TechPression

Tag: Amazon

  • Amazon’s ‘No Console Required’ Xbox Bundle

    Amazon’s ‘No Console Required’ Xbox Bundle

    Amazon‘s innovative “No Console Required” Xbox package can potentially transform the gaming industry. This creative package includes a free month of Game Pass Ultimate for new users, a robot white Xbox controller, and a Fire TV Stick 4K Max, allowing gamers to enjoy Xbox without a device.

    Improving gaming experience with Amazon’s Cloud Gaming

    Many gamers want to play high-quality Xbox games without a console. Amazon’s package simplifies and improves gaming by eliminating complex installations and large devices. Cloud gaming provides smooth, high-definition gaming on televisions.

    Read also: Xbox Cloud Gaming Is coming to Amazon TVs

    The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is required for this pairing. Its upgraded Wi-Fi 6 processor offers consistent and quick streaming. This device supports 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+ streaming, making it ideal for gaming. Its compact size makes it highly portable.

    Unlocking the full potential of Xbox Game Pass

    New Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers receive a month free with the bundle. This subscription service provides a variety of popular and exciting games. Xbox Live Gold is also included, which allows for online multiplayer games.

    Users enjoy the collection’s reduced latency and high-quality streaming. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max’s improved Wi-Fi provides a steady connection for uninterrupted games. Consumers must have a dependable high-speed internet connection to utilize this service properly.

    Xbox enthusiasts may find the $78.99 package more affordable than the $300 Xbox Series S or $500 Xbox Series X. This makes it desirable to gamers looking to save money while maintaining quality.

    The hardware combo is reasonably priced, but the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership continues. It may add up, costing $20 per month or $240 per year. Many buyers may find the vast game collection and additional features worth the expense.

    Unleash your gaming potential with Amazon’s Console-Less Xbox package

    Casual gamers: The combo would be ideal for recreational gamers looking for high-quality gaming without needing a console. It’s also ideal for casual gamers because of its low cost and ease of usage.

    Read also: Amazon to invest $230m in AWS credits to AI startups

    Cost-conscious gamers: The package is less expensive for players on a tight budget than purchasing a system and individual titles. The subscription model allows customers to access various things without hefty upfront costs.

    Techies that enjoy trying new things may appreciate this bundle’s unique approach. It demonstrates how cloud technology will impact computing in the future.

    Cloud gaming is expanding in the ever-changing gaming industry. Amazon’s “No Console Required” package and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate represent a shift towards streaming-based gaming.

    Amazon’s “No Console Required” Xbox package adds a new and convenient element to Xbox gameplay. It is inexpensive and portable, but purchasers should examine the benefits and drawbacks before purchasing. This bundle, along with others, will significantly impact gaming as the industry evolves.

  • Amazon Examines Allegations Against Perplexity AI for Content Scraping

    Amazon Examines Allegations Against Perplexity AI for Content Scraping

    The digital platform popular for its e-commerce and cloud services, Amazon, has started looking at claims made by artificial intelligence firm Perplexity AI.

    The charges centre on allegations that Perplexity has been stealing material from well-known news sources without appropriate permission.

    The controversy came to light after WIRED’s article pointed fingers at Perplexity earlier this month. Relying on Amazon Web Services (AWS) servers, the firm reportedly breached terms of service by crawling websites that were forbidden from such actions.

    Read also: Amazon to invest $230m in AWS credits to AI startups

    Established by a group of machine learning specialists, perplexity artificial intelligence (AI) has positioned itself as a fresh actor in the AI scene. Businesses looking for data-driven solutions find it appealing as its algorithms examine enormous volumes of data to get insightful analysis. However, further claims cloud the company’s standing.

    WIRED’s research indicates that Perplexity’s web crawlers have been methodically copying material from news sites, even ones prohibiting such behaviour. Articles and blog entries to photographs and videos make up the scraped content. Critics contend that this compromises journalistic integrity and content development in addition to violating the terms of service of these websites.

    Response of Perplexity

    In response to the claims, Perplexity AI sent a statement attesting to no misconduct. The firm insists its offerings follow AWS policies and do not participate in illegal scraping. Their case revolves around the differences between “scrape” and “crawl.” While scraping goes beyond that by obtaining stuff without authorisation, crawling entails indexing publically accessible information.

    The CEO of Perplexity, Dr. Emily Chen, stressed that their systems respect robots.txt files and website policies. She said, “We give data ethics much thought. We aim to improve knowledge and understanding, not to violate intellectual property rights.

    Read also: Amazon to Invest $230 Million to Back 80 Startups in Early Stages

    AWS’s Part

    A significant participant in the cloud computing sector, AWS, is vital in this debate. The dependence of complexity on AWS servers raises issues about the accountability of cloud service providers. Although AWS offers policies and best practices, enforcing compliance among every user takes time and effort. Critics contend that AWS should be more aggressive in stopping illegal scraping.

    The Perplexity instance brings more general problems in the IT and artificial intelligence sectors. Ethical issues assume first importance as artificial intelligence systems become more complex. It’s challenging to balance appropriate data use with creativity. Startups like Perplexity must gently negotiate this terrain to maintain credibility and trust.

    Amazon’s research is in its way right now. The result may have far-reaching effects for AWS, Perplexity AI, and the larger artificial intelligence scene. Stakeholders are intently observing how technology firms handle content scraping and data ethics as the discussion progresses.

  • Xbox Cloud Gaming Is coming to Amazon TVs 

    Xbox Cloud Gaming Is coming to Amazon TVs 

    Microsoft and Amazon have partnered, and some Fire TV players can play Xbox Cloud Games. That’s right, people—you won’t need a fancy device or a powerful PC to kill dragons or race virtual Ferraris. You can play cloud-based games with a good internet link and a reliable Fire TV remote.

    This agreement is a big step towards making games easier for more people to get than ever before. Let’s get down to the specifics of this exciting event.

    Read also: Amazon to invest $230m in AWS credits to AI startups

    Fire TV gets Xbox Cloud Gaming

    The official news says that starting in July 2024, Xbox Cloud Gaming will be offered on some Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max devices. You can watch a vast library of Xbox games straight to your TV, so you won’t have to download them or buy pricey hardware upgrades.

    Of course, there’s always a catch; there is always one, right? You must subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to get to this cloud gaming paradise. You can play hundreds of games with this service, including brand-new games from Xbox Game Studios and the ability to play with other people online.

    Bring your old Bluetooth controllers or buy new ones because I promise you’ll need them. Now, get ready to embark on a world of epic adventures.

    If you like cloud gaming, Microsoft and Amazon are a great pair.

    Microsoft and Amazon are working together, which is good for both. Microsoft makes Xbox Cloud Gaming available to more people, which could bring in new Game Pass users. Amazon also improves its Fire TV devices’ entertainment value, making them even more appealing to people who want to cut the cord and casual players.

    Read also: Amazon to Invest $230 Million to Back 80 Startups in Early Stages

    Remember that this isn’t Xbox Cloud Gaming’s first time in court. Mobile phones, PCs, and even Samsung smart TVs have already been able to use the service successfully. However, Microsoft’s goal to make Xbox Cloud Gaming a common feature in living rooms has taken a big step forward with this relationship with Amazon.

    The fact that the Xbox Cloud game is now available on Fire TV devices is another change in the game world. Cloud gaming is getting better and better very quickly, making it harder to tell the difference between traditional consoles and lighter streaming options. This means that more people can enjoy the fun of games, no matter how much money they have or how much they know about technology.

    This relationship between Microsoft and Amazon is excellent news for all gamers, whether they’re seasoned pros or just starting and want to explore virtual worlds. Prepare to be amazed by the magic of Xbox Cloud Gaming on your trusty Fire TV when the official launch comes around in July. 

  • Amazon to invest $230m in AWS credits to AI startups

    Amazon to invest $230m in AWS credits to AI startups

    Amazon has taken a significant step by announcing a $230 million investment in the form of Amazon Web Service (AWS) credits in artificial intelligence startups.

    This highlights cloud providers’ continual efforts to acquire and retain AI clients from the start. If they establish their ventures on AWS, the allocated credits will give early-stage generative AI startups free access to processing capacity, various AI models, and critical infrastructure.

    Amazon already gives businesses $1 billion in cloud credits, but the strategic initiative places a greater focus on generative AI.

    Matt Wood, vice president of Artificial Intelligence Products at AWS, stated that for more than 18 years, AWS has helped more startups build, launch, and scale their business than any other cloud provider.

    Read also: Amazon to Invest $230 Million to Back 80 Startups in Early Stages

    It’s no coincidence that 96% of all AI/ML unicorns run on AWS. He added that this new effort will help startups launch and scale world-class businesses, providing the building blocks to unleash new AI applications that will impact all facets of how the world learns, connects, and does business.

    Startups can access AWS credits to access compute, storage, database technologies, AWS Trainium, AWS Inferential 2, energy-efficient AI chips, Amazon SageMaker, and models for building generative AI applications through Amazon Bedrock.

    AWS keep boosting AI Startups

    Top early-stage companies employing generative AI to address complex problems in various industries, including financial services, healthcare and life sciences, media and entertainment, business, and climate change, are identified by the AWS Generative AI Accelerator.

    Attendees will have access to sessions on go-to-market strategies, stack optimisation, and ML performance enhancement.

    Participants in the 10-week programme will be paired with technical and business mentors according to their industry vertical. AWS credits worth up to $1 million will be given to startups to assist with developing, testing, training, and introducing their generative AI solutions.

    In addition, NVIDIA, the program’s presenting partner, will provide them with access to industry experts, technology, and technical sessions. They will also receive an invitation to join the NVIDIA Inception programme, which is intended to support innovative entrepreneurs.

    AWS will announce selected startups for the second cohort on September 10, kick off the AI Startups program on October 1, and invite 80 participating startups to re: Invent 2024 in December.

    Leonardo and Vevo Therapeutics’ AI Revolution on AWS

    The co-founder and COO (Chief Operating Officer) of Leonardo, Jachin Bhasme, declared that AWS has been instrumental in enabling them to scale their generative AI platform to meet the rapidly growing demand from the global user community.

    Read also: Unleashing AI in SAP Cloud ERP with AWS

    Their robust generative AI infrastructure helped them reduce inferencing costs by 60% and accelerate their language model inference speeds by up to 35%. AI is a powerful suite of generative AI tools for creators and one of the 21 startups participating in the program’s first cohort.

    Jachin added that the accelerator was also an incredible experience for them. The business and technical mentorship they received and the connections they made played a crucial role in shaping their product and strategy.

    Vevo Therapeutics, an AI-driven biotechnology startup, has partnered with AWS to develop the next generation of AI models for drug discovery. The partnership enables Vevo to tap into AWS’s infrastructure and expertise in scaling model training and development.

    For additional information about the AWS Generative AI Accelerator application process and the opportunities available to generative AI firms, apply here.

  • Amazon to Invest $230 Million to Back 80 Startups in Early Stages

    Amazon to Invest $230 Million to Back 80 Startups in Early Stages

    To help AI startups in their early stages, Amazon has announced a capital investment of $230 million in the form of Amazon Web Services (AWS) loans. 

    Eighty startups worldwide will be part of the programme, which aims to support the development of innovative AI technologies by offering free hardware and prototypes. Each startup will have the chance to receive up to $1 million in funding from AWS.

    With this substantial grant, Amazon is dedicated to supporting the AI industry’s future leaders and giving them the tools they need to bring their innovative ideas to life.

    Read also: How Amazon supports South Africa’s economy

    Key Benefits of Joining the AWS Generative AI Accelerator for Startups

    Startups participating in the AWS Generative AI Accelerator programme will have access to all of Amazon’s artificial intelligence resources. Developers and data scientists can build, train, and deploy machine learning models with the help of Amazon SageMaker, a managed service.

    Participants will also gain access to AWS’s robust computing infrastructure, which is necessary for running complicated AI algorithms and handling massive datasets.

    By purchasing AWS credits, investors are showing their faith in these startups’ potential to spearhead technological advancement and provide a financial boost. Amazon allows these new businesses to experiment freely and develop new products by lowering the barrier of expensive computing.

    The AWS Generative AI Accelerator program also offers more than just financial support. Additionally, startups can receive guidance from seasoned businesspeople, connect with talent traders, and gain exposure to Amazon’s clientele. This bundle aims to help those startups expand and integrate into the larger tech ecosystem.

    How can AI research be made more accessible?

    A new generation of marketers is about to emerge and change the face of technology, and this move is a calculated move towards making AI better for everyone. Amazon is eager to test the limits of what AI can achieve since the application strongly emphasises generative AI, which is concerned with creating new content and answers.

    Read also: Unleashing AI in SAP Cloud ERP with AWS

    Around the world, tech enthusiasts eagerly await the innovative solutions these 80 startups, supported by the AWS Generative AI Accelerator application, will bring to the table. From climate change to healthcare inequalities, these solutions can handle some of the most pressing problems we face today.

    The AWS Generative AI Accelerator application is more than funding; it’s a catalyst for exchange. It represents a future wherein AI can beautify human competencies and creativity, leading to an extra prosperous and interconnected world. Amazon’s commitment to this vision is clear, and its impact on the AI startup ecosystem can be watched with the brilliant hobby.

    The fact that AI has the potential to revolutionise many industries is, in a nutshell, proven by Amazon’s investment in AI startups using AWS credit. Helping out early-stage groups in this rapidly evolving field is a win-win for Amazon as it advances its success and technology. As these startups grow and develop their AI-pushed improvements, they will undoubtedly play a crucial position in shaping our digital future.

  • Orange MEA and Amazon launch cloud tech across North and West Africa

    Orange MEA and Amazon launch cloud tech across North and West Africa

    Amazon Web Services (AWS) and multi-service provider Orange Middle East & Africa (OMEA) have announced plans to introduce AWS Wavelength, a new AWS infrastructure type intended to run workloads that require edge resiliency or low latency, to Morocco and Senegal later this year.

    According to OMEA, this will allow startups, large corporations, and government agencies to create low-latency apps, use AWS services for digital transformation, and securely process and store data locally.

    These innovative initiatives are described as the first AWS Wavelength Zones (Zones in the carrier location where the Wavelength infrastructure is deployed) directly accessible, both through wireless and wireline (internet) connections. They allow any customer to deploy and run applications locally on AWS compute storage located in Orange data centres.

    Read also: How Amazon supports South Africa’s economy

    Fast and Secure App With AWS Wavelength Zone

    Wavelength Zones by AWS enable developers to serve low-latency applications in high-trust industries like telecoms, finance, public sector, and healthcare. These zones provide local access to AWS services while maintaining seamless connections to applications and cloud services in an AWS Region. This unified cloud experience ensures robust security features for applications and data.

    AWS Wavelength Zones extend local AWS services, reducing latency and improving performance. This makes them ideal for real-time processing applications like video streaming, online gaming, and IoT devices. They offer cloud computing benefits with local infrastructure reliability, ensuring seamless connection to other applications.

    Orange Boost Cloud Adoption in Africa with Wavelength Zones

    Orange, an AWS Advanced Tier Services Partner, promises to encourage cloud adoption in Africa by utilising the current AWS Regions and the new local infrastructure capabilities. Orange will also operate some of its IT workloads domestically as an anchor client for the AWS Wavelength Zones, contributing to its faster digital transformation.

    Historically, nations with AWS Regions have also had AWS Wavelength Zones. To serve clients in these developing regions, today’s announcement presents what is referred to as an updated and new AWS Wavelength Zone, which offers the advantage of extending AWS services into nations without an AWS Local Zone or Region.

    Orange’s AWS Wavelength Zones allow customers to deploy applications with low latency and granular data residency controls, addressing stringent requirements.

    This system strengthens local digital businesses and startups by encouraging innovation and simplifying access to cloud services and development tools.

    Read also: Orange, d.light team up for off grid Solar Energy in Africa

    Orange MEA |Amazon Web Services

    Orange MEA (Middle East and Africa) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate digital transformation across the region. This collaboration focuses on enhancing cloud computing capabilities, improving connectivity, and fostering innovation in various healthcare, education, and agriculture sectors.

    By leveraging AWS’s robust cloud infrastructure and Orange MEA’s extensive network and regional expertise, the partnership seeks to provide businesses and governments with advanced technological solutions, driving economic growth and improving access to digital services in underserved areas across the Middle East and Africa.

  • How Amazon supports South Africa’s economy

    How Amazon supports South Africa’s economy

    Amazon has set its sights on South Africa, not merely as a market to conquer but as a platform to elevate local businesses and support the country’s economy.

    The launch of Amazon.co.za represents more than just an e-commerce expansion; it’s a strategic partnership that promises to transform the landscape for entrepreneurs and sellers nationwide.

    Amazon.co.za isn’t just another online store—it’s a gateway for South African brands to reach a global audience. With over 60% of items sold in Amazon’s global stores coming from independent sellers, the platform offers unparalleled exposure. From handmade crafts to innovative tech gadgets, local entrepreneurs have a direct line to millions of potential customers.

    Read also: Amazon plans to increase sites using its cashier-less technology

    The Nomakade Story

    One such success story is Nomakade, a local business specialising in organic hair care products. Founded by Noma Diko, Nomakade’s mission is to inspire self-confidence and celebrate the “Naturally Flexible Elegance” of African hair. For years, word-of-mouth fueled their growth, but with Amazon.co.za, they’re poised to make an even more significant impact.

    Diko shares her excitement: “Our uniquely formulated products are designed for oily African hair. Now, thanks to Amazon, we can reach more South Africans who deserve quality hair care.”

    Amazon Changing Lives

    Beyond commerce, Amazon.co.za has partnered with goGOGOgo, a South African non-profit organisation. Their collaboration allows customers to choose handmade gift bags for eligible products. These bags, crafted from recycled plastic by grandmothers (locally known as GOGOs), directly support local businesses. With over four million children raised in South Africa by GOGOs, this initiative improves life outcomes for these families.

    Jane Simmonds, founder of goGOGOgo, expresses gratitude: “Through this partnership, Amazon recognises the vital role GOGOs play within their families and communities. It’s about more than just commerce; it’s about empowerment.”

    Unlocking Opportunities for Small Enterprises

    Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Minister of Small Business Development of South Africa, emphasises the significance of Amazon’s presence. “Our small business enterprises are the heartbeat of our economy,” she states. “We welcome companies like Amazon that provide opportunities for local sellers and entrepreneurs. This creates jobs and addresses historical inequalities.”

    Read also: Amazon One: transforming payments and identity with palm recognition

    Amazon.co.za offers independent sellers easy onboarding tools, payment solutions, and promotional features. Reports and analytics help sellers refine their strategies, ensuring sustainable growth.

    As Amazon.co.za takes its first steps, Robert Koen, managing director of Sub-Saharan Africa at Amazon, looks ahead. “Today is only the start,” he says. “We will continue to enhance our shopping experience, serving customers and sellers across South Africa.”

    Indeed, this launch isn’t just about transactions; it’s about transformation. By empowering local businesses, Amazon.co.za catalyses economic growth, job creation, and community resilience. South Africa’s entrepreneurial heartbeat is stronger than ever, and it beats in harmony with the global marketplace.

  • Amazon plans to increase sites using its cashier-less technology

    Amazon plans to increase sites using its cashier-less technology

    The number of third-party sites where Amazon’s cashierless shopping technology is accessible this year will increase, the company announced.

    The online retailer claims that Amazon will more than double the number of places employing the system this year from the current number of about one hundred and forty.

    Amazon has become an internet-based business enterprise that primarily provides e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence (AI) services.

    Read also: Amazon One: transforming payments and identity with palm recognition

    “Smart” shopping carts, according to Amazon, will be the foundation of “Just Walk Out,” recording customers’ purchases, charging them as they leave the store, and providing a digital receipt.

    Amazon devotes many resources to proactively removing fake reviews before customers see them, including machine learning models and human investigators.

    Amazon is more than tripling the number of independent retailers utilising its Just Walk Out cashier-less technology. Thanks to technology, customers may pay with an app and leave the store without going to the cashier. At the moment, 140 stores are utilising the technology.

    Amazon “Just Walk Out” Without Cashier

    With “Just Walk Out” technology, consumers can browse a store’s product without using a self-checkout kiosk or a traditional cashier.

    Instead, buyers take what they want and head out of the store, with the price promptly taken out of their Amazon account. 

    Customers’ purchases are appropriately charged by the system using machine learning methods enabled by cameras and sensors that monitor what they take from the shelves.

    Amazon is planning to roll out its “Just Walk Out” technology from its Fresh grocery stores while also expanding it to other stores, such as Local News stores at airports and sports stadiums.

    Read also: Telkom, Amazon partner to bring Prime Video to South Africa

    About Amazon

    Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer, smart speaker provider, cloud computing service through AWS, live-streaming service through Twitch, and Internet company as measured by revenue and market share.

    Several factors, including market conditions, company performance, and investor opinion, can cause Amazon’s value or worth to fluctuate. Usually, with a market value of hundreds of billions of dollars, Amazon is among the most valuable firms in the world, as of my last update.

    Amazon is, nonetheless, the world’s largest and most competitive marketplace. The US Amazon market is the biggest and most famous. On January 25, 2024, it generated 69.3% of Amazon’s revenue and roughly three billion monthly website visitors.

  • Telkom, Amazon partner to bring Prime Video to South Africa

    Telkom, Amazon partner to bring Prime Video to South Africa

    Telkom and Amazon Collaboration: Enhancing Entertainment Landscape in South AfricaTelkom’s recent partnership with global tech giant Amazon has revolutionised the entertainment landscape in South Africa, offering customers an array of exciting options through Prime Video and Prime Video Mobile Edition.

    This collaboration not only enriches the content choices available to Telkom users but also prioritises affordability and accessibility, catering to diverse viewing preferences across the country.

    Read also:  Amazon To Expand to Nigeria and South Africa by 2023

    Expanding Entertainment Horizons

    The collaboration between Telkom and Amazon marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s entertainment industry. Telkom, a leading telecommunications provider known for its innovative solutions, has joined forces with Amazon, a global leader in digital streaming services, to bring Prime Video to South African customers. This move opens up a world of possibilities for subscribers, who now have access to Prime Video’s extensive library of movies, TV shows, and exclusive content. Prime Video’s arrival in South Africa through Telkom introduces users to various entertainment options, catering to various tastes and interests. From blockbuster movies to critically acclaimed TV series and Amazon Originals, subscribers can explore a wealth of content across genres. This not only enhances the entertainment experience but also reflects Telkom’s commitment to offering premium services that resonate with modern consumer preferences.

    Affordability and Accessibility at the Forefront

    One of the critical advantages of Telkom’s collaboration with Amazon is the introduction of Prime Video Mobile Edition, designed to make premium content more accessible and affordable for users. Recognising the growing trend of mobile streaming, Telkom ensures that customers can enjoy Prime Video seamlessly on their smartphones anytime and anywhere. Prime Video Mobile Edition caters to users who prefer watching content on their mobile devices. This tailored offering aligns with consumers’ evolving viewing habits, especially in an era where mobile screens have become primary platforms for entertainment consumption. By providing a cost-effective mobile streaming solution, Telkom addresses the needs of many customers, including those looking for budget-friendly yet high-quality entertainment options.

    Telkom’s partnership with Amazon goes beyond content availability; it aims to enhance customer experience. Subscribers can enjoy the convenience of accessing Prime Video directly through their Telkom accounts, streamlining the viewing process and eliminating unnecessary steps. This seamless integration reflects Telkom’s dedication to simplifying digital experiences for its users, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey from content discovery to playback. Moreover, the collaboration opens doors to exclusive benefits and promotions for Telkom customers. Special offers, discounts, and bundled packages may be part of the strategic alliance, adding value to subscribers’ entertainment subscriptions. Such initiatives not only incentivise existing users but also attract new audiences, strengthening Telkom’s position as a preferred choice for entertainment and telecommunications services in South Africa.

    Read Also: Examining Showmax, Netflix, Prime video in 2024

    Empowering Digital Transformation

    Telkom’s partnership with Amazon exemplifies a broader digital transformation trend in telecommunications and entertainment. By leveraging the strengths of both companies, Telkom expands its service offerings beyond traditional telecom solutions, embracing the convergence of digital platforms and content streaming. This not only enhances customer retention but also attracts tech-savvy audiences seeking comprehensive digital ecosystems. Furthermore, the collaboration reinforces South Africa’s position in the global digital market, showcasing the country’s readiness to adopt and innovate in the digital entertainment space. As more users embrace streaming services and digital platforms, partnerships like Telkom’s collaboration with Amazon set new standards for accessibility, affordability, and quality in the digital entertainment landscape.

    Telkom’s collaboration with Amazon to bring Prime Video and Prime Video Mobile Edition to South African customers signifies a transformative step towards enriching entertainment options and ensuring affordability and accessibility in the digital streaming space. This strategic alliance not only expands content libraries but also strengthens customer engagement, reflecting a shared commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions and unparalleled experiences in the digital era.

  • Amazon One: transforming payments and identity with palm recognition

    Amazon One: transforming payments and identity with palm recognition

    Amazon One is a contactless identity service that utilises palm recognition technology. Launched in 2020, it allows users to make payments, enter secure locations, and identify themselves with a simple hand wave. This new technology aims to streamline everyday interactions by offering a faster and more hygienic alternative to traditional methods like swiping cards or entering PINs.

    The power of your palm print

    Unlike facial recognition, which has faced privacy concerns, Amazon One focuses on the unique characteristics of your palm. Your palm’s intricate network of lines, creases, and patterns acts as a personal identifier. When you sign up for Amazon One, the system captures a high-resolution image of your palm using a particular device. This image is then converted into a “palm signature,” a unique identifier stored securely in the cloud.

    Read also: Amazon plans €1 billion Investments on electric vehicle fleet

    Convenience at your fingertips (Well, Palm)

    The Amazon One app, recently launched in March 2024, has made signing up for the service even more accessible. You can now create your profile from the comfort of your home. Download the app, photograph your palm, and link a payment method. Once enrolled, you can use Amazon One at hundreds of locations across the US, including:

    Where can you use Amazon One?

    The convenience of Amazon One is more comprehensive than just a few places. Amazon is expanding its reach, making palm recognition a viable option for everyday interactions.

    Grocery shopping is made easy with over 500 Whole Foods Market locations across the US now accepting Amazon One. This means you can breeze through checkout without fumbling for cards or cash. Wave your hand over the designated reader and be on your way.

    Head to an Amazon store for an even more futuristic shopping experience. These cashierless stores are designed for ultimate grab-and-go convenience. With Amazon One, you can pay for your groceries with a wave, eliminating needing to scan or bag your items.

    Additionally, Amazon One’s reach extends beyond grocery stores. Third-party locations are increasingly adopting this technology. You might encounter Amazon One at stadiums for faster entry, at airports for a smoother security check-in process, or even at your local fitness centre. The possibility of using Amazon One in various aspects of daily life is steadily growing.

    Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of Amazon One:

    Convenience, hygiene, and more.

    Amazon One offers a compelling package of benefits that cater to the modern world. Firstly, it shines in terms of speed and convenience. Transactions happen significantly faster than traditional methods like swiping cards or entering PINs, which can be a game-changer for busy individuals or locations with high foot traffic.

    Secondly, Amazon One thrives in a post-pandemic world. With the heightened awareness of hygiene, contactless interaction is a significant perk. Waving your hand eliminates the need to touch potentially germy surfaces, promoting a cleaner and safer experience.

    Amazon also prioritizes security. They assure users that their palm signatures are stored securely in the cloud and never on the device itself, alleviating concerns about data breaches on individual devices.

    Finally, Amazon One boasts versatility beyond just payments. The system can be used to enter secure areas, streamlining access control. Additionally, age verification becomes a breeze with a simple palm scan, benefiting age-gated businesses like bars and clubs.

    Addressing concerns with Amazon One

    While Amazon One offers convenience for payments and identification, it’s not without its drawbacks. One primary concern lies in the realm of privacy. Some users express discomfort with the idea of a highly unique biometric identifier like their palm print being stored by a large corporation like Amazon. Even with assurances about secure storage in the cloud, some users may be hesitant to entrust such sensitive data.

    Read also: Amazon Web Services launches HealthScribe with AI 

    Another hurdle for widespread adoption is limited availability. While Amazon One is expanding to more locations across the US, it still needs to be universally accepted. This can be frustrating for users who might be enthusiastic about the technology but need help using it at many stores or venues they frequent.

    Lastly, as with any new technology, technical glitches are a possibility. While Amazon likely has measures to minimize disruptions, a malfunctioning scanner or software issue could always disrupt the service, and this could be inconvenient for users who rely on Amazon One for everyday transactions or secure access.

    The future of palm recognition

    Amazon One represents a step forward in contactless identity verification. While privacy concerns exist, Amazon emphasises robust security measures. The convenience and speed offered by Amazon One are undeniable, and its increasing adoption across various locations suggests potential for broader acceptance in the future. Whether palm recognition becomes the dominant contactless interaction remains to be seen, but Amazon One is making waves in the world of payments and identification.