Tag: Amazon

November 20, 2024
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.
Source: Link
Tags: AI latency, Alexa, Amazon
November 15, 2024
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.
Source: Link
Tags: Amazon, Dolby Atmos, Fire TV Soundbar Plus
November 13, 2024
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.”
Source: Link,Link
Tags: Amazon, NVIDIA, Trainium 2
November 3, 2024
Color Kindle Faces Display Issues Soon After Amazon Launch
Amazon has started sending out its first color e-reader, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, but the initial response from customers hasn’t been very positive. Many users are reporting a yellowish discoloration stripe that appears at the bottom edge of the screen, which spoils the device’s promised paper-like reading experience. This issue has gained a lot of attention on social media and various forums, affecting the $279.99 device’s ratings on Amazon. Support representatives have mentioned that a solution is in the works.
User Experiences Shared Online
A Reddit user pointed out that the defect is especially noticeable when the Kindle should have an even light and color, resembling a sheet of paper. Several other users with the same problem have reported returning or swapping their devices. Some mentioned they only noticed the yellowish strip when viewing the screen from specific angles or under edge lighting, which made it hard to ignore for some.
Possible Software Glitch
There are thoughts that this issue might stem from software problems. Certain customers have shared that they only saw the yellow stripe after the first software update on their devices, hinting that a glitch might have been introduced after they were made. A screenshot shared by another user indicated that a customer service rep from Amazon confirmed the company is looking into a fix, likely through an upcoming software update. However, Amazon has yet to make an official announcement, but reports suggest a solution could be on the way.
Current Rating and Future Implications
The scope of the problem is still uncertain. Currently, the Kindle Colorsoft has a low average rating of 2.6 stars on Amazon. While some users find the yellow strip to be hardly noticeable, others believe it greatly affects the reading experience.
In a review conducted by The Verge, reporter Andrew Liszewski observed that the discoloration is more visible in photographs than in real life. He noted that if he hadn’t heard about others’ issues, he might not have seen it at all. With the increasing number of unhappy customers and ongoing device exchanges, it remains unclear how Amazon plans to tackle this situation and whether a software update can completely fix the problem.
Reddit via The Verge
Tags: Amazon, Kindle Colorsoft, yellowish discoloration
October 19, 2024
New Amazon Fire TV Stick HD with Voice Remote Launches
Amazon has introduced the Fire TV Stick HD globally. This new model is taking the place of the previous Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite, making it the basic option in the series. It will be available alongside the Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
### Features and Streaming Capabilities
The Fire TV Stick HD retains the same functionalities as the older version, allowing users to access popular apps like Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+. The device streams in 1080p and supports HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats. However, it does not include support for Dolby Vision, which is found in the 4K versions, but it does work with Dolby audio. Designed to connect to your TV through HDMI, it has 8GB of storage, 1GB of memory, and connects via Wi-Fi 5. Additionally, the Fire TV Stick comes equipped with an Alexa voice remote, enabling you to search for shows and movies, control the volume, or manage smart home devices.
### What’s in the Box
Inside the package, you will find the Fire TV Stick, Alexa Voice Remote, HDMI Extender, a power cable, adapter, and two AAA batteries. The Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is priced at $34.99/£39.99/€44.99, which positions it between the Lite and the Fire TV Stick models it replaces. Furthermore, customers can receive a discount of up to 20% on their purchase when they trade in an older model or a competing product.
Amazon’s latest offering aims to cater to a broad audience looking for a budget-friendly streaming solution while maintaining access to popular content.
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Tags: Amazon, Fire TV Stick HD, streaming device
October 18, 2024
Kindle Scribe Update: New Color, Pen, and AI Features Released
Along with the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, Amazon has introduced an updated version of the Kindle Scribe. This new model is labeled as the ‘Kindle Scribe with redesigned display’ and is also called the ‘Kindle Scribe 1st generation- 2024 release.’ This indicates that it’s not exactly a new version, but rather the same device featuring a fresh design and enhanced software capabilities.
Design Changes
The latest Kindle Scribe has undergone a redesign, changing the screen borders from black to white. This alteration can create the illusion that the display extends seamlessly from one edge to the other when viewed from specific angles. Additionally, it gives the left bezel a slimmer appearance. The display remains at 10.2 inches with a resolution of 300 ppi, keeping the high quality.
New Features
Amazon has included several new capabilities, such as AI notebook tools that can refine written text, summarize notes, and transform handwritten notes into a script font. Another interesting addition is Active Canvas, which enables users to write directly on the pages of books. A unique aspect of this feature is how it wraps the text around any notes made.
Premium Pen Updates
The Premium Pen has also received a makeover. It now features a customizable shortcut button and a soft-tip eraser. The pen magnetically attaches to the right side of the Kindle Scribe for easy access. Additionally, Amazon will provide replacement tips for the pen and cases specifically designed for the Kindle Scribe.
The 2024 Kindle Scribe comes in storage options of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. While it still lacks Wi-Fi 6, it now includes the Premium Pen stylus with the purchase. The device continues to support a maximum of 9W charging via USB-C. Color options for the Kindle Scribe include Tungsten (gray) and a new shade called Metallic Jade, which comes with a matching stylus.
Pricing and Availability
The starting price is set at $399, which is higher than the 2022 version that began at $339 and is still available for sale. You can place orders for the new Kindle Scribe now, but it won’t be available for delivery until December 4.
Tags: Amazon, Kindle Scribe 2024, Premium Pen
October 17, 2024
Amazon Launches Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition: First Color eReader
Amazon has unveiled a new range of Kindle devices, including the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, which is the first eReader from Amazon to feature a color display. With the introduction of the Kindle Colorsoft, Amazon enters the competitive market of color-screen eReaders, joining brands like Onyx with its BOOX Go Color 7, available for $250 on Amazon, and Rakuten’s Kobo Libra Color.
Design and Display
The Kindle Colorsoft resembles the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, but it boasts a color screen. Amazon claims that the display mimics a paper-like color experience. It utilizes a mix of nitride LEDs together with special algorithms for a new light guide, enhancing colors and boosting brightness while maintaining detail. Users can select from standard and vibrant color options.
Technical Specifications
Currently, the technical specifics of the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition are not available, as Amazon has reportedly removed the product listing. The official announcement has also been taken down, but luckily, it has been archived. Still, the Kindle Colorsoft is said to offer up to 8 weeks of battery life and comes with wireless charging capabilities. Furthermore, it is waterproof, making it suitable for use in the bath, at the beach, or even in the pool.
Pricing and Availability
The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is priced at $279.99, with shipping set to start on October 30. This price point is notably higher than the Kobo Libra 7, which retails for $220 on Amazon. The Kobo model features a 7-inch color display, 32GB of storage, physical buttons for page turning, support for a stylus (sold separately), and boasts an IPX8 waterproof rating.
Amazon via The Verge
Tags: Amazon, eReader, Kindle Colorsoft
October 17, 2024
Leak Uncovers Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite Gen 12 with Bigger Screen
A few weeks back, a leak hinted at the Amazon Kindle (2024), and now a Reddit user named gavan820 has shared images (shown below) that supposedly depict the new Kindle Paperwhite Gen 12. From these pictures, it appears that Amazon has made minimal updates to the design, with only the edges of the screen being slightly narrower. However, the back of the packaging indicates that the screen size has been increased from 6.8 inches to 7 inches.
Enhanced Display Features
Once again, the display features front lighting, which users can adjust for brightness and color temperature. Similar to the last model, the Kindle Paperwhite is IPX8 certified, meaning it is completely waterproof and can be used in places like a pool without worry. This new e-reader still offers 16 GB of flash storage.
Battery and Charging
The packaging claims that the battery can last “several weeks” and charges through USB-C at a maximum of 7.5 watts. It mentions that a charging cable is provided, although a charger is not included. The business model seems to remain the same, as the label states that the Kindle Paperwhite shows ads on the lock screen, which can be removed for a fee.
Minimal Changes Noted
So, based on this packaging, it looks like the only difference between the Kindle Paperwhite Gen 12 and the 2021 version is the slightly larger display. However, there’s a chance that Amazon might upgrade the MediaTek MT8110 chip to a newer one, possibly add a bigger battery, or even introduce wireless charging to the standard model, which has only been available in the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition until now.
Tags: Amazon, E-Reader, Kindle Paperwhite Gen 12
October 4, 2024
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) Tablet Launches with AI Features at $54.99
Amazon has launched the Fire HD 8 (2024) tablet. This new version keeps with Amazon’s goal of providing affordable and feature-rich tablets for everyday use, while also bringing some notable enhancements compared to the 2022 model. Let’s take a look at its main specifications.
Fire HD 8 (2024) Specs
The Fire HD 8 (2024) keeps the same 8-inch HD display, featuring a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. It runs on the MediaTek MT8169A processor and uses the Mali-G52 2EE MC2 GPU like the previous version, ensuring dependable performance for watching videos and surfing the web.
There’s a big upgrade in storage options, now offering 32GB with 3GB of RAM or 64GB with 4GB of RAM. Both versions allow for microSD card expansion, which lets users add up to 1TB of extra storage. This enhancement makes the Fire HD 8 better suited for those who need additional space for apps, games, and media.
Features and Enhancements
This tablet comes with a 5MP rear camera and boasts a battery life that lasts up to 13 hours on a single charge. It also includes a USB Type-C (2.0) port and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The 2024 Fire HD 8 brings in several new AI features to help boost user productivity. These features include a writing assistant, tools for summarizing web pages (limited to the Silk browser), and a wallpaper generator. These AI functions aim to improve how users interact with content and personalize their devices. Amazon plans to extend these features to other Fire tablets later this month, adding a fresh element to the Fire tablet experience.
Pricing and Availability
The Fire HD 8 (2024) has a starting price of $99.99, but Prime members can enjoy a starting price of $99 special deal during Prime Day, launching it at just $54.99. The Kids Edition will also be available for a reduced price of $69.99 during this time. The pricing details for the Adult Pro Edition are still to be revealed.
Tags: affordable tablets, Amazon, Fire HD 8 (2024)
October 2, 2024
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024): More RAM and Upgraded Camera Features
Amazon has refreshed the Fire HD 8 tablet for 2024. The new 12th generation Fire HD 8 maintains the same design as its predecessor, but it offers notable performance enhancements and other updates.
Display and Build
The Fire HD 8 (2024) features an 8-inch IPS HD display (1280 x 800) similar to the prior model. It still has thick bezels and is constructed from the same polycarbonate material. Available colors include Black, Emerald, and Hibiscus.
Performance Improvements
Key upgrades lie within the device. The Fire HD 8 (2024) now offers 3GB of RAM for the 32GB model and 4GB of RAM for the 64GB model, a significant enhancement over the 2GB of RAM found in both storage options of the 2022 version. It continues to utilize a hexa-core processor running at 2.0GHz, but the increased RAM should lead to better overall performance.
Additionally, the rear camera has been improved from 2MP to 5MP, while the front camera remains at 2MP. The tablet supports dual-band Wi-Fi, but it does not have Wi-Fi 6 capability. It retains features such as an audio jack, Bluetooth 5.2, and offers up to 13 hours of battery life, consistent with the 2022 model. Although it supports fast charging up to 15W, it comes with a standard 5W adapter, so charging speed has not changed.
AI Features
In line with modern trends, the Fire HD 8 (2024) incorporates AI features. It includes a writing assistant that integrates with the on-device keyboard, assisting users with emails, documents, and social media. Users can select preset writing styles, convert casual text into a more professional tone, and receive various writing suggestions.
The Silk Browser also benefits from AI enhancements, offering summaries of web articles. Additionally, there’s a new wallpaper creator that allows users to input prompts for high-resolution wallpaper generation. This feature will be available for all compatible Fire tablets later this month, not just the Fire HD 8 (2024).
Pricing and Availability
The Fire HD 8 (2024) is currently available for purchase on Amazon, with a substantial discount running until October 9. The 32GB model is priced at $54.99, down from $99.99, while the 4GB + 64GB version costs $84.99 instead of $129.99. For those wanting to avoid lockscreen ads, the prices increase to $69.99 ($114.99) and $99.99 ($144.99), respectively.
As usual, Amazon offers kid-friendly variants of the tablet, namely the Fire HD 8 Kids and the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro. Both versions start at $69.99 (originally $139.99) and include durable cases available in various colors, as well as Disney and Marvel themed editions.
Tags: 2024 Tablet, Amazon, Fire HD 8