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A new explainer outlines how major streaming platforms handle offline downloads, noting that Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and YouTube support downloading content for offline viewing on desktop and laptop computers. Netflix and several other services, by contrast, now limit offline downloads mostly to mobile devices and Chromebooks. Crunchyroll offers downloads for its anime library, but only on mobile.
Amazon provides a standard 30-day free trial of Prime that converts to a paid subscription unless canceled, with no guaranteed waiting period for repeat trials. The company also offers Prime for Young Adults, giving six months free to those 18-24 or enrolled students before charging $7.49 monthly or $69 annually, and Prime Access at $6.99 monthly after a 30-day trial for SNAP or Medicaid recipients and others meeting income requirements.
Amazon Prime Air is expanding its drone delivery operations to nearly 500 US cities and towns and has launched service near Darlington in England, while smaller drone delivery operators are also spreading across US cities for food and treats. Residents near these operations are reporting that drone noise, though often quieter than traffic overall, stands out sharply because of its pitch and low-altitude, direct-overhead flight paths.
Amazon has made Alexa+, its generative AI-powered upgrade to Alexa, free for all Prime members. The assistant, built using Anthropic's large language models and Amazon's Nova AI suite, is accessible through Alexa-enabled devices, Amazon's new tablets, a mobile app, and the alexa.com website. Non-Prime users can subscribe separately to Alexa+ or try a limited free version via the app or website.
Sony's LinkBuds Clip open-ear earbuds are selling for $158 on Amazon, matching the discount price seen during Prime Day. The earbuds feature an open-ear design and offer up to 37 hours of total battery life with the charging case.
Takeshi's Castle, the Japanese physical-challenge game show that originally aired on TBS from 1986 to 1990, received a reboot on Amazon Prime Video on 21 April 2023. German-Japanese actor Subaru Kimura joined returning host Tani as co-leader of the contestants in the new version. The reboot's finale game, Yabusame, pits contestants against castle defenders including kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in a tennis-ball shooting contest for a million-yen prize.
Amazon is selling the 2026 MacBook Air with Apple's M5 chip at $1,099 for the 16GB/512GB model, $200 below Apple's current price. The 16GB/1TB and 24GB/1TB configurations are also discounted by $200, to $1,399 and $1,599 respectively. These prices match discounts seen during this week's Prime Day sale and remain live across all available colorways.
Amazon's new Alexa Tablet 12 Pro uses a 2024 MediaTek Dimensity 8400 chip originally built for smartphones, offering 8GB RAM on the 128GB model and 16GB on the 256GB model, compared to the iPad Pro's M5 chip and minimum 12GB RAM. The tablet runs Android, giving it access to more apps than Amazon's previous Fire OS devices, though still fewer tablet-optimized apps than Apple's App Store. It includes Prime-focused features like content recommendations, a Kindle reading mode, and quick access to the Alexa+ assistant.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 remains priced at $39.88 on Amazon, down from $59.99 or $69.99, even after Amazon's October sale ended. The game introduces real-time battles instead of the series' traditional turn-based combat, set in a Paris-inspired version of Lumiose City. A paid DLC expansion, Mega Dimension, costs an additional $29.99, and a Switch 2 Edition bundle with the base game and DLC is set to release October 29, 2026 for $99.99.
During Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2026, shoppers can find discounts on cordless dusters designed for cleaning PCs and electronics. These portable air blowers are suitable for removing dust from fans, keyboards, and other components. The deals make it easier and more affordable to maintain electronic devices' cleanliness.
The Federal Communications Commission announced it will hold a vote on October 29 to auction 25 megahertz of spectrum aimed at supporting satellite-to-smartphone connectivity. Additionally, the FCC will consider proposals to free up 482MHz for satellite coverage and update rules for direct-to-device services, potentially benefiting companies like SpaceX and Amazon. A third measure seeks to remove restrictions on drone operations within the 800 MHz cellular band.
During Prime Big Deal Days, Amazon has slashed prices on several highly-rated PC audio devices, including the Creative Labs Pebble V2 and Edifier G2000 speakers. These compact stereo systems are designed for desktop use, offering USB and Bluetooth connectivity, with prices starting at just $27.99 for the Pebble V2. The deals highlight accessible upgrades for users seeking better sound quality than built-in monitor speakers or headphones.