In October 2023, some innovations and changes will come into force in the area of technology and digital. TECHBOOK gives an overview of the changes coming in the current month.
In October, consumers will have to prepare for several changes, all of which relate to the digital environment. For example, the popular messenger WhatsApp is discontinuing support for certain devices, Deutsche Bahn is pushing ahead with digitization and of course there is another time change. TECHBOOK summarizes the upcoming changes.
WhatsApp no longer available on old devices
From the end of October, some WhatsApp users will have to react. The messenger will then stop supporting older smartphones or operating systems. Evidence of this was discovered in a beta version of WhatsApp and now also officially confirmed.
It’s probably mainly about devices with Android 4.1. Affected users only have to carry out a system update if possible. If this is not possible for the device you are using, you will have to switch to a newer one if you want to continue using WhatsApp.
Read more about this: WhatsApp will soon no longer work on these smartphones
Saver fare tickets can only be booked to a limited extent on the train
In October, Deutsche Bahn will change its technical requirements when booking certain tickets. Specifically, it’s about the popular saver price bookings. Since October 1st, everyone who books such a ticket has had to provide either their email address or a mobile phone number.
Alternatively, you can still go to the machine until January 1, 2024. After that, the tickets can no longer be booked. As of now, there is no long-term alternative for people who have neither an email address nor a mobile phone number.
In addition, users of Deutsche Bahn’s “Next DB Navigator” app are encouraged to switch to DB Navigator. The former will be discontinued in the foreseeable future and was considered more of a test stage anyway. TECHBOOK has already taken a closer look at the new old app and gives an assessment.
Amazon is hosting another Prime Day
The shipping giant Amazon already held a Prime Day in the spring, where various Amazon products were cheaper. Another day of action is now coming up in October. The first offers have already been made and TECHBOOK has already taken a close look at them.
Prime Day – or “Prime Days” – takes place on October 10th and 11th. With the special offers, Amazon probably wants to push its own products again before the big bargain days in November, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. On Prime Day itself, the TECHBOOK editorial team will once again provide an overview of the best offers.
Visa and Mastercard will become more expensive in October
Another change in October is coming to Visa and Mastercard customers – at least in the USA. Due to increased retailer costs, prices for consumers also rise. This means nothing for users in Germany in the immediate future because the EU regulates corresponding fees. However, if prices continue to rise, possible increases could also arrive in this country. It is therefore worth keeping an eye on developments.
Deadline for income tax returns ends
Many consumers file their income tax returns themselves and without the help of a tax advisor. You must have submitted your tax return for 2022 to the tax office by September 30th at the latest. Because then the deadline ends. Since this day falls on a Saturday, the authorities are using October 2nd as the deadline as a gesture of goodwill.
However, if you get professional help with your income tax return, you can give yourself until July 31, 2024 to file.
Time change to winter time
Last but not least, the time change will once again take place in October. From then on, winter time applies again. The clocks will be set back one hour on the night of October 28th to 29th – so we get an hour “for free”. That’s why the change in October is always a little more popular than the change in March.