Over the past 12 months, the tech giants have seemed determined to annoy and disappoint their loyal users.
Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix and even the BBC have made controversial and unpopular decisions that range from raising prices and displaying more ads to removing features we rely on and stuffing their products with AI gimmicks. Thankfully, some companies and individual developers have adopted an approach that’s more altruistic than these ‘pay more for less’ and ‘put up or shut up’ tactics. In fact, lots of great stuff became available for free in 2024 – or soon will be in 2025 – to help us save money rather than spend more.
This includes brilliant PC software that rivals the features of expensive paid-for programs; innovative mobile apps that don’t collect and share your personal data; and an array of interesting books, videos, photos and audio you can download for free without infringing anyone’s copyright.