Today’s deals & savings roundup — Apr 21, 2026
A quick look at subscription tests, free software that can save you money, and AI and platform moves to watch if you care about value and pricing.
Key takeaways
- LinkedIn’s new Crosscheck gives premium subscribers the ability to test competing AI models at no extra token cost — useful for deciding which AI tool is worth paying for.
- Meta is testing a paid “WhatsApp Plus” tier focused largely on cosmetic upgrades; evaluate whether the features matter before subscribing.
- DaVinci Resolve 21 is highlighted as a viable, low-cost alternative to Lightroom for casual photo editors — a potential savings opportunity (the app has long offered capable free tiers).
- Google is rolling Gemini into Chrome across Asia and the Pacific, increasing built-in AI access for browser users — worth checking if it reduces the need for paid AI tools.
- Amazon announced a major investment in Anthropic (an initial $5B with up to $25B possible), a development that could accelerate competition and innovation in AI-driven consumer services over time.
- Deezer reports that 44% of daily uploads are AI-made (nearly 75,000 per day), a signal that streaming platforms’ content landscapes are changing — consider curation tools when subscribing.
- Mastodon experienced a large DDoS outage; keep contact/follower backups and cross-posting options in mind if you rely on smaller social platforms.
Savings & action items
- Try DaVinci Resolve 21 for photo edits before paying for Lightroom or similar subscriptions.
- If you have LinkedIn Premium, use Crosscheck to compare AI outputs before committing to paid AI APIs or tools.
- Watch WhatsApp Plus tests closely — cosmetic upgrades often aren’t worth recurring fees unless they add meaningful functionality for you.
- Monitor built-in browser AI (Gemini in Chrome) to see if free features reduce your need for paid AI services.
Sources
- Amazon will invest up to $25 billion in Anthropic: https://www.engadget.com/ai/amazon-will-invest-up-to-25-billion-in-anthropic-in-a-broad-deal-225239302.html?src=rss
- Google brings Gemini in Chrome to users in Asia and the Pacific: https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-brings-gemini-in-chrome-to-users-in-asia-and-the-pacific-220000698.html?src=rss
- LinkedIn’s Crosscheck feature for premium subscribers: https://www.engadget.com/ai/linkedins-crosscheck-feature-lets-premium-subscribers-test-ai-models-for-free-183949210.html?src=rss
- Meta testing WhatsApp Plus subscription: https://www.engadget.com/apps/meta-is-testing-a-whatsapp-plus-subscription-that-mostly-focuses-on-cosmetic-upgrades-175452371.html?src=rss
- DaVinci Resolve 21 hands-on: https://www.engadget.com/apps/davinci-resolve-21-hands-on-a-viable-lightroom-alternative-for-casual-users-160520123.html?src=rss
- Deezer: AI-made songs make up 44% of daily uploads: https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/deezer-says-ai-made-songs-make-up-44-percent-of-daily-uploads-163642921.html?src=rss
- Mastodon DDoS outage report: https://www.engadget.com/social-media/mastodon-was-hit-by-a-major-ddos-attack-that-briefly-took-down-parts-of-the-service-204823221.html?src=rss
Disclaimer: Not financial/professional advice.