Amazon is not done with its members-only sales events after Prime Day. The company has announced that it will be hosting Prime Big Deal Days on October 10 and 11, similar to what they did in the same month last year. Just like Prime Day, this event will last for two days and will offer early deals on Amazon devices. Prime members will be able to save up to 65 percent on a three-pack of eero Pro Mesh Wi-Fi, select Fire TV devices, Kindles, and more. In addition, Amazon is also offering a $15 credit to Prime members who download its Photos app and upload their first photo, between now and October 7, just ahead of the Big Deal Days.
If you’re curious about which devices to keep an eye on during this event, you can check out our Prime Day primer for more information. Some notable deals to watch out for include Anker charging gear and power banks, which are currently up to 50 percent off, and the release of iOS 17, which brings new features and updates to your iPhone.
In other news, Panos Panay, the chief product officer of Microsoft, is leaving the company and reportedly heading to Amazon. Panay has been a key figure in the development and promotion of Microsoft’s Surface line of tablets and hybrid laptops. He has also been involved in livestreams, press events, and product launches alongside CEO Satya Nadella. While no reason has been given for Panay’s departure, it is rumored that he will be replacing Dave Limp, the Amazon executive previously in charge of Alexa and Echo, who announced his retirement last month. This news comes just before Microsoft’s livestream event, which is expected to focus on new Surface products.
In software updates, Microsoft is rolling out support for layers and transparent PNGs in MS Paint. This beloved retro drawing program from the ’90s and ’00s will finally have the ability to create multi-layered images, making it more versatile and powerful.
Apple’s AirPods Pro have received a firmware update alongside the release of iOS 17. The update introduces Adaptive Audio, a feature that automatically adjusts the blend of noise cancellation and transparency mode based on your surroundings. For example, if you enter a loud coffee shop, the AirPods Pro will increase noise cancellation to reduce distractions automatically. This update aims to provide a more immersive and personalized audio experience without the need for manual adjustments.
In Nest Hub Max news, Google is discontinuing support for Zoom and Google Meet meetings on the device. Users have received notifications that they will no longer be able to join meetings from the Nest Hub Max beginning September 28. This follows Zoom’s announcement in July that support for the video calling service on the device will end on September 30. However, there will be no change to making 1:1 and group video calls to friends, family, and businesses with Google Meet.
Sonos has announced the release of its new portable speaker, the Move 2. This speaker builds on the success of its predecessor, the Move, by incorporating the latest technology and design cues from Sonos. It offers improved sound quality and battery life, bringing the features of a portable speaker to the Sonos lineup. The Move 2 is not indicative of a new direction for future Sonos products, but it showcases the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio experiences in versatile and portable packages.
In conclusion, Amazon is gearing up for another sales event with Prime Big Deal Days, Panos Panay is leaving Microsoft and rumored to be heading to Amazon, Microsoft is adding layers and transparent PNG support to MS Paint, Apple’s AirPods Pro receive an update with Adaptive Audio, Google is discontinuing Zoom and Google Meet support on Nest Hub Max for joining meetings, and Sonos announces the release of the Move 2 portable speaker with improved sound and battery life. These updates and announcements offer new opportunities and improvements for consumers in the tech world.
