Tag: Amazon

  • Amazon to Boost Anthropic Investment Beyond $8 Billion

    Amazon to Boost Anthropic Investment Beyond $8 Billion

    Key Takeaways

    1. Amazon plans to increase its investment in Anthropic beyond the pledged $8 billion, strengthening their partnership.
    2. This investment helps Amazon remain a major shareholder in Anthropic, enhancing its competitiveness against Google and Microsoft.
    3. Amazon Web Services is developing “Project Rainier,” a large data center project in Indiana, using Amazon’s Trainium 2 chips for model training.
    4. The collaboration is mutually beneficial, providing Anthropic with computing resources and Amazon with a key user for its technology.
    5. Despite the partnership, Amazon is developing its own models, which may lead to future competition with Anthropic.


    Amazon is currently in discussions to increase its investment in Anthropic, going beyond the already pledged $8 billion, as shared by sources close to the matter, including executives and investors.

    Strengthening Ties

    By deepening this partnership, Amazon would maintain its status as one of Anthropic’s major shareholders, solidifying its competitive edge against other players like Google, which is also a supporter of the San Francisco-based model developer, and Microsoft, which has collaborated with OpenAI.

    Major Project in Indiana

    In addition, Amazon Web Services is working on “Project Rainier,” a massive 16-data-center setup located in Indiana, which is anticipated to consume around 2.2 gigawatts upon completion. This facility will utilize Amazon’s Trainium 2 chips, developed in coordination with Anthropic’s engineers, to enhance the training of Claude-series models.

    A Win-Win Arrangement

    Both firms describe their collaboration as beneficial for each other. Anthropic gets access to computing resources and a pathway to AWS customers, while Amazon benefits from having a prominent user for its proprietary technology and strengthens its focus on providing infrastructure rather than pursuing consumer-oriented chatbots.

    However, it should be noted that Amazon is also in the process of developing its own internal foundation models, which might lead to direct competition with Anthropic in the future. Still, leaders from both companies assert that the partnership is designed to prevent the governance issues that have recently affected Microsoft’s relationship with OpenAI.

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  • AI Automation Cuts 25% of Entry-Level Tech Jobs, Risks Junior Roles

    AI Automation Cuts 25% of Entry-Level Tech Jobs, Risks Junior Roles

    Key Takeaways

    1. Layoffs at major companies like Amazon and Microsoft are largely attributed to automation and AI technologies.
    2. Entry-level workers are at the highest risk of job loss due to the ease of automating their tasks.
    3. The number of junior workers in computing roles has dropped significantly, indicating challenges for newcomers in the job market.
    4. Experienced professionals are also vulnerable as AI can perform complex tasks traditionally done by specialized workers.
    5. The shift towards hiring junior staff augmented by AI could lead to the obsolescence of mid-level positions and impact tax revenues and unemployment support systems.


    Layoffs at companies like Amazon and Microsoft have put a spotlight on artificial intelligence as a key reason for job cuts. Executives are acknowledging that automation will reduce the number of workers in the upcoming years, leaving many employees questioning if their experience will provide them with better job security.

    Job Security Concerns

    Some experts suggest that entry-level workers are likely to be the first affected since their basic tasks are easily automated. The CEO of Anthropic even cautioned that nearly half of all junior white-collar positions could vanish in the next five years. On the other hand, others believe that older, well-compensated employees who depend on traditional workflows may be more vulnerable, particularly if they do not adapt to new technologies.

    Data on Employment Trends

    Initial data indicates that newcomers are facing challenges. According to ADP payroll statistics, the number of workers in computing roles with less than two years of experience dropped by about 25% after reaching a peak in 2023. Customer service positions are experiencing a similar decline. A temporary ban on ChatGPT in Italy provided comparable results: junior programmers completed tasks a bit quicker. However, mid-level developers utilized the tool to manage teammates and navigate different programming languages, enhancing their overall worth.

    Impact on Experienced Professionals

    The risk for experienced workers is significant. AI technologies are now capable of drafting legal documents and writing production code, diminishing the value once associated with specialized knowledge. Law firms using generative models have reported employing about half the number of contract attorneys, and major tech corporations continue to let go of seasoned managers and engineers while heavily investing in automation.

    As companies increasingly hire mostly junior staff augmented by AI, along with a few senior supervisors, mid-level positions might become obsolete. This change could lead to a decrease in tax revenues and place additional pressure on unemployment benefits and support programs. Lawmakers are already exploring methods to retrain displaced workers and ensure that everyone benefits from productivity improvements brought by AI.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Now Available on Amazon After Game Sales Open

    Nintendo Switch 2 Now Available on Amazon After Game Sales Open

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 is now available for order on Amazon’s U.S. site, but purchases are invite-only due to limited stock.
    2. The base model of the Switch 2 is priced at $449.99, while the Mario Kart World Bundle costs $499.99.
    3. The console initially launched on June 5th but was not available on Amazon U.S. until recently; other retailers saw a boost in pre-orders.
    4. There are concerns about a potential disagreement between Amazon and Nintendo regarding the sale of Switch 2 games and consoles by third-party sellers.
    5. Restocking of the Switch 2 on Amazon is uncertain, with availability issues noted, particularly in Japan where shortages may last until Spring 2026.


    After disappointing fans about the Nintendo Switch 2 launch date, the console has finally become available on Amazon’s U.S. site. The retailer has recently started offering first-party Switch 2 games, indicating that the handheld console would soon follow. Indeed, gamers can now place orders for the system; however, Amazon is keeping purchases limited to invite-only.

    Pricing Details

    The price for the Switch 2 on Amazon is not unexpected. The base model is priced at $449.99, while the Mario Kart World Bundle comes in at $499.99. When buyers hit the “Request Invite” button, they might receive an email with a purchase link within 24 hours. Yet, like other retailers, Amazon is expected to have limited stock, which could result in some disappointed customers.

    Initial Launch Issues

    When Nintendo’s latest console debuted on June 5th, it was not available on Amazon.com. Instead, the retail giant provided the system on its other regional sites, such as in Canada and Germany. Meanwhile, U.S. rivals like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target saw a boost in pre-orders for the Switch 2.

    Possible Disagreements

    Many experts thought that Amazon and the Japanese company may not have seen eye to eye. A Bloomberg report mentioned that Nintendo was against third-party sellers listing Switch 2 games and consoles. Sellers could get the system at lower prices from Asia and still make decent profits when reselling. Currently, only Amazon seems to be retailing the console.

    Both companies have rejected the claims made by Bloomberg, yet customers remain doubtful. Amazon stands as the leading online retailer in the U.S., and it has been part of earlier console launches like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. A disagreement of some sort appeared to be the most reasonable assumption.

    Availability Concerns

    It’s uncertain how often Amazon will restock the Switch 2. After Nintendo created a stockpile for its release, availability has been inconsistent. The situation in most areas is at least not as severe as in Japan, which could face shortages until Spring 2026.

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  • Nintendo and Amazon Refute Sales Dispute Claims Over Switch 2

    Nintendo and Amazon Refute Sales Dispute Claims Over Switch 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo and Amazon denied claims about the removal of the Switch 2 and its games from the Amazon US Storefront due to a disagreement over third-party sellers.

    2. The rumors originated from a Bloomberg report, which suggested Nintendo was concerned about independent resellers selling products at lower prices.

    3. Both companies issued firm statements rejecting the claims, with Nintendo stating they do not disclose retail negotiations.

    4. The Nintendo Switch 2 is currently unavailable on Amazon US, unlike its availability on Amazon UK, Canada, Japan, and other retailers.

    5. The absence of the Switch 2 on Amazon US raises questions about potential issues between Nintendo and Amazon, creating uncertainty for consumers.


    Following some recent news, Nintendo and Amazon both denied claims that the Switch 2 and its first-party games were removed from the Amazon US Storefront due to a disagreement over third-party sellers.

    Background of the Claims

    This rumor began with a report from Bloomberg, which suggested Nintendo was worried about how much freedom independent resellers had on Amazon’s site. The concern was mainly about resellers who bought Nintendo products in large amounts from Southeast Asia and then sold them at lower prices than the official US retail prices on various online platforms.

    Responses from Nintendo and Amazon

    In response to these allegations, both companies firmly rejected the claims. Nintendo commented via email to Bloomberg, stating, “There is no such fact. We do not disclose details of negotiations or contracts with retailers.” Similarly, Amazon released its own statement, declaring, “The claims made by Bloomberg regarding our relationship with Nintendo are inaccurate,” though they did not clarify which part of the report was wrong.

    Current Availability of the Switch 2

    Even with these denials, the Nintendo Switch 2 is still noticeably missing from Amazon US. The console can be found on Amazon UK, Canada, Japan, and retailers like GameStop, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. However, Amazon US has not yet officially listed the Nintendo Switch 2, its first-party games, or accessories. The only product available for pre-order is “Donkey Kong Bananza.”

    The lack of the Nintendo Switch 2 on Amazon US hints at a possible disagreement between the two companies, especially since both Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X are easily found on the US storefront. Nevertheless, the Nintendo Switch 2 achieved an impressive sales record of 3.5 million units within just a week of its launch, including 1 million units sold in Japan alone.

    Uncertainty for Consumers

    It remains uncertain whether this situation is just temporary or if it indicates a deeper issue, leaving both customers and the gaming community confused and turning to physical stores to buy the handheld console.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Amazon Launch Delayed Due to Import Pricing

    Nintendo Switch 2 Amazon Launch Delayed Due to Import Pricing

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo was frustrated with Amazon’s pricing practices, as scalpers sold games at lower prices than official rates.
    2. Amazon faced a warning from Nintendo to address scalpers or risk losing the supply of its products.
    3. Despite Amazon’s attempt to label authentic Nintendo products, Nintendo ceased selling on the platform due to dissatisfaction.
    4. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on Amazon failed, missing out on a record-breaking sales opportunity.
    5. Price disparities exist between regions, with lower prices in Asia leading to scalping issues on Amazon in the US.


    Amazon has lost the ability to sell the Switch 2, which is known to be the most successful gaming console launch ever, due to its practice of undercutting Nintendo’s prices with low-cost imports.

    Nintendo’s Discontent

    Nintendo was not happy at all that games like Donkey Kong Bananza, which now costs $69.99 on Amazon—matching the price at Nintendo America—were once available for less. They expressed frustration over this situation, feeling that it was unfair to both them and customers.

    Nintendo gave Amazon a warning that it would stop supplying its products if the company didn’t take action against scalpers. These scalpers were buying Nintendo games and consoles in Asia and reselling them on Amazon US for less than the official Nintendo America prices.

    Token Efforts

    In response, Amazon tried to make a small gesture by labeling authentic Nintendo products on its site, but that didn’t satisfy Nintendo. The gaming giant decided to stop selling its products on Amazon altogether. It has only just started to allow some Switch 2 games and accessories back on the platform, now at their original prices.

    Due to this scalping issue, the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on Amazon came and went without any sales, missing out on what is considered the biggest console launch in history, with 3.5 million units sold within just days.

    Price Disparities

    In some Asian countries, the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 is lower compared to the US, and the same applies for Nintendo’s games. For instance, the Switch 2’s cost is around $340 in Japan, but this version is only available in that local market.

    Scalpers have taken advantage of Amazon, which is seen as a place for cheap imports from Asia, to sell Nintendo products at lower prices in the US. After finding little support from Amazon, Nintendo reportedly chose to take a stand by pulling its Switch 2 launch, hoping it would encourage the marketplace to adhere to original pricing.

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  • 8BitDo Launches Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller for New Game Release

    8BitDo Launches Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller for New Game Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. 8BitDo has launched a new green variant of its Ultimate 2 controller for Android and Windows systems.
    2. A vibrant yellow Bluetooth version for Windows, Nintendo Switch, and the upcoming Switch 2 has also been released.
    3. The Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller – Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is designed to coincide with the upcoming game release on July 24.
    4. This controller features a striking red color and an illustration of the game’s lead character, Bai Wuchang.
    5. The Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition is available for order on Amazon for $64.99, shipping three days before the game launch on July 21.


    8BitDo keeps bringing new updates to its Ultimate 2 controller line. Recently, the company launched a green variant designed for both Android and Windows systems. Just a little while later, they also released a vibrant yellow Bluetooth version meant for use with Windows, Nintendo Switch, and the upcoming Switch 2 consoles.

    Exciting New Release

    Now, they’re unveiling the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller – Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, marking the arrival of the highly anticipated game of the same name. This action RPG is set to be released on July 24 and will be available on Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X consoles. Interestingly, this new controller comes less than a year after 8BitDo’s special edition Ultimate 2C for Black Myth: Wukong.

    Design Details

    The Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller – Wuchang: Fallen Feathers will be available in a striking red color, featuring matching shoulder buttons, a d-pad, and ABXY buttons. Moreover, the controller showcases an illustration of the game’s lead character, Bai Wuchang, which becomes fully visible when the controller is placed in the charging dock. At the moment, you can find the Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition for order on Amazon at a price of $64.99, and it will be shipped out three days prior to the game’s launch on July 21.

    Availability

    You can grab this special edition controller on Amazon, making it a great addition for fans excited about the game. With its unique design and functionality, it promises to enhance the gaming experience for players diving into the world of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers.

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  • Amazon CEO Urges Employees to Prepare for AI Revolution

    Amazon CEO Urges Employees to Prepare for AI Revolution

    Key Takeaways

    1. Amazon is heavily investing in artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
    2. CEO Andy Jassy acknowledges that generative AI will change how work is performed, potentially reducing the need for certain roles.
    3. The company anticipates a shrinking workforce as AI tools are adopted broadly, though no specific timelines for layoffs are provided.
    4. Employees are encouraged to learn about AI and engage with it to remain valuable within the company.
    5. Amazon is developing over 1,000 generative AI services and applications to refine workflows and integrate AI into operations.


    Amazon, similar to other large corporations, is pouring significant resources into artificial intelligence. From Alexa+ to AI-driven shopping helpers and AWS for developers, Amazon is weaving AI tools into its operations to enhance efficiency and remain competitive with other major companies. However, this shift poses challenges for human workers, and the CEO has made it clear that certain positions will be replaced by AI systems.

    Thoughts on Generative AI

    In a message directed at Amazon staff, CEO Andy Jassy expressed his views on generative AI and its implications for the company’s future. Discussing various integrations, Jassy noted that these advancements will transform the current methods of work. “As we introduce more Generative AI and agents, it will alter the way our tasks are performed. We will need fewer individuals for some roles that exist now, and more individuals in different types of positions,” he stated.

    Workforce Changes Ahead

    He further explained that in the coming years, the overall workforce at the corporation will shrink as AI tools and functionalities are adopted “extensively” at Amazon. Though there is no set schedule for when these layoffs might occur or which departments will be impacted, the CEO encourages staff to learn about AI and actively engage with it whenever possible. “Those who adapt to this transformation, become knowledgeable in AI, assist in enhancing our internal AI capabilities, and offer value to customers, will be in a strong position to make a significant impact and aid us in reinventing the company,” he remarked.

    The AI Integration Journey

    Amazon aims to substitute part of its human workflow with generative AI and AI agents that can be activated as needed. The company is making strides toward its overarching objective of fully refining workflows through AI, and currently, it has over 1,000 generative AI services and applications in development.

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  • New AI Partnership Between The New York Times and Amazon Announced

    New AI Partnership Between The New York Times and Amazon Announced

    Key Takeaways

    1. NYT and Amazon have a new licensing agreement allowing Amazon to use NYT content in its AI products like Alexa.
    2. The deal includes using NYT articles to train Amazon’s AI models and gathering data from NYT Cooking.
    3. NYT aims to enhance accessibility to its content for Amazon customers through this partnership.
    4. The agreement expands the existing relationship between NYT and Amazon, providing more value for customers.
    5. This deal follows NYT’s lawsuit against OpenAI for allegedly using its data without permission.


    The New York Times (NYT) and Amazon have revealed a new licensing agreement that will last for several years. This deal permits Amazon, the tech giant, to showcase brief summaries and excerpts from NYT’s articles and The Athletic within its AI products like Alexa.

    Agreement Details

    Furthermore, the arrangement allows Amazon to utilize articles from The New York Times to enhance the training of its AI models. In addition, Amazon plans to gather data from NYT Cooking, which is the publication’s recipe platform.

    In their official statement, NYT expressed, “This partnership will enhance the accessibility of The New York Times’s unique content for Amazon customers across various products and services, including direct links to Times offerings, and highlights the mutual dedication of both companies to provide global news and viewpoints through Amazon’s AI products.”

    Impact on Readers

    NYT noted that this agreement “expands the existing relationship between the two companies, adding more value for Amazon customers and extending Times journalism to a broader audience.”

    The publication has made it clear that the deal involves “the immediate display of summaries and short excerpts from Times content within Amazon’s products and services, like Alexa, in addition to training Amazon’s proprietary foundation models.”

    Context of the Deal

    This agreement is significant, especially considering that in December 2023, The New York Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI. The lawsuit claimed that OpenAI unlawfully trained its AI models using data from the publication. It alleged that OpenAI’s use of this data gave rise to chatbots that competed “with the news outlet as a source of trustworthy information.”

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  • Ugreen Launches New Magnetic Adhesive Cable Clips

    Ugreen Launches New Magnetic Adhesive Cable Clips

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ugreen has launched the Cable Organizer 6 Pack in countries like the US, France, and Germany to help keep spaces tidy.
    2. The organizer features a magnetic clasp, a 0.3-inch cable slot, and an anti-snap hinge tested for over 10,000 uses.
    3. It has an adhesive back that sticks to various surfaces such as glass, wood, plastic, and steel.
    4. The product is made from black ABS plastic and is priced at $9.99/€9.99, with discounts available for select users.
    5. The Ugreen Cable Organizer is available on Amazon and is popular among users for effective cable management.


    Ugreen has introduced the Cable Organizer 6 Pack in various countries such as the United States, France, and Germany. This innovative product aims to help you keep your area neat, whether it’s your desk, nightstand, or kitchen countertop.

    Design and Functionality

    The Ugreen Cord Organizer features a magnetic clasp designed to secure your cables. The cable slot measures 0.3 inches (~7.6 mm) in width, and the holder can open to an angle of 91°. The brand claims that, despite the strong magnets, the lid is simple to open and comes with an anti-snap hinge, which has been tested to endure over 10,000 opening and closing cycles. Additionally, every cable holder is equipped with an adhesive back, allowing it to stick to various surfaces such as glass, wood, plastic, and steel.

    Specifications and Pricing

    Constructed from black ABS plastic, the clips measure 0.94 inches (~23.9 mm) in width and 0.98 inches (~24.9 mm) in height. The Ugreen Cable Organizer 6 Pack is now available on Amazon for $9.99/€9.99. Furthermore, select users in the US are currently getting a 15% discount, bringing the price down to $8.49. In a similar promotion, some users in Germany can enjoy a 10% reduction from the RRP, resulting in a price of €8.99.

    Availability

    For those interested, the Ugreen Cable Organizer can be found on Amazon and is gaining popularity among users looking for a solution to manage their cables more effectively. As you can see, this product combines both practicality and style, making it a great addition to any space.

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  • Amazon India Ships Shoe Polish Instead of Headphones – No Resolution

    Amazon India Ships Shoe Polish Instead of Headphones – No Resolution

    Key Takeaways

    1. Amazon’s once-excellent customer service is now facing increasing complaints and issues, raising concerns about their reliability.
    2. A personal experience highlighted a significant mix-up with an order, where the wrong item was sent and Amazon refused to take responsibility.
    3. Trust in Amazon has diminished, especially regarding expensive purchases, as customers now face the burden of verifying their orders.
    4. There is a broader concern about declining industry standards for customer service, suggesting consumers may need to be more cautious with all online retailers.
    5. Consumers are advised to check packages immediately upon delivery, document unboxing, and keep records of their orders and customer service interactions.


    For many years, people in the tech media have openly suggested Amazons over other shopping platforms in India. The reasoning was quite clear: Amazon was well-known for its excellent customer service and easy problem-solving.

    However, recently, I’ve been hearing more complaints about their customer service and how they resolve issues. A few weeks ago, I went through a similar situation myself.

    The Mix-Up: Shoe Polish Instead of Headphones

    In March, my sister asked me for suggestions on affordable headphones. Having used OnePlus neckband earphones myself, I easily recommended the OnePlus Bullets Z2 Earbuds. I encouraged her to order through Amazon, believing there would be no problems, and if there were, they would be fixed smoothly.

    But we were both surprised when she opened her package to find shoe polish instead of the Z2 earphones she had ordered. The confusion was so ridiculous it might have been funny if it wasn’t so infuriating.

    When she called me, I couldn’t help but laugh. We’ve seen this kind of thing happen before, but I never expected it to happen with an Amazon order. I told her to contact Amazon customer service and reassured her that everything would be handled without a hitch. I was clearly overconfident.

    The Response: “Nothing Can Be Done”

    After what Amazon described as a detailed “investigation,” my sister got a shocking reply: nothing could be done regarding the mix-up. This wasn’t just disappointing; it was unbelievable. The basic idea of retail is that customers should receive what they pay for, and if not, the retailer should fix it, no matter where the mistake happened in the process.

    I even spoke to one of their representatives, who claimed that the fulfillment center had packed the item correctly. So, they couldn’t do anything about it. I checked the box, and there were no signs of damage that might suggest tampering when we accepted it. There were no holes or repairs evident. Amazon’s unwillingness to take responsibility raises concerns about their customer service approach, especially in the Indian market.

    In the end, my sister ended up with a box of shoe polish instead of earphones.

    A Matter of Trust

    Honestly, I’m relieved this was just a low-cost item, but it definitely makes me question my trust in Amazon and their delivery. Imagine if I had ordered a phone (which I have done many times before).

    Like many Amazon users, I’ve grown to trust their service so much that I often leave packages unopened for days after they arrive, thinking:
    – Mix-ups with Amazon are very rare.
    – If a real issue arises, their support team will handle it quickly.

    That trust is now broken. If Amazon can simply walk away from responsibility for sending the wrong item, what does that mean for customers buying more expensive products?

    The Wider Issue: Declining Industry Standards?

    What’s especially worrying is that Amazon has been seen as the gold standard for customer service in online shopping. If they’re lowering their standards, what should consumers expect from other sites that traditionally offer less protection?

    The message is becoming clearer: the responsibility of verification is falling more on the consumer. In a time of fast deliveries and growing automation, customers can no longer assume that what’s in the package matches what they ordered, even from trusted retailers. It’s now up to you to make sure that the package contains the correct item.

    Protecting Yourself: Tips for Consumers

    Given this experience, here are some steps I now suggest for online shoppers:
    – Open and check all packages right after delivery, even for places like Amazon, ideally while the delivery person is still there.
    – Record videos while unboxing expensive items as proof.
    – Look for signs of tampering on the packaging before accepting it.
    – Keep all order confirmation emails and screenshots of purchases.
    – Write down any conversation you have with customer service.

    The Conclusion: Trust But Verify

    For a long time, I’ve happily recommended Amazon to my readers, friends, and family. While I won’t entirely stop using their services, I will definitely be more careful with my Amazon orders. More importantly, I can’t recommend them with the same assurance I used to.

    Amazon’s genuine and superb customer support was their strongest selling point in a competitive market. It seems that this edge might be fading, and consumers should adjust their expectations. Whether this was just a single failure or a change in policy is yet to be seen. What is clear is that even with the most trusted retailers, the old advice stands stronger than ever: trust, but verify.

    Have you faced similar problems with Amazon or other online sellers?