Amazon kills its Android Appstore while Google Play remains the go-to choice
Amazon has announced that is finally pulling the plug on its Android Appstore, and that’s not all -- Amazon Coins are going down with it too. From August 20, 2025, Amazon says the Appstore on Android devices will be no more. That means no new downloads, no updates, and good luck expecting your existing apps to keep working. If you’re still relying on it, now’s the time to move on.
If you have subscriptions through the Appstore you will be able to manage or cancel them for now, but once the shutdown happens, it’s all over. That said, Amazon isn’t shutting down the Appstore entirely. It will still exist on Fire TV and Fire tablets, which makes sense since those are Amazon’s own products. But if you’re using a regular Android phone or tablet? Sorry, you’re out of luck.
Plugable launches USBC-MSTH3 USB-C HDMI hub for triple-monitor setups
If you need to connect multiple displays, you'll be pleased to know that Plugable has just released the USBC-MSTH3, a new USB-C hub designed for that very purpose. The hub uses Multi-Stream Transport (MST) technology, which allows users to spread their Windows desktop across three external screens.
The hub supports HDMI 2.1, offering various display configurations:
BlueAnt Pump X over-ear Bluetooth headphones feature fitness-ready design
Let’s be honest -- exercising sucks. While some people enjoy fitness, many people (such as myself) absolutely detest it. Whether you love or hate being active, however, it is undoubtedly an essential part of good health. In other words, a fully sedentary life is destined for tragedy.
If you want to make fitness more enjoyable, listening to music can do the trick. Put on a pair of headphones, crank your favorite tunes, and you just might find yourself more motivated.
PNY launches PRO Elite V3, Elite-X Fit, and Elite USB-C flash drives
Believe it or not, in the flash drive world, USB-A models are still the most common. Yes, folks, despite USB-C being far superior, consumers have been slow to adopt flash drives with the better connector.
Thankfully, companies are still producing USB-C flash drives despite the slow adoption. For example, today, PNY has launched a trio of new USB Type-C flash drives. The lineup includes the PRO Elite V3, Elite-X Fit, and Elite models.
Amazon launches Amazon Haul in beta as a low-cost Temu alternative
Amazon may be one of the biggest names in online retail, but in recent years the likes of Temu has started to encroach on its territory by offering products at absurdly low prices.
Now Amazon has come up with a response. Amazon Haul is a new shopping experience that has launched in beta for US shoppers. Building on the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, Haul is home to “affordable fashion, home, lifestyle, electronics, and other products with ultra-low prices”. Most things are priced under $10, so what’s the catch?
Amazon unveils first-ever color Kindle in new lineup, along with faster Paperwhite and AI-powered Scribe
Amazon has launched a completely refreshed lineup of Kindle devices, including the first-ever color Kindle, a redesigned Kindle Scribe, the fastest Kindle Paperwhite to date, and a new entry-level Kindle in a striking Matcha color.
The highlight of the new range is obviously the Kindle Colorsoft, Amazon's first color Kindle. Amazon says the new device features high contrast, fast page turns, and an auto-adjusting front light, along with the added benefit of color, which allows users to enjoy book covers, images, and highlights in rich hues.
ŌURA launches Oura Ring 4 with Smart Sensing technology
ŌURA has introduced the Oura Ring 4, a new version of its smart ring, featuring Smart Sensing technology designed to improve accuracy, comfort, and personalization. This technology uses research-grade sensors and an advanced algorithm to adapt to the wearer’s finger, ensuring continuous data collection both day and night.
The Oura Ring 4 is built with a lightweight, all-titanium design and a slimmer profile for improved comfort during all-day wear. It will be available in six colors -- Brushed Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Stealth, and Black with a glossy tungsten PVD coating -- and in twelve sizes, ranging from 4 to 15.
Amazon announces Prime Big Deal Days for October 8-9
Amazon has announced that Prime Big Deal Days will take place from October 8 to October 9, offering discounts for Prime members as the holiday shopping season begins. Starting at 3:01 a.m. EDT on October 8, Prime members will have access to deals on winter fashion items, Halloween costumes, electronics, and more. Amazon Essentials will offer up to 40 percent off on winter clothing, while Halloween costumes and accessories will start at $5. Electronics from brands like Beats, Samsung, and Fujifilm will also be discounted.
Throughout the event, new offers will become available every five minutes during select periods, providing shoppers with opportunities to find deals on household essentials and pet care products. Amazon Basics will feature savings on items such as batteries, home storage solutions, and pet supplies. Non-Prime members can participate by signing up or starting a free trial here.
Twitch reinstates Donald Trump's account as he becomes official Republican nominee
In a recent statement to Engadget, Twitch has confirmed that is has restored former President Donald Trump's account on the live streaming platform. Owned by Amazon, Twitch emphasized the importance of direct communication from presidential nominees.
The decision comes amidst a backdrop of heightened security concerns and political tension. "We reinstated former President Trump’s Twitch channel," Twitch said in the statement. "We believe there is value in hearing from Presidential nominees directly, when possible. Trump is now the official Republican nominee for US President." This move by Twitch underscores a broader strategy to provide a platform for significant political figures to engage with the public directly.
EU opens non-compliance investigations against Apple, Alphabet, and Meta (but not Microsoft)
The European Commission announced today that it has opened non-compliance investigations against Apple, Alphabet, and Meta. The three companies make up one half of six gatekeeper companies under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
So-called gatekeepers have a strong position in a market, which may give them an unfair advantage over competing platforms and services. Platforms such as Windows, Google Android, and iOS are gatekeepers, but so are YouTube, Google Search, Google Ads, Chrome, or Safari. The full list of gatekeepers is available here.
Cloud storage vulnerable to ransomware attacks
New research from Dig reveals that cloud assets like Amazon S3 buckets and Azure Storage accounts are being left open to ransomware attacks thanks to poor configuration.
It shows that only 31 percent of S3 buckets have versioning enabled, an essential for data recovery, while just two-thirds of sensitive buckets have logging enabled, a prerequisite for detection. In addition 72 percent of remote CMK buckets are not actively monitored.
AWS launches its own thin client for enterprises
As more and more organizations turn to SaaS and cloud solutions, having a powerful PC as a desktop solution becomes hard to justify, not to mention the support and security issues that come along with it.
Step forward AWS with the launch of the Amazon WorkSpaces Thin Client, aimed at enterprise workers in order to reduce an employer's technology costs and provide enhanced security.
UK regulator to investigate hyperscalers' dominance of the cloud market
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is launching a market investigation into the supply of public cloud infrastructure services in the UK. Between them, Amazon and Microsoft enjoy a combined market share of 60-70 percent of Britain's cloud computing industry.
This follows a referral by telecoms regulator Ofcom which has expressed concerns around egress fees, discounts -- which may incentivize customers to use only one cloud provider, and technical barriers to switching.
Panos Panay's shift to Amazon could signal the death of Microsoft Surface
In a startling development, Panos Panay, the mind behind Microsoft’s Windows and Devices division, has officially jumped ship to Amazon. Yes, folks, the rumors were true. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced today that Panay will, in fact, be helming the Devices and Services business, replacing Dave Limp later this year.
While on the surface this seems like a significant win for Amazon, it might be worth pondering the implications of Panay’s exit from Microsoft. With nearly two decades at Microsoft, Panay’s sudden move raises eyebrows and stirs concerns regarding the internal dynamics at Microsoft.
Amazon eero Max 7: What you need to know about the WiFi 7 mesh system
When it comes to wireless mesh systems, eero has long been a popular option. The latest announcement from Amazon of the eero Max 7, its premiere WiFi 7 mesh system, should continue that popularity.
Heralded as the fastest and most robust eero to date, the eero Max 7 integrates the company’s TrueMesh networking technology with the cutting-edge WiFi 7 standard. As a result, you will get enhanced speeds, minimized interference from nearby networks, and a significant improvement in mesh latency.
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