wants to stay healthy.

They'll get: a box filled with pre-portioned cups of healthy meals like smoothies, soups, chia pudding, and oat bowls, delivered to their door each week or once a month. Daily Harvest cups are almost ready to go — all they have to do is heat, blend, or soak. Then, when their meal is ready, they can pour right back into the original cup for portable snacking. Daily Harvest's cups are filled with unique, nutritious ingredients they may not be likely to buy on their own, like dragon fruit, lychee, and Blue Majik, so they can eat healthily while expanding their palate. 

It costs: Weekly plans start at $69.75.

Read our full review of Daily Harvest here.

ButcherBox

Send them high-quality meats each month with a ButcherBox subscription, from $129 a month

Best for: The recent grad with carnivorous cravings. 

They'll get: a curated box filled with a month's worth of high-quality meats delivered right to their door. ButcherBox's cuts are humanely raised, antibiotic- and hormone-free, and boast an all-around quality they can taste. Choose one of ButcherBox's boxes that's curated with a new selection of meats each month, or opt to customize a box for them. Since it's a monthly service, you can choose to keep sending them boxes for as long, or short, as you'd like.

It costs: $129 a month for curated boxes, $149 a month for custom boxes.

Check out full review of ButcherBox here.

Winc

Treat them to new wines each month with a Winc gift card, from $60

Best for: The newly-adulting wine connoisseur.

They'll get: four new bottles of wine to try each month, delivered right to their door. They can choose all reds, whites, or a combination of both. A simple questionnaire will clue the Winc team into their palate preferences, which Winc then uses to curate their wine selection each month.

Wine is a pretty classic gift, but this is a more fun way to help them try new blends they're likely to love. A Winc gift card will help them get started with the service. Monthly pricing differs based on what bottles fill each box, but a $60 gift card should be enough to get them at least one month of wines. 

It costs: Bottles start at $13, monthly pricing differs based on bottles chosen. 

Read our full review of Winc here.

Mouth

Introduce them to delicious, artisanal treats from around the US with a Mouth subscription, from $54 a month

Best for: The graduate with adventurous taste buds.

They'll get: a monthly box of four to five munchies from indie food producers around the United States. Mouth sources some of the best handmade, small-batch, and delicious snacks that any foodie will love to try. They can expect unique, flavorful treats like stove-popped black truffle popcorn, spicy ginger and fennel pickles, and maple bacon lollipops. You can prepay for a few months of their subscription (starting at $180 for three months, though price per box decreases the more months you commit to), or give them a gift card (from $25 - $500) and let them explore all the delicious options themselves. 

It costs: $54-$60 a month. 

Find our full review of Mouth here.

Book of the Month

Give them the gift of reading with a Book of the Month subscription, from $44.99

Best for: The grad who is really going to miss class readings. 

They'll get: a new hardcover book delivered to their door each month. Book of the Month has a long history of recommending the best reads — it was founded in NYC in 1926 and has been helping avid readers find the best books ever since. The subscription service is a relatively new feature of the brand, but it's already become very popular among bookworms. Each month, Book of the Month curates five great new books — subscribers get to choose which book they'd like from the selection each month. Gift them either three, six, or 12 months of great reads to come with a prepaid subscription. 

It costs: $44.99 for three months, $79.99 for six months, or $149.99 for 12 months.

Read our full review of Book of the Month here.

Stitch Fix

Help them upgrade their wardrobe with a Stitch Fix gift card, from $20

Best for: The low-maintenance shopper whose wardrobe needs a real world update. 

They'll get: a box with five new pieces of clothing, curated by a personal stylist to match their tastes. Stitch Fix users start the process with a Style Profile questionnaire, which includes their measurements, preferred styles and fits, budget, and other thoughts about the experience they're looking for. They'll be paired with a stylist who handpicks their pieces, so they can get a great shopping experience without ever having to step into a store. They can always send back items they don't love and Stitch Fix is very flexible, so they can commit to using it every month or just once in a while when they need a refresh. 

It costs: Pieces range from $25 to $500, and they'll only pay for they actually keep.

Check out our full review of Stitch Fix here. 

Atlas Coffee Club

Give them delicious coffee from around the world with an Atlas Coffee Club subscription, from $60

Best for: The grad whose caffeine habit has no signs of stopping.

They'll get: a bag of single-origin, sustainably farmed, and really delicious coffee beans sourced from all over the world. Each delivery is more than just a bag of beans: They'll get brewing information, a postcard from the country of origin, tasting notes, and packaging influenced by the landscapes and textiles of the region. It's an immersive experience that'll make their morning cup of joe a little more exciting, especially if they want more than a regular Starbucks drip. 

It costs: $60 for three months, $109 for six months, or $199 for 12 months.

Check out our full review of Atlas Coffee Club here.

Hulu

Give them unlimited access to their favorite shows with a Hulu gift card, from $25

Best for:  The binge-watching grad. 

They'll get: access to thousands of movies and tv shows, with limited ads or no ads at all. From old hit movies to popular original shows like The Handmaid's Tale, Hulu has a huge selection worth binge-watching. Give them a Hulu gift card so they can sign up for their own subscription, which starts as low as $5.99 a month. 

It costs: $5.99 a month for limited ads, $11.99 a month for no ads, $44.99 a month for Hulu + Live TV.

Read our full review of Hulu Plus here.

Amazon Prime

Give them ultimate convenience with an Amazon Prime subscription, from $39

Best for: The grad who values convenience. 

They'll get: free two-day shipping on over 100 million items, access to free movies and shows on Prime Video, exclusive deals, and many other free perks included with the service. As they set out into the real world, arm them with an ultra-convenient Amazon Prime membership. You can choose to gift a three-month subscription or a whole year. At under $10 a month, it's a great value for a great service. If they already have a Prime subscription, your gift will convert into a usable gift card for them to buy anything they want or need on Amazon. 

It costs: $39 for three months or $119 for 12 months.

Check out our full review of Amazon Prime here.

Next Big Idea Club

Introduce them to exciting new ideas with a Next Big Idea Club subscription, from $69

Best for: The intellectually curious grad.

They'll get: access to some of the best non-fiction books out there curated by four of the world's leading thinkers, including Malcolm Gladwell. Just because they're no longer in the classroom everyday doesn't mean they can't learn some challenging ideas on their own. With Next Big Idea club, every three months they'll get two handpicked titles sent to their doorstep, along with exclusive e-courses, interactive exercises, and learning materials to help them delve even further into this unique content. Get them a subscription for just a season, two seasons, or a whole year. And, for every subscription, Next Big Idea Club donates two books to The Future Project, a non-profit that supports under-resourced schools. 

It costs: $69 for one season, $138 for two seasons, $249 for a year.

Read our full review of the Next Big Idea Club here.

MasterClass

Give the gift of continued education with a MasterClass gift card, $90 - $180

Best for: The recent grad who wants to keep learning.

They'll get: video lessons on a wide range of subjects led by experts in their respective fields. Lessons include additional resources like workbooks to keep them on track, and they can even ask questions in office hours which may be answered by the expert teacher themselves. You can gift them one class, which they'll get lifetime access to, or give them a year of unlimited access to every course on the site. Courses range from academics to athletics to cooking and everything in between. Some standout courses include cooking basics with Gordon Ramsey, comedy with Judd Apatow, space exploration with Chris Hadfield, and tennis with Serena Williams. 

It costs: $90 for a single class or $180 for a year of unlimited access to all classes.

Read our full review of MasterClass here.

Robb Vices

Give the gift of luxury with a Robb Vices subscription, from $389.85

Best for: The grad with a taste for the finer things.

They'll get: a monthly box full of unique luxury items like fine spirits, handmade leather goods, and high-quality snacks, among other goods. Each month has a loose theme that ties all of the products together, like "melted romance,""basking in the sun," and "en fuego." While these premium products may seem pricey, they're actually a great value — Robb Vices has preferred pricing on many high-end products. If they have a penchant for premium, they'll love the excitement of receiving a box of luxury surprises each month.

It costs: $389.85 for the months (three boxes), $659.70 for 12 months (six boxes), $1190.40 for 12 months (12 boxes).

Read our full review of Robb Vices here.

• Trade Coffee Co. is the online matchmaker for coffee lovers and their coffee.
• From run-of-the-mill "coffee that tastes like coffee" to "hints of something different" and downright "surprising and unconventional,"Trade offers lovingly grown and roasted beans for all.
• Trade also offers equipment from coffee pots and cold brew kits to filters and scales — basically everything you need to make the perfect cup of coffee.
• With subscriptions starting at $12.50 per 12-ounce bag, it's a step up in price from what you might find at big-box stores. But if you enjoy your morning cup, there's nothing more precious and empowering than dialing it in perfectly each and every morning.

"Put your mug's fate in our hands with over 2,000,000 happy coffee matches — and counting!" may reek of gimmick, but we tried Trade Coffee Co.'s matchmaking service, and I, for one, have nothing but good things to say for the brand. Why? Never has a coffee buying experience ever led me through six web pages of consultative questions in order to pair me with a bag of coffee. After the folks (or algorithm) at Trade presented me with a suggestion, I took it. Now, here I sit, feet up, sipping from a soupcon that is surely delivering me ever closer — with each shot — to a time and place where I can confidently claim that I am, indeed, living my very best life.

Okay, I might be taking you for a bit of a ride here, but if you want to learn how to profile your ideal cuppa (and maybe self, while you're at it), there may be no better way than with the help of Trade Coffee. Depending on your profile, Trade may match you with The Classics, which is their best value plan at $25 for two 12-ounce bags. Then there's The Hookup for those seeking something "surprising and unconventional" at $15 to $22 per 12-ounce bag.

The process, intimidating at the outset, perhaps, is so thoroughly yet tidily detailed that it's a breeze.

What we like most about the selection and customization process is how unassuming it is. You don't feel like you're diving in headfirst with a sommelier who's just out to make you feel uninformed. Instead, you get a clean page layout with four options to identify your level of java snob-hood: from newbie to nerd.

Then it's on to your preferred brewing method, which, depending on how much you care, could dictate the roast level and/or type of bean you want to be buying and why that might matter. And if you're using a pod machine, a support team is ready to chat whether you use a Keurig, Nespresso, or apparently, any other type of pod machine.

Next, you'll select what, if anything, you add to your coffee, because they've decided to factor in even that.

Then there's your preferred roast level. This is a common question, of course, but again, like wine, maybe something we don't all necessarily understand. Trade also offers a little explainer about roast levels and how each roasting brand uses its own "scale" while Trade scores all coffees on their own scale so that there's no confusion within their service.

And this is where it all might get a little tricky. Just the same, though, don't overthink it; you can always try more. Be bold.

Do you buy ground, whole bean coffee, or both? This is fairly self-explanatory, though Trade makes a point to push grinding your own coffee for the best brew you can get, and we're with them. If we can offer a single piece of conjecture, to you, dear reader, let it be this: If you're going to invest in good coffee, grind it yourself or you are missing the point of luxuriating in this splurge altogether.

Tasting notes

Some of us on the team tried coffee; others tried equipment. Below is a short roundup of what each of us tried along with our findings and/or tasting notes respective of what we tried.

Leftist Espresso by Gimme!

Buy Gimme! Leftist Espresso from Trade Coffee Co. for $16

I rarely go a day without coffee but typically settle for the brew in our office. The Gimme! Leftist Espresso was a nice change to my routine and provided a strong and sweet batch of coffee. I received the whole bean bag and decided to grind it into medium grounds to use with my French press. Since it's a light-medium roast, it was smooth and had a higher level of caffeine — meaning that I only had to have one cup to get through my morning to-do list. The actual coffee was a treat, plus I felt like it was made especially for me after using the "get matched" quiz on the Trade website. — Megan Foster, Insider Picks intern

Petunias Espresso by Revelator Coffee Co.

Buy Petunias Coffee by Revelator Coffee from Trade Coffee Co. for $15

I went for the "surprising and unconventional" choice because you only live once, as they say. I'm rarely able to place undertones within things like coffee, wine, or beer. "Enjoyable" and "not enjoyable" are my usual descriptors, and to each our own, I always believe, but this was something I could savor, and did I ever. A bitter, velvety dark chocolate tone was punctuated by hints of red stonefruit (cherry, I suppose) as vividly as any beverage ever delivered flavor to my palate. Okay, maybe it wasn't all that distinct (at least not for me), but it was different, and each and every morning, while the bag lasted, the thought of that thick crema greeting my tongue was enough for me to peel off the sheets and (almost) make it to work on time. Now that's something. I'd be happy to wake with this sensation every morning for the rest of my life, and therein am seriously considering one of these subscriptions for myself. My benevolent overlords might appreciate this motion, too, should it continue to deliver me to work on time. — Owen Burke, Insider Picks senior reporter

Cold Brew Coffee Bags by Trade Coffee Co.

Buy a pack of 20 cold brew bags from Trade Coffee Co. for $7.50

Typically, I use this cheap, utility-first plastic cold brew bottle to make a quart of cold brew at home. But on the go, one reusable Trade Cold Brew Bag can make up to five batches per 12 ounce bag of coffee (and $7.50 gets you 20 bags). Pretty much all you need is the Trade cold brew bag, some coffee, and a glass on hand (the company notes that mason jars work well, and I'd agree). You'll still have to wait 12 to 18 hours for your cold brew, but it's easy, mobile, and the bags are blessedly compostable, made from corn-based fiber. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

French Press by Yama

Buy the Yama French Press from Trade Coffee Co. for $36

I've been using this French Press for about a month, and I'm really enjoying it, but I figure I should get this out of the way now: It's really only made for one or two cups of coffee, so if you're looking for a family-sized carafe, this is not it. 

If a small French press is what you're looking for, this one is solid, though not perfect. The superfine mesh filter does a great job of straining grounds, provided you have the top mechanism properly nestled on before you press the plunger down. But the grounds get caught between the mesh and the metal pieces that hold it into place, making it hard to clean.

That said, there are a few other pros and cons. The base is rubberized, so it's hard to spill. Big pro in my house. But there are plastic parts to the press, which I don't love (though they are BPA-free). The metal handle and base come off in one piece for easy cleaning, another pro.  

Overall, I really like this French press. Is it the absolute best one you can buy? Probably not. Will it work and be relatively easy to clean and take care of? Absolutely. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

Note: The Yama French Press is currently sold out on Trade's website, but it's available on Amazon for $24. 

The bottom line: Who's this really for?

If you're already spending $10 to $15 on a 12-ounce bag of coffee, if you want to learn how to pull a better shot of espresso, brew cold brew, make a better pour-over, or just learn a bit (or a lot) more about making coffee in general, then Trade Coffee might be for you. But if you don't reeeaaally love coffee, and coffee is just a utilitarian pick-me-up, then stick with your Folgers or your Maxwell House.

Coffee subscription services like this one are either for snobs and snobs-to-be or academics. And whether it's the cheap pre-ground stuff off the shelf at Walmart or the award-winning $17-a-bag, Fair-Trade-certified, all-organic beans from Trade or Atlas or Driftaway, we're just trying to help you find the best way to keep doing you.

Take the "Get Matched" quiz at Trade Coffee Co. for a personalized subscription or explore single matches, starting at $12.50 per 12-ounce bag.

• Rent the Runway COO Anushka Salinas spoke at Business Insider's IGNITION: Redefining Retail conference on Tuesday about how rental is disrupting the retail industry.
• Salinas spoke about Rent the Runway's ambitious growth plans — and the customers it has left behind in the past.
• In 2019, the company faced some backlash after its transition to a new warehouse software system left many customers with late or unfulfilled orders.
• "You can't promise perfection if you're disrupting at the level we are," Salinas said when asked about  Rent the Runway's supply-chain crisis.
• Sign up for Business Insider's retail newsletter, The Drive-Thru, to get more stories like this in your inbox.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

In 2019, Rent the Runway was given a $1 billion valuation after raising $125 million in its Series F funding round. And, the company is still hungry for growth.

Anushka Salinas, chief operating officer at Rent the Runway, spoke at Business Insider's IGNITION: Redefining Retail conference Tuesday about the rental company's ambitions to disrupt people's ideas around ownership.

"We have fundamentally disrupted a core human behavior," Salinas said. "We are one of the only companies out there that is telling you, telling our consumers, 'Buy less stuff' versus 'Consume more.' Twenty percent of what the global fashion industry produces every year gets thrown away."

Salinas addressed the supply-chain crisis the company faced in 2019, during which a shift to a new warehouse software system resulted in late deliveries and furious customers. 

"It's only been 10 years," Salinas said. "When you're a disruptor like us, you're not going to get it right 100% of the time. You can't promise perfection if you're disrupting at the level that we are."

CEO Jennifer Hyman explained some of the changes the company was making to its systems in an email to customers. The company had told Business Insider in early July that it was doubling the size of its customer service team and making other updates to its customer experience following a flood of complaints. 

"If we're going to get it wrong, which we have in the past, we always want to make sure we're always doing right by our customers, and sometimes that just means telling them exactly what's going on," Salinas said. 

Watch Salinas' full interview at Business Insider's IGNITION: Redefining Retail event below.

SEE ALSO: Here are the 3 main qualities that Gen Z values in brands, according to an Instagram shopping exec

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: We went to a Champagne vineyard in France to find out why it's so expensive

• Nissan is launching a subscription service that allows drivers to switch to a different car every day. 
• The program, called "Nissan Switch," will cost $699 or $899 a month depending on which tier you choose.
• The "Select" tier will offer access to models like the Altima, Rogue, and Pathfinder, while the "Premium" tier offers access to the Maxima, Murano, and Armada models, among others.
• Nissan joins other automakers, such as Lexus, Audi, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz, in offering a subscription service for cars.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Nissan said on Wednesday that it would launch a subscription service that allows drivers to switch to a different car as often as every day.

The program, called "Nissan Switch," is scheduled to launch in the Houston area as a test run, Nissan said in a release. Drivers can choose from two tiers, "Select" and "Premium," at $699 and $899 a month, respectively. 

The Select tier will offer models like the Altima sedan and Rogue crossover, while the Premium offering includes the Maxima sedan and the Armada SUV. 

Subscribers will have to pay a $495 fee to join the program, but the subscription includes "unlimited switches as often as a new vehicle each day," delivery, cleaning, insurance, roadside assistance, and regular maintenance. 

To switch to a different car, drivers can "use the Nissan Switch app or text your personal concierge to schedule your switch," according to the program's website. Nissan will then deliver the vehicle within a specified service area. 

"Nissan Switch is another way that Nissan is testing alternatives to the notion of traditional mobility without long-term financial commitments for our customers," Andrew Tavi, Nissan's vice president of external affairs, said.

"For those who want a sedan during the week and an SUV or sports car, like the GTR, on the weekends, Nissan Switch provides the solution," Tavi said. The GTR will be available for an extra $100 per day for a maximum of seven days. 

The Netflix-like subscription — Nissan says "changing up your ride is as easy as binge-watching your favorite show"— joins subscription plans from other automakers like Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. 

While car-subscription plans are a convenient way to drive a variety of cars, the fun comes at a cost. An analysis from the car marketplace Edmunds said subscriptions — the highest analyzed was $97,739 over the course of three years — were much more expensive than traditional leases. 

SEE ALSO: Mercedes is expanding its subscription service after a successful pilot

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Most maps of Louisiana aren't entirely right. Here's what the state really looks like.

• Clothing rental services are becoming more and more popular, and Vince is one of the latest brands to take part with its rental service, Vince Unfold. 
• For $160 a month, this service gives you four Vince pieces at a time with unlimited swaps.
• As a regular user of Rent the Runway, I tried Vince Unfold for two months to see how the rental services compared. While I love Vince's aesthetic and enjoyed all of the pieces I rented, ultimately I will be keeping my Rent the Runway subscription.
• With access to a plethora of brands rather than just one, RTR is a better value for my lifestyle. You can find more of my thoughts on the service below.

A few years ago, the idea of sharing clothing with strangers would have been foreign, but today it's pretty standard. 

The clothing rental industry is thriving. Retail unicorn Rent the Runway has accumulated a community of over nine million members who use the service to rent everything from gowns fit for black-tie events to casual items like sweatshirts and jeans. More affordable subscription options, like Haverdash and Nuuly, let users bring new pieces to their clothing rotation for less than $100 a month. More and more clothing brands are seeing the merit of the sharing economy. Rebecca Taylor, American Eagle, and Banana Republic are just a few of the brands that have started in-house rental services of their own. 

One of the latest rental services to join is Vince Unfold. Vince, a luxury clothing brand based out of California, makes beautiful basics and minimalist pieces that work for just about any occasion. I've always loved the brand, but shop there selectively because the items are pricey — a classic black blazer goes for $445, while a simple white T-shirt runs about $85. That's why I was so excited to discover this service that costs just $160 a month (the same cost as RTR Unlimited) for unlimited access to Vince pieces. As a Rent the Runway subscriber myself, I thought it would be interesting to see how the service compares. For transparency, I got to try the service for two months for free. Below, I'll dive into my experience. 

How to get started

If you've ever used a clothing rental service before, Vince Unfold will seem familiar to you. If not, it's still an easy service to get used to. 

First, you'll sign up and create an account, which allows you to browse the Vince Unfold selection. The selection doesn't include everything you would find on the Vince site, though there are plenty of different options to choose from. You'll find a lot of tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, and sweaters. When you find a piece you like, just pick out your size and add it to your Edit — this is essentially where all of your tentative rentals will live. 

Once you have at least 10 items in your Edit, Vince Unfold will curate a box of four pieces for you. You don't know exactly which pieces will arrive, which I found to be part of the fun. If there's something you really want to try, you can prioritize it in your Edit, which signals that you want it to be in your next shipment, though nothing is guaranteed.

Your shipment should arrive in two to three days. Wear the pieces as often as you'd like, and when you're ready for a new batch, send them back in the pre-paid bag that came with the delivery. Shipping and returns are always free. So long as you're subscribed to the service, you can swap out or keep pieces for as often as you'd like. 

The pros

Vince Unfold lets you try new styles without making any long-term closet commitments. Considering most items of clothing at Vince cost more than $160 on their own, the monthly fee is a pretty good deal. If you love to shop at Vince, this service lets you try pieces from the brand before you buy them. Plus, you'll be able to buy the pieces you do love at a discounted price.

Renting from one brand also has its perks. If you love the Vince aesthetic, you can be sure you'll be pleased with the selection of pieces. Additionally, I appreciated how easy it was to get the right size every time. When using Rent the Runway, I sometimes miss the mark in terms of sizing because all the brands size their clothing differently. With Vince, I know what size I am and that translates across most items. The fact that there are no major sizing discrepancies made placing orders a breeze. Even if I didn't love every style I received, each piece still fit me well. 

If you're indecisive like me, you'll probably appreciate that Vince Unfold chooses the pieces they send you.  I often spend hours mulling through the options on Rent the Runway, but when using Vince Unfold I was able to cut that time down. Instead, I picked a few items I really liked and was pleasantly surprised by the ones that ended up in my shipment. One of my favorite items was a long purple satin skirt. I paired it with a plain black t-shirt and white sneakers for a look that was on-trend, comfortable, and compliment-inducing. I still think about that skirt and wonder if I made a mistake by not purchasing it. 

The cons

Renting from solely one brand also has its disadvantages. If you like experimenting with a lot of different styles, you'll probably get tired of having access to only one brand, but that's the whole premise of the service after all. 

If you want to know which pieces you'll be receiving in advance of your shipment, Vince Unfold is probably not right for you. You can prioritize items in your "Edit" so that there's a greater chance they end up in your shipment, but there's no way to know what you're getting until it ships out. If you want to rent clothing for a specific event like a wedding, I could see the unpredictability being a problem. 

If you don't know your size in the brand, you may have some misses. Because the service is relatively new, most items don't have any reviews. All items have size guides to help you find the best option, and I find that Vince generally runs pretty true to size. But, if you are new to the brand, this may be an issue at first. 

Additionally, there are no prices listed alongside the pieces on the rental site. I actually didn't find this feature to be a bother at all, but if you are hoping to buy an item in the long run, you may be hit with higher prices than you expected.

One of my main qualms with the service was the shipping. As a Rent the Runway user, I've gotten accustomed to the speedy same-day shipping and easy-to-carry garment bags. I understand that's not a reality for all services just yet, but I did miss that while using Vince Unfold. The boxes are a little bulky, which was a bit of a nuisance to me as I had to carry them home from my office, where I chose to have them delivered. You also have to ship the four items back together, so you won't be able to return as frequently as other services where you can ship rentals back one at a time. 

Bottom line

I think Vince Unfold is a great service. If you love the brand's clothing, you'll probably love getting to wear all sorts of pieces and having the option to buy them at a discounted price. Personally, I find that Rent the Runway is better for my lifestyle. While I love Vince styles and was impressed with most of the pieces I rented, ultimately I like the variety that comes with having access to multiple brands. If Vince is totally your speed, though, I think you'll really appreciate the value and convenience. 

Sign up for Vince Unfold for $160 a month here

Shop all Vince clothing here

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• Apple is planning to introduce subscription bundles for services like Apple Music and iCloud storage, according to a report from Bloomberg. 
• The bundles would come in tiers and would allow customers to subscribe to multiple services at lower prices than if customers paid for them individually. 
• Apple is reportedly planning to introduce the new bundles this fall alongside the latest iPhones.
• Apple's services business has grown in recent years: The company reported that services grew 15% in the third quarter. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Apple is planning to introduce subscription bundles this fall, which will combine multiple Apple services at lower monthly costs.

According to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple plans to offer tiers of services, like a basic package that would include Apple Music and Apple TV Plus, and a more expensive bundle that would include those services in addition to Apple News Plus, Apple Arcade, and iCloud storage. 

The new bundles will be introduced this fall alongside Apple's next iPhones, Bloomberg reports. 

A spokesperson for Apple declined to comment. 

Currently, Apple offers each service as a separate subscription, meaning that if you use Apple Music and pay for iCloud storage, you're paying two separate monthly bills to Apple. Right now, if you subscribe to all of Apple's services, you're paying at least $31 per month and at most $40 per month as an individual — more if you have a family plan. 

The new bundles would offer those services at lower prices than if customers paid for them individually. Bloomberg reports that families who subscribe to Apple's services could expect to see a discount from $2 to $5 per month with the new bundles. 

Apple has made a big bet on services in recent years. In the third quarter of last year, iPhones accounted for less than half of Apple's total revenue for the first time ever as the company's services category grew. Apple's services business — which includes subscriptions, as well as products like Apple Care, the App Store, and search ads with the App Store — has continued to grow in 2020, despite a global pandemic and resulting economic downturn: Apple reported that services grew to $13.1 billion in the third quarter, up 15% from the same period last year. 

Bloomberg notes that Apple hopes to garner the same loyalty to its subscription services as Amazon has with Prime, and is banking on its millions of loyal hardware customers to continue adopting its software offerings. 

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Launched in 2004 by a group of filmmakers, Vimeo is an online video streaming and editing site built with artists and creatives in mind. Whether you're a certified auteur or just starting to dip your toes in the content creation realm, Vimeo has something to offer everyone one. 

The platform's 175 million users and nearly 1.4 million paying subscribers can upload, host, and share their original and custom video content daily. With a sleek and artsy front-facing aesthetic, Vimeo focuses on customizing the video editing and sharing experience, unlike any of its competitors. 

The video platform offers multiple storage, management, post-production, collaboration, marketing, and monetization tools. Users can upload their content from any device or even a cloud storage platform, password-protect videos, make bulk changes to embed settings and licensing, exchange time-coded notes, select custom end screens, determine domain and geo-restrictions, and more. Viewers can use the player's speed controls, download content, or watch it in 4K Ultra HD. 

The kind of features you and your viewers have access to depends on your membership level. 

For those who are new to Vimeo, here's a rundown of the platform's perks by tier, from the ones available to all using their "freemium" model to their exclusive offerings for paid subscribers.

What comes with Vimeo's basic free membership

If you're not yet a serious content creator, Vimeo Free is probably your best bet.

Despite its more limited offerings, you're given 500 MB of storage per week toward uploading videos. Basic members can also make their uploads password-protected — a feature YouTube doesn't grant.

What comes with Vimeo's Plus membership 

At just $7 a month, you're allocated more weekly storage, capped at 5 GB storage per week. Unlike the free plan, Plus members are also granted unlimited bandwidth in the Vimeo player, 4K & HDR support, and no ads on your video. You're also given the ability to embed your videos anywhere and customize the player's elements and your video's end screen. 

Additional privacy offerings include private link sharing and video file transfer permission, which lets you and your collaborators privately and securely share and download your videos at various video qualities. If you want to share your videos natively across social platforms, Plus members can do that on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also embed your videos as a single playlist on your website. 

This tier also gives you access to an analytics dashboard where you can see how people play, like, reshare, and post your video, in addition to receiving custom reports on those social sharing stats. 

What you can get with Vimeo Pro

Rounding out the options designed to be used by individuals is Vimeo Pro. Although the service will run you $20 a month, your viewers will thank you — you get to present the pristine-quality video to your audience.

This tier includes all the features and tools of Vimeo Plus, with even more helpful tools and features. At this tier, you can create and publish unlimited videos up to 20 GB per week, also with no caps on bandwidth. It also comes with unlimited access to stock photos, videos, and licensed music. When it comes to video customization, you can add your logo and video chapters to your page, offer playback speed control for viewers and get third-party player support. 

Some of Vimeo Pro's most significant advantages lie in its collaboration options. Not only can you host private team projects, but have up to three team members upload, manage, and collaborate directly through your account, with you setting their various levels of permission. Review and approval tools let you privately share your work review pages, get time-coded feedback, track approvals, and keep old versions organized. 

Those looking for more analytics support are in luck, as the Pro tier offers engagement and duration grapes to track how your videos perform over time. You can also see their location, what devices they're watching on, and how they find your content. 

A few other upgrades include selling your videos directly to fans worldwide and distributing your video on streaming apps like Roku and Amazon Fire. 

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• How to upload a video to Vimeo in minutes using the website or mobile app

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• How to delete your Vimeo account if you want to start fresh or no longer use the video platform

• How to cancel your Vimeo subscription if you no longer need to use the premium-tier service

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• Walmart+ is Walmart's new subscription shopping service that's set to compete with Amazon Prime. The service officially launched on September 15 for $98 a year or $13per month.
• New Walmart+ subscribers can get a free 15-day trial to test out the service's benefits, including free shipping, gas discounts, and more. The Walmart+ free trial is half the duration of Amazon Prime's current 30-day free trial, but the annual Walmart+ price actually undercuts Prime's $119 fee by $21.
• For shoppers looking for discounts, a free trial may come in handy for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
• Read Insider Reviews' Black Friday and Cyber Monday coverage for more savings.

Walmart launched its own Amazon Prime competitor earlier this year. The new subscription shopping service is called Walmart+ and it costs $98 a year or $13 a month.

Like Amazon Prime, Walmart+ features several benefits for its members, including free shipping on many items, as well as gas discounts and a new "Scan & Go" feature for in-store shopping. More perks are expected to be added over time. You can read more about all of the Walmart+ benefits here.

If you're on the fence about signing up for a new subscription service, Walmart is allowing new members to test Walmart+ with a free trial before they commit to a paid membership. Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be the perfect opportunity for shoppers to take advantage of the trial.

Below, we've detailed everything you need to know about the Walmart+ free trial, including how long it lasts, what you get, and how it compares to Amazon Prime's free trial.

How to get a free trial of Walmart+

Walmart+ includes a free 15-day trial period for new members. You can sign up for the free trial now through the Walmart+ website.

When you sign up for the trial you're first required to enter in your address to see what features are available in your area. After your address is confirmed you can either sign into an existing Walmart account or create a new one. Customers can then select the annual or monthly plan option and enter in payment details.

The website states when your trial will expire so you know when payment will begin. If you decide not to extend your Walmart+ membership beyond the 15-day trial and you want to avoid paying the fee, you should cancel your membership before the trial expiration date.

What's included in the Walmart+ free trial?

The Walmart+ free trial includes all of the features and perks that come with a paid subscription. With that said, certain features may not be available in specific locations yet, so you'll need to confirm what features are offered in your area when you sign up. Key benefits that members receive with the service include:

• Free delivery: Members receive unlimited "fast as same-day" free delivery on more than 160,000 products. Walmart previously offered this option for a yearly or monthly fee via its "Delivery Unlimited" subscription service. Current "Delivery Unlimited" subscribers will automatically be upgraded to Walmart+.
• Gas discounts: Subscribers can save up to 5 cents a gallon on gas at Walmart, Murphy USA, and Murphy Express locations. Sam's Club gas stations will be added at a later date.
• Scan & Go: With the Scan & Go in-store shopping feature, members can use the Walmart mobile app to scan and pay for items with Walmart Pay as they shop.

Walmart+ free trial vs. Amazon Prime free trial

Walmart+ and Amazon Prime both offer free trial options for new members, but the duration of each trial differs. The Walmart+ trial currently lasts 15 days while the Amazon Prime trial lasts 30 days. When it comes to perks and benefits, both trials include everything that a paid subscription offers.

Though you do get 15 more days to try Amazon Prime for free, once the trial ends the paid subscription cost is actually a little higher than the fee for Walmart+. Amazon Prime currently costs $119 a year or $13 per month. Meanwhile, Walmart+ charges $98 a year or $13 per month.

To optimize the free trial. Walmart shoppers can choose between shopping the early deals during the first week of November, or during the Black Friday sale after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, the two-week trial period won't allow you to take advantage of both.

For more details on how Walmart+ stacks up against Amazon Prime, check out our Walmart+ and Amazon Prime comparison here. 

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• Walmart+, the company's Amazon Prime competitor, launched on September 15. 
• The annual Walmart+ subscription price costs $98 per year compared to Amazon's $119 per year Prime subscription. You can also pay $13 per month.
• The service includes same-day delivery of over 160,000 in-store items like groceries and general merchandise, a Scan & Go feature that lets you pay for items with the Walmart mobile app while you shop at physical Walmart stores, as well as a five-cent discount on fuel at Walmart and Murphy gas stations.
• For shoppers looking to shop during Black Friday, a free trial may come in handy during Walmart's extended sale. 
• Read everything you need to know about the Walmart+ shopping subscription service here and see how Walmart+ vs. Amazon Prime shakes out.

Amazon Prime has officially met its first true challenger in Walmart+, the premium retail subscription from the nation's largest brick-and-mortar retailer. Walmart+ has launched on September 15 with a price of $98 per year, or $13 per month.

For those keeping score, that's more than $20 cheaper than the cost of Amazon Prime, but the Walmart+ launch comes at a time when about 150 million people worldwide are already subscribed to Amazon's service.

So, if you came to learn all about the price for Walmart+ and what you get for the money, let's break it down to give as thorough an answer as we possibly can right now.

Walmart Plus price

Walmart+ costs a flat fee of $98 per year.

Alternatively, members can opt for a monthly service that costs $13 per month. Both the annual and monthly plans include a 15-day free trial period.

As a quick comparison, Amazon's Prime costs $119 per year, with a monthly option that also costs $13 per year.

What you get with Walmart Plus

Services like Walmart+ essentially live on the additional perks and features that they offer.

For instance, Amazon Prime includes access to its unlimited video and music streaming services, as well as a litany of exclusive daily deals. So, what does the $98 annual fee for Walmart+ include?

• "Free delivery as fast as same-day" on over 160,000 in-store items like groceries, everyday essentials like toothpaste and toilet paper, general merchandise, and some toys and electronics. This was previously known as Walmart's "Delivery Unlimited" subscription service that enabled unlimited deliveries for a yearly or monthly fee. Current Delivery Unlimited members will automatically become Walmart+ members.
• Five-cent discounts on fuel at Walmart, Murphy USA, and Murphy Express gas stations.
• A Scan & Go automated checkout service for in-store shopping. The feature works from the Walmart app, and it lets you scan and pay for items with Walmart Pay while you're shopping at a physical store. It makes for "a quick, easy, and touch-free payment experience," the company said. 

Walmart Plus vs. Amazon Prime

How does Walmart Plus stack up against Amazon Prime right now? We break it down in our comparison.

Walmart+ is in its infancy, and while it offers a good value-driven set of features at launch, it doesn't offer as much as Amazon's Prime just yet. With that said, Walmart said "the list of benefits will continue to grow over time."

Walmart hasn't said what those extra benefits will be, but there have been murmurs of features, like early access to product deals, access to Walmart's Express two-hour delivery offering, a Walmart+-branded credit card, and even Walmart's own video streaming service, according to Recode.

• Check out the comprehensive breakdown of Walmart+ has to offer compared to Amazon Prime. 

• Read Insider Reviews' Black Friday and Cyber Monday coverage for more savings.

Whether you're a patron or a creator on Patreon, deleting your account is a fairly straightforward process — but it takes some time. To delete your Patreon account, you must submit your account for deletion through Patreon's privacy center, and it can take up to 30 days to process your request.

Here's how it's done.

How to delete your Patreon account and data

1. Go to Patreon's privacy policy center, then click the "Take Control" button.

2. Click "Erase." If promoted, log into your Patreon account at this time.

3. Click "Allow" to give Transcend, Patreon's data deletion partner, access to your account in order to erase it.

4. Click "Confirm Request."Patreon notes that this process of erasing your account and data will take up to 30 days, and you have 14 days to stop the process via follow-up emails which allow you to cancel the data deletion. Transcend will send email updates on the status of deletion requests.

How to cancel active Patreon memberships

The Patreon help page notes that while deleting your account erases your data from the platform, it is not a replacement for canceling active memberships or pending payments on your account. If your goal is to simply delete active memberships for creators you're a patron of, you can do so while still keeping your account.

1. On a desktop, hover over your profile icon on the top right of the screen, then click "Manage memberships."

2. Navigate to the "Active Memberships" tab, then click "Edit" on any memberships you wish to cancel future payments for.

3. Click "Edit or Cancel Membership," located underneath the "Update" button.

4. Select "Cancel your membership," then click the "Cancel your membership" button to confirm this action.

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Since debuting in 2007, ComiXology has become a leader in distributing digital comics, graphic novels, and manga. 

The platform's library features tens of thousands of comics, including hundreds of free comics, from more than 75 publishers like Lion Forge, Dark Horse, Oni Press, Dynamite, Valiant, indie creators, and cartoonists. 

Many digital books are available on the same day as their print issues. And you can use the search function to find specific titles or artists or ComiXology's menus to browse new additions by creator, genre, publisher, rating, story arc, and more. 

In addition to its extensive library, ComiXology uses the platform exclusive Guided View technology, offering readers a more immersive experience by allowing them to read panel-to-panel instead of page-to-page. 

Here's everything else you need to know about ComiXology.

How ComiXology works

You can log in to the platform using your Amazon account or if you had an account before ComiXology was bought by Amazon, your designated ComiXology account. Signing up for ComiXology is free— though the majority of the library is not — and you can currently only sign up through an established or newly created Amazon account. 

While the digital comics distributor offers several titles without cost or for the low price of $0.99, the rest of its catalog must be paid for. Typically, they are the same price as it costs to purchase the book in print from a comics store.  

You can buy individual issues or bundle books at discount prices, in addition to purchasing entire collections. ComiXology also gives you the option to subscribe to your favorite series, so you never miss the latest issue. 

The wishlist feature and gifting options make it easier for you and those who buy your comics to keep track of what you want. You can also use the service's In Progress and Unread lists to track what you've started reading or the Recommended list to start something new.  

And once you're ready to buy, you simply add the title to your shopping cart before using the purchase feature to check out. Following checkout, you'll be able to read the purchased comics instantly.

What is ComiXology Unlimited

After being acquired by Amazon in 2014, the platform introduced an Unlimited subscription for $5.99 a month. Once on the subscription tier, members have access to a selection of more than 20,000 comics titles from various publishers. These can all be read without having to purchase the books. 

The digital comics subscription includes ComiXology Originals, independently owned original comic books exclusive to the platform. Unlike the digital distributor's other offerings, which roll out weekly or monthly, these drop all at once, giving you immediate access to every issue. Plus, those with an Amazon Prime account get access to free ComiXology originals as a Prime membership perk.

Despite being a paid tier, you don't have free access to the entire ComiXology library. And once you cancel, you'll lose access to the free content you did have. It's also currently only available in the United States, though there are plans to make the service available in other countries. 

To help offset that, ComiXology Unlimited offers a 10 to 15 percent discount on any comics that aren't included as part of the tier's free titles. 

How to read comics on ComiXology

Once you've made a selection and decided on what you're going to read, the interface is quite simple. The digital reader makes your comics full screen while you navigate through pages using your computer's arrow keys or fingers if on a mobile device. ComiXology also includes many advanced features that improve the digital reading experience. 

The platform lets readers move through an issue page by page or in a double-page view. Settings like Fit to Width and Zoom help you control visibility and readability. Meanwhile, the platform's exclusive "Guided View" makes reading comics interactive. Instead of flipping through pages, use the screen's navigation arrows or tap your keyboard's left and right arrow keys to slide through your issue panel-by-panel, giving you a more dynamic, almost cinematic, viewing experience. 

And if you'd rather take your reading off-browser or off-app, you can go to ComiXology.com and download your comics to your computer in the DRM-free CBZ and PDF formats. This way, you can read them in digital comic book apps like Perfect Viewer. 

The ComiXology Android and iOS apps

One of the best aspects of ComiXology is its cross-platform integration. Because purchases are tied to your account, you can access your books across devices, including your web browser, the Kindle app, or the ComiXology Android or iOS mobile app. 

Much of what is available through the desktop browser is available on the Android and iOS apps, including the platform's exclusive Guided View feature, which makes reading comics on a smaller screen easier on the eyes. 

The apps do diverge in one key area, though, and that's the purchase process. Android users can purchase books within the app, but iOS users will be redirected to buy their comics through their phone's mobile browser.  

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DC Comics, home to superheroes like Shazam, the Flash, and Batman, is set to launch DC Universe Infinite, an exclusive digitally-focused comics service, on January 21, 2021.

Previously, "DC Universe" was the publishing goliath's streaming entertainment app. Operated by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Digital Networks, the video-on-demand service featured original TV, movie, and comics content. 

Following the expansion of WarnerMedia's HBO Max platform, DC announced that its streaming platform's original DC Universe movies and TV series, as well as its library of older titles, would be shifting platforms to HBO Max. And in the place of DC Universe, DC Comics will now operate a digital comic books service in DC Universe Infinite. 

Here's everything you need to know about DC Universe and now, DC Universe Infinite. 

What DC Universe consisted of

For decades, the DC brand has delivered an ever-growing catalog of movies, television, and cartoons to keep comics fans engaged beyond the page. As streaming platforms began to rise in the late 2010s, DC Comics got in on the industry shift by launching DC Universe. 

The subscription-based platform charged a monthly fee for access to its online library of TV, film, and comics content, including several DC Universe exclusives. Members could watch a revolving door of older animated and live-action movies and shows before they left the streamer and became available on a competitor or studio-adjacent platform. 

There were also a handful of projects produced and streamed exclusively on the platform, including live-action series like "Titans,""The Doom Patrol," and "Swamp Thing," as well as animated hits like "Young Justice" and "Harley Quinn." 

But unlike other streamers, DC also offered members access to a massive library of comics. The site's rotating digital collection featured prominent arcs and collections like "Crisis on Infinite Earths" and "Batman: Year One," along with numerous releases for popular DC heroes and villains, including Wonder Woman, Superman, Justice League International, the Joker, Suicide Squad, and Deathstroke.

Beyond the content, the service also offered a forum to discuss anything DC-related, an online DC merchandise store, a DC encyclopedia, and at one point, a weekly DC news show.  

What you need to know about DC Universe Infinite

If you liked what DC Universe had to offer, there's good and bad news. To watch original series and movies, you'll now need an HBO Max subscription as none of this content will be available on the DC Universe platform after December 2020. On the upside, you can now explore an expanded library on the premium digital comic book platform. 

Slated to launch in January 2021, Infinite subscribers will have over 80 years' worth of DC content at their fingertips thanks to its more than 24,000 comic book, graphic novel, and Black Label titles. Like its digital comic subscription competitors ComiXology and Marvel Unlimited, members will be able to read old tiles anytime, as well as newer titles six months after they hit physical shelves. 

Members can also read digital-first comics, including "Aquaman: Deep Dives,""Shazam!: Lightning Strikes,""Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red,""Swamp Thing: New Roots," and "DCeased: Hope at World's End." Plus, DC fans will eventually get a slew of Infinite-original comics that are first-accessible to members. And thanks to dcuniverseinfinite.com and the Infinite mobile apps for iOS and Android, subscribers can download their comics and graphic novels for offline reading. 

There are some other perks beyond comics as well. Beyond the entire platform going international after its January 2021 launch, DC Universe Infinite will offer exclusive access to DC events and continue its merchandise store, forums, and DC Encyclopedia.   

How much DC Universe Infinite costs vs. DC Universe

When DC Universe Infinite debuts on January 21, 2021, it will come with a monthly price tag of $7.99. Subscribers can also sign up for a discounted annual membership, which will cost $74.99. 

Despite the content shift, this is what DC Universe members were charged, so there will be no change in price. This goes for both existing customers of DC Universe and new subscribers to DC Universe Infinite. However, if you convert to an Infinite membership or join during the pre-ordering window, you'll receive a voucher that is redeemable in the DC Shop for merchandise.

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Cord-cutters have been canceling their cable TV services in increasing numbers due to the ease of online streaming. While services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video have received the most attention, there are also many streaming platforms that let you watch live and on-demand TV from major cable networks.

One such service is Philo TV, but there are several notable differences between Philo and other TV streaming services. Here's everything you need to know before you sign up. 

What you need to know about Philo TV

Like all streaming services, you are billed monthly but can cancel anytime. This flexibility has been the main reason people have left traditional cable and satellite services with mandatory subscription times. Simply sign up on Philo TV's site or through the app using your email or your phone to get started.

Once you've signed up, you can search for programming content in several ways. On the home screen, you get access to on-demand content organized by theme. By clicking on "Guide" along the top bar, you get access to a listing by channel, with upcoming shows lined up horizontally and displayed as individual cells. When you scroll over one show, you get a thumbnail of the program. 

When you click on a program playing live, you get more information on the program and when it's set to air. If you scroll through the same channel's live listing, you'll have the ability to view other upcoming shows on the same network.  

Philo also offers the option to record and play a show at your convenience later by "saving" it to record. If you click to save the show, If saved, it will be added to your "Saved" folder, accessible along the top menu bar. DVR recordings of episodes will be saved for up to 30 days.

Even more, the service is nearly identical whether viewing TV on your computer or on any of Philo's mobile apps. A wide variety of devices are compatible with Philo TV, including Roku, Apple TV, and desktop browsers on Mac or PC. 

How much Philo TV costs, and how it compares to the competition

A Philo TV subscription costs $20 per month, a price that is considerably lower than any other live TV streaming service. As part of the package, subscribers get 63 basic cable channels without local channels or sports channels; it also doesn't include an ad-free option, though you can skip commercials if you've DVRed what you're watching. This is one of the biggest differences between Philo and competition like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. 

Like its competitors, you can stream from multiple devices simultaneously, with up to three people allowed to watch at the same time from the same account. You can also purchase additional channel subscriptions, including three Epix channels for an additional $6 per month and three Starz channels for $9 more per month.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• 12 Hulu tips and tricks to improve your streaming experience and make the most out of your subscription

• 'What is HBO Max?': Here's what you need to know about HBO's streaming service answer to Netflix and Hulu

• What is Acorn TV? Everything you need to know about the streaming service that offers international shows

• How to cancel your Sling TV subscription and end your digital channel packages

• 'What is a good internet speed?': The internet speeds you should aim for, based on how you use the internet

SEE ALSO: The best media streaming sticks and devices

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ComiXology is a cloud-based digital platform that lets you read comics from various big and small publishers on your computer or mobile device. The service offers thousands of free and low-cost issues, graphic novels, collections, and more, as well as a bevy of cool reading and membership features. 

Owned by Amazon, you can sign up for a free account or pay a small monthly subscription fee of $5.99 to get access to an even bigger library and special pricing deals via ComiXology Unlimited. 

While there are many reasons to stay a ComiXology member regardless of the tier, the time may come when you want to cancel either account version. Whether you've decided to switch to another digital comic reader like DC Universe Infinite, or if you've decided to go old school purchase physical copies from your local comic shop, ComiXology makes it easy to cancel your membership.

Once you cancel a paid membership, you'll have until the billing cycle ends to access the benefits of Unlimited. Once you cancel your free account, you'll need to sign-up again. 

Here's how to cancel a free or Unlimited ComiXology account. 

How to cancel ComiXology Unlimited 

1. Sign into ComiXology.com in a web browser. 

2. Click the arrow next to your name in the top right of the ComiXology dashboard. 

3. Select "My Account."

4. Choose "Billing." 

5. Click the "Manage or cancel your comiXology Unlimited membership." 

6. You'll be redirected to your Amazon subscriptions page. Make sure you're viewing "Active Subscriptions."

7. Click on the arrow next to "Manage Subscriptions" for your ComiXology listing. 

8. Under "Next Payment," you'll see a button to "Auto-renew" toggled ON. Click it to turn it OFF.

9. A pop will appear asking you if you want to turn off auto-renewal and lose your current ComiXology Unlimited membership. Choose "Turn off auto-renew." 

10. Your Unlimited membership with ComiXology will become inactive on the last day of your current billing cycle. If you wish to re-subscribe, toggle on the auto-renewal option.

How to cancel a free ComiXology account  

Unlike the Unlimited membership, there is no "switch" for canceling your free ComiXology account. So if you want to delete it completely, you'll have to reach out to the company directly. After signing in to ComiXology, scroll to the bottom of the home page and click the Contact Us link. 

A new window will appear, allowing you to send a message to the comics platform. Provide your first and last name, the email attached to your ComiXology account, and write a message stating you want to cancel your account. Then click "Send," and an agent will be in touch. 

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• What is ComiXology? Everything you need to know about Amazon's digital comics platform

• What is DC Universe Infinite? Here's what you should know about DC Comics' streaming platform turned comic-subscription service

• What is Patreon? Everything you need to know about the subscription service for content creators

• How to buy books on Kindle through your computer or mobile device

• How to cancel your Kindle Unlimited membership on Amazon

SEE ALSO: The best deals and sales happening on Amazon right now⁠⁠ — including a Logitech G305 mouse, Cuisinart knives, and more

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SoundCloud Go is a subscription-based music service that lets you to play SoundCloud music without ads and listen to your collection offline. SoundCloud Go is available with a seven day trial for $4.99 a month.

SoundCloud also offers another subscription service: SoundCloud Go+, which includes even more features, like access to their full catalog and higher-quality audio. SoundCloud Go+ is $9.99 with a 30-day free trial. 

It's easy to cancel SoundCloud Go or Go+ if you're not getting your money's worth or prefer a different music service. But as with many other subscription services, just deleting the app won't stop you from being charged.

If you want to cancel a SoundCloud Go plan, you'll likely have to go through your account page online, not through the mobile app.

The only exception to this is if you signed up for SoundCloud Go using the mobile app — in that case, you'll have to cancel on your phone.

Here's how to do both.

How to cancel SoundCloud Go through a web browser

If you originally signed up for Go using the website, this is the way to go.

1. Open a web browser window and go to soundcloud.com on your desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone. 

2. Once you've signed in, click the three dots at the top-right and select "Subscription."

3. Click the "Edit" button, represented by the pen icon.

4. On the pop-up window below "Current plan," choose "Opt-out of your subscription renewal."

5. On the following page, confirm your cancellation by clicking "Confirm and cancel plan."

How to cancel SoundCloud Go on a smartphone

If you signed up for SoundCloud Go through the iPhone or Android app, you'll probably have to cancel through another method.

On an iPhone, you'll have to open up your phone's "Subscriptions" menu, which can be found in the Settings app. Check out our article, "How to cancel subscriptions on your iPhone through the Settings app" for more information.

If you're using an Android, you'll need to go through the Google Play Store app. See our article, "How to cancel subscriptions on an Android device using the Google Play Store" for a full guide.

How to confirm your subscription has been canceled

You can verify that your subscription is canceled by navigating back into the "Subscription" section of your account on the SoundCloud website. 

Below "SoundCloud Go" and "Offline and ad-free listening," you should see a line that says "Expires on" with the date your subscription will expire. This means you're no longer being charged. 

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• How to delete your SoundCloud account, along with all of your uploaded music and playlists

• How to download SoundCloud songs from the website onto your computer, or from the mobile app with SoundCloud Go

• How to make a playlist on SoundCloud to organize all your favorite music and podcasts

• How to change your SoundCloud username or profile URL, and give yourself a rebrand

• How to cancel a Spotify Premium subscription on an Android device

• How to cancel your Spotify Premium account on an iPhone in 2 ways (though you can't do it through the Spotify app)

SEE ALSO: The best music streaming services you can subscribe to

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Shudder is a subscription-based streaming service featuring the web's most extensive library of horror, suspense, and thriller films and shows. Think of it like Netflix, but for horror nerds. 

Shudder offers a seven-day free trial, after which it's $5.99 per month or a one-time payment of $56.99 for a year, which works out to $4.75 a month. 

If you've subscribed to Shudder but aren't finding the titles you want, or are just cutting down on costs, it's easy to cancel. 

There's no way to cancel through the mobile app, however. If you want to cancel your subscription, you'll need to do it through a browser.

That is, if you signed up through a web browser. If you signed up through your Apple ID, the Google Play Store, PayPal, Amazon, or another provider, you'll need to go through them to cancel.

Here's how to cancel Shudder using the website.

How to cancel Shudder through your web browser

1. Open a web browser window and go to shudder.com on your desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone. 

2. Click "My Account" at the top-right corner of the page.

3. Scroll to the bottom and click "Cancel membership" to the right of the "Log out" button.

4. Confirm your cancellation on the next page by scrolling to the bottom and choosing "I want to cancel."

5. On the following page, re-confirm your cancellation by clicking "No thanks, finish my cancellation." You should then see a message confirming your cancellation.

How to cancel Shudder on other devices and platforms

If you purchased your Shudder subscription using an Apple ID on your iPhone, through the Google Play Store on Android, or Roku, Amazon Prime, or PayPal, see the below guides for how to cancel it through a third-party site or device.

• How to cancel your subscription on iPhone
• How to cancel your subscription on Android 
• How to cancel your subscription on Roku
• How to cancel your subscription on PayPal
• How to cancel your subscription on Amazon Prime

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• What is Shudder? Everything you need to know about the horror streaming service

• How to cancel your Hulu subscription, or temporarily pause it for up to 12 weeks

• How to cancel your Amazon Prime Video subscription through Amazon's website

• How to cancel subscriptions on an Android device using the Google Play Store

• How to cancel subscriptions on your iPhone through the Settings app

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Shudder, a streaming service with unlimited access to horror, suspense, and thriller movies

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These days, consumers are accustomed to paying subscription fees for services ranging from food and entertainment to clothing. 

Now, a growing number of hospitality companies are hoping to add vacations to the mix. 

Tripadvisor announced earlier in March that it would be launching a subscription service called Tripadvisor Plus. For $99 a year, members get access to exclusive hotel discounts and perks from participating properties in the US.

Wyndham Destinations, now officially known as Travel + Leisure Co. after its $100 million acquisition of the travel magazine brand, plans to launch a subscription service of its own this summer. The subscription will likely cost $10 a month. 

In February, Travel + Leisure CO. also announced the launch of its new booking platform, BookTandL.com. Noah Brodsky, president and chief brand officer of Travel + Leisure Group, a division of Travel + Leisure Co., told Insider that the company is looking at travel subscriptions as the next iteration of its booking services.

"What that does is take this whole booking platform that we're building, but then for club members add in really exceptional value and experiences to make those trips even better," Brodsky told Insider.  

The timing of these new subscription services is no coincidence. The travel and hospitality sector has been badly hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. And, while no one knows for certain when leisure travel will be back to its prepandemic levels, the industry consensus is it will return faster than corporate travel — which spells good news for vacation destinations.

There are also signs that travel is picking up again. The TSA is once again screening more than one million travelers daily at US airports. And in a survey of 2,000 US consumers at the end of February, Tripadvisor found that 50% of respondents were planning to travel this spring.

Having a cohort of paying subscribers would provide hospitality companies like Travel + Leisure Co. and Tripadvisor with a source of recurring revenue and predictable cash flow as they seek to get back to business as usual after the pandemic.

At Tripadvisor, revenue fell 61% in 2020. The company offers click-based advertising, sponsored placements, and commissions, and it charges listing fees for restaurants and travel experiences. 

However, Steve Kaufer, CEO and cofounder of Tripadvisor, said the pandemic actually gave the company "cover" to invest in a new line of business. 

"It just didn't make a lot of sense for us to try to optimize a section of our site when nobody was traveling — the traffic was down, the bookings were down," he said. "So instead we turned our efforts to this bigger bet."

Max Starkov, a hospitality and online travel tech consultant and adjunct professor at NYU, is bullish on Tripadvisor Plus' potential to attract hoteliers to its platform.

"Hoteliers are desperate, and I mean desperate, to sell more inventory, no matter the cost," Starkov said. "The main thing is: where are they [hotels] going to get the money for the perks? And whether they will be able to convince hoteliers, local tour operators and activities operators who provide the perks."

Last year was the worst year on record for the hotel industry. According to hospitality data firm STR, occupancy hit record lows of 44% in 2020 — a 33% decline from 2019 — and revenue per available room (RevPAR) declined 47.5% year-over-year.

But before the pandemic hit, Tripadvisor had more than 400 million unique visitors a month, meaning it has a large audience for hotels to get in front of.

Tripadvisor Plus is free for hotels to sign up, offering hoteliers visibility in the form of a special badge and prioritized placement under the "Best Value" filter on Tripadvisor. Rather than pay a commission on bookings like they would with an online travel agency like Expedia or Booking.com, participating hoteliers agree to offer Tripadvisor Plus subscribers a discounted rate. 

Starkov said that he wouldn't be surprised if an OTA eventually also got into paid subscriptions to make the most of the large audience they have in their loyalty programs. Hotels.com, for example, has more than 50 million members in its Rewards program. A spokesperson for Expedia Group, which owns Expedia and Hotels.com, declined to comment on whether the company would consider turning the program into a paid subscription service.

A Booking Holdings spokesperson said the company was not planning a paid subscription service at the moment, but that starting this month, it would be expanding its Genius loyalty program benefits to anyone who makes a Booking account. Those benefits include discounts, free room upgrades, and complimentary breakfast. 

"I'm sure that they are watching the experience of Tripadvisor very closely," Starkov said. "The industry is trying to move in that direction." 

eDreams, an OTA based in Spain, already charges $59.99 annually for discounts on flights and accommodations. 

'I don't worry about people not traveling anymore'

Tripadvisor Plus expects to become a successful subscription service by catering to all travelers. But, having members pay a subscription fee for exclusive travel services is not new in hospitality, especially in the luxury sector. Inspirato, for example, charges $2,500 a month for unlimited stays at partner homes, hotels, and resorts. Flights are not included in that cost. Launched in 2011, the company has 13,250 members — a number that has continued to grow during the pandemic. 

"We have seen a steady increase month over month in subscription sales with December, January and February exceeding our forecast. We attribute this to general pent-up demand for travel, but also a desire for safe and private vacations," Inspirato CEO and cofounder Brent Handler told Insider. "We have already heard from many new members that we were their first call after getting vaccinated."

With subscriptions invading so many parts of consumer life, there is the potential that companies could confront subscriber fatigue in the process of rolling these programs out. 

Kaufer, at least, is optimistic that that won't happen. He compared Tripadvisor Plus to other popular subscription services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Spotify.

"We think we've got the combination of the traffic and value proposition that travelers will look at it the same way that they look at other subscription products that they may now feel is a requirement," he said. "I don't worry about people not traveling anymore. It's just not on the horizon of things to worry about."

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I've gone through a complete remote-work evolution since I started working from home last March. 

It can be tough finding ways to be efficient, without also increasing the risk of burnout. From turning my fireplace mantel into a standing desk, to doing yoga while proofreading for work, I've tried almost everything to keep myself productive.

And these challenges might be here to stay. Over a year after the CDC announced the pandemic, effectively shutting down the US, a Harvard survey revealed that 81% of the workforce either doesn't want to return to the office or would prefer a hybrid schedule moving forward. At least 27% hopes to continue working remotely full-time.

Remote work has many benefits — no waking up early, no morning commute, and no reason to get dressed in business attire. But it can also be a challenge; remote workers during the pandemic often struggle with the monotony of logging on from home every day. 

If you're struggling with engagement at work right now, here are some ways to freshen up your work-from-home lifestyle to help you be more productive. 

1. Change your notification sounds

Here's a riddle for you. What do you hear a million times a day, but never really notice anymore? Your notifications. 

Instead of a spoken "Hey, can you help me with this?," you got an audible "ping" with every new alert, instilling an almost Pavlovian response to check your inbox or direct messages. After awhile, though, that knee-jerk reaction may have dulled with time as the sound started to pass right below your threshold of awareness. 

To liven up your communications again, try changing your notification sound every 2-3 months. This could be the notifications on your phone, on Slack, for email, etc. Whatever you need to do to press the reset button in your mind.

2. Switch out your computer wallpaper

You're likely going to be staring at your screen all day long.

Switching out your wallpaper can be a welcome change. It could be a naturescape, a family photo, a picture of your dog.

You'll be pleasantly surprised at how something so simple can make you feel exponentially more engaged throughout the workday. When you find yourself noticing the picture less and less, it's time to change it up again.

3. Download applications and extensions to avoid non-work-related internet usage

We've all done it — opening a tab to look something up for work and somehow finding yourself on YouTube watching Binging With Babish's latest video. To avoid these little excursions, try downloading applications and extensions when possible. 

For instance, if you work primarily on social media, download the Twitter application on your laptop to reduce the likelihood that you'll get lost down the Google rabbit hole. When you're doing the same tasks every day, it can be far too easy to meander, especially when you know no one's watching.

4. Play around with different style settings

Whether you have a Mac or a PC, you'll likely have the option to customize your computer's style settings. Even if you're just switching from Light mode to Dark mode, that small change will grab your attention every time you open your computer.

You may also be able to choose between an array of accent colors or customize settings all the way down to the font. On Google Chrome, for example, you can choose between a variety of themes, or even create one. 

Use your imagination with these style settings. It's a fun and easy way to explore and curate your professional niche at home.

5. Utilize organization tools

Both Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge offer a tab group function, allowing you to combine tabs to keep related pages together in one place. The beauty of this feature is that it lets you condense what could otherwise be an overwhelming slew of seemingly random browser tabs into more digestible chunks.

This function even gives you the options of naming individual tab groups, color-coding each group, and expanding or collapsing groups to free up space in your tabs bar. In addition, Google Chrome offers an Auto Tab Groups Creation feature, which will automatically group similar tabs together. 

Just as you may save specific sites or pages in your bookmarks bar, these features add an additional layer to keeping your browser visually neat and compartmentalized. If you're someone who thrives on finding new ways to organize, the tab group function may be right up your alley.

6. Set reminders to take breaks

When you first started working from home, you may have been diligent about getting up and moving around. Maybe you took walks, or just got a quick stretch in. But as time has gone by, perhaps your activity levels have taken a nosedive.

It can be far too easy to let eight hours slide by without any substantial movement or activity, especially when you're in the comfort of your own home. Rather than rely on instinct to pull yourself away from work, try downloading an application that will actively remind you to step back, get up, and move.

For example, the Time Out application lets you customize how often you want to be reminded to take a break, and for how long you want that break to last. Once you've set up the timing of your breaks, you can choose how you want to be notified it's time to take your breather.

There are other ways of reminding yourself it's time to take a break, like investing in a time-marked water bottle. The tick marks on the bottle will help you keep track of how much water you're drinking, but can also serve the dual function of indicating when you should get up and move. 

Spend some time researching options to find the one that fits best.

7. Develop your own hybrid work schedule

Rather than working from home all day, every day, try working from a new location. That could be a local coffee shop, a coworking space, or maybe even your office. For example, make a plan to spend alternating days at home and at a cafe.

But schedule your Zoom calls for the days you're at home. The stranger sitting at the table next to you almost certainly doesn't want to hear you explain to your coworkers the details of your company's Q1 finance report.

Adopting a hybrid schedule is especially accommodating for those who miss some of the social nuances of an office workspace. This way, you'll get your work done while also getting to see some new faces.

8. Come up with a snack plan

Just like you shouldn't go grocery shopping on an empty stomach, you also shouldn't start working from home without a snack plan. It can be far too easy when you're sitting at home to munch on some less savory or fulfilling foods. Start preparing in advance by keeping protein bars within reach, or making smoothie mixes and storing them in the freezer for easy blendability. 

I've become addicted in recent months to the Quick and Easy Smoothie Freezer Packs from Happy Money Saver. I make a bunch every weekend, pull one out when I need a quick pick-me-up, and I'm right back to work. It's a great way to get a speedy and nutritional boost, and you can customize them however you like.

9. Subscribe to a monthly service

Subscribing to a service that serves your professional needs can help add some excitement to your daily routine. 

If you're a big coffee drinker, try a subscription to Trade Coffee, which compares your personal tastes to its over 400 varieties of coffee to deliver an assortment of brews to your door. Or, if you're someone who thrives on taking detailed written notes throughout the workday, maybe give Cloth & Paper a gander. Every month, you'll receive a box full of unique goodies, from notebooks, to planners, to pens.

Having something on the calendar to look forward to each month will instill a sense of structure that can be easily lacking when working remotely.

10. Invest in you

Beyond just subscribing to a monthly delivery service, set aside some time to invest in yourself. At this point, you've more than likely nailed down a work-from-home routine, but there are always ways to zhuzh things up.

If you're still buying your latte every morning at your local Starbucks, invest in an espresso machine so you can try your hand at making your own at home.

If you just want to dabble with your inner barista skills without forking out a ton of money, there are plenty of affordable options. I bought this SOWTECH machine for around $60 on Amazon and it's been a great way to dip my toes without committing to a big, shiny contraption. 

And if you work out before, after, or even during the workday, perhaps consider purchasing a fitness watch so you can track your progress day-to-day. I've done all my workouts at home over the past year and my fitness watch serves as a visual reminder that I'm still moving and being active by counting my steps, individual workouts, etc.

It's little things like these that make it feel less like you're trying to force your work and home life together, but rather that the two are now one and the same.