Core Insights - T-Mobile has launched a new loyalty program called "Magenta Status" along with a mobile app named T Life to help customers manage their perks and benefits [1][2] - The Magenta Status program offers exclusive discounts and experiences from various brands, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction [1][2] Group 1: Magenta Status Program - Magenta Status provides T-Mobile customers with discounts and privileges across services such as hotels, rental cars, movie tickets, and concerts [1] - Benefits include discounted rates and automatic upgrades at Hilton's 22 hotel brands, airport car rental returns without refueling, $5 movie tickets once a month, and 25% off tickets to live shows [2] Group 2: T Life App - The T Life app allows customers to manage their Magenta Status perks, T-Mobile Tuesdays, and other benefits associated with their wireless plans [1] - The app also enables T-Mobile Home Internet customers to manage their home network and SyncUP KIDS Watch customers to track device locations [2] - T Life aims to be a unified app for all T-Mobile services, with plans for additional features and benefits in the future [2] Group 3: Existing Programs and Market Context - T-Mobile's existing program, T-Mobile Tuesdays, will continue to offer exclusive discounts and freebies, such as savings on gas and free food items [3] - The launch of the loyalty program and app coincides with T-Mobile and other telecommunications companies promoting new partnerships and 5G upgrades [3]

Core Insights - Zillow has launched a new feature allowing users to search for or list individual rooms for rent, addressing the rising rental costs in the U.S. since the pandemic [1][2] - The company highlights that nearly 30% increase in U.S. rents and 50% of renters are now cost-burdened, spending 30% or more of their income on rent and utilities [1] - The introduction of room listings aims to create a more diverse marketplace for renters, particularly benefiting younger renters who make up over half of the U.S. rental market [2] Summary by Sections New Feature Introduction - Zillow's platform now includes the option for users to search for or list individual rooms for rent, catering to the needs of those seeking shared living spaces [1][2] - This feature is timely given the significant rise in rental costs, with rents reported to be 6.5% higher than a year ago [1] Benefits for Renters and Homeowners - The new room listing option is designed to help renters find roommates, which can alleviate financial burdens associated with high rental costs [2] - Homeowners can benefit by listing available rooms to reduce mortgage expenses, providing a flexible property management solution [2] Credit History Initiative - Zillow has introduced a feature that allows renters to build their credit history at no cost, with on-time rent payments reported to Experian [3] - This initiative aims to address the issue of unreported rent payments, which affects 26 million Americans who lack a credit history [3]

Is PayPal getting ready to offer “offline” payments?The company seems to be indicating a move in that direction as new European Union regulations go into effect for its partner Apple, per a report Thursday (Feb. 8) by TechCrunch. As that report noted, the coming Digital Markets Act (DMA) — while aimed at tech giants like Apple — would impact PayPal by allowing third-party apps to access the near-field communication (NFC) technology that powers Apple Pay. Under the new guidelines, iPhone users will be able t ...

Google renamed its artificial intelligence chatbot, launched a new version of it, introduced mobile experiences and added a new subscription plan.Formerly known as Bard, the AI model is now called Gemini, Google said in a Thursday (Feb. 8) blog post.Together with the rebranding, Google has launched Gemini Advanced, a new chatbot that gives users access to the company’s largest AI model, Ultra 1.0. Gemini Advanced is now available in 150 countries and territories in English, with more languages to be added l ...

The Walt Disney Company will invest $1.5 billion to acquire an equity stake in Epic Games as the companies begin a multiyear collaboration on games and entertainment experiences.The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, the companies said in a Wednesday (Feb. 7) press release.With this new collaboration between the entertainment and media company and the video game and software developer, consumers will be able to “play, watch, shop and engage with content, c ...

Slowing growth. A churning of inactive accounts.A slew of puts and takes dominated PayPal’s earnings Wednesday (Feb. 7), and a number of flat metrics sent investors headed, at least initially, for the exits in after-hours trading.The stock was down 7% Wednesday evening.Revenue rose 9% to $8 billion in the quarter, as calculated in constant currency.As detailed in the supplemental materials, active accounts were down 2% year over year, and were down 0.6% sequentially, to a recent 426 million. Management attr ...

Disney+ has reportedly begun taking steps to prevent password sharing among its U.S. subscribers.The streaming service began sending out emails on Wednesday (Feb. 7) notifying subscribers about its updated terms of service, which include restrictions on sharing account credentials outside of the subscriber’s household, the Verge reported Wednesday. The Walt Disney Company did not immediately reply to PYMNTS’ request for comment.It was reported in September that the company’s subscriber agreement for the Dis ...

As eCommerce merchants compete to secure couples’ Valentine’s Day spending, Amazon introduced a new option targeting last-minute gifting occasions.The retail giant shared via email that it is adding a “Get it by Tomorrow” filter to its Valentine’s Day Shop, a move to secure the spending of those rushing to make their purchases as the holiday approaches.The move comes as retailers anticipate a surge in spending over the holiday. According to data from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Ana ...

Apple is reportedly at work on at least two foldable versions of its iPhone.These new phones would fold widthwise in a clamshell fashion, The Information reported Wednesday (Feb. 7), citing a source with direct knowledge of the project.As that report notes, the move — assuming it goes forward — would mark one of the biggest hardware design changes in the history of Apple’s flagship device.However, don’t expect to see a foldable iPhone in stores anytime soon. The source said they are not part of Apple’s plan ...

CVS Health announced profitable fourth-quarter (Q4) and full-year earnings on Wednesday (Feb. 7), crediting initiatives to improve primary care and expand omnichannel health services. These efforts aim to provide consumers with accessible care options, whether in-person, virtually or at home, the company told investors on a call. In terms of headline numbers, the Woonsocket, Rhode Island-based company reported total revenues of $358 billion in 2023, an increase of about 11% compared to the prior year, and c ...