Amazon’s AI chatbot Rufus drove sales on Black Friday
On Black Friday, Amazon sessions that resulted in a sale were up 100% in the U.S. when the AI chatbot Rufus was used. They only increased by 20% when Rufus wasn’t used.
Amazon
Data centers in Oregon might be helping to drive an increase in cancer and miscarriages
Morrow County, Oregon is home to mega farms and food processing plants. But it’s also home to several Amazon data centers. And now, some experts believe, that combination is leading to an alarmingly high concentration of nitrates in the drinking water that is driving up cancer and miscarriage rates in the area. Rolling Stone’s exposé […]
This deal on smart glasses was too good for my husband to pass up
The last thing I need is a new Amazon Echo smart speaker. As The Verge’s smart home reviewer, I currently have a dozen scattered around my home for testing. But when Amazon’s Echo Frames smart glasses went on sale for $115 for Cyber Monday, down from $300, it was an offer my husband couldn’t refuse. […]
India’s gig workers win legal status, but access to social security remains elusive
India is restructuring its gig economy with a new labor law, but much more is needed before gig workers see real benefits.
X-energy rides nuclear wave, raises $700M Series D
The small modular reactor startup is capitalizing on surging interest from tech companies and data center developers.
Amazon is using AI to create video recaps of its biggest streaming shows
Amazon Prime Video is testing another new generative AI-powered feature to help catch you up on a show you’ve been watching before starting a new season. Video Recaps uses AI to identify a show’s important plot points and create a short but “theatrical-quality” summary video that combines a selection of clips with music, dialogue, and […]
The DoorDash Problem: How AI browsers are a huge threat to Amazon
Let’s talk about AI and what I’ve been calling the “DoorDash problem.” This is about to define the next battle in AI, and it might completely transform not only how you order a sandwich — but also how the entire internet economy works in general. So what, exactly, is the DoorDash problem? Briefly, it’s what […]
Camera support could be the boost Matter needs
It’s finally happening. Three years after Matter launched, the interoperability standard now includes the most popular smart home devices: cameras. The Matter 1.5 spec, announced today, adds support for all types of video cameras – from indoor and outdoor, wired and battery-powered cameras, to video doorbells, baby monitors, pet cams, and more. Matter support should […]
Amazon’s Prime Video is getting AI-generated Video Recaps for some TV shows
According to Amazon, the feature “utilizes generative AI to create theatrical-quality season recaps with synchronized narration, dialogue, and music.”
Amazon, Autonomous Cars, News, Tech, Tech News, Transportation
Zoox will let public riders use its robotaxis in San Francisco
Zoox is getting closer to a full launch of its robotaxi service in San Francisco. Last month, the Amazon-owned company started allowing select riders to hail its toaster-shaped, four-passenger vehicles for the first time. And today, Zoox is finally inviting members off its public waitlist, which it calls “Zoox Explorers,” to do the same. The […]