England and Wales are introducing digital ID technology for age verification at pubs, bars, and restaurants, allowing customers to prove they're over 18 via facial scanning QR codes on their phones. The system, provided by private companies like Yoti and Luciditi, is voluntary and aims to reduce fraud and protect personal data exposure compared to physical ID checks. The technology may later expand to vape and tobacco purchases.
Amazon is expanding shopping features on Prime Video, allowing customers to discover and purchase products while watching content through X-Ray integration and a new "Shop the Scene" visual search feature. The company is joining competitors like YouTube, Peacock, and Disney in embedding shopping into streaming experiences to create additional revenue streams.
Streaming services have raised prices more than three times faster than inflation since 2022, with Apple TV tripling to $14.99, Disney+ jumping 172 percent, and a full lineup of eight major streamers now costing $151 monthly compared to $90 four years ago. These increases far exceed historical cable price hikes, leaving consumers with multiple subscriptions auto-drafting from their accounts.