Category: Amazon
Alexa gains free ad-supported Amazon Music
Devices using Alexa in the UK can access a selection of free ad-supported music from Amazon Music, as competition against the likes of Spotify heats up. The tech firm said it is making playlists and stations available to users at no extra cost, marking Amazon’s first step into free music streaming funded by advertising. People…
YouTube returns to Amazon Fire TV devices following dispute
The YouTube app has returned to Amazon’s Fire TV streaming devices following the end of a dispute between the technology firms. Starting today, it has been confirmed that the YouTube app will be once again available on Amazon’s streaming devices, with Amazon’s own Prime Video app now also being made accessible on YouTube owner Google’s…
Corbyn attacks Amazon over tax payments on 25th Birthday
Jeremy Corbyn has used the 25th anniversary of Amazon’s launch to accuse the company of not paying its fair share of taxes. The Labour leader has written a card to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos claiming the global giant owes millions in taxes. My card to @Amazon on its 25th birthday. "You owe the British people…
Amazon Echo Wall Clock on sale in UK for £29.99
Amazon’s smart Echo wall clock, which can be used to track multiple alarms and timers when connected to a smart speaker, has been launched in the UK. First released in the US last year, the Echo Wall Clock connects to an Amazon Echo smart speaker and uses built-in LED lights which run around the edge…
Smart speakers could be used to detect cardiac arrest, say researchers
Researchers at the University of Washington have come up with an early test AI-powered tool which could be used on smart speakers and even smartphones to listen out for the unique breathing sounds associated with cardiac arrest, and then alert emergency services. People suffering with sudden cardiac arrest initially struggle with irregular gasps of breath,…
Vodafone users can now make mobile calls with Amazon Alexa
Vodafone customers can now make hands-free calls using Amazon Echo smart devices under their existing mobile plan, the operator has announced. Users who link their mobile number to an Alexa account – the virtual assistant that powers the smart speaker products – will be able to call any of their contacts by using voice commands…
Amazon to start drone deliveries ‘within months’
Amazon has said it hopes to start delivering packages via drone “within months” as it unveiled its newest model at the re:MARS conference. The online shopping giant said its hybrid design uses machine learning, and computer-vision techniques, as well as visual, thermal and ultrasonic sensors to detect and avoid people and objects as thin as…
Amazon adds option to delete Alexa voice recordings
Amazon is adding an option to Alexa-enabled devices that will allow users to delete all voice recordings, as the company looks to allay privacy concerns around smart speakers. The online retail giant is planning to make it easier for owners to remove recordings, simply by saying “Alexa, delete what I just said” or “Alexa, delete…
Amazon leads £450 million funding round in Deliveroo
Amazon is leading a 575 million US dollars (£450 million) investment round in Deliveroo, in a move that is sure to have repercussions throughout the food delivery sector and send shockwaves running through to its main competitors, including Just Eat. London-based Deliveroo announced that the tech giant would join existing investors T Rowe Price, Fidelity…
Amazon customers can now pick up items from Next stores
Amazon has launched a new service which will allow customers to collect parcels from pick-up points inside the stores of high street retailer Next. Launching at hundreds of Next stores in the UK, shoppers who use the new system – called Amazon Counter – will be able to choose a pick-up point when they reach…
