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At 25, eBay is a reminder of a bygone internet
eBay celebrates its quarter-century anniversary this week.
Amazon's Prime Air can officially begin drone delivery trials in the US
Amazon is one step closer to offering commercial drone deliveries.
Apple is opening its first 'floating' store in Singapore
Apple has hundreds of physical stores dotted around the world, serving as stores, repair centers and community hubs where people can learn to be more creative. Until now, though, none of these glistening Apple meccas have been built on water. As The Straits Times reports, the company has confirmed plans to open a dome-shaped store near the Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore.
Oral-B's absurd $200 AI toothbrush is finally available
Oral-B's AI-powered iO toothbrush is finally available. It'll cost you $200.
Amazon may turn dying JC Penney and Sears stores into warehouses
Amazon is reportedly in talks to convert department stores in malls to fulfillment centers for its online shopping business.
Microsoft is permanently closing all of its retail stores
The decision to close its retail stores comes in the same week that Microsoft shared plans to shut down its Mixer streaming service.
Sonos will lay off 12 percent of its workforce due to COVID-19
Sonos plans to eliminate 12 percent of its global headcount due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Apple launches its in-store trade-in program for Macs
You can now trade in your old Mac at the Apple Store rather than through the mail.
Walmart tests a cashierless store to prevent coronavirus spread
A Walmart store is going all-in on self-checkout in hopes of reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Postmates makes curbside pickup easier for stores
Postmates has added a curbside pickup option that lets more stores safely sell products during the pandemic.
Shopify’s new app helps you buy from local businesses
Shopify's new app, Shop, helps consumers order from local businesses, follow favorite brands and track online orders.
Google lets merchants sell for free in its Shopping tab
Google will make it free for retailers to list products in the Google Shopping tab.
Best Buy, GameStop limit stores to curbside pickup
Two of the better-known tech retailers in the US have temporarily dropped in-store shopping in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of March 22nd, Best Buy and GameStop have limited shoppers to delivery and curbside pickup. At Best Buy, you'll get "enhanced curbside service" where you can not only pick up online orders, but ask store staff to fetch and sell products if you couldn't order them online. Delivery is still an option, although Best Buy has paused in-home installation and repair and will only drop off products at your door. You can still get in-home consultations during this scaled-back period, but you'll be limited to virtual help for now.
GameStop closes California stores despite earlier defiance
GameStop's insistence on staying open during the COVID-19 pandemic might not have accomplished much in at least one state. Kotaku understands that GameStop is closing its stores in California "until further notice" while it waits for more information from California Governor Gavin Newsom. The leader has issued a shelter-in-place order that forbids all non-essential travel, including for businesses that aren't considered crucial.
Apple says its retail stores are closed 'until further notice'
Apple may have been optimistic when it said that its stores would be closed until March 27th. The iPhone maker has posted a message on its site telling visitors that its retail locations are "closed until further notice" as it contends with the coronavirus pandemic. We've asked Apple to say if this is a formal extension of its closures, but it's safe to presume that you shouldn't count on picking up some AirPods at the end of the month.
Amazon's 'Just Walk Out' tech is coming to airport stores in March
That didn't take long. One of the first stores in the US to feature Amazon's Just Walk Out checkout-free technology will open on March 16th, one week after the company announced it was licensing the platform to retailers. You'll find the store, a CIBO Express Gourmet Market, at Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal C, with more locations to follow. When you visit the store, you'll be able to buy food and drinks without interacting with a cashier.
Former Nintendo exec Reggie Fils-Aimé joins GameStop's board
GameStop thinks it has a way to turn around its struggling business: give a video game industry legend a say in the company's future. The retailer has appointed three new people to its board of directors, most notably including former Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé. He'll take his position on April 20th, while the other two (former Walmart US president Bill Simon and PetSmart chief J.K. Symncyk) are taking their board seats immediately.
Amazon's checkout-free tech is heading to other retailers
Checkout-free, cashless supermarkets -- a novelty shopping experience or the future of bricks and mortar retail? According to Amazon -- which turned the concept into a 10,400-square-foot reality -- it's the latter. After announcing its plans to license its automated checkout technology to other retailers, the company has revealed it has "several" signed deals with customers, and has launched a new website inviting inquiries from others interested in the "Just Walk Out" experience.
Apple reportedly warns stores of iPhone replacement shortages
Apple's coronavirus-related iPhone supply shortage might cause problems if you total your handset in the near future. Apple store workers talking to Bloomberg say they've been warned that replacement iPhones will be in low supply for up to two to four weeks. Reps can reportedly mail out replacements and offer loaner iPhones in the meantime, but there's no guarantee you'll walk out of a Genius appointment with a brand new device in hand.
Walmart and Verizon may turn stores into 5G hubs
It might not be long before your 5G phone is helpful during your next shopping trip. Wall Street Journal sources say Walmart and Verizon (Engadget's parent company) are in talks to equip stores with 5G service, starting with a pair of stores this year. The faster wireless data would help Walmart launch digital health services that it only recently started exploring, such as video chats with doctors and real-time medical data. It could also share your medical data with the clinic to auto-register when you arrive at the store and tell staff to restock any products you pick up during your stay.
