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India News

Amazon begins cost-cutting review: Report

The cost-cutting review includes the devices unit with Alexa, a voice assistant available on a variety of Amazon devices….reports Asian Lite News

As Big Tech reels under the global macroeconomic conditions, Amazon is now reviewing its Alexa virtual assistant-driven business as part of a major cost-cutting exercise headed by CEO Andy Jassy, the media reported.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Amazon’s entire devices unit has had an operating loss exceeding $5 billion in some recent years.

Amazon is now looking into whether it should “focus on trying to add new capabilities to Alexa,” according to the report.

The cost-cutting review includes the devices unit with Alexa, a voice assistant available on a variety of Amazon devices.

“The business has more than 10,000 employees and is a major recipient of investment capital,” according to the report.

It appears that the e-commerce giant is considering reducing its investments in Alexa-driven products.

An Amazon spokesperson was quoted as saying that as part of this year’s review, “we’re of course taking into account the current macro-environment and considering opportunities to optimise costs.”

Amazon’s shares went up by over 4 per cent on Thursday after the report about the cost-cutting review came out.

Once part of our private lives as virtual assistants, more than 35 smart speaker models have now been discontinued (as of April 2022), 46 brands haven’t released a new smart speaker since 2019 and 34 companies haven’t released a new smart speaker since 2018.

Although Amazon-branded smart speakers grew 33 per cent during the second quarter (Q2) compared to last year, other brands like Google and Apple were down 31 per cent and 57 per cent, respectively, according to global market research firm Omdia.

Meanwhile, Amazon to roll out Matter for Alexa devices next month

San Francisco, Nov 4 (IANS) Amazon has announced to roll out ‘Matter’ for Alexa smart home devices next month, which will be limited to Android smartphones only.

The tech giant will bring support for ‘Matter’ — the new smart home standard — to 17 Echo devices next month, reports The Verge.

The first rollout will only be Matter over Wi-Fi and will be compatible with Android phones only.

It will cover just three device types– smart plugs, smart bulbs and smart switches.

The company claims to expand the rollout to iOS and new networking protocol Thread early next year, when it will also add more of the device types to Matter support, the report said.

Additionally, Amazon has also announced a partnership with Samsung SmartThings, in order to make it simple to set up Matter devices on one platform and transfer them to another without having to set it again.

Meanwhile, the e-commerce giant had announced that people could get official live cricket commentary and scores from virtual assistant Alexa.

Users can ask the device about the recent match information such as schedules, scores, team sheets and player statistics, the company said.

Additionally, it can be used to set reminders for the matches and to keep track of the favourite team’s fixtures.

ALSO READ: Fired employees find it hard to get jobs amid recession fears

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Business

Amazon, TVS Motor join hands for EV mobility

The two companies will also pilot TVS Motor’s electric vehicle solutions through partner bases and delivery associates across the country….reports Asian Lite News

Amazon India and TVS Motor Company on Wednesday announced a collaboration on electric two and three-wheeler deployment, helping to further drive electric mobility in India.

As part of this collaboration, a fleet of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers from TVS Motor will be deployed for Amazon’s last-mile deliveries.

The two companies will also pilot TVS Motor’s electric vehicle solutions through partner bases and delivery associates across the country.

“This will support our supply chain in minimising the environmental impact of our operations and contribute to Amazon India’s goal of inducting 10,000 EVs into our fleet by 2025,” said Abhinav Singh, Director, Customer Fulfilment, Supply Chain and Global Specialty Fulfilment, Amazon India.

In 2020, the e-commerce major said its fleet of delivery vehicles in the country will include 10,000 EVs by 2025. The induction of these EVs is in addition to Amazon’s global commitment of 100,000 EVs by 2030.

“With the great success of TVS ‘iQube Electric’, we now intend to expand our electric offering across multiple segments and commercial mobility stands at the opportune inflection point,” said Manu Saxena, Senior Vice President, Future Mobility, TVS Motor Company.

TVS Motor is ready with electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler product options for business-to-business (B2B) segment, along with an ecosystem of connected service and alternate ownership.

In addition, the two companies will work in tandem to examine EV use cases for various Amazon business groups for its network and logistical requirements.

Meanwhile, E-commerce giant Amazon will offer its transportation and logistics network as a service to third-party merchants, businesses and direct-to-consumer brands in India.

According to TechCrunch, the company attempts to replicate the model “Buy with Prime” that it has been testing in the US for several months to drive revenue in the key overseas market.

The service, called Amazon Shipping, offers “extensive reach and the highest reliability ” all at the lowest logistics cost,” according to the company’s website.

Amazon Shipping “will pick up your parcels 7 days a week, and deliver them to your customers,” the company adds.

The retailer, which has invested more than $6.5 billion in India over the past seven years, claims to offer shipping at “competitive rates” and to have a dedicated support channel, according to the report.

Moreover, there will be no additional fee for deliveries on weekends, and customers will not be tied to any contract for a consignment, allowing them to cancel the service at any time.

The company’s site says that it has partnered with local firms Shiprocket, Unicommerce, Easyecom, Clickpost and Vinculum for order and delivery management systems.

Also, it has been testing the service for at least a few months in India, the report added.

ALSO READ: Google, Renault expand ties for ‘software defined vehicle’

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India News

Amazon India to delist top seller Appario

Amazon.(photo:https://pixabay.com/)

This is the second giant online seller, after Cloudtail, that has been delisted on Amazon…reports Asian Lite News

E-commerce major Amazon and its joint venture partner Patni Group-owned Zodiac Wealth on Monday announced delisting of online seller Appario Retail from Amazon’s online marketplace in the country.

This is the second giant online seller, after Cloudtail, that has been delisted on Amazon.

“Amazon and India’s Patni group-owned Zodiac Wealth Management LLP have agreed to renew their joint venture, Frontizo Business Services Private Ltd. The partners have decided that Appario Retail Private Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Frontizo, will cease to be a seller on Amazon.in and Amazon.in/business within the next 12 months,” the joint statement read.

“The partners will continue to explore new business opportunities, including helping businesses across India to scale up their online presence,” the joint statement read.

Amazon set up the Frontizo JV with the Patni group in 2017.

In April this year, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) hailed the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for conducting raids on the offices of Cloudtail and Appario.

The trade body had said that predatory pricing, deep discounting, loss funding, and exclusive sale of branded products in collusion with respective corporate companies, owing inventory are some of the fundamental issues raised by the CAIT.

In 2019, Amazon reduced its stake in Cloudtail — a joint venture firm between Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy and the e-commerce giant — from 49 per cent to 26 per cent after the Centre unveiled new foreign direct investment (FDI) rules for ecommerce firms.

In January this year, the CAIT moved the CCI, seeking a direction to block the acquisition of Cloudtail India by Amazon.

India is a key market for Amazon which has invested over $6.5 billion in the country.

ALSO READ: Overall job cuts no more than 5%: Byju Raveendran

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Business India News

Amazon India witnesses record Prime sign-ups

In the first 36 hours, small and medium businesses, startups, artisans, women entrepreneurs sold around 10 lakh unique products to customers across the country…reports Asian Lite News

E-commerce major Amazon saw the single largest day of Prime sign-ups — 1.9 times higher than last year with 68 per cent coming from tier 2 and 3 cities in India — in the first 36 hours of its Great Indian Festival sale.

More than 500 million Indians had access to cash back and EMI offers on Amazon.in with 50 per cent more customers opting for EMI or Pay later over last year during the festive sale, the company said in a statement.

“We are humbled by the increase in new Prime member sign ups and customers shopping across categories as they trust Amazon as their preferred online shopping destination”, said Manish Tiwary, Vice President and Country Manager, India Consumer Business, Amazon.

In the first 36 hours, small and medium businesses, startups, artisans, women entrepreneurs sold around 10 lakh unique products to customers across the country.

Amazon.in saw single largest day of Prime sign ups; 1.9X higher than last year with 68 per cent coming from Tier 2 & 3 cities

More than 500 million Indians had access to cashback and EMI offers on Amazon.in with 50 per cent more customers opting for EMI or Pay later over last year

Smartphones, consumer electronics, fashion and groceries categories attracted most new customers and Amazon saw high demand for laptops and 5G smartphones.

“More than 60 per cent sales for Amazon Fashion came from Tier 2 and 3 cities. Amazon Business witnessed 50 per cent growth in customers and 100 per cent orders in the last 36 hours,” said the company.

The overall sales in the first festive week is likely to touch $5.9 billion this year.

Bengaluru-based Redseer has predicted $11.8 billion worth gross merchandise value (GMV) during the entire festive month up to Diwali.

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-Top News Tech Lite UK News

Amazon, Google, Microsoft face UK probe over cloud dominance

In the coming weeks, Ofcom will launch a market study under the Enterprise Act 2002 into the UK’s cloud sector…reports Asian Lite News

The UK’s communication regulator Ofcom on Thursday announced a probe into the Cloud market dominance of Amazon, Microsoft and Google in the country’s 15 billion pound Cloud services market and if the competition concerns are identified, it could lead to further action against the tech giants.

Ofcom also kicked off a probe to look at digital services such as WhatsApp, Zoom and smart speakers, as online and traditional networks converge.

“The way we live, work, play and do business has been transformed by digital services. But as the number of platforms, devices and networks that serve up content continues to grow, so do the technological and economic issues confronting regulators,” said Selina Chadha, Ofcom’s Director of Connectivity.

“That’s why we’re kick-starting a programme of work to scrutinise these digital markets, identify any competition concerns and make sure they’re working well for people and businesses who rely on them,” she added.

In the coming weeks, Ofcom will launch a market study under the Enterprise Act 2002 into the UK’s cloud sector.

The largest providers of cloud services — known as ‘hyperscalers’ — are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft and Google. Collectively, these three firms generate around 81% of revenues in the UK public cloud infrastructure services market.

“If we find a market is not working well, there can be negative impacts on businesses and ultimately consumers, through higher prices, lower service quality and reduced innovation. In these circumstances, Ofcom can make recommendations to the government to change regulations or policy and take competition or consumer enforcement action,” it emphasised.

Ofcom said it has engaged closely with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in planning the market study.

Over the next year, Ofcom will also start a broader programme of work to examine other digital markets, including online personal communication apps and devices for accessing audiovisual content.

“We are interested in how services such as WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom are affecting the role of traditional calling and messaging, and how competition and innovation in these markets may evolve over the coming years,” said Ofcom.

ALSO READ: Truss vows to deepen ties with democracies like India

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Business

Amazon acquires Belgium-based Cloostermans

Cloostermans developed technology that is being used in Amazon operations to help move and stack heavy palettes and totes or package products together for customer delivery….reports Asian Lite News

Amazon on Friday announced to acquire Belgium-based Cloostermans, that designs and manufactures mechatronics solutions, for an undisclosed sum.

With the acquisition of Cloostermans, Amazon said it will continue to invest in customized state-of-the-art technology to drive innovation in its workplace and improve the employee experience.

Cloostermans developed technology that is being used in Amazon operations to help move and stack heavy palettes and totes or package products together for customer delivery.

Amazon began working with Cloostermans in 2019.

“As we continue to broaden and accelerate the robotics and technology we design, engineer and deploy across our operations, we look forward to welcoming Cloostermans to Amazon and are excited to see what we can build together,” said Ian Simpson, vice president of Global Robotics at Amazon.

Cloostermans’s team of approximately 200 employees will be joining Amazon Global Robotics’ growing presence in Europe.

“Amazon has raised the bar for how supply chain technologies can benefit employees and customers, and we’re looking forward to be part of the next chapter of this innovation,” said Frederik Berckmoes-Joos, CEO of Cloostermans.

Since Amazon began introducing robotics into its facilities in 2012, it have deployed more than 520,000 robotic drive units worldwide while also creating over a million new jobs.

“Automation has led to new roles at our facilities, including jobs such as robotics and mechatronics maintenance technicians as well as flow control specialists,” said Amazon.

“To support career development, we have introduced apprenticeship programs that offer our employees paid training and on-the-job learning that leads to certification, technical skills, and an opportunity for rewarding work,” it added.

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-Top News UK News

Amazon hikes Prime subscription in UK, Europe by up to 43%

In France, the subscription has been hiked by 43 per cent from 49 euros per year to 69.90 euros…reports Asian Lite News

Amazon is set to raise its Prime subscription prices by up to a whopping 43 per cent in the UK and Europe from September this year — first such increase in the UK since 2014.

In an email to customers blaming “increased inflation and operating costs” for the hike, the e-commerce giant said that its annual Prime subscription will jump 20 per cent in the UK from 79 pounds to 95 pounds from September 15, reports The Verge.

Whether Amazon Prime will increase the subscription in India is yet to be seen, a country where it has over 22 million users and the company is rolling out a major redesign for Prime Video.

In France, the subscription has been hiked by 43 per cent from 49 euros per year to 69.90 euros.

Amazon will also hike prices in Spain and Italy by 39 percent annually while Germany will see an annual 30 per cent rise.

Recently, the company hiked Prime costs in the US to $139 per year, up from the previous $119. Amazon Prime includes fast shipping, access to sales, and free movie/TV streaming in most markets. Amazon is also increasing the monthly cost of Prime in European markets, by 1 pound or 1 euro per month.

The price change announcement came before Amazon was set to post its Q2 earnings results on July 28.

ALSO READ-Amazon eager to fill void left by Starlink in India

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-Top News Business India News

Amazon eager to fill void left by Starlink in India

Project Kuiper is an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that will provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world….reports Asian Lite news

As Elon Musk-run SpaceX abandoned its affordable internet project Starlink in India, Amazon has ramped up its efforts to launch its fast and cheaper internet service called ‘Project Kuiper’ in the country.

The company has posted several job openings for Project Kuiper in the country. One job posting in Bengaluru seeks to hire a manager to “execute and handle the project’s licensing strategy in India and Asia-Pacific”.

The other job opening is for Business Strategy Lead, Country Development, Project Kuiper in Haryana (Gurugram).

“We are looking for a talented Business Development Strategy Lead who is ready to take charge of operational planning and support our strategy for our business plans in India,” the job posting read.

Project Kuiper is an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that will provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world.

The company said that the “Kuiper Country Development team is focused on launching and operating the Kuiper service across the globe”.

“A successful candidate will be both entrepreneurial and highly analytical, able to work extremely effectively in a matrix organization and adept at understanding how businesses work in India and how to create innovative, cutting edge solutions for our customers,” Amazon said.

TechCrunch first reported the latest development.

Musk’s Starlink is currently available in more than 32 countries.

Starlink registered its business in India via a local unit, Starlink Satellite Communications, and targeted a rollout in April this year.

However, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications, in December last year warned Starlink to get the necessary permission required to offer satellite-based Internet services in the country.

The government told Starlink to stop “booking/rendering the satellite internet service” in India without a licence.

Starlink later announced that it will apply for a commercial license in India by January 31, which never happened.

Sanjay Bhargava, India Director for Starlink, stepped down in January amid the government pressure to get necessary permission for offering satellite-based Internet services.

Responding to a follower in May on Starlink, Musk tweeted: “We are waiting for government approval”.

Meanwhile, Amazon in April announced the biggest rocket deal in the commercial space industry’s history, signing a pact with three rocket companies for up to 83 launches under its Project Kuiper internet satellites.

The tech giant signed contracts for launches with United Launch Alliance (ULA), Arianespace, and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin.

The contracts total up to 83 launches over a five-year period, providing capacity for Amazon to deploy the majority of its 3,236-satellite constellation.

Like Musk’s Starlink, Amazon’s Project Kuiper aims to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband to a wide range of customers, including individual households, schools, hospitals, businesses, government agencies, disaster relief operations, mobile operators, and other organisations working in places without reliable internet connectivity.

There are now more than 1,000 people at Amazon working on Project Kuiper. Amazon said it will invest over $10 billion in its satellite internet network.

Starlink has already launched more than 2,000 satellites since 2019, and many more will go up in the near future.

Amazon to buy One Medical

Amazon on Thursday announced it has acquired primary healthcare organisation One Medical for approximately $3.9 billion, as the e-commerce giant steps up efforts to reinvent healthcare in digital and virtual era.

One Medical combines in-person care in inviting offices across the country with digital health and virtual care services, making it easier for patients to schedule appointments, renew prescriptions, access up-to-date health records, and advance health outcomes.

“Booking an appointment, waiting weeks or even months to be seen, taking time off work, driving to a clinic, finding a parking spot, waiting in the waiting room then the exam room for what is too often a rushed few minutes with a doctor, then making another trip to a pharmacy – we see lots of opportunity to both improve the quality of the experience and give people back valuable time in their days,” said Neil Lindsay, SVP of Amazon Health Services.

“Together with One Medical’s human-centered and technology-powered approach to health care, “we believe we can and will help more people get better care, when and how they need it,” he said in a statement.

One Medical went public in 2020 and was backed by Google and others as a startup.

“There is an immense opportunity to make the health care experience more accessible, affordable, and even enjoyable for patients, providers, and payers. We look forward to innovating and expanding access to quality healthcare services, together,” said Amir Dan Rubin, One Medical CEO.

Amazon will acquire One Medical for $18 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $3.9 billion, including One Medical’s net debt.

The completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by One Medical’s shareholders and regulatory approval.

Once the transaction is through, Rubin will remain as CEO of One Medical, said the company.

Meanwhile, Amazon-backed connected fitness equipment maker Tonal is reportedly cutting 35 per cent of its workforce, affecting all levels of its business.

According to CNBC, the company employs about 750 people, compared with a little more than 110 before the Covid-19 pandemic, Chief Executive Officer Aly Orady said in an interview.

Orady also emphasised the need to be profitable, particularly as the company eyes an initial public offering.

ALSO READ: Tech giants seek relaxation of new IT rules

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Arab News Business Saudi Arabia

Amazon backs Saudi entrepreneurs to establish logistics start-ups

Amazon will take an active role in its partnership with each entrepreneur, helping to minimise start-up costs by securing the most favourable terms for resources needed to operate a delivery business…reports Asian Lite News

 Amazon today announced the launch of the latest iteration of its global Delivery Service Partner program that empowers local entrepreneurs to set up and manage their own logistics businesses delivering Amazon packages. Saudi Arabia is the first country in the region to host the flagship program, which will be expanded to cover the MENA region at a later stage. Launched in collaboration with Monsha’at – the General Authority for SMEs, it aims to establish more than 30 new local start-ups and create hundreds of job opportunities within the local logistics sector during the program’s first three years.

The Delivery Service Partner program was announced during a ceremony held at Monsha’at’s headquarters in Riyadh and attended by the Authority’s Governor Eng. Saleh Al-Rasheed and Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President of Amazon MENA.

Saudi entrepreneurs who join the Delivery Service Partner program can take advantage of various benefits, including a specific delivery volume from Amazon, access to the company’s sophisticated delivery technology, hands-on training, and discounts on a suite of assets and services such as Amazon-branded vehicles, branded uniforms, and comprehensive insurance.

Last March, Amazon signed an MoU with Monsha’at to empower local seller SMEs. Amazon’s new initiative to nurture logistics start-ups further aligns with Monsha’at’s vision to incentivise and invest in SMEs. As the program grows, it will create hundreds of jobs in the logistics sector across the country, supporting Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning eCommerce sector and upskilling local talent with future-ready skills.

Speaking about Amazon’s new initiative, Monsha’at Governor Eng. Saleh Al-Rasheed, said, “Small and medium enterprises are a key contributor to the national economy, and we at Monsha’at are keen to support and enable this vital sector through several programs, agreements and public-private sector partnerships. This initiative from Amazon clearly reflects this spirit of cooperation and represents a key outcome of the agreements signed during the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC), which was organized by Monsha’at in cooperation with the Global Entrepreneurship Network. We look forward to this ambitious program achieving its goal of supporting the entrepreneurial environment in the Kingdom and emerging as a leading model for partnerships between the public and private sectors.”

Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President of Amazon MENA, said, “Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurs inspire us with their vision, grit, and ingenuity as they set new benchmarks in customer-centric thinking every day. At Amazon, we reiterate our commitment to championing SMEs across the region. With our new Delivery Service Partner program, we provide the tools, technology, and know-how for any interested Saudi entrepreneur to set up and run their own logistics company. Through this initiative, we aim to empower enterprising innovators, enable start-ups and emerging brands across the Kingdom to realise their full potential, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s strong, fast-growing digital economy.”

Amazon will take an active role in its partnership with each entrepreneur, helping to minimise start-up costs by securing the most favourable terms for resources needed to operate a delivery business.

The first entrepreneur to join the Delivery Service Partner program, Sahal Shuaib, said, “With eCommerce on the rise over the past few years, I had been dreaming about getting into the logistics industry for some time, but did not have the experience or the know-how. When Amazon launched the Delivery Service Partner program, I realized that my dream became a reality, as the program provided me access to Amazon’s global logistics experience and technology. This is an excellent opportunity to learn while I earn and grow my own business. I am proud to say we rolled out our first deliveries to Saudi customers last week. With a specific delivery volume from Amazon and access to its sophisticated tools and assets, the Delivery Service Partner program represents an outstanding way for budding entrepreneurs to build a thriving business.”

Any motivated individual with no prior background in delivery services can aspire to join the Delivery Service Partner program. Self-starter Saudi nationals with 5-10 years of professional experience delivering results in operations roles such as managing events, operations, construction, and teams, as well as workers who are interested in starting their own delivery business in Saudi Arabia may apply for the program through the following link www.amazon.sa/DSP.

ALSO READ-Amazon retail CEO resigns after 23 years

Categories
Business USA

Amazon retail CEO resigns after 23 years


Clark said that 23 years ago, he took what felt like a big personal bet when he joined Amazon out of grad school…reports Asian Lite News

Amazon has announced that Dave Clark, its CEO of worldwide consumer business, is leaving the company after 23 years.

Clark played a key role in developing Amazon’s expansive and speedy supply chain.

“After 23 years with Amazon, Dave Clark has decided to leave the company to pursue other opportunities. His last day in the office will be July 1,” Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said in a statement late on Friday.

The company also declared the move in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Clark will be resigning to “pursue other opportunities”.

Clarsk joined Amazon’s Operations Pathways Programme in May 1999 — just a day after graduating from his MBA programme — and helped the company build and scale the consumer operations.

“He’s led teams who’ve designed several generations of FCs, built out Amazon’s transportation network from scratch, and has developed significant talent throughout the organisation,” said Jassy.

Clark said that 23 years ago, he took what felt like a big personal bet when he joined Amazon out of grad school.

“We were a small company with only six fulfillment centres that year, but growing fast. I was drawn to the opportunity at Amazon because of the people I met when I came to Seattle,” he said.

“We have a great leadership team across the Consumer business that is ready to take on more as the company evolves past the customer experience challenges we took on during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

Clark oversaw online stores, physical stores, the marketplace of third-party sellers and the Amazon Prime subscription business.

ALSO READ-Amazon sacks 2 workers who helped organise its 1st union