Tag: Additionally

  • Amazon rolls out same-day delivery of perishable groceries in 1,000 US cities

    Amazon is now letting shoppers in 1,000 cities across the U.S. order perishable food items through its Same-Day Delivery service, as the e-commerce giant seeks to compete more directly with Instacart and Walmart+ in the growing quick-commerce space. Amazon plans to expand the option to over 2,300 cities by the end of the year.

    Users can now order fresh grocery items, including produce, dairy, meat, seafood, baked goods, and more, alongside everyday household products, electronics, and other items available for Same-Day Delivery.

    Amazon says its “specialized temperature-controlled fulfillment network” will ensure that shoppers receive perishable groceries intact, and that orders undergo a six-point quality check upon arrival and before leaving for delivery. Additionally, temperature-sensitive products are delivered in insulated bags.

    Same-day delivery is free for orders worth more than $25 for Prime members. If an order doesn’t meet the minimum amount, subscribers can still choose same-day delivery for a $2.99 fee. For customers without a Prime membership, the service is available with a $12.99 fee, regardless of the order size.

    “When Amazon began to add perishable groceries like bananas, milk, eggs, and bread to its Same-Day Delivery service in regions like Phoenix, Orlando, and Kansas City, customers embraced the convenience,” Amazon wrote in a press release. “Strawberries, Honeycrisp apples, limes, and avocados now rank among the top 10 items in Same-Day Delivery carts.”

    The move comes as Amazon has struggled to attract foot traffic at its physical stores.

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    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

    San Francisco
    |
    October 27-29, 2025

    REGISTER NOW

  • Amazon Music’s AI Unleashes Personalized Playlists Every Monday

    Amazon Music’s AI Unleashes Personalized Playlists Every Monday

    Amazon Music’s Latest AI Boost: “Weekly Vibe”

    Amazon Music is stepping up its game again. After launching AI-powered features like smart playlists and smarter search, the company is adding a new tool that turns every week into a fresh music adventure. The feature is now live for U.S. listeners on iOS and Android, no matter which subscription plan you’re on.

    Why “Weekly Vibe” Matters

    Every music fan knows that the same songs can feel stale after a while. For people who stream a lot, listening to the same tracks day after day can be tiring. “Weekly Vibe” is Amazon’s answer: it keeps your listening experience fresh, surprises you with songs you’ll love, and helps you discover new sounds.

    How the Feature Feels to You

    • Monday Surprise: Each Monday, an AI routine builds a playlist that matches how you were listening recently.
    • Personal Touch: It tracks what moods and interests you’re showing, and shapes the music around those changes.
    • Fresh Songs: Out of the box, it adds new tracks you haven’t heard yet, but that fit your taste.
    • All Devices: Whether you’re on an iPhone, Android phone, or tablet, it works the same.

    How Amazon’s AI Pays Attention

    The AI looks at what you played in the last few days, songs you liked, skips, and playlists you newly created. It pulls patterns—like whether you’ve been listening to upbeat pop, mellow indie, or energetic rock—and uses those patterns to pick songs that match that vibe.

    Imagine your playlist like a mood board that changes every week. The AI grabs a fresh set of images from the music world, mixes them up with the ones you already favor, and you get a new, personal soundtrack every time.

    A Simple Power Behind Weekly Vibe

    The core idea is straightforward: data from your listening habits informs an algorithm that picks new tracks. It’s faster and smarter than the old method of random album suggestions or static playlists. You get a curated experience that feels like someone is hand‑picking songs just for you.

    Why Users Love It
    • Feels like a personal DJ: the music feels like it’s made for you, not generic.
    • Reduces repetitive play: keeps you from hitting repeat on the same tracks.
    • Discover ups: uncovers hidden gems you might miss.
    • Consistent updates: you get a new playlist almost every week.

    What “Musical Moods” Are

    In the description of the feature, Amazon talks about “musical moods.” Think of this as the emotional direction that a playlist takes. Are you in a nostalgic mood? Feeling energized? Or searching for chill vibes? The AI senses those moods from the songs you play and maps them to the best picks.

    When your taste shifts, the algorithm adapts. If you start listening to more electronic beats, the playlist will reflect that change. If you spend a week on soothing indie tracks, the AI will lean into that style next week.

    Discovery Made Easy

    One of the coolest parts of Weekly Vibe is the way it brings new songs into your hub. It uses the same patterns that keep existing tracks relevant, but it also pulls in fresh releases. You’ll get lightning‑fast access to tracks that match your interests, no need to scroll through endless charts.

    How to Make the Most of Weekly Vibe
    • Check your weekly playlist every Monday. It’s your ready-made soundtrack for the week.
    • Give feedback: If you love or dislike a track, mark the mood or rate it. That helps the AI refine future suggestions.
    • Explore the new tracks. You might find your next favorite album from a new artist.
    • Keep listening— the AI learns as time passes, so the longer you use it the better it gets.

    Inside the Tech: A Quick Dive

    The AI engine at Amazon Music uses machine learning models that analyze audio features—like tempo, key, and instrumentation—plus your explicit listening data. With these inputs, it builds clusters of songs that share similar characteristics and then mixes them with your personal history.

    Think of it as a smart mixing board that automatically sets the knobs to match your current vibe. The result is a playlist that feels tuned just for you.

    What Comes Next for Amazon Music?

    Spotify’s AI DJ set a high bar, and Amazon shows it can catch up. Weekly Vibe is a step toward a future where music feels truly personal. Next on the roadmap could include deeper voice‑control integration, more finely tuned mood palettes, and possibly a way to build playlists on the fly from your own mixes.

    In the meantime, users can jump into the new feature without waiting. All you need is an Amazon Music app, an internet connection, and a curious ear. The AI is ready to serve fresh music each Monday, so just hit play and let the new vibe take over.

    Getting Started in Minutes

    1. Open your Amazon Music app.
    2. Navigate to your “Home” tab.
    3. Search for “Weekly Vibe” or look for a highlighted card that says “New Weekly Vibe Playlist.”
    4. Tap play and enjoy a brand‑new lineup that feels like you had a personal DJ.

    All of this runs under the hood without you needing to set anything up. No long forms, no subscriptions upgrades, just a fresh playlist delivered every week.

    Final Thoughts

    Amazon’s Weekly Vibe shows how AI can bring a personal touch to streaming without heavy technical hurdles. The weekly update keeps playlists lively, the mood adaptation feels intuitive, and the discovery engine opens doors to fresh music.

    If you’re tired of the same tracks looping on your queue, give Weekly Vibe a try. It’s a simple way to bring new songs into your life and keep your daily listening experience exciting.

    Play a Beat for Every Day

    Amazon Music gave us a new way to hear a fresh soundtrack each week. It’s called Weekly Vibe.
    Everyone loves a playlist that feels like it was made just for them.
    This week’s playlist is generated by AI, so it’s never the same as the last one.

    What Makes It Feel Personal

    • It looks at the songs you already like.
    • It considers what you’re listening to right now.
    • It picks tracks that fit a certain mood or style.

    The result is a collection of songs that match a theme, such as hip‑hop or pop.
    Every week you’ll get a brand new title and description. That keeps it interesting.

    Getting the Playlist

    Finding it is simple. Follow these steps:

    1. Open Amazon Music on your phone or computer.
    2. Tap Library at the bottom of the screen.
    3. Choose Made for You.
    4. Play the Weekly Vibe that shows up there.

    Once it’s in your library you can listen to it any time you want.

    Why Artists and Fans Like It

    • It gives artists a way to share new songs you might literally love.
    • Fans get a handpicked playlist that feels the way they feel.
    • It’s a quick way to discover new music.

    Share With Your Friends

    You can share the playlist in several ways.

    • Send it directly to a friend via the app.
    • Post a link to the playlist on social media.
    • Save it to your library so people can find it in the future.

    All of these options let the good music spread fast and easy.

    How Weekly Vibe Builds on Maestro

    Amazon also made a tool called Maestro last year.
    It was a beta program for making playlists with AI.
    To use Maestro you give a prompt – for example, “I’m in a chill mood” or even a single emoji.
    Then the AI creates a personalized set of songs that fit that mood.

    Weekly Vibe takes that idea and adds a rhythm.
    Instead of a random prompt, it gives you a theme each week.
    The AI selects tracks that fit the theme, gives you a catchy title, and writes a short description.

    What Happens Behind the Scenes

    Here’s a peek at how it works without going into technical terms:

    1. The system scans your listening history.
    2. It looks for patterns in the songs you play.
    3. It samples other popular songs that match the same patterns.
    4. It builds a list, then adds an original title and description.

    That’s all it does. No hard math, just music magic.

    Why the AI Helps

    • It keeps the playlist fresh each week.
    • It removes the need to look for new songs on your own.
    • It ensures that the playlist feels tailored to you.

    Things to Keep in Mind

    • The playlist is updated every week, but you can listen to it any time.
    • It works best if you have used Amazon Music enough to build a listening profile.
    • You can also create a personal list by using Maestro and then add it to Weekly Vibe.

    How to Make Your Own Weekly Vibe

    You can create your own Weekly Vibe playlist by following the steps for Maestro first. After you finish, save the playlist to your library. That will feel like your own custom Weekly Vibe.

    Future of Weekly Vibe

    Amazon plans to keep improving how the AI selects songs. They want to add new themes.
    They also want to make it easier to share playlists in different ways.
    The goal is to make listening as simple and enjoyable as possible.

    Final Thoughts

    Weekly Vibe is a simple idea: a new set of songs each week that feels like it was meant for you.
    It’s built on AI that has already helped make other playlists.
    The result? A quick, easy, personalized listening experience that you can share with friends.

    So why not try it? Open Amazon Music, go to Library, pick Made for You, and listen.
    You’ll find that the best songs for any mood are just a click away.

    Join 10k+ tech and VC leaders for growth and connections at Disrupt 2025

    Netflix, Box, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just some of the 250+ heavy hitters leading 200+ sessions designed to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech. Grab your ticket before Sept 26 to save up to $668.

    Join 10k+ tech and VC leaders for growth and connections at Disrupt 2025

    Netflix, Box, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just some of the 250+ heavy hitters leading 200+ sessions designed to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech. Grab your ticket before Sept 26 to save up to $668.

    Meet the New “Explore” AI Feature

    San Francisco | October 27‑29, 2025

    What Explore Is

    Explore is the newest tool on the platform that works with artificial intelligence. It’s designed to help you dig deeper into the music you love. The feature looks at your favorite artists and pushes the best tracks out front. It also shows you similar artists that might sound good to you. The idea is simple: give you more music you’ll enjoy without having to hunt for it yourself.

    With Explore, you can jump from one artist to another with just a few clicks. It learns what you like and suggests songs or other artists that match that vibe. The service is easy to use and fits into the existing experience on the platform.

    Why You’ll Love It

    • It saves time: You don’t need to search far.
    • It introduces new music quietly.
    • It works in the background while you listen.
    • It stays personal; it listens to how you use the system.
    • It feels natural—almost like a friend telling you what to listen to next.

    Getting Started

    To start using Explore, just hit the button on the main page that says REGISTER NOW. The sign‑up flow is the same as before. Once you’re inside, you’ll see a new option called “Explore.” Click on it and the AI will load a set of songs from the artists you already love.

    Sometimes Explore will also recommend new artists. You can listen to a short list before deciding if you want to add them to your collection.

    How the AI Works (A Simple Breakdown)

    Explore watches what you do. When you listen to a track, the AI notes the genre, rhythm, and the feel of the song. It then looks for patterns across all tracks you enjoy. Using those patterns, it pulls out the most iconic songs from each artist’s catalog. The algorithm is designed to keep your listening time short and sweet.

    After you hear several tracks from your favorite artists, Explore will suggest new artists. These artists share similar beats or moods. The suggestions appear with a preview, so you can hear a snippet before you decide to keep the full track.

    Daily Tips for Explore

    • Give the AI a few days to learn. The first week will be the most useful.
    • Play the first track that pops up. The simpler it is, the better it trains the system.
    • If you like a suggested artist, click “Add.” If not, just skip. The AI remembers your choices.
    • Use the “Shuffle” button if you want random songs in your current artist set.
    • Check your “Recent” list weekly to keep track of new suggestions.

    Testing New Songs

    You can test new songs by clicking on the preview button. You’ll hear a short clip, and if you enjoy it, you can have the full track. This helps the AI learn quickly which vibes resonate with you.

    Resetting the AI

    Feeling like a fresh start? Click the “Reset” button. It clears your listening history and starts the learning cycle anew. This can be useful if you’ve switched your music taste or you’re teaching the system to explore new genres.

    Social Sharing (Your Own Playlist Stories)

    When you discover a great new artist, you can share it on your social feed. The platform lets you embed a short clip and a link to the full track. Your friends see what’s trending in your musical world. They may want to explore those sounds too.

    Sharing feels natural, converting your listening into conversation. The AI also tracks what your followers like, letting you see which tracks they love.

    Best Places to Use Explore

    • While commuting: Put a playlist in your car and let Explore mix the songs.
    • During a workout: The AI brings in energetic tracks that match your pace.
    • In the kitchen: It supplies background music that keeps the kitchen lively.
    • On a family evening: The AI offers family‑friendly songs from your top artists or new suggestions.

    Creating Your Personal Mood

    Use the AI to tailor specific moods. If you want “calm” or “party” playlists, let Explore know. The system will remix tracks to fit that vibe. It’s quick and feels custom because the AI overuses what you’re used and likes.

    Seeing the Results (Your Own Dashboard)

    After a month of listening, the dashboard shows your top picks. The AI has built a map of your preferences. The card displays the tracks that have been most played. You also get a graph of how often new artists are recommended and how you accepted or declined them.

    It’s a good way to see if the AI is truly learning. If you notice that some picked suggestions are always wrong, you can flag them. The system adapts.

    How to Adjust the Expertise Level

    You can choose how deep the AI goes. The default setting works for most people. If you want to explore more radical sounds, switch on “Deep Dive.” It will consider a broader set of tracks from artists, pushing less familiar songs into your queue.

    Addressing Common Questions

    • Is it safe? Yes. Your data stays inside the platform. The AI doesn’t share your personal data outside the system.
    • Can I stop it? Completely. Switch the toggle on the settings to stop the service at any time.
    • Will it cost more? No. The feature is part of your current subscription. It’s free with your account.
    • Can it work offline? In a limited way. The suggestion list doesn’t refresh without a connection but still plays the pre‑loaded tracks.

    Future Plans for Explore

    The developers are already working on new features. In the next release, you can. The AI will anticipate when you’re about to switch genres and push a track that matches that mood. There will also be a “Story Mode” where you follow a musical theme through different artists over time.

    • Future feature 1: Real‑time mood updates based on your listening pace.
    • Future feature 2: Collaborative playlists where friends can vote on songs.
    • Future feature 3: Custom radio stations created by the AI that keep a consistent theme.

    Join the Experience Today

    Animates your way into fresh music. Click the REGISTER NOW button below and dive into your next favorite track. It’s free, quick, and will change the way you listen. Our team is excited to see what you discover.

    Happy listening!

    REGISTER NOW

  • Microsoft to hike Xbox console and game prices, ending a deflation spiral

    Microsoft to hike Xbox console and game prices, ending a deflation spiral

    Microsoft’s Bold Stunt: Hardcore Gaming Gets a Price Hike

    Hey gamers, strap in—Microsoft has announced that the Xbox Series S, Series X, and even your favorite games are getting a price bump. For the first time in 15+ years, the gaming world is sweating a little.

    What’s Changing?

    • Series S$380 (was $300)
    • Series X$550 (was $400)
    • 1TB Series S$430 (was $350)
    • Series X with disc drive$600
    • 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition$730

    Games Are Getting Oven‑Baked Too!

    Expect the average price for AAA titles to hover around $80 now. First‑party games launching this holiday season could start at that sweet spot.

    Peripherals?

    A new Core Controller is now going to cost about $65. Looks like the price tag is creeping into every corner of the ecosystem.

    Why the Change?

    Microsoft’s spokesperson said “careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development.” They want to keep margins healthy while promising more ways to play across any screen. The push is all about balancing quality with the economics of game development.

    Feelings & Big Numbers

    This is a huge shift back after decades of gamers darting a little extra for the same console. But hey, a new Grand Theft Auto 6 is on the horizon, and big optimism is in the air. If the game truly lands, those price changes might feel like a small price to pay for a mega‑hit.

    What Do We Think?

    Some analysts are saying GTA 6 might run at about $100—a rumor, yet to be confirmed. So, whether you’re an enthusiast or a casual player, the price hike definitely means we’ll need to decide if the next generation of consoles is worth the extra cash.

    Bottom Line

    Microsoft’s price hike isn’t just about numbers: it’s a signal that the gaming industry’s cost structure has evolved. The question now is whether these increased prices align with the value gamers expect. Stay tuned and keep your controllers ready!

    GTA 6 Could Revive Game Prices, Says Matthew Ball

    Matthew Ball’s Take on the Upcoming Hit

    According to Epyllion’s CEO Matthew Ball, the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 this fall may re‑establish premium video‑game pricing after years of price erosion, all while costs keep climbing.

    How Prices Have Evolved

    • Early 2000s: most games sold at roughly $50
    • Mid‑2000s: price nudged up to $60
    • 2020: AAA titles hit around $70
    • Today: packed game prices are at their lowest real‑term level, despite soaring budgets and stagnant player growth

    Why GTA 6 Matters

    Ball predicts that GTA 6 could swing the market back toward higher price points:

    • Quarter‑to‑quarter, $80‑$100 pricing may re‑break the $70 barrier
    • Subsequent ripple effects: $50 titles move up to $60, $60 to $70, and $70 to $80

    In short, the launch of GTA 6 could settle the pricing plateau that’s left the industry in a gray zone of cheapness and inflated costs.

    GTA 6: Are We Ready to Pay the Price?

    Since Grand Theft Auto V dropped the beat in 2013, gamers have been eye‑banging the clock, waiting an entire decade for the next saga. 
Now that the dust is finally settling on GTA 6, the question is: will the hype justify a wallet swipe of $70 to $100? 
After all, with “Buy Now, Pay Later” apps in the mix, folks are literally buying the next epic right from their phones.

    What’s Fueling the Frenzy?

    • Players craving new layers of crime‑filled chaos after Blood and Money ran out of fresh beats.
    • The Switch 2 pre‑order wave that lit up screens worldwide—people are ready for the next console bounty.
    • A gaming economy that’s inching toward a deflationary loop – all it needs is a blockbuster to break the spiral.

    Will GTA 6 Be the Rescue?

    It’s still all speculation. 
The gaming industry has a big question on its shoulders: can one title lift the entire sector from the verge of a bubble burst? 
We’ll see the answering beats in the coming months. 
Stay tuned, folks—this sequel could either be a blockbuster or a meager drop.