Amazon news this week – Oct 14th, 2024

by | Oct 14, 2024 | E-commerce News

Amazon released such a flurry of announcements this past week, and there were so many mention-worthy reports on the company from outside publications, that I decided to consolidate them into one headline section. Here's what else is new at Amazon…

Amazon launched Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR), a new AI-powered solution that helps drivers find the right packages quickly by projecting a green “O” on all packages that will be delivered at that stop and a red “X” on all other packages. The tool will be rolled out to 1,000 electric delivery vans from Rivian by early 2025. Early tests saw a 67% reduction in perceived physical and mental effort for drivers and saved more than 30 minutes per route. 


Amazon revamped its subscription service for Ring video doorbells with the launch of a new service called Ring Home Premium, which includes features like 24/7 recording and AI-powered video search that help users find specific moments in recorded video footage. The services start at $19.99/month and will launch in the US on November 5th.


Amazon Pharmacy is opening in 20 new cities across the US in 2025, more than doubling the number of cities where customers can get Same-Day Delivery of their medications. The company is leveraging its logistics network and advanced automation tech to provide customers more access to affordable medications. The new pharmacies will be embedded in Amazon Same-Day Delivery sites.


Amazon is rolling out a new online ordering method for Prime members that includes the ability to bundle standard orders and groceries into one same-day shipment, which will kick off first in Phoenix. The company is also adding more combined Amazon / Whole Foods fulfillment centers and trialing a store where robots pack your Amazon orders while you shop for groceries.


Amazon's cash balance is on pace to exceed $127.4B by the end of the year, which means it would triple the amount from 2018 and surpass $100B for the first time. This would give Amazon more money on hand than Alphabet and Microsoft, each expected to have about $112.8B and $108.1B respectively by the end of the year. Investors want a piece of that cash as buybacks or dividends, but Amazon wants to spend it on AI and other growth plans. 


Amazon announced that customers saved more than $1 billion during its October Prime Big Deal Days event last week, and that more Prime members shopped this year compared to last year to take advantage of early holiday deals. However I'm curious if that's the actual amount customers saved, or just the difference between the marked up price sellers added right before Prime Day, and the “discounted” price they offered during the event. Amazon has historically been very secretive / ambiguous about their actual Prime Day sales numbers, and this year's event is no exception.


Amazon's Subscription Box Program, which allowed sellers to list, sell, and manage their fully-assembled curated subscription box products on Amazon.com, is no longer accepting new subscribers, while existing subscribers will be supported until the end of the year. The program originally launched in October 2018. Subscribing to individual products on Amazon.com remains unaffected. They are just cancelling the Subscription Box program. I asked Amazon: Will those sellers have the ability to transfer their subscribers to a 3rd party platform to continue operations? If not, how is Amazon giving subscription box sellers the ability to contact and continue serving their customers? I'll post an update if / when I hear back.


Amazon introduced AI Shopping Guides in the US app on over 100 product types including TVs, area rugs, dog food, running shoes, headphones, moisturizers, and more. The guides consolidate key information alongside a relevant selection of products, making it easier for customers to find the right product for their needs. I'm sure all Amazon Associates love reading that news…


Amazon and Apple teamed up to offer Apple TV+ as a $9.99 add-on in Amazon Prime Video bundles. Users who subscribe will now be able to watch Apple TV+ shows and movies in the Prime Video app without downloading a separate app, allowing users to manage payments through one billing system. How unusual for Apple to give up control of billing!

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