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Panos Panay, Amazon's SVP of Devices and Alexa, revealed plans for more Alexa-branded hardware and a new design language called 'Neo.' He confirmed that the recently announced Alexa Tablet series marks Amazon's first product explicitly branded with Alexa, hinting at future devices. Panay also mentioned ongoing development of a new interface style, suggesting a broader redesign effort across Amazon's hardware lineup.
Amazon has introduced the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, a new device replacing its Fire tablet line, with starting prices of $499 for the base model and $549 for a premium version. The tablet features a 12-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Atmos speakers, and a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor, aiming to compete with the iPad Pro. Amazon emphasizes deep Alexa integration and a focus on delivering a premium experience at an affordable price point.
Amazon has introduced the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, positioning it as the new top-tier device, overtaking the Fire HD 10 in their lineup. The tablet features a 'nanomatte' display designed to mimic paper and a new processor to support Alexa+ AI capabilities. While it remains below premium tablets like iPads and Galaxy Tabs, it marks a notable upgrade over its predecessor.
Amazon has unveiled a new series of Alexa Tablets featuring an aluminum chassis and running on Android 16, with an upgrade to Android 17 planned for early 2027. These devices replace Fire OS with a standard Android experience, allowing users to access the Google Play Store and a wide range of apps, while integrating Amazon’s media and AI functionalities. The tablets also offer features like seamless content syncing across devices and a specialized Kindle mode for reading and battery optimization.
Amazon has unveiled a new line of Android tablets equipped with advanced Alexa capabilities, including live conversations and visual recognition. These features, previously unavailable, aim to enhance user interaction with the assistant for tasks like shopping, information retrieval, and object identification. Amazon's VP of devices indicated these innovations address previous product limitations, but declined to comment on potential smartphone development.
Amazon has introduced a new series of Alexa Tablets replacing its Fire lineup, featuring aluminum bodies and official Android 16 OS with access to Google Play. The lineup includes three models: 12 Pro, 11, and 8, priced from $230 to $500, with kids' editions available for the smaller devices. Shipping begins October 14, and Amazon commits to four years of software updates.
Amazon introduced a new series of Alexa tablets, including the 12 Pro, 11, and 8 models, all running on Android and offering access to the Google Play Store. These devices feature aluminum unibody designs, high-resolution screens, and enhanced performance capabilities, with the 12 Pro model boasting a 12-inch display and advanced hardware. Amazon also announced accessories like a Pro Pen and Pro Keyboard to expand tablet functionality, with prices starting at $499.99.
TechCrunch is accepting volunteer applications for the upcoming Founder Summit in Boston on November 4. Interested individuals must apply by October 19 to secure a role that offers behind-the-scenes access, event tickets, and workshops on startup topics. Volunteers will assist with various event tasks to help ensure a smooth experience for approximately 1,100 attendees.
The Trump administration accused Microsoft of abusing the H-1B visa program and said it is cutting off the company's access to it. Microsoft responded that 80% of its roughly 6,000 H-1B applications last fiscal year were to extend or change status for existing employees rather than hire new workers, and that new-employee filings equaled just 1% of its U.S. workforce. The company said all H-1B employees are paid comparably to other staff in similar roles.
New York's updated lawsuit against TikTok alleges the company ran experiments in which thousands of users, including minors, believed they had activated safety features like an algorithm-reset tool when in fact nothing changed. The filing also cites an internal TikTok product manager who objected to the test, calling a 'placebo group' incompatible with the feature's stated goal of giving users control over their algorithm. TikTok says such testing is a routine part of validating new features.
Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle firm Pony.ai announced plans to begin testing their Gen-7 robotaxis in London within weeks. This move expands their partnership, which initially focused on the Middle East and now includes European markets, with a goal to deploy 2,000 vehicles across several cities. The companies have not disclosed who will own or operate the London fleet, but the initiative continues Uber’s broader strategy to develop autonomous ride-hailing services globally.
PepsiCo reported a 5.6% increase in net sales for the third quarter, with international markets contributing 41% of revenue so far this year. Despite growth abroad, its North American beverage division shrank, prompting the company to lower its full-year earnings outlook. CEO Ramon Laguarta is scheduled for an exclusive CNBC interview at 10 a.m. ET.