Amazon

As the temperature drops, Google’s fourth‑generation Nest Learning Thermostat is now available for $219.99—$60 off its regular price—through Amazon, Best Buy and Home Depot. The device builds on the company’s flagship smart thermostat by adding a remote temperature sensor, an adaptive display that reveals weather and indoor air quality, and Matter compatibility that expands HVAC and ventilation options. It learns users’ heating and cooling habits, automatically creates schedules, and can suggest energy‑saving adjustments while keeping comfort. The thermostat also operates without a C‑wire in most homes, reducing installation complexity. The discount arrives just in time for sweater weather, offering homeowners a cost‑effective way to lower energy bills while maintaining climate control.

Apple’s $299 HomeView and Amazon’s $499.99 Echo Show 16 arrive as a ground‑up rebuild of the smart‑display line, addressing the shortcomings that plagued the category for years. Three years ago, the market was dominated by underpowered gadgets that tried to do too much and did too little well. The new devices check nearly every box on the list of improvements that critics and consumers had demanded. With a full‑size touchscreen, improved processing power, and a more robust ecosystem, they promise to function as true family computers, offering a single hub for media, communication, and smart‑home control. Early hands‑on impressions suggest that the HomeView and Echo Show 16 deliver on performance, usability, and design, potentially redefining what a smart display can be.

In Suriname's Amazon, the Wayana community faces numerous challenges as gold miners and traders, including Brazilians and Chinese, clear the forest in search of gold. These operations, often beyond law enforcement reach, lead to violent crimes, health issues from mercury use, and dwindling wildlife populations. The Indigenous Wayana communities, lacking official land titles, rely on delicate relationships with miners and traders to maintain access to the capital, Paramaribo. The only airstrip in the area, located in a Wayana village, gives the community leverage in negotiations. Residents emphasize the importance of maintaining good relations with miners and traders to facilitate travel to the city.

Amazon has broadened the scope of its Alexa for Shopping AI assistant, adding the ability to create, edit, and move items between shopping lists and gift registries. Users can now say, “Create a new shopping list” or “Show me what’s left on my wedding registry,” and the assistant will perform the requested action directly within the Amazon app or website. The feature sits beside the search bar and builds on earlier functions such as price alerts, item comparison, and auto‑completion. Launched in May, Alexa for Shopping has steadily grown, while Amazon has declined to allow competing AI shopping agents from Meta and Perplexity to operate on its platform. The update signals Amazon’s intent to keep the shopping experience tightly integrated with its own AI ecosystem.

Apple's second-generation AirTag is now available at its cheapest price ever, starting at $23 at Amazon and Walmart. This Bluetooth tracker uses Apple's ultra-wideband chip to enable Precision Finding, guiding users to an object's exact location with on-screen arrows, vibrations, and sounds. The device can also be shared with up to five other people and temporarily shared with participating airlines, such as United and Delta, to help track down lost luggage. Additionally, the AirTag runs on a replaceable CR2032 battery designed to last over a year, eliminating the need for frequent charging. With its improved performance and convenient features, the AirTag is the best Bluetooth tracker for iPhone users.

Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng Index opened higher, gaining 63 points to 23,156, while the tech index rose 16 points to 3,888 and the China enterprises index climbed 21 points to 7,777. Asian markets overall slipped, with Shanghai Composite down 19 points to 3,671, Shenzhen Component falling 113 points to 11,560, and ChiNext dropping 38 points to 2,645. Tokyo’s Nikkei opened 243 points lower at 62,449, and Seoul’s Kospi fell 51 points to 5,499. AI‑linked firms face scrutiny as investors question the sustainability of the massive investment boom, with rising interest rates and bond yields raising doubts about corporate finances. This week’s earnings cycle will feature Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, SK hynix, Samsung, Tesla and Meta, while policy decisions from the U. S. Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of Japan loom.

Residents of the Indigenous Mura people in Brazil's Amazonas state claim that the construction of an access road for a potash mining project has caused at least two sacred springs to dry up. The project, backed by Canadian investors, has been plagued by controversy over the past decade. According to Mura traditional cosmology, all springs and water sources have a guardian or owner who must be treated with respect. The loss of a spring is believed to disrupt the spiritual balance that sustains life in the territory. The company behind the project has also begun clearing the area where it intends to build, further alarming residents. The Mura people are concerned that they may be losing their territory, culture, and the life that exists in the place.

Anthropic is moving forward with plans to list on the Nasdaq, a step that will bring the AI startup into the public market. The company has secured billions in investment from Amazon and Google, two of the industry’s largest tech firms. These funds will be directed toward expanding Anthropic’s AI infrastructure and advancing its safety research initiatives. In addition, Anthropic has outlined a strategy to enter into significant financial agreements with six strategic partners over the next decade, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration with major technology players. The IPO will provide the capital necessary for these expansion plans and position Anthropic as a key competitor in the AI sector.

For the second consecutive year, the top-rated lawnmowers on Amazon are electric, signaling a shift away from gas-powered models. According to Amazon reviews, consumers are increasingly favoring quieter, more efficient electric mowers. The trend suggests a growing demand for eco-friendly and low-maintenance alternatives to traditional gas-powered equipment. Electric mowers have been gaining popularity in recent years, and this year's Amazon rankings reinforce their appeal to consumers. The shift may be attributed to advancements in electric technology and changing consumer preferences. As a result, manufacturers are likely to invest in electric mower development, potentially leading to further innovation and market growth.

On Wednesday, Dan Lorenc, CEO of cybersecurity firm Chainguard, broke a coordinated‑disclosure embargo by publicly releasing details of a critical PHP flaw that had been discovered with AI tools over months. The premature disclosure left the flaw exposed before a patch was ready, prompting governments in Europe, the U. S. , the U. K. , Australia and Canada to take major websites offline as a precaution. Cloudflare’s CEO Matthew Prince reported that the flaw was being exploited in the wild, with millions of attack attempts recorded in the hours after the announcement. Amazon’s cloud division confirmed widespread exploitation. The incident exposed the fragility of established disclosure protocols and highlighted how AI‑driven vulnerability discovery can accelerate cyber risk on a global scale.

In the southern Peruvian Amazon, Indigenous Harakmbut resident Erick Tijé describes how illegal mining has diverted and polluted the Inambari River, forcing the Arazaire community to purchase drinking water. Five years ago, the river supported abundant fishing and daily life; today it runs murky and scarce. Across the border, Coreguaje elder Lázaro Ibañez blames cattle ranching and climate change for the drying of water sources in the Jácome Indigenous Reserve. Deforestation to create pasture has left little forest cover, accelerating the loss of water and the spirits that guard these sources. Reporters from Mongabay, El Espectador, and El Correo del Caroní, together with scientists from Brazil’s Serrapilheira Institute, analyzed more than two decades of satellite data to document these changes. The study shows that mining and deforestation are reshaping rivers, eroding traditional livelihoods and forcing communities to rely on external water supplies.

A flaw in the core PHP system, the programming language that powers about 70 % of websites, was uncovered in August 2026 by a security researcher using an OpenAI model. The defect, which has existed in PHP’s code for more than a decade, allows attackers to run arbitrary commands on any unpatched server, giving them full control and access to all site data. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed before PHP’s patch was released, and Amazon Web Services reports that hackers have begun exploiting it with the PHP2Shell exploit. Governments, universities, hospitals and businesses that rely on PHP‑based sites are scrambling to apply the new patches. Site owners using popular CMSs such as WordPress must verify that their hosting providers have updated PHP to the latest version to prevent a broad wave of potential breaches.

Apple has added a new badge to the App Store that signals whether an app is optimized for its upcoming foldable iPhone Duo. The “Made for iPhone Duo” label will appear on apps and games that use the device’s dual‑screen layout. Apple illustrated how the badge could help users identify apps that take advantage of the extra screen real estate. For instance, Netflix will show full‑screen content on the inner display while simultaneously offering a feed of short clips on the outer screen. Amazon Prime Video is also set to support the Duo, allowing users to watch shows and movies with the device’s dual screens, though the article stops short of detailing the exact arrangement. The badge aims to guide consumers toward experiences that fully exploit the new hardware.

Delta Air Lines has closed its last coverage gap over the Pacific, thanks to a new satellite that went live last week, and now offers free Wi‑Fi on more than 95% of its fleet. The carrier is upgrading its existing Viasat‑powered network to boost bandwidth and reduce slowdowns, with the switchover slated to finish on North and South American routes by Thanksgiving. While Delta’s rollout marks a milestone, competitors such as United, Alaska and Southwest are already installing Starlink on a growing share of their jets—technology that delivers faster, more reliable in‑flight internet. Delta has also signed up for Amazon’s upcoming service, though it won’t appear until 2028 and remains unproven. For passengers, the move means almost every flight will feature complimentary connectivity, but the speed and quality may still lag behind the Starlink‑equipped rivals.

Following a weekend of widespread looting across France, Digital Affairs Minister Anne Le Hénanff has demanded that major online platforms such as Vinted, eBay, Amazon, Meta, TikTok and the domestic site Leboncoin immediately delete any listings containing stolen items. The minister’s X post called for swift removal and cooperation with authorities to identify and prosecute sellers. A 7 p. m. meeting with platform representatives and a government source confirmed that a specific protocol will be established to coordinate investigators and online sites. Vinted confirmed a zero‑tolerance policy and said it has already removed suspect listings. The French government also ordered partial curfews and announced a special support fund for roughly 3,000 local businesses affected by the unrest.

Amazon announced it will fund a project to install 12 small nuclear reactors at a former coal plant in Indiana. The partnership with X‑Energy aims to bring nearly 1 gigawatt of clean electricity to the U. S. grid. The reactors, which are smaller than traditional nuclear plants, are designed for rapid deployment and lower upfront costs. The project marks a new step for Amazon’s climate strategy, expanding its investment in low‑carbon energy sources beyond renewables. The former coal site will be repurposed to host the reactors, potentially revitalizing the local economy while reducing emissions.

Amazon has signed an agreement with X‑Energy and American Electric Power (AEP) to finance a new nuclear energy facility in Fairbanks, Sullivan County, Indiana. The plant would replace the decommissioned Breed Generating Station and could supply up to 960 megawatts of carbon‑free power to the regional grid and Amazon’s data centers. The project would involve building 12 Xe‑100 small modular reactors, a technology that remains unproven. Amazon estimates the venture could create roughly 1,000 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions, though no construction or operational timeline has been announced. The facility represents a significant shift toward low‑carbon energy for Amazon’s infrastructure.

A joint investigation by Amazonía Traficada, the Pulitzer Center, Mongabay, RAI Bolivia, and Asuntos Centrales has uncovered a massive loss of forest in the Bolivian Amazon. Between 2003 and 2023, 186,500 hectares (460,900 acres) were cleared across 48 Indigenous territories—about three times the size of Madrid. Only 10% of that area was cleared with official authorization from the Bolivian Authority for the Supervision and Social Control of Forests and Land (ABT); the remaining 90%, or 168,670 hectares (416,800 acres), was cleared illegally. The largest single blow came in the Isoso territory, where more than 43,000 hectares (106,000 acres) of Guaraní land were taken for large‑scale soy cultivation. Indigenous leader Rivelino Segundo says the clearing is driven by land invasions and an expanding agricultural frontier, not by the communities themselves.

Researchers have revealed that the Brazilian Amazon remains a major hub for international wildlife trafficking, with thousands of animals seized daily yet little consolidated data to track the trade. The region’s vastness and porous borders, combined with fragmented municipal, state and federal records, make it difficult to obtain a full picture. Conservation intelligence specialist Antônio de Carvalho of WCS Brazil notes that many seizures are not recorded because animals are released on the spot. To address this, WCS Brazil is developing a Global Wildlife Trafficking Observatory that will use artificial intelligence to aggregate information from news sites and academic studies, providing investigators, environmental agents and journalists with a more comprehensive database. The study also highlighted the zebra pleco, a rare ornamental fish from the Xingu River, as a high‑value target.

Amazon has announced a 33 % discount on Nothing’s second‑generation over‑ear headphones, the Headphone A, when purchased with the CD version of Charli XCX’s album *Music, Fashion, Film*. The bundle brings the total price down to $97.52, compared with the $199 retail price of the headphones alone. The Headphone A features physical on‑board controls, an IP52 dust and water‑resistance rating, and more than five days of battery life per charge. Its design is more discreet than earlier models, using an opaque housing instead of the translucent shells that have become a Nothing trademark. The headphones were reviewed favorably in 2026 for sound quality and durability, and the new offer makes them an attractive, budget‑friendly option for music lovers. The deal is available only on Amazon and includes a free copy of the album, providing a unique combination of audio hardware and music content for consumers looking to upgrade their listening experience without breaking the bank.

Amazon operates more robots than any other organization, with over 1 million robots working in warehouses. This growing robotic fleet is expected to expand as new factories are established. Amazon executives claim that robots have eased the burden on human workers by taking on high-risk tasks. However, labor advocacy groups and researchers suggest that warehouse automation may not be entirely beneficial for human workers.

Amazon announced it will no longer use non‑disclosure agreements when negotiating data‑center contracts with local governments, a move that mirrors Microsoft’s earlier decision. The change comes amid growing community opposition to the secrecy surrounding AI infrastructure projects, which has spurred hundreds of moratoriums and regulatory proposals across the United States—from New York to San Francisco. By removing NDAs, Amazon aims to increase transparency and address concerns that confidential negotiations hinder public scrutiny. The company’s shift may influence how other tech firms approach local government deals and could affect the pace of AI‑related infrastructure development.

United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket is close to launching, with a no-earlier-than launch date of October 29 for an Amazon Leo flight. Meanwhile, South Korea's Nuri rocket successfully deployed five satellites for its first domestically launched microsatellite constellation. The Nuri rocket's fifth flight also released nine of its 10 CubeSat secondary payloads as planned, except for PERSAT-02 developed by South Korean startup Quaternion.

After a full year of living with Amazon’s Alexa Plus, a reviewer reports that the upgraded assistant excels at managing household tasks yet struggles to maintain a reliable personal connection. Alexa Plus’s “Memories” feature pulls images from the user’s Alexa Photos albums and pairs them into nostalgic montages that can bring tears to the eye, but the device also abruptly switches to full‑screen ads—such as a recliner—breaking the emotional flow. The reviewer notes that the assistant sometimes behaves as if it does not recognize the user, leading to frustration. While Alexa Plus shows clear improvements in home automation, its inconsistent personal interactions suggest it is not yet ready to run everyday life.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar is available for $359 at Amazon and Best Buy during October Prime Day, a $140 discount from its usual price. This sale offers a convenient upgrade from TV speakers, with native connectivity to other Sonos products and room-filling surround sound. The latest version of the Beam also adds Dolby Atmos support and eARC for shared power and volume controls with the television.

Amazon has removed the ability for Alexa to manage devices connected to the AUX port on its Echo smart speakers. The change was announced via an email sent to users this week, stating that voice commands such as "Alexa, play from line in" or "Alexa, set aux input" will no longer work. An Amazon spokesperson confirmed the decision to Ars Technica. The move means users who previously relied on voice control to switch external audio sources must now use the physical AUX button or other manual methods to manage playback from line‑in devices.

The Nothing Headphone 1, known for their unique translucent design, are now available at a discounted price of $189 on Amazon. This sale represents a significant reduction from their usual price, which can range from $240 to $299. The headphones feature active noise cancellation, spatial audio with head tracking, and plush ear pads, making them a stylish and high-end option for music enthusiasts.

Amazon's Prime Big Deals Days have brought discounted prices on various headphones and earbuds, including popular options like the Nothing Headphone 1, AirPods Pro 3, and Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro. These deals are available to both Prime subscribers and non-subscribers, with some retailers also offering discounts. The Nothing Headphone 1 features a retro transparent design, active noise cancellation, and spatial audio with head tracking, while the AirPods Pro 3 have improved noise cancellation and a new design. The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro offers the best call quality of any earbuds tested, along with features like ANC and a screen on the charging case.

Amazon has agreed to a six‑year agreement to stream the Emmy Awards on Prime Video, beginning with the 2027 ceremony. The deal, valued at roughly $120 million—$20‑$25 million per year—moves the awards from traditional broadcast television to the streaming platform. Despite the shift, viewers worldwide will be able to watch the ceremony at no cost, eliminating the need for a Prime Video subscription. The arrangement reflects Amazon’s strategy to broaden its content library and attract a global audience to its streaming service.

American Express cardholders who earn Membership Rewards points now have a rare chance to slash Amazon orders by up to 50% using just 429 points. The promotion, a targeted offer that varies by account, expands beyond Amazon‑sold items to a wide selection of eligible products. To qualify, link your eligible Amex card to Amazon, check for the offer in your account, activate it, then add items to your cart. Use the minimum points at checkout—typically 429—and pay the balance with your Amex card or an Amazon gift card. The deal is a significant upside compared to the usual low point value for Amazon, but only cardholders receiving the offer can benefit, so prompt action is key.

Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman released a more than 3,000‑word blog today urging local communities to back the construction of new AI data centers. Garman warned that blocking such projects could inflict “irreparable harm” on the U. S. economy and national security, arguing that the country cannot afford to lose its competitive edge in artificial intelligence. He dismissed concerns about job loss, power consumption, and environmental impact as “misinformation” that spreads faster than facts in the age of social media. The post calls on the public to recognize the strategic importance of expanding data‑center capacity.

Discover’s fourth‑quarter rotating categories are live through December 31, offering 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined eligible purchases across entertainment, restaurants and utilities. Cardholders must activate the categories—either via the Discover mobile app or online account—to qualify, and the elevated rate is not retroactive. This lineup marks a departure from the usual holiday‑shopping focus, replacing Amazon and Target with experiences and recurring household expenses. The move gives consumers a chance to earn bonus cash back on holiday movie tickets, dinner outings and utility bills, potentially reaching the $1,500 cap for $75 in cash back. Utility users should verify whether their provider charges a credit‑card fee, which could offset the reward. Discover’s rotating‑category system also supports a broader strategy: spend in the three categories to hit the cap and then enjoy the standard 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has put a $200 million deposit on a 31,000‑square‑foot penthouse in the Aman Beverly Hills complex. The luxury residence features a rooftop swimming pool, a private cinema, and was designed by acclaimed Kerry Hill Architects. If the purchase is completed, the property could set a new record for condominium sales in Los Angeles by 2028, further expanding Bezos’s real‑estate holdings.

Amazon is developing smart glasses for its delivery drivers that will take photos almost constantly, recording anything they see—including people and private property. Bloomberg reports the devices could capture several thousand images during a typical shift. Amazon plans to upload the footage to its AI Wellspring platform, claiming the data will be used solely to improve the delivery process and not for surveillance. When asked whether customers could opt out, Amazon’s Viraj Chatterjee said the company has not considered an opt‑out option. The move has sparked concerns about privacy and the extent of data collection in everyday commerce.

Meta's Muse AI agent has been expanding its capabilities and presence in various areas. The agent can assist with tasks such as sending emails and making online purchases. Meta has also announced plans for a Tamagotchi-like Muse Charm device and a standalone Muse AI gadget. Additionally, Muse will be integrated into Meta's Enterprise Platform for small businesses and smart glasses. The agent's filesystem is becoming more accessible, and users will be able to download its entire filesystem. Meta has also made patches to address an exploit that allowed attackers to control the AI agent. Amazon has blocked the agent, citing concerns. The agent's capabilities and presence continue to grow, raising questions about its implications.

Along the freshly repaved BR‑317 in Acre, the once‑lush Amazon has been replaced by pasture and isolated Brazil‑nut trees, a stark reminder of the forest lost to road expansion. The Interoceanic Highway, inaugurated in 2011 as the first paved road linking South America’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts, has already driven deforestation on both sides of the border. A new proposal to build a second road corridor to Peru would extend Acre’s role as a Pacific export route for Brazilian agricultural and mineral goods, following the 2024 opening of the Chinese‑built Chancay port. An Amazon Conservation report warns that such expansion is incompatible with Acre’s deforestation commitments, potentially adding 74,700 to 133,800 hectares of forest loss.

If you regularly order in, consider a monthly membership with Grubhub+, Uber One, or DashPass. Each offers $0 delivery fees and other perks, with some credit cards covering the membership fee. Grubhub+ is best for Amazon Prime members, while Uber One covers both Uber Eats and rides. DashPass is the largest food delivery platform, with an average savings of $4 to $5 per eligible order.

Amazon has begun offering Prime Big Deal Day discounts on its own hardware and a range of popular products, giving shoppers a head start on the October 6‑8 Prime Day event. The early deals include significant markdowns on Ring’s battery‑powered doorbells and floodlight cameras, the Fire HD 8 tablet, and Echo smart speakers and displays. Home‑cleaning tech such as the Ecovacs Deebot X12 and Dreame X50 Ultra robot vacuums also see price cuts. With the holiday shopping season officially underway, these early offers allow consumers to secure high‑tech items before the peak Black Friday and Cyber Monday rush.

SpaceX is preparing for a high‑profile launch today that will carry its first batch of 26 Starlink V3 satellites aboard the Starship rocket, marking the company’s first attempt to place Starship into Earth orbit. The new satellites promise significant upgrades to the expanding Starlink constellation. The mission comes as Amazon faces ongoing setbacks with its launch partners, keeping its Leo satellite program grounded and pushing the company further behind its goal of offering a competitive space‑based internet service. The launch will be closely watched by Amazon, which has not had a successful launch in twelve weeks.

A July study by London‑based Zero Carbon Analytics (ZCA) estimates that tropical forests worldwide could hold a median $714 billion in potential drug value from undiscovered flowering‑plant compounds, with the Amazon alone accounting for about $215 billion—roughly 30 % of the total. The analysis notes that three‑quarters of cancer drugs approved between 1940 and 2014 were inspired by natural products, and that 99 % of plant‑derived chemicals remain unscreened. Since 2001, clearing of tropical forests has already jeopardised $86 billion of this commercial value globally, and many Amazon endemics may have vanished forever, erasing unique medicinal prospects. The findings underscore how deforestation directly erodes future medical innovation.

The Federal Trade Commission has widened the eligibility window for Amazon Prime customers to receive refunds for alleged misleading practices. Prime members who enrolled or tried to cancel between the specified dates will automatically receive refunds of up to $200, a substantial increase from the previous cap. Amazon will issue payments via checks or electronic transfers by April 2027, and customers need not take any action to claim the refund. The move aims to address consumer concerns over deceptive billing and subscription practices.

A public hearing at the Inter‑American Court of Human Rights on Sept. 24‑25 in Montevideo will examine claims that the Peruvian state violated the rights of the Mashco Piro, Yora, and Amahuaca peoples. The court will assess whether Peru failed to shield these isolated groups from encroaching extractive industries, including activity inside the Madre de Dios Territorial Reserve. The Inter‑American Commission on Human Rights had earlier found that Peru did not expand the reserve despite evidence of isolated peoples living there and had not recognized collective territories with legal titles, as required by law. The court’s decision could set a legal and political precedent for Indigenous protection throughout the Amazon.