Advancements and digital platforms have reshaped accessibility and costs. Many services and products that once came with a price tag are now available at no cost. Here are 18 items that we used to have to buy but are now available for free.
News
When was the last time you paid for a newspaper? The way we access news has shifted from print subscriptions to online news websites. Advertising, sponsored content, and premium features allow major news outlets to continue to earn money while offering news for free.
Email Services
Gone are the days of having to pay for email services! Out of a wide range of free email services, “a select few have dominated the space thanks to their reliable features, customizable interfaces, and extensive storage options,” Business Insider says.
Music
Music has evolved from CDs and downloads to streaming services. While you can subscribe to streaming services to receive more benefits, it is possible to listen to music for free! You just have to deal with those pesky ads and limited skips if you don’t pay for a subscription.
Mobile Apps
As the smartphone grew in popularity, so did free mobile apps. App developers still make money from free apps through in-app purchases and adverts. So, we have to put up with ads popping up all the time, but at least it’s free!
Video Calls
Over time, advancing technology made free, high-quality video calls possible, and free video calling services like Skype and Zoom helped us save valuable dollars. Could you imagine having to pay every time you wanted to video call someone during the pandemic? It would’ve broken the bank!
Office Software
The transition from expensive office software subscriptions to free alternatives like Google Docs took a while. However, when it finally arrived, it was a life-saver (and money-saver) for many people, especially students and people working from home. With cloud-based platforms, you can even work collaboratively for free!
Credit Reports
It’s vital to keep on top of your credit, and free credit reports have made this much easier! CNBC informs us that “every year, you’re entitled to one free credit report from each of the main credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.”
Educational Courses
The rise of free online learning platforms and MOOCs (massive open online courses) has had a great positive impact on education and global learning opportunities. Free online courses provide easier access to knowledge, skills, and professional development. Every day is a school day, especially when it’s free!
Maps and Navigation
Yet again, another win for the smartphone! Instead of spending money on GPS devices, we can now access free navigation apps on our phones. These free maps and navigation apps also have extra benefits like real-time updates and rerouting.
Adverts
Luckily, we no longer have to buy an ad in the classified section of a newspaper to sell something or offer a job. Thanks to online listing sites like Craigslist, we can do it for free! This has a great impact on local economies and individual sellers.
Books
Although printed books will always be supreme, eBooks are a great way to enjoy a book without the price tag. Free eBooks have increased in availability through public libraries and websites. The New York Times points out that many different sites offer public-domain books for free and how to go about accessing these.
Photo Storage and Sharing
The popular way to store your photos has moved away from paid physical photo storage now that online cloud services have taken over. These services allow you to store and share your photos for free! Services like Google Photos and Flickr have changed the photography landscape.
Software Updates
Imagine having to pay every time your devices needed a software update! Fortunately, we don’t have to worry about that, as updates for software and operating systems are free these days, allowing our devices to have the best security and functionality without any extra cost.
Language Learning Services
The availability of free language learning apps and websites has boomed in recent years. According to the BBC, “with the internet and handheld smart devices, this kind of tech-forward education has reached new heights.” With the ability to learn a language for free, what’s stopping you?
Video Games
The trend of free-to-play video games has reshaped the gaming industry. Including things like microtransactions and battle passes in video games allows the creators to continue to make a profit despite the game being free. Free access to games also helps the gaming community and industry grow.
Resume Builders
Needing to have money to pay for resume builders to help you get a job to earn money seems like a bit of a catch-22. Luckily, free online resume builders are now available, and they’re a blessing for job seekers! These free tools are innovating the job application process.
Fitness Advice
It’s never easy to get in shape, but it’s a lot simpler with fitness apps that offer workout routines and tracking for free! These apps also help keep your motivation up with their community social features. They’re much more affordable than gym memberships and personal trainers.
Legal Documents
Dealing with your legal matters is far less stressful these days with the availability of free legal document templates and advice online. These free resources are limited compared to paid professional services; however, they are a great help for small businesses and personal legal needs.
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19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries
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