Tag: Amazon

  • What Is India’s EU-Like Anti-Trust Proposal That Irked Tech Giants Google, Amazon, Apple? |

    New Delhi: A US lobby group representing Google, Amazon and Apple has requested India to rethink its proposed EU-like competition law. This law is arguing regulations against data use and preferential treatment of partners could raise user costs, a letter shows.  

    In February, a government panel in India proposed imposing obligations on a few major digital companies under a new antitrust law, citing the increasing market power of these entities. The panel highlighted that existing regulations are “time-consuming” to enforce.

    Digital Competition Bill: 

    India’s “Digital Competition Bill” is on the lines of the EU’s landmark Digital Markets Act 2022. This bill targets large firms, including those with a global turnover of over $30 billion and whose digital services have at least 10 million users locally, bringing some of the world’s biggest tech firms under its ambit. 

    However, some of the globe’s largest tech firms would fall within its scope. The bill has been proposed to prohibit companies from exploiting the non-public data of their users and promoting their services over rivals. It also gives authority to abolish restrictions on downloading third-party apps.  

    India Lucrative Market For Big Tech Companies:

    With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a growing affluent class, India is a potential market for major tech corporations. This month, Apple CEO Tim Cook asserted that the company posted a “revenue record” in India during the March quarter when its overall global revenue declined by 4%.

    In response to concerns about a few dominant digital players exerting substantial influence over the market, an Indian panel asserts the necessity of a new law. This proposal, similar to measures in the EU, suggests penalties of up to 10% of a company’s annual global turnover for infringements. 

    Despite these challenges, a coalition of 40 Indian startups voices support for the new legislation, arguing it could curb monopolistic behaviours of major digital platforms and foster fair competition for smaller entities.

    Scrutiny On Amazon, Apple

    To recall, Amazon finds itself under scrutiny for alleged preferential treatment of certain sellers on its Indian platform, a claim it refutes. Likewise, Apple refutes allegations but faces investigation over the purported misuse of its dominant position in the apps market.

    There is no fixed timeline, however, the Indian government plans to review feedback on the proposal before pursuing parliamentary approval, potentially with modifications or without changes. 

  • Amazon Great Summer Sale 2024: From iPhone 13 To Apple AirPods Pro; Check Limited Time Offer! |

    New Delhi: As summer is getting hotter, so is the Amazon Great Summer Sale 2024. During the sale, there are lucrative deals and limited-time offers on various smartphones and all your favourite electronics. From smartwatches and earbuds to the iPhone 13 and laptops, you will find top deals on everything you need.

    During the sale, the e-commerce platform Amazon also offers cashback, no-cost EMI, discounts on exchanges, and more. So, it’s the perfect time to start shopping now and bring home every little item you’ve added to your wishlists.

    Amazon Great Summer Sale 2024: Smartphones

    iPhone 13 (128GB):

    Apple’s iPhone 13 (128GB) is available at a discounted price of Rs. 48,499, down from the original price of Rs. 59,900. Consumers can also enjoy an additional discount of up to Rs. 1,000 using bank offers. The platform is also offering a no-cost EMI option and an exchange offer of up to Rs. 44,250.

    Redmi 13C 5G:

    During the sale, the smartphone is priced at Rs. 9,499. To get the smartphone at a lower price, users have to claim the on-page coupon to receive a discount worth Rs. 1,000 during payment. (Also Read: Flipkart Big Saving Days Sale: iPhone 15 To Receive Massive Price Cut; Check New Price, Specs)

    OnePlus Nord CE4:

    The price of the smartphone is Rs. 24,998. During the sale, it includes a bank offer worth up to Rs. 1,000, bringing down the effective price to as low as Rs. 23,998. Consumers can also swap an old smartphone to receive another instant discount worth up to Rs. 22,400.

    Amazon Great Summer Sale 2024: Laptops

    The HP Victus gaming laptop is currently selling at Rs. 81,990, originally priced at Rs. 99,527. Meanwhile, the Acer Aspire Lite Intel i5 12th Gen Laptop is currently priced at Rs. 41,990, a whopping discount of 35 percent. The product is originally priced at Rs. 64,990. The HP 15s Intel Core i5 12th Gen Laptop is available at Rs. 52,990 after a discount of 22 percent.

    Amazon Great Summer Sale 2024: Smartwatches

    The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic LTE (4.6cm, Silver) smartwatch is currently available at Rs. 9,999 after a whopping 77 per cent discount. The wearable is originally priced at Rs. 42,999.

    Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 LTE (4.0cm, Black) smartwatch is priced at Rs. 12,999 after a terrific 59 per cent discount. It is originally priced at Rs. 31,999. Notably, both smartwatches are compatible with Android only. (Also Read: Nothing Phone (2a) Gets New Colour Variant Exclusively In India; Check Price, Specs And Availability)

    Amazon Great Summer Sale 2024: Earbuds

    During the sale, customers can buy the Apple AirPods Pro with the MagSafe Case at Rs. 18,999, a discount of 24 per cent. The product is originally priced at Rs. 24,900. Meanwhile, the Samsung Buds2 Pro is priced at Rs. 9,990 after a 50 per cent discount. The original price of the Samsung Buds2 Pro earbuds is Rs. 19,999.

  • Indian Techie Laid Off By Tesla Now Earns Rs 4 Crore At Meta; Shares Resume Tips

    In an interview, he mentioned that he has applied to Meta in 2021 after hearing about the company’s “crazy” salary packages. 

  • Toshiba Announces Layoffs, To Cut Around 5,000 Jobs |

    New Delhi: Layoffs that started last year are not stopping yet. Daily, you may have encountered the news of the layoffs.  After prominent companies such as Google, Amazon, and more, Toshiba, a prominent manufacturer of personal computers, consumer electronics, and home appliances, is gearing up to trim its workforce.

    How Much Workforce Will Be Effected?

    The manufacturer decided to restructure the workforce in Japan by seven percent, which amounts to around 5,000 job cuts. (Also Read: Paytm Initiates Customer Migration To Partner Banks For UPI Services)

    Reason Behind Layoffs

    Once a major employer in the nation, Toshiba’s restructuring move aims to streamline operations and reduce costs in non-core business areas, as reported by Nikkei. (Also Read: Viral Video: Zomato Boy Delivering Food On Harley-Davidson Surfaces Online — Watch)

    Impact On Workforce

    Toshiba, currently employing around 65,000 individuals in Japan, is bracing for one of its largest layoffs since 2015 if the plan is executed. The 2015 layoffs, amounting to 7000 job cuts, were a result of accounting irregularities.

    Focus Areas

    The company’s restructuring strategy is geared towards focusing on its infrastructure and digital technology business while streamlining operations in other areas.

    This move comes amidst a broader trend of major companies in Japan, such as Shiseido, Omron, and Konica Minolta, also implementing layoffs and announcing plans for further reductions.

    Global Layoff Trends

    The layoffs at Toshiba coincide with similar actions by global giants like Amazon and Google, which have also announced significant job cuts recently.

    Company Response

    In response to inquiries, a report stated, “The restructuring plan is a key aspect of Toshiba’s efforts to enhance profitability, as part of its midterm management plan set to be unveiled in May.”

    Additionally, the report mentioned, “The company will engage in discussions with its labor union starting in May to determine the number of positions to be eliminated in each business unit.”

  • Amazon Fires Hundreds Of Employees In Cloud Computing Division Layoffs |

    New Delhi: In a cost-cutting measure, Amazon has garnered attention for its ongoing layoffs across various departments. Following reports of stagnant base pay for senior employees, the tech giant has now announced the dismissal of hundreds of employees from its cloud computing division, Amazon Web Services (AWS).

    Restructuring At Amazon Web Services

    Reports indicate that Amazon Web Services is going through restructuring. This strategic realignment aims to refocus efforts on key areas, according to a spokesperson from AWS. (Also Read: Customer Get Delayed Food Delivery On Tuesday, Swiggy Blames ‘Weekend Peak Hour’, Chat Goes Viral)

    Which Department’s Employees Will Be Impacted?

    This move resulted in the termination of hundreds of employees across its physical stores’ technology, sales, and marketing divisions. (Also Read: Security Alert For Android Users! Indian Govt Issued High-Risk Warning: Read More)

    What Officials Said About Ongoing Challenges?

    Matt Garman, AWS senior vice president, acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions, stating, “Change can be difficult.” Garman shed light on the company’s need to remain agile in a rapidly evolving industry.

    “We operate in an incredibly fast-moving industry, and it is important that we stay agile as an organisation. The changes we are making are preparing the organisation for the future, aligning with our strategy and priorities, and reducing duplication and inefficiency. I recognise the effect this has on every individual impacted,” he added.

    Dilip Kumar, Vice President of AWS Applications, addressed affected employees, mentioning that layoffs would impact teams handling identity and checkout functions within the Physical Stores Technology organization at AWS.

    “We’ve learnt a lot through the launch of identity and checkout technologies in our large format Amazon Fresh stores, and have good customer feedback to inform our plans going forward. We are also expanding our identity and checkout technologies in smaller-format 1P [first-party] stores, and growing our third-party locations,” he added.

    Previous Layoffs

    These layoffs are the latest in Amazon’s ongoing restructuring efforts, which began with substantial layoffs in 2022 and continued into 2023, affecting various business units, including Twitch, Audible, and Prime Video.

  • Amazon Introduces New App Allowing Users To Scan Their Palm For Payments |

    New Delhi: Amazon has introduced an app named Amazon One which aims to simplify the process for customers to enroll in their palm recognition service. Rather than visiting a physical store, individuals can now sign up conveniently from home, the workplace, or while on the move using the app.

    Currently accessible through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, the app’s initial rollout is exclusive to the United States, encompassing over 500 Whole Foods Market stores, Amazon outlets, and more than 150 third-party locations. (Also Read: PhonePe Launches UPI Payments For Users In UAE; Check Details Here)

    Here’s how the Amazon one app works:

    1. Download the App: Users can download the Amazon One app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. (Also Read: Beware Of Calls Impersonating DoT, Threatening To Disconnect Mobile Numbers; WhatsApp Calls Starting With +92)

    2. Capture Palm Image: Using the app, users take a photo of their palm from home.

    3. Create Online Profile: Users create an online profile within the app and add a payment method.

    4. Enroll Palm: Amazon verifies the palm image and enrolls it in the system.

    5. Usage: Enrolled palms can be used for payments, entry, age verification, and loyalty rewards at various locations.

    The company clarifies that all palm images captured through the new app are encrypted and transmitted to a secure Amazon One domain in the AWS cloud. These images cannot be saved or downloaded onto a mobile device. Amazon reports that Amazon One has been utilized over 8 million times.

    Besides introducing the app, Amazon has also broadened its palm scanning technology for enterprise identity purposes, allowing companies to verify employees as they arrive at the office.

  • Digital Markets Act: EU Starts Probe Into Apple, Meta, Google Under New Digital Law |

    New Delhi: The European Union (EU) has started an investigation into big tech giants Apple, Google parent Alphabet and Meta, in its first probe under the sweeping new Digital Markets Act (DMA) tech legislation. The EU has started the investigation after the potential breaches of the newly enacted anti-trust law. 

    The suite of probes announced are the first under the EU’s Digital Markets Act law, which took effect earlier this month. 

    The DMA has categorized six major tech firms — Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft — as gatekeepers, mandating their adherence to specific provisions to boost more competition in digital markets, including allowing third-party app stores.

    The European Commission announced five investigations into Apple, Google, and Meta’s compliance with the DMA, with completion expected within 12 months. (Also Read: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus Get Price Cuts In India On Flipkart, Starting At Rs 56,999)

    Apple and Alphabet (Google’s parent company) will undergo EU scrutiny regarding how they enable app developers to shift consumers to third-party app stores without charges. Adding further, the European Union will also examine changes that Google made to how its search results appear in Europe. 

    Another investigation will focus on Apple’s adherence to rules facilitating the easy removal of apps and changes to default settings on iPhones, along with how the company presents choice screens for alternative search engines and browsers.

    Meta’s ‘pay or consent’ model, requiring users to pay for data protection and ad-free experiences on Facebook and Instagram, will also be examined.

    The EU’s recent law, effective this month, mandates major tech companies to follow numerous new rules, aiming to enhance competition from smaller entities in digital advertising, online search, and app ecosystems.

    Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Apple, the tech giant, plans to add new fees and restrictions for third-party software downloads outside its App Store. (Also Read: Tesla CEO Elon Musk Thought That OpenAI Would Fail: OpenAI CE0 Sam Altman)

    This development follows the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by the European Union, aimed at targeting the market clout of big technology companies and making it easier for people to move between competing services. 

  • Elon Musk Announces X Streaming Service For Long Videos On Smart TVs, Competing With YouTube |

    New Delhi: Elon Musk announced on Saturday that X platform is stepping into the realm of online video streaming, posing a challenge to Google-owned YouTube. This new streaming service will allow users to enjoy long videos directly on their smart TV screens. 

    The company is set to launch a TV app for Amazon and Samsung smart TVs, as confirmed by Musk in response to a post by an X user. The user had shared excitement about being able to watch long-form X videos on SmartTVs, to which Musk replied, “coming soon.” (Also Read: Sam Altman Finally Returns To OpenAI Board)

    “We just want people to be able to watch long videos in comfort on their big screen TV,” the billionaire posted on X. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO further said that people can “already use Apple AirPlay to play videos from your phone to your TV”. (Also Read: Flipkart Set To Launch 10-15 Minute Delivery Venture Soon)

    One of his followers commented that this move by X is a “strategic step towards diversifying its platform and competing in the ever-evolving digital content landscape”. “It will be intriguing to see how this foray into video streaming will impact the larger ecosystem of online media consumption. Exciting times ahead,” the user posted.

    Beyond smart TVs, the social media network is also exploring video games, podcasts and long-form writing. Taking on legacy media, X on Friday introduced ‘Articles’ which is a new way to share long-form written content on the platform.

    Premium users who subscribe to X services now have the ability to publish articles on the platform. These articles can include stylized text, embedded images, and videos. Additionally, users can format their text using various features such as headings, sub-headings, bold, italics, strikethrough, indentation, numerical lists, and bulleted lists.(With Inputs From IANS)

  • User Receives Fake iPhone 15 From Amazon; Company Responds |

    New Delhi: A user named, Gabbar Singh, took to Twitter to express his disappointment with an Amazon purchase gone wrong. The user has 1.5 million followers. Soon, Singh’s tweet quickly garnered attention.

    Incident Details

    Singh shared his dismay after receiving what appeared to be a fake iPhone 15 from Amazon. In his tweet, he pointed out that the seller was listed as Appario and expressed frustration over the lack of a cable in the box, deeming the entire package a disappointment. He also questioned if anyone else had faced a similar issue.

    Waah @amazonIN delivered a Fake iPhone 15. Seller is Appario. Tagged with “Amazon choice” No cable in the box. Total Dabba. Has anyone faced similar issue? pic.twitter.com/QjUqR7dKSU
    — Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) February 23, 2024

    Response From Amazon

    Amazon swiftly responded to Singh’s tweet, acknowledging the error and apologizing for the inconvenience caused. They directed Singh to fill in his details through a provided link, promising to address the issue within 6-12 hours.

    @GabbbarSingh We’re sorry to know that you received an incorrect product in the package. Kindly fill in your details here: https://t.co/QWA4qKz4Be, we’ll get back to you with an update in 6-12 hours time. -Priya
    — Amazon Help (@AmazonHelp) February 23, 2024

    Following Amazon’s instructions, Singh filled out the form and requested a refund for the counterfeit product. Amazon reassured him, thanking him for the confirmation and asking for patience as their Social Media team worked on a resolution.

    Interactions With Amazon Representatives

    In addition to engaging with Amazon’s official response, Singh also interacted with an individual claiming to work at Amazon and offering assistance. While the specifics of this exchange weren’t detailed.

    Thank you for confirming. Please wait for 6-12 hours and our Social Media team will get back to you with a resolution via email. Your patience is appreciated. -Priya
    — Amazon Help (@AmazonHelp) February 23, 2024

    As of now, Singh awaits further communication from Amazon regarding the resolution of the situation. Meanwhile, many users commented on the post and shared their views.

    Take a look at the reactions:

    Priya k chakkar mein back lagi hai meri vo bhi do
    — PRESIDENT (@smacky_03) February 23, 2024

    Priya tum single ho..
    — Jadu (MC Stan Chapri) (@Vayu932253) February 23, 2024

  • Amazon Introduces AI-Powered Rufus To Assist Online Shoppers: Here’s How To Use It |

    By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.

    Accept All Cookies

    Manage Consent Preferences