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Walmart bought a shipping company for same-day deliveries in NYC
Providing fast and, ideally, free delivery is a feature customers have come to expect from online retailers and it's one that Amazon does quite well. But in its ongoing battle with the retail giant, Walmart has acquired a startup that will allow it to offer same-day delivery in New York City.
Walmart’s online grocery shopping service will now accept EBT
The Amazon and Walmart rivalry continues as the latter announced today that its Online Grocery Pickup option will now be available to those using Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) credits. In June, Amazon reduced its Prime subscription cost for users receiving government assistance through EBT and earlier this year, the US Department of Agriculture cleared a pilot program that allowed Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program enrollees to use their benefits for online grocery services like AmazonFresh.
Twitch Prime brings ad-free streaming to Mexico
Amazon Prime debuted in Mexico earlier this year, and now the subscription service for the retailer's $970 million livestreaming platform is available as well. In case you forgot, Twitch Prime doles out free games, in-game items and other goodies via the platform in addition to offering an ad-free watching experience. It's free for anyone who has an Amazon Prime subscription, and recently started giving away collectibles for Madden '18's Ultimate Team mode.
Now Amazon Prime Video's Android app is available in the Play Store
Amazon's video app has always had odd gaps in its platform support, or weird hurdles to work around like requiring sideloading on Android. In the last few months, those have started to close, with the news that it will be available on Apple TV, and its inclusion on Vizio's SmartCast platform. Now, 9to5Google points out that the Amazon Video app is finally available as a standard app in the Google Play Store -- no more sideloading required.
Amazon's acquistion of Whole Foods will make some groceries cheaper
Amazon announced today that its acquisition of Whole Foods will close on Monday August 28th and the finalized deal will come with a few perks to both the grocery chain's and Amazon's customers.
Amazon is finally killing what’s left of Lovefilm
After starving Blockbuster to death, the streaming age is preparing to mount another head on its wall. Lovefilm By Post -- yes, the subscription movie rental service you forgot about long ago -- has begun notifying the last, loyal holdouts that it's shutting up shop on October 31st. The culprit, of course, is all those newfangled, convenient streaming services that have slowly stripped consumers of their desire to wait for DVDs and Blu-rays to pop through the letterbox.
The best apps and streaming services for students
It's true that most of Engadget's back-to-school guide has comprised, well, gadgets, but as every nerd knows, a piece of hardware is only as good as the software it runs. That's why, to close out our guide, we wanted to highlight some apps and services worth downloading or subscribing to. On the media front, this is as good a time as any to see if you can survive in the adult world as a cord-cutter -- it's not like you're going to have a cable subscription in your dorm room, after all. If your parents are willing to share (or at least foot the bill), we recommend loading up on subscriptions to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and HBO Now -- you'll want different programs from each at some point. If you're a gamer and own a PlayStation, Sony's PS Now service is also worth the extra bucks, while Xbox One owners might want to pony up for EA Access. Music lovers will enjoy either Apple Music or Spotify, but your choice will come down partially to the other devices you own. As for schoolwork (yes, that thing), Google Drive is our favorite cloud-storage service, while Evernote and Bear both rank highly against other note-taking apps. Adobe's Creative Cloud could be worth it (or even necessary), depending on your major. Oh, and if you're worried about the "freshman 15," try MyFitnessPal -- it's a free app many of Engadget's own editors use to keep their calorie intake in check.
Alexa can find ‘baby making’ music on Amazon's streaming services
Amazon announced today that users of its streaming service Prime Music, which is free with a Prime membership, and its subscription-based Amazon Music Unlimited can now ask Alexa to find tunes appropriate for various activities. As of now, over 500 different activity-based requests are supported including music for meditation, partying and even "getting pumped." The new feature is available immediately to users with Alexa-enabled devices.
Amazon adds Alexa voice control to Prime Photos for Fire TV
You don't have to dig for old pictures anymore if you're looking at them using Fire TV. Amazon's Prime Photos app now supports Alexa, which means you can bark voice commands at the app instead. To fire up the app on a television, tell your Fire TV Stick "Show my photos." That's only one of the things it can do, though. It can also show files your specify, such as images you added last year ("Show my photos from last year") or ones compiled in an album ("Show my birthday album").
Amazon removes Blu smartphones over 'security concerns'
Budget Android phone manufacturer Blu Products has been suspended from selling its handsets on Amazon. Citing "security concerns," the online retail giant is removing Blu models from Amazon.com until the company "resolves the issue," reports CNET. The move comes less than a week after security firm Kryptowire revealed Blu's devices were still covertly sending user data to China.
Amazon will become a bona fide film studio this year
Amazon has traditionally stuck to buying and producing films, relying on indie film studios to distribute its flicks to cinemas. However, its next big release will see the retail giant's burgeoning production arm move one step closer to becoming a full-scale film studio. According to Variety, Amazon Studios will solely handle distribution for Woody Allen's Wonder Wheel, which is due out in December. As a result, it will have complete control over how the film is released -- from marketing to film festival screenings to its wider rollout in theatres.
Amazon's discount policy is being investigated by the FTC
Amazon's purchase of Whole Foods requires a wink of blessing from the Federal Trade Commission, but that might not be a done deal. Reuters is reporting that the FTC is taking a particular interest in how Jeff Bezos' online retailer prices, and discounts, its products. According to sources close to the probe, there is a suspicion that the company has offered misleading information to consumers during sale seasons.
Amazon may take on Blue Apron's prepared meal-kit service
Amazon's grocery aspirations go beyond offering a drive-through store, AmazonFresh, Pantry and its recent Whole Foods acquisition. Bezos' shopping juggernaut is looking to get into the boxed meal service a la Blue Apron, according to British publication The Times. Apparently, Amazon has registered a slogan for "We do the prep. You be the chef," and the service will offer "prepared food kits" that are "ready for assembly as a meal" according to the application.
Netflix leads the streaming pack with 18 Emmy nominations
Today, the nominees for the 69th annual Emmy Awards were announced. Netflix was the clear leader out of primarily streaming services, with eighteen total nominations in the major categories.
TV shopping giants QVC and HSN merge to take on Amazon
QVC is combining with its rival Home Shopping Network (HSN) in a deal worth $2.1 billion. The move is the latest indication that TV shopping channels are feeling the strain from online giants, such as Amazon.
Amazon's Echo lets you sign up for Prime just by asking (updated)
As Amazon gears up for next week's annual Prime Day sale, the online shopping behemoth has also opted to lower the barrier of entry for Prime subscriptions. With Prime members previously having to sign up for the service online, Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, Amazon Tap, Fire TV or compatible Fire tablet owners can now opt in for a Prime Membership simply by saying "Alexa, sign me up for Prime". Doing so will not only save users time but also money, netting Echo owners a year's membership for $79 -- $20 less than the usual price.
Target is testing its own Prime Pantry-like delivery service
Target is taking on Amazon's Prime Pantry with its own version called "Restock." The company announced a trial run of its new service today, which it tested with employees earlier this year. Like Prime Pantry, with Restock, customers can fill a box with up to 45 pounds of loot for a flat added fee. But Target is undercutting Amazon by a dollar, pricing their box at just $5. Additionally, Target is offering next-day service with their boxes, whereas Amazon's usually arrive within four business days.
Alcatel's Idol 5S is a bargain if you can stomach Amazon ads
Alcatel's Idol 4S phone was a good value at $350, but its emphasis on virtual reality support (such as a box that doubled as a headset) may have held it back. Unless you're a big VR fan, wouldn't you rather spend less on a no-frills device? You're getting that opportunity soon. Amazon is including Alcatel's new Idol 5S in its latest wave of Prime Exclusive phones, and it's clear that you're getting a solid deal. If you're an Amazon Prime subscriber, the unlocked handset will ship on July 10th for $200 -- you'll have to put up with Amazon's offers and ads, but that's a low price for what looks to be a well-rounded device. It's also available in a standard $280 version if you'd rather not turn your phone into a tiny billboard.
Amazon is the latest to offer clothes-by-mail to try on at home
Amazon just announced its latest service -- Prime Wardrobe. Adding to its growing list of fashion-focused offerings, the service makes shopping for clothes online a commitment-free experience, one of the few advantages brick-and-mortar stores still had on online retailers.
Amazon offers cash back for keeping your gift card topped up
Amazon knows how to keep you topping up your gift card balance: offer a little money in return. It's introducing a Prime Reload perk that gives American shoppers 2 percent cash back whenever they reload their balance using a debit card. That's not a huge amount, but it could add up if you're a frequent Amazon shopper (rather likely if you pay for Prime). It's certainly your best option if you don't like the idea of signing up for a Prime Rewards Visa card just to get a return on your purchases.