Tag: Amazon

  • Streamline Game Development with Amazon GameLift Streams

    Streamline Game Development with Amazon GameLift Streams

    Key Takeaways

    1. Amazon has launched GameLift Streams to help game developers combat piracy and reduce large game installation issues.
    2. Game streaming enables players to enjoy high-demand games on low-spec devices without long download times.
    3. Developers can upload various game types to GameLift, allowing for easy global streaming without code changes.
    4. GameLift Streams supports up to 1080p at 60 fps and operates on NVIDIA T4 or A10G Tensor GPUs, with cost based on usage hours.
    5. The service is available in specific AWS Regions, with lower latency for players closer to the data centers.

    Amazon has introduced its new GameLift Streams game streaming service aimed at game developers. This service helps to combat piracy, removes the difficulties associated with large game installations, and allows players to enjoy high-demand games on low-spec devices.

    Challenges with Game Downloads

    Many gamers have to endure long waits for big downloads before they can start playing modern titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which is over 100 GB in size. The increasing system requirements mean that players often have to invest in costly, high-performance graphics cards.

    The Advantages of Game Streaming

    Game streaming addresses these issues by transferring the demands to the cloud hosting provider, meaning gamers only need a basic computer or a smart TV to play. Notable cloud gaming services include Valve Steam, Nvidia GeForce Now, PlayStation Now, and Xbox Game Pass.

    Developer Benefits with GameLift

    Developers can now upload Windows games, Windows games configured for Proton (Valve Steam), and Linux titles to GameLift servers. After completing the basic server setup, these games can be streamed globally to players using any WebRTC-compatible web browser, supporting resolutions up to 1080p at 60 fps, without the need for code changes, making it easier for developers.

    The games operate on NVIDIA T4 or A10G Tensor GPUs. Developers are billed based on usage hours and total storage utilized. According to Amazon’s estimates, hosting around 2,000 users playing a lightweight game for half an hour daily could result in a monthly cost of about $20k.

    Availability of GameLift Streams

    GameLift Streams is currently available in AWS Regions such as US East (Ohio), US West (Oregon), Asia Pacific (Tokyo), and Europe (Frankfurt). Players located closer to these data centers will see reduced latency, while those farther away may experience higher latency that could be considered unacceptable.

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  • Amazon Launches Alexa+ with Generative AI for Prime Members Free

    Amazon Launches Alexa+ with Generative AI for Prime Members Free

    Key Takeaways

    1. Alexa+ is a new generative AI assistant compatible with over 600 million Alexa devices, capable of fluid conversations and autonomous task execution.

    2. It operates through specialized “experts” for managing smart home gadgets, making reservations, streaming music, ordering groceries, and monitoring home security.

    3. Alexa+ can autonomously browse the internet to find service providers and complete tasks without user involvement.

    4. The assistant personalizes suggestions based on user preferences and allows users to upload files for summarization, all while ensuring privacy through the Alexa Privacy dashboard.

    5. Alexa+ is priced at $19.99 per month, free for Prime members, with a gradual rollout starting for Echo Show owners and early access available at amazon.com/newalexa.

    Amazon has introduced Alexa+, a new generative AI helper that is compatible with more than 600 million current Alexa devices. This assistant engages in conversations in a fluid manner and can carry out tasks on its own.

    Functionality of Alexa+

    Alexa+ operates through “experts,” which are specialized systems designed to perform certain tasks. This allows Alexa+ to manage smart home gadgets, book reservations, stream music from various services, order groceries, and keep an eye on home security.

    Autonomous Navigation

    The assistant is capable of browsing the internet without needing user involvement to finish tasks. It can find service providers, make necessary arrangements, and report back to users autonomously.

    Personalized Suggestions

    Alexa+ gathers information about user preferences based on previous purchases and lets users input data like dietary limits or favorite recipes. This information is used to make tailored suggestions.

    The service is available on Echo devices, a new mobile application, and at Alexa.com. Conversations are seamlessly continued across devices while keeping context intact.

    Users have the option to upload files, emails, images, and messages for Alexa+ to summarize or utilize. Amazon has designed the system with privacy safeguards, and users can manage their settings through the Alexa Privacy dashboard.

    Pricing and Availability

    The subscription for Alexa+ is $19.99 per month, but Prime members can access it for free along with other benefits like delivery and entertainment services. The rollout in the US starts with early access for Echo Show owners, with a gradual expansion planned. Interested users can request early access at amazon.com/newalexa.

    In other updates, Amazon will be closing its Appstore for Android devices on August 20, 2025, and no new app submissions will be accepted. Following the closure, users will lose access, leaving Google Play as the main app store. However, the Appstore will still be available on Fire TV and Fire Tablets, where Amazon observes the highest level of user engagement.

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  • Amazon to End Local Backups for eBooks Purchased in Store

    Amazon to End Local Backups for eBooks Purchased in Store

    Key Takeaways

    1. Starting February 26, Amazon will no longer allow users to create local backups of eBooks purchased from the Kindle store.
    2. Users can only download eBooks directly to their Kindle devices, losing the ability to maintain a local library.
    3. The change raises concerns about Amazon’s control over users’ eBook libraries, reminiscent of past controversies like the deletion of “1984.”
    4. Users will no longer be able to convert Kindle eBooks to other formats for use with different e-Readers.
    5. This decision reflects a broader trend towards rental and licensing models in digital services.

    In a world where digital services are increasingly leaning towards a rental and licensing approach, Amazon’s new policy will limit the options users have for handling their purchased content.

    Changes to eBook Management

    Starting on February 26, Amazon will stop letting users create local backups of eBooks bought from the Kindle store. This move effectively hands Amazon more authority over how individuals can manage the books they have bought for their Kindle devices.

    Currently, buyers on Kindle have the choice to download a local copy of their eBooks and transfer them to their Kindle using a USB cable. This feature is particularly useful in areas with poor internet connectivity, providing a reliable way to maintain a Kindle library without the constant need for a network connection.

    The New Limitations

    However, after this Wednesday, users will no longer be able to download eBooks. The only method for getting an eBook onto a Kindle will be through a direct download to the device. Consequently, this means that users will lose the ability to maintain a local library of their purchased eBooks.

    The announcement of this change has sparked considerable backlash from Kindle users. Many fear this decision will lead to tighter control over their libraries by Amazon. It also brings back memories of the controversial deletion of George Orwell’s 1984 more than 15 years ago. In that incident, Amazon removed the book from customer libraries after discovering that the seller lacked distribution rights, even erasing it from users’ devices despite them having paid for it.

    Effects on eBook Formats

    The ability to download eBooks purchased from Kindle has also allowed users to convert their books into other formats for compatibility with different e-Readers, such as the Kobo Clara, currently priced at $149.99 on Amazon. This option is likely to vanish soon. Essentially, it seems that after the 26th, any eBook acquired from Amazon will only be accessible on a Kindle and solely through a direct download.

    If you wish to download local backups of your Kindle eBooks before the deadline, you can find the guidelines on how to do so here.

    Amazon’s decision underscores a growing trend in the digital marketplace.

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  • Amazon’s $100 Billion AI Investment Plans for 2025

    Amazon’s $100 Billion AI Investment Plans for 2025

    Creating AI systems similar to ChatGPT requires a significant financial commitment, with estimates ranging from hundreds of millions to even billions of dollars spent on their development and training. Despite the high costs, Amazon appears to be ready to invest a staggering amount into AI this year.

    Amazon’s Massive AI Investment

    Recent reports suggest that Amazon is set to allocate a whopping $100 billion towards AI in 2023. This figure contrasts sharply with DeepSeek’s claim of just a few million dollars spent on its R1 model’s training, although the accuracy of that statement is uncertain. The scale of Amazon’s investment indicates its serious commitment to advancing AI technology.

    The Big AI Players

    AI is indeed a lucrative field, with major companies like Google and Microsoft pouring tens of billions into their projects. While many tech giants have embraced AI in recent years, Amazon’s emergence as a top spender raises eyebrows. Some might say it was only a matter of time before the retail giant made such an aggressive move in the AI arena.

    During a recent earnings call, Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, hinted that the company could potentially invest even more than $100 billion in AI by 2025, suggesting exciting developments for Alexa may be on the horizon. Unfortunately, that’s all the information available for now, so stay tuned for updates. In other news, India is also working on its own AI model to rival ChatGPT and DeepSeek, which is currently facing challenges in the global market as some governments view it as a threat from China.

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  • Miyoo Flip: Anbernic RG35XX SP Rival Returns to Stock

    Miyoo Flip: Anbernic RG35XX SP Rival Returns to Stock

    Miyoo has finally launched the Flip, which was first hinted at back in March 2024. At first, the device was only available on Amazon. Later on, Miyoo expanded its availability to AliExpress, keeping the same four color choices that you could find on Amazon.

    High Demand and Limited Supply

    Sadly, the interest in the Miyoo Flip is surpassing what they have in stock. This caused the first batch of devices to sell out very quickly. Fortunately, Miyoo has replenished their stock, and as it stands now, you can still buy the Flip on Amazon for $89.99. It’s worth mentioning that you might find it a little cheaper—around $10 less—on AliExpress compared to Amazon.

    Ongoing Stock Issues

    However, the Flip is currently sold out on AliExpress again. It’s likely that Miyoo is planning to have more restocks soon. Early reviews suggest that the Miyoo Flip can emulate various systems like the Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, and PlayStation Portable. While having two joysticks will certainly aid in emulating these consoles, the device’s SoC and 1 GB of RAM may limit its ability to run every game in those libraries.

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  • Buy Samsung Galaxy S23 5G Now for Just Rs 40,999!

    Buy Samsung Galaxy S23 5G Now for Just Rs 40,999!

    Samsung has lowered the price of the Galaxy S23 5G to Rs 42,999 and Rs 44,999 on Flipkart and Amazon. Thanks to bank discounts, you can grab the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G for only Rs 40,999 on either platform. Although the bank discount varies between the two sites, the final price ends up being quite similar. Notably, owners of Axis Bank cards can enjoy the biggest savings if they want to buy the Galaxy S23 5G.

    Key Features of the Galaxy S23 5G

    The Samsung Galaxy S23 5G comes equipped with a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that offers FHD+ resolution, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and HDR10+ support, delivering stunning visuals. It is driven by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, providing remarkable performance for gaming and multitasking. The phone features a triple-camera setup, which includes a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. For selfies, a 12MP front camera captures crisp and clear images.

    Impressive Connectivity and Build Quality

    Equipped with 5G capability, the Galaxy S23 has a 3900mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. It boasts a premium design with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, making it both stylish and sturdy. Running One UI 6.1 on top of Android 14, it offers a seamless and customizable user experience. Additional features include IP68-rated water and dust resistance, stereo speakers that have been tuned by AKG, providing users with an enjoyable and tailored experience.

    This is a fantastic offer on the Galaxy S23, and those who are interested can save some money while getting a top-notch smartphone.

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  • Amazon Launches New AI-Agent R&D Lab in San Francisco

    Amazon Launches New AI-Agent R&D Lab in San Francisco

    Amazon has launched a new research and development lab in San Francisco aimed at establishing "foundational" abilities for AI agents. This initiative will be headed by David Luan, who co-founded the AI startup Adept and previously served as its CEO.

    Leadership Background

    David Luan has an impressive background, having worked as the vice president of Engineering at OpenAI and spent a year in a leadership role at Google Research. He started Adept in 2022 and then transitioned to Amazon, where he now leads the Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) lab in San Francisco.

    Strategic Hiring

    In June, Amazon brought Luan on board along with his co-founders Augustus Odena, Maxwell Nye, Erich Elsen, and Kelsey Szot. This move was part of a larger agreement that allows Amazon to use certain technology licenses from Adept. The startup had recently secured $350 million in a Series B funding round in March 2023, reaching a valuation of $1 billion.

    The AGI SF team is set to collaborate closely with Amazon’s extensive research group to develop AI agents capable of "taking actions in both digital and physical environments." Their primary goal is to create AI agents that can "carry out real-world tasks, learn from feedback provided by humans, self-correct, and understand our objectives."

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  • Amazon Delays Alexa’s AI Update Due to Latency Issues

    Amazon Delays Alexa’s AI Update Due to Latency Issues

    Leaked internal documents obtained by Fortune reveal various technical issues related to the upcoming AI revamp for Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant. A major issue is latency, which refers to the delay in how long it takes for the AI to answer a question.

    Testing Feedback and Concerns

    The latency concern is serious enough that several internal testers have rated the new assistant poorly. The average score given by testers was 4.5 out of 7, falling short of the target score of 5.5 out of 7. The team is worried that if this product is launched in its current condition, it could lead to user frustration.

    Key Issues Highlighted

    The memo states that “latency continues to be a major issue” that will need “notable improvements.” Another significant challenge is the possibility that some older Echo devices might not work with the new assistant.

    Amazon spokesperson Lauren Raemhild mentioned to Fortune, “Generative AI presents a significant opportunity to enhance Alexa for our customers.” She added, “We are diligently working to provide even more proactive and capable assistance on the more than half a billion Alexa-enabled devices already present in homes globally.”

    Challenges Faced by the Team

    The team is also encountering numerous technological and administrative challenges, such as insufficient data for training its AI model or resources being redirected to focus on Generative AI for Amazon’s cloud services. The memos indicate that the relaunch of Alexa has been postponed at least three times, with the latest date set for November 14, 2024.

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  • Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus: Built-in Subwoofer & Surround Sound

    Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus: Built-in Subwoofer & Surround Sound

    Along with the release of the Fire TV Omni mini-LED series, a new soundbar has been introduced by Amazon. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is positioned as a more premium option compared to the Fire TV Soundbar that came out in 2023.

    Design and Size

    The design of the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is sleeker and flatter than its earlier version. Notably, it’s much bigger, measuring 37” in length, while the original Fire TV Soundbar is only 24” long. The larger size allows for a built-in subwoofer, which supports a 3.1 speaker channel.

    Audio Features

    This soundbar is equipped with advanced audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS TruVolume, along with a special dialogue channel. It has a Dialogue Enhancer feature that boosts voice clarity, making them stand out against background noise.

    While the integrated subwoofer certainly provides an advantage for the Fire TV Soundbar Plus over its predecessor, Amazon also gives consumers the choice to buy it with an external sub-woofer, or even with both an external sub-woofer and surround speakers for a true home theater vibe. The soundbar can either be mounted on the wall (a mount kit is included) or set on a TV stand.

    Connectivity and Control

    Being an audio-only product, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus doesn’t come with built-in Alexa or Fire TV capabilities. It includes its own remote and has physical buttons on top, but users who own a compatible Fire TV device can control the soundbar with its remote as well. Connectivity options include an optical port, an HDMI eARC port, and a USB port. Plus, it supports Bluetooth, allowing you to link it to your smartphone or tablet.

    The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is now available on Amazon for $249.99. This is more than double the price of the Fire TV Soundbar, which retails for $104.99. If you opt for the Soundbar Plus with an external sub-woofer, the cost rises to $374.99, and if you choose to add the external sub-woofer along with two surround sound speakers, the total comes to $489.99.

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  • Amazon Invests in AI Chips to Decrease Nvidia Dependence

    Amazon Invests in AI Chips to Decrease Nvidia Dependence

    Amazon is set to launch its next-generation Trainium 2 AI chip next month, promising performance improvements of up to four times compared to the original version.

    Development and Acquisition

    According to The Financial Times, the chip was designed by Annapurna Labs, a microelectronics startup from Israel that Amazon bought in 2015. The goal behind this acquisition is to develop chips that can compete with Nvidia’s products and lessen the company’s reliance on Nvidia.

    In an interview with Financial Times, Dave Brown, who is the vice-president of compute and networking services at AWS, mentioned their ambition to be “absolutely the best place to run Nvidia, but at the same time we think its healthy to have an alternative.”

    Market Dynamics

    Nvidia currently dominates the AI chip market, holding an impressive 80% share and recording $26.3 billion in revenue from chip sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2024. Amazon plans to invest around $75 billion in capital throughout 2024, primarily for technology and infrastructure, with expectations to increase spending in 2025.

    While Amazon doesn’t provide independent performance benchmarks for its chips, it stated that its “Inferentia” chips, which are designed for specific tasks, cost 40% less to operate when generating AI responses.

    System Integration

    As Remi Sinno, a former employee of Softbank and Intel who is now the engineering director at Annapurna, puts it, “It’s not [just] about the chip, it’s about the full system.”

    Sinno also added, “it’s really hard to do what we do at scale. Not too many companies can.”

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