Firefox web browser creator Mozilla has begun testing a paid news subscription service, similar to Apple News+, later this year. The service, which would be in direct competition with Apple’s recently launched subscription news service, is expected launch later this year.
Mozilla is partnering with Scroll, an ad-free news startup to provide this service. Scroll is currently in closed beta, but is intended to offer ad-free access to popular websites, including Gizmodo, The Verge, Buzzfeed, and others.
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The service’s teaser page indicates subscribers will receive access to audio versions of articles, bookmarks that are synced across devices, top recommended reads, and an app that helps them find and finish content, all without the distraction of advertising.
The service will cost subscribers $4.99 per month, which is $5 less than an Apple News+ subscription. Mozilla says they’ll share payments directly with the sites that users read. While the page includes a “Sign up now” link, the service isn’t yet available to the public. If you click the link, you’ll be offered the opportunity to take a survey and participate in the beta.
(Via AppleInsider)