Today in the Connected Economy: Disney Previews Ad-Supported Streaming

Today in the connected economy, Disney says the new ad-supported version of its Disney+ streaming service will feature fewer ads than on other streamers.

Also, Apple previews new product upgraders for people with disabilities, and Mastercard rolls out new credit cards with FinTechs Multipay and Greenlight.

Disney Promises Limited Ads on Ad-Supported Disney+

Disney said subscribers to the ad-supported version of its Disney+ streaming service will have to sit through just only a limited number of ads when the service launches later this year.

Disney promised viewers should see four minutes of ads each hour during its programming and added that it will not show advertising during programming for preschool children.

“We’re never going to collect data on individual kids to target them,” said Rita Ferro, Disney’s president of ad sales and partnerships.

Apple Unveils New Accessibility Features

Apple is preparing to unveil new software features to help users with disabilities navigate their products.

The upgrades include customizable tools and rely on advancements in hardware, software, and machine learning, to help blind and low-vision people use their iPhone and iPad to navigate the last few feet to their destination with Door Detection.

Meanwhile, users who have physical and motor disabilities and use assistive features including Voice Control and Switch Control can now control Apple Watch from their iPhone with Apple Watch Mirroring, and employ inputs such as voice commands, sound actions, head tracking or external Made for iPhone switches instead of to tapping the Apple Watch display.

MultiPay Launches Installment Payments with Mastercard

Mastercard is working with Multipay Global Solutions on an installment product to give consumers in Ireland payment flexibility for their online and in-store purchases.

“Consumers now expect the same features and services they have become familiar with online to be part of the in-store experience too,” David Maisey, CEO of MultiPay Global Solutions, said in a press release.

“We want to allow Irish retailers to offer in-store installment payments as simply and easily as possible. This has led to the launch of our MultiPay installment product, a new payment solution enabled by Mastercard that gives Irish consumers added control with how they pay, improving the customer experience, but without increasing costs or complexity for merchants.”

Greenlight, Mastercard Debut College Savings Credit Card

Family-centric FinTech Greenlight has launched the Greenlight Family Cash Mastercard, a credit card aimed at helping parents who are trying to save for their children to go to college.

The company says its Family Cash Card is Greenlight’s first credit card to offer up to 3% unlimited cashback on each purchase, giving users the option to invest rewards automatically.

“Families today have an increasing amount of expenses, making it difficult for many to save for the long-term,” said Tim Sheehan, co-founder and CEO of Greenlight. “With the new Family Cash Card, parents can get the most out of everyday spending and invest towards big life events like their children’s college education.”