• If you're enjoying the email, why not get a friend to sign up too, so they can also be in the know? Get them to sign up here.

Netflix now starts at £4.99 but you'll have to watch ads

What's happened?

You'll soon be able to watch Netflix for just £4.99 / $6.99 / €5.49 per month, but there's a catch - you'll have to deal with ads to get that new, low price.

Why does it matter?

The new Netflix tier, dubbed Basic with ads, will become available starting November in several countries, including the United States, UK and Central Europe. The streaming service says that you'll get access to most of the content from its vast library, but that "some movies and TV shows" will be unavailable. You'll still be able to play Netflix's growing collection of games, though.

What's my take?

Netflix's much-discussed ad-free tier is now official and coming in November. And, as we've speculated on before, it comes with strings attached.

Not only will you have to contend with adverts to get its new lower price - approximately 4-5 minutes per hour - some programming will be unavailable. You'll lose the ability to download shows for offline viewing too.

That might not concern those more worried about the cost of living crisis, of course. Although I'd also argue that when faced with the choice between heating and an ad-laden, 720p episode of Stranger Things, keeping warm might win out.

Netflix may well find this tier a hard sell, therefore, even when subsidised.

• How to switch to Netflix's cheaper ad plan

These TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition watches deserve a place on your wrist

What's happened?

Luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer has announced not one, but two limited edition watches that involve everyone's favourite Italian plumber - none other than Nintendo's very own Mario.

Why does it matter?

The new watches are part of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 lineup, with a chronograph (44mm) and tourbillon (45mm) version of the same watch up for grabs. They both feature Mario Kart references throughout and, of course, look stunning.Unlike other so-called limited editions though, these really are - there are just 3,000 pieces of the chronograph version available, while buyers of the gorgeous tourbillon version will be just 250 in number.

What's my take?

Formula One and Mario Kart? Where do I sign up?

What's that - they're over $4,000 and $25,000 respectively? Er, perhaps not then.

Revolutionising dental hygiene - the SOOCAS X3U sonic electric toothbrush

The electric toothbrush is a great invention that makes brushing your teeth easier and more convenient. The concept has been around for quite some time but has improved over the years, and SOOCAS has contributed to innovation in the field significantly with its latest collection. Read all about it here.

Pixel 7 Pro review: It's still all about the camera

What's happened?

Although Google sits at the heart of all Android phones, it hasn't been in the smartphone game as long as some peers. Google doesn't have the heritage of Samsung or Apple, for example - it's still a relative newcomer in the smartphone game. But, with the launch of the Pixel 6 Pro in 2021, it felt like Google was taking the segment more seriously, Now we have its follow-up.

Our quick verdict

The Pixel 7 Pro is an incremental improvement over its excellent predecessor, with real gains made in the camera experience, especially at the far end of the zoom. As a flagship device, the Pixel 7 Pro is also aggressively priced, offering a complete experience. Being at the front of the line for Android updates is just the cherry on top. Read our review.

In Case You Missed it

From The Gear Loop

And finally...