Weekly Tech News (12 Oct - 18 Oct 2024)
Amazon has officially launched the Kindle Colorsoft, the first Kindle with a vibrant color display, priced at $279. This innovative e-reader delivers stunning images without the washed-out look, perfect for enhancing your reading experience. With weeks of battery life and preorders now open, it will start shipping on October 30.
In addition to the Colorsoft, Amazon has announced major upgrades across its Kindle lineup:
1- The refreshed Kindle Scribe at $399 now features Active Canvas for intuitive note-taking directly on e-book pages.
2- The Kindle Paperwhite has been enhanced to a 7-inch display, starting at $159.
3- The compact 12th generation Kindle is available for $109, designed for ultimate portability.
Share this news on Social Media
Adobe is taking video creation to new heights! The Firefly Video Model lets users transform text prompts into captivating video content, joining the AI race with industry leaders like OpenAI’s Sora. Designed with creators in mind, Firefly emphasizes quality, ensuring footage seamlessly blends with traditional media—ideal for commercial use.
Early adopters like Gatorade and Mattel are already tapping into Adobe’s AI capabilities. The rollout is set for waitlist users, bringing a new level of creative control to video production. Get ready for a revolution in filmmaking!
Share this news on Social Media
Grabango, the automated checkout pioneer, has officially ceased operations due to funding challenges. Founded in 2016 by Pandora co-founder Will Glaser, the company aimed to transform shopping with its checkout-free technology in convenience stores.
Despite partnerships with giants like 7-Eleven and Circle K, Grabango struggled as interest in costly tech declined and laid off 40% of its workforce.
This closure raises concerns about the future of automated checkout solutions in retail. In its final statement, Grabango thanked its employees, investors, and clients for their support.
As retailers shift to more affordable self-checkout options, Grabango’s exit highlights the challenges of innovation in the industry.
Share this news on Social Media
Amazon is set to enhance its healthcare services by introducing same-day prescription delivery to 20 additional cities next year. This expansion, revealed during a press event near Nashville, Tennessee, aims to provide rapid access to medications for nearly half of the U.S. population.
1- Same-day delivery will allow customers to receive their medications by 10 p.m. when ordered by 4 p.m.
2- The initiative will integrate pharmacies within same-day delivery facilities concentrated in major metro areas, including new cities such as Boston, Dallas, and San Diego.
3- Launched in 2020, Amazon Pharmacy offers free delivery for Prime members, building on the company’s acquisition of PillPack in 2018.
4- Amazon is addressing the challenges posed by “pharmacy deserts,” enhancing access to medications in underserved areas.
As traditional pharmacies face increasing closures, Amazon continues to position itself as a vital player in the healthcare landscape.
Share this news on Social Media
Protect Yourself from Scams with Ask Silver
Alex Somervell and Jonny Pryn have launched Ask Silver in the UK, an AI-enabled tool on WhatsApp that helps users instantly identify potential scam texts. Simply upload a screenshot, and Ask Silver will analyze it in real-time, alerting you to any signs of fraud. It extends its protection beyond WhatsApp, covering emails and website messages too. With a quick setup, users can easily add Ask Silver as a contact and stay vigilant against online scams.
Tony Neate from Get Safe Online says, “Download Ask Silver today—it could be the key to staying safe.”
Share this news on Social Media
Meta is taking content sharing to the next level by testing direct posting of Instagram Reels on Threads. This streamlined feature, confirmed by Meta to TechCrunch, allows users to pick Reels from their Instagram accounts and share them seamlessly on Threads, enhancing reach and engagement.
Following previous cross-posting tools and carousel displays on Faceook and Instagram, Meta cbontinues to make it easier for users to connect and grow their audience across platforms. Stay tuned for more updates on this integration!
Share this news on Social Media
Meta is taking content sharing to the next level by testing direct posting of Instagram Reels on Threads. This streamlined feature, confirmed by Meta to TechCrunch, allows users to pick Reels from their Instagram accounts and share them seamlessly on Threads, enhancing reach and engagement.
Following previous cross-posting tools and carousel displays on Faceook and Instagram, Meta cbontinues to make it easier for users to connect and grow their audience across platforms. Stay tuned for more updates on this integration!