Netflix is ruined!

Hi, I�m Molly Wood and welcome to the Buzz Report � the show about the tech news that everyone is talking about. This week, did Netflix just make its first big mistake? Plus, Google Plus is going to get better, but the Internet loves it anyway, and funny blinking critters. Really funny blinking critters. But first, it�s the Gadget of the Week. The Gadget of the Week is the Toshiba Thrive, the latest in the giant pile of Honeycomb tablets trying to take out the iPad. Although in this case, the Thrive is like the opposite of the iPad. It has a totally nerdy looking file manager, it�s got connections galore, like HDMI, USB, and a full sized SD card slot. And to fit all that in, the Thrive is unapologetically HUGE. But maybe that�s ok. I think I like a tablet that doesn�t just try to be another iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab which is basically an iPad. You go, Toshiba Thrive! You be your own man! Plus, 429 bucks. Good call. And now for the news. Netflix announced changes to its rental and streaming plans this week that caused INTERNET SMASH. Netflix no longer offers the 9.99 plan that let you have one DVD at a time and unlimited streaming. NOW, that plan costs 15.98, and the DVD streaming combo plans go up from there. The company is pushing more people toward the 7.99 streaming ONLY plan, or the 7.99 DVD only plan. The reason, really, is that Netflix is having a hard time making content deals for streaming video and movies, and, basically, they need more money. But not surprisingly, the concept of a roughly 70 percent price increase for DVDs and streaming made people addicted to movies and TV lose their MINDS. The Netflix Facebook page is filled with angry messages from people who are canceling their service. They say. And I gotta admit, I see the bind Netflix is in, but considering that they already agreed to a 30-day delay in new DVD rentals, that�s not a great plan, and the streaming-only Netflix hardly has ANY popular titles. Sure, I can watch Xanadu, but what about �Black Devil Doll From Hell� or �Blood Freak�? I�m sorry, Netflix, but � I think maybe it�s just time to see other people. Google says it�s rolling out changes this week to its new social network, Google Plus. Head of social Vic Gundotra says Google got �a lot of criticism� about Plus, mainly that its Circles are kind of hard to use and you get 50 bajillion notifications every time any little thing happens anywhere on the site! But none of that is slowing down growth, apparently. One report suggests that Google Plus already passed 10 million users, and is on track for 20 million users by this WEEKEND. Yeah. It�s ok, though, Facebook totally has a plan to deal with the threat. They�re rolling out a mobile app for non smart phones. And they�re really, really good at math. A major shakeup at HP this week seems to indicate that the TouchPad tablet launch didn�t go very well at all. As you know, the TouchPad debuted to some mediocre reviews -- lots of potential but just maybe like a year too late for what it was. Well, now, HP has moved Jon Rubenstein, the boss of WebOS who came over with Palm, to a new role and put WebOS with Stephen DeWitt, who�s had a lot of success with consumer products elsewhere at HP. And you know, I gotta say, I applaud HP for making a bold move in the face of so much criticism. I mean, compare that to RIM, who responded to an open letter from an alleged senior executive by burying their heads in the sand like ostriches, and continue to insist that having TWO CEOs who aren�t good at running a company is better than having ONE who is. Good job, HP. Take a note, RIM. And finally, let�s have a look at what�s Clogging the Tubes. This week, the message is simple. Owls are CRAZAY. These orphans will eventually be released into the wild, but judging from the YouTube comments, they could totally put them up for adoption. Assuming they�re not animatronic. Because � how can those be REAL!? And that�s the Buzz Report for this week, everyone. I�m Molly Wood and thanks for watching.