These are the subscriptions I actually don't mind paying for
No one likes paying for something more than once, but subscriptions have become an annoying yet necessary part of life. Some are hard to justify, but others add value to my life. Whether they provide consumable content, weather information, or critical navigation data, these are the subscriptions I don't mind paying for:
How many subscription services and apps are you currently paying for?
0 votes
None.
NaN %
1-4.
NaN %
5-9.
NaN %
10 or more.
NaN %
FlightRadar24
Andy Walker / Android Authority
I've used this real-time flight tracking app for years before upgrading to a Gold subscription. The free version is sufficient if you only need basic information about flight locations. However, I craved even more.
The Gold subscription offers additional features for avgeeks. It lets me bookmark more flights, access airport and flight histories for up to a year, and includes detailed real-time weather layers. The latter is so accurate that this service doubles as a standalone weather app.
Although its annual price is expensive, and I've considered downgrading to Silver, I find it invaluable for checking weather conditions before and during flights, especially during the stormy South African summer.
Meteogram Weather Widget
Andy Walker / Android Authority
I've praised Meteogram Weather Widget for years and still believe it's the best weather app on Android. The ad-supported free version is excellent for general use but lacks the customizability and source selection I desire.
To summarize my setup, I use three separate instances of the Meteograms widget, covering the next 12 hours, four days ahead, and an additional week. This setup provides a comprehensive weather outlook for a region that often experiences all four seasons in a day. No other app can offer me the same breadth of information or control.
I decided to pay for the Pro version and the Platinum subscription, which costs slightly more than a loaf of bread annually. It's worth every penny and more.
NordVPN
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Every internet user needs a VPN, and after much consideration, I chose NordVPN. Nord was the easiest and most reliable option I tried, which is also crucial for my partner.
I use it across multiple devices, nearing the 10-device limit. This more than justifies its annual fee. Although it's one of the pricier subscriptions I pay for, it gives me peace of mind.
I may consider another VPN service in the future, but Nord suits my needs for now.
F1TV
Andy Walker / Android Authority
As a Formula 1 fan, I can't imagine not having access to support races, grands prix, and past events. F1TV is the sport's dedicated streaming service, providing access to all the above on multiple devices.
The service has three tiers, and I opt for the middle option, Pro. It offers access to all timing and telemetry, onboard cameras, support series races, and past content. It's pricey, but worth it for enjoying the sport I've loved for over two decades.
A more expensive option allows for 4K streaming and multiple simultaneous streams on a single device, but that little trick is limited to Apple products for now.
Netflix
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
As certified couch potatoes, my partner and I subscribe to several streaming platforms. She subscribes to Disney+ and local service Showmax, while I subscribe to Netflix. Yes, it would make sense to rotate subscriptions based on our interests and releases each month, but we switch between multiple shows too often for that to be practical.
Even though I think it's overpriced for what it offers, the 4K tier allows us to enjoy all the pixels and spatial audio on my modest LG TV when available. Notably, I've grabbed plenty of games off the Play Store thanks to Netflix, too!
Spotify
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Spotify is my favorite music streaming service because its recommendations are more reliable than any other service. It also helps that I can access my favorite music from multiple devices and seamlessly switch between them. It's indispensable, especially for PlayStation and Android Auto users.
We're a household of two, so Spotify Duo works perfectly. It's far cheaper than paying for two separate subscriptions, especially since we each have specific tastes.
Google One
Joe Maring / Android Authority
I started paying for Google One nearly a decade ago to back up important photos and documents. I use the 200GB plan but'll soon need more storage or an alternative. My partner also uses the storage as part of my family group, so switching services will be tricky.
A self-hosted solution is in the planning stages, but decision inertia is real. I know that for the price of a One subscription, I could save up for a large hard drive, but the convenience of One is still compelling.
OsmAnd
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Finally, the latest addition to my subscription list is OsmAnd Maps+ Annual. Why pay for an open-source app? I can only access the app via Android Auto through this tier, which has become essential for road trips through my region's back roads.
Like several other subscriptions on this list, OsmAnd's value far outweighs the modest annual fee.
I've detailed the subscription services I happily pay for monthly and annually. Now it's your turn. What do you spend your money on? Let the community know in the comments.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News24
5 hours ago
- News24
Sunday's weather: Partly cloudy to cool, with isolated showers in some parts
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast partly cloudy to cool and warm conditions, with isolated showers and thundershowers in some regions on Sunday. Weather forecast for today and tomorrow, 16-17 August 2025: Partly cloudy and cool to warm with isolated showers but scattered in the east today where a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorm is issued. #SAWS #SAWeather — SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) August 16, 2025 The weather in your province Gauteng: Partly cloudy and cool, with potential isolated showers and thundershowers in the extreme south-east. The northern areas will be warmer. Pretoria: 10°C — 23°C Johannesburg: 9°C — 20°C Vereeniging: 10°C — 23°C Mpumalanga: Morning fog in the south-east, transitioning to partly cloudy and cool to warm weather. Isolated showers and thundershowers are expected, except in the Lowveld region. Mbombela: 15°C — 22°C Ermelo: 8°C — 18°C Emalahleni: 8°C — 22°C Standerton: 8°C — 22°C Skukuza: 16°C — 27°C Limpopo: Calm but foggy conditions in the north-west in the morning. It will otherwise be partly cloudy and cool to warm, with light drizzle anticipated along the escarpment. Polokwane: 9°C — 21°C Phalaborwa: 16°C — 26°C Tzaneen: 9°C — 24°C Musina: 14°C — 25°C Lephalale: 9°C — 25°C Mokopane: 13°C — 24°C North West: Generally partly cloudy, with windy conditions, cool to warm temperatures, and clear skies expected in the western areas. Klerksdorp: 8°C — 24°C Potchefstroom: 8°C — 23°C Mahikeng: 9°C — 23°C Rustenburg: 9°C — 24°C Vryburg: 8°C — 25°C Free State: Partly cloudy and cool, with a chance of isolated showers and thundershowers, except in western areas. Bloemfontein: 6°C — 22°C Welkom: 9°C — 23°C Bethlehem: 5°C — 20°C Northern Cape: Morning fog patches in the south-west, becoming fine and cool throughout the day. Winds along the coastal areas will remain light to moderate from the south-east. Upington: 6°C — 23°C Kimberley: 5°C — 23°C De Aar: 4°C — 20°C Alexander Bay: 7°C — 20°C Springbok: 7°C — 20°C Calvinia: 4°C — 21°C Sutherland: -1°C — 17°C Western Cape: Morning fog patches in some regions, clearing to fine and cool weather. Coastal winds will vary, being moderate to fresh south-easterly, with north-westerlies along the south-west coast. Cape Town: 11°C — 20°C Vredendal: 9°C — 24°C Riversdale: 8°C — 23°C George: 10°C — 19°C Worcester: 7°C — 22°C Beaufort West: 6°C — 22°C Oudtshoorn: 5°C — 23°C Western half of the Eastern Cape: Morning fog patches followed by fine and cool conditions. Coastal winds will be light and easterly. Eastern half of the Eastern Cape: Morning fog in some places, with the day becoming partly cloudy and cool. There might be isolated showers and thundershowers to the east. Coastal winds will be light east to south-east. Gqeberha: 11°C — 21°C Makhanda: 8°C — 19°C Cradock: 5°C — 23°C Graaff-Reinet: 6°C — 22°C East London: 14°C — 21°C Port St Johns: 15°C — 23°C Mthatha: 10°C — 24°C Komani: 6°C — 24°C Qonce: 10°C — 20°C KwaZulu-Natal: Morning fog across the interior, clearing to warm and cool zones, with sporadic isolated showers and thunderstorms. Coastal regions will experience moderate to fresh winds, moving northerly to north-easterly. Durban: 19°C — 24°C Richard's Bay: 17°C — 27°C Pietermaritzburg: 11°C — 24°C Ladysmith: 9°C — 24°C
Business Insider
8 hours ago
- Business Insider
9 African countries with restricted ChatGPT access and AI adoption
ChatGPT, the AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, faces bans and restrictions in several African countries, sparking debates about access, regulation, and the continent's readiness for advanced AI. A July 2025 report highlights that 9 out of the over 20 nations restricting ChatGPT are in Africa, primarily due to issues like limited internet infrastructure and political challenges. The African Union has endorsed an AI strategy to foster Africa-owned, development-oriented innovation while ensuring safeguards against associated risks. Several African countries have imposed restrictions on ChatGPT amidst debates on accessibility, regulation, and the continent's readiness for advanced AI. According to a July 2025 report by Cybernews, which analyzed OpenAI's service data, over 20 countries worldwide have restricted ChatGPT access, with 9 of them in Africa. While non-conformist nations like China, Russia, and Iran have imposed political bans on ChatGPT and are investing in their own AI alternatives, Africans are grappling with a more complex set of issues, including limited internet infrastructure, sanctions, political instability, and regulatory uncertainty, leading to restrictions on the platform. African countries where ChatGPT faces restrictions No Country Status Reason for Restrictions 1 Eritrea Blocked by Government Limited internet infrastructure and state-controlled information environment 2 Libya Blocked by Government Political instability and lack of regulatory framework 3 Eswatini Blocked by Government Small market size, regulatory uncertainty, and limited OpenAI business presence 4 Burundi Blocked by Government Underdeveloped infrastructure and limited digital policy 5 South Sudan Blocked by Government Weak digital infrastructure and ongoing conflict 6 Sudan Blocked by Government Authoritarian restrictions and conflict-related disruptions 7 Central African Republic Blocked by Government Limited technological infrastructure and fragile governance 8 Chad Blocked by Government Restricted internet access and political interference 9 Democratic Republic of Congo Blocked by Government Sanctions, weak infrastructure, and lack of digital regulation Notably, African countries restricting access to ChatGPT are predominantly those embroiled in conflict or under authoritarian rule, whereas citizens in nations like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana have full access to and are actively exploring AI regulation and innovation. This contrast underscores how systemic stability determines access to transformative technologies. In countries with robust institutions, AI is flourishing in various sectors, including education, small businesses, professional services, and logistics. Conversely, those with restrictions risk being excluded from a global AI-driven economy projected to add trillions of dollars in value by 2030. Experts warn that if Africa does not embrace AI, it risks falling behind in what is often described as the next industrial revolution. As President Paul Kagame noted at the Global AI Summit in Kigali: "Africa can't afford to be left behind, once again playing catch-up. We have to adopt, cooperate, and compete because it is in our best interest to do so." he said. Additionally, the emergence of powerful alternatives such as Anthropic's Claude, Google's Gemini, Elon Musk's Grok, and Meta's AI models adds another layer of urgency. With global competition accelerating, Africa faces the danger of becoming only a consumer of imported technologies rather than a creator of its own. In July 2024, the African Union formally endorsed a continent-wide AI strategy calling for an 'Africa-owned, people-centered, development-oriented, and inclusive approach to accelerate African countries' AI capabilities … while also ensuring adequate safeguards and protection from threats.' The policy highlights the continent's intent to avoid overdependence on foreign systems by prioritizing African-led innovation and regulation. Meanwhile, concerns about AI's potential risks are shaping international debates. Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as the 'godfather of AI,' has warned that AI systems could manipulate humans and even pose existential threats, estimating a 10% - 20% chance that AI could one day wipe out humanity. Others, such as Fei-Fei Li, the 'godmother of AI,' argue instead for a human-centered approach that preserves dignity and agency.
Android Authority
9 hours ago
- Android Authority
Pairing your Galaxy Watch with a non-Samsung phone? Here's what you're missing out on
Andy Walker / Android Authority Samsung's smartwatches (and the Galaxy Ring) are compatible with most Android phones, but you'll only get the full experience when paired with Samsung Galaxy smartphones. This applies to older Galaxy Watch models up to the latest Galaxy Watch 8 series and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025. But what are these features, and are they worth considering switching smartphones for? Do you use a Galaxy Watch with a Samsung smartphone? 0 votes Yes, I do. NaN % No, I pair my Galaxy Watch with another Android phone. NaN % No, I use a Samsung phone paired with another smartwatch. NaN % No, I don't own a Galaxy Watch or a Samsung phone. NaN % There are many features, but only a few truly make the partnership worthwhile, at least for me. I don't own a Galaxy Ring, but I can comment on the synergy between my Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy S24 FE. While most benefits are health-related, several ecosystem features make owning Samsung products more attractive and worth considering. Don't want to miss the best from Android Authority? Set us as a preferred source in Google Search to support us and make sure you never miss our latest exclusive reports, expert analysis, and much more. Additional health features Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority I use my Galaxy Watch primarily as a fitness tracker, so I prioritize features that monitor health issues. Most fitness tracking features are available across all Android phones, including basic heart rate tracking, step tracking, sleep, and SpO2 insights. However, if you want to use your wearable specifically to check your heartbeat or blood pressure, you need to pair it with a Samsung smartphone and download the exclusive Samsung Health Monitor app. This app is also limited to specific markets, so check availability if these features are essential to you. Notably, the app enables the Galaxy Watch 4 and newer models' ECG capabilities, or electrocardiogram, which samples your heart's rhythm and offers guidance if it detects irregularities. Thankfully, my heart's still strong, but I regularly use this feature when I feel unusually tired or stressed. Health Monitor also unlocks the Galaxy Watch series' blood pressure monitoring feature, which requires calibration with a standalone monitor before use. This feature is great for quick checkups if you're away from home without a dedicated monitor. Other Galaxy Watch features that require a Samsung smartphone include stress reminders, sleep apnea monitoring, and Energy Score insight. Sleep apnea monitoring samples your breathing and heart rate rhythm at night, checking for any concerning dips in blood oxygen levels. It then provides further guidance. I use this feature a few times a year, and it offers great insight into my overall sleep health. Energy Score insight adds AI-powered context to your Energy Score — a figure that quantifies your daily readiness based on previous activity and rest. Energy Score works without a Samsung phone, but you'll only get the number and not much else. Several new Galaxy Watch health tracking features aren't exclusive to Samsung smartphones but are available in newer versions of One UI Watch. This includes Vascular Load, Antioxidant Index, Running Coach, and Bedtime Guidance. Galaxy AI Andy Walker / Android Authority I agree, the constant chatter about AI can be annoying, but Galaxy AI on the Galaxy Watch is quite helpful. I've highlighted how it enables some health features on the wearable, but it's also found in more general applications. Samsung's use of AI isn't particularly intrusive and improves the experience of several features and apps on the small screen. Notably, Galaxy AI features require the watch to be paired with a compatible Samsung smartphone. So what are these features? One that I find particularly useful is Smart Replies, which provides context-aware response options to messages sent via a messaging app. While this feature is available through Samsung Messages, it also works well with WhatsApp and Google Messages. Bixby Andy Walker / Android Authority Believe it or not, Samsung's often criticized voice assistant is actually quite good. I ditched Google Gemini for a week to use Bixby exclusively, and I enjoyed it. Its availability across both the Galaxy Watch and Samsung smartphones makes pairing the two devices worthwhile. I find that Bixby triggers settings faster on these devices than Gemini, making it a better utility for controlling your device on your wrist. I use it to set timers, adjust alarms, and start exercises. Tapping the Bixby button and talking to my watch is often easier than scrolling across its tiny display to tap an even smaller button. I wouldn't consider the voice assistant better than Gemini for online tasks. Google's product is still better for anything you need fetched from the web. But, personally, I usually use my phone for these tasks. You can use both on your watch using different wake words or physical shortcuts for each. Modes and Routines Ryan Haines / Android Authority Modes and Routines are a core part of my digital life that I couldn't imagine living without them. This is perhaps the one feature I'd miss most if I separated my Galaxy Watch and Galaxy phone. In short, Modes and Routines allow me to trigger specific settings conditionally, based on location, time of day, or connected network. But this is just skimming the surface. In another article, I elaborated on the various uses of Modes and Routines, including activating power-saving mode on my watch when I don't need all its features, flipping through watch faces automatically, or making full use of my phone's Driving mode to make content on my watch more legible. There are various integrations possible with this tool. Some modes trigger automatically, too. A Samsung smartphone and Galaxy Watch will also sync other settings with one another, including alarms (via Sleep mode) and Do Not Disturb status. Camera Control Andy Walker / Android Authority I'll admit, this is one quirky reason to pair a Samsung smartphone with a Galaxy Watch, but I've grown to like it. Using a tripod for smartphone photography is a boon, especially if you want to capture nighttime shots without jittering the device's hardware. In these cases, the camera control feature is convenient. Annoyingly, it doesn't support specific camera modes that would make it genuinely helpful, like Slow Motion or Hyperlapse. Nevertheless, I have used this feature more than I thought I would. As the Galaxy Ring lacks a screen, you cannot use it to control the camera of your Galaxy phone or any Android phone. While some of these features have workarounds or alternatives, many of the above features genuinely enhance the Galaxy Watch and Ring experience. I wouldn't suggest you rush out and purchase a Samsung phone today if you own a Galaxy Watch, but it's something to consider going forward. As Samsung continues developing more Galaxy AI-heavy features that require its smartphone hardware, don't be surprised to see more features locked behind its walled garden. Follow
