Artificial Intelligence

Despite the many sales that showrooming has afforded Amazon over the years, the retailer surely doesn't want to become a victim going forward.  

Amazon may be looking to bolster its enterprise services offering with an innovative addition.   Corporate chatroom startup Slack Technologies has received inquiries of late about a potential takeover from technology companies, including Amazon. The company is valued at approximately $9 billion, according to Bloomberg.  

Eco-friendly home improvement retailer TreeHouse's new outpost in Dallas is billed as the nation's first energy-positive (meaning it will generate more energy than it uses) big-box store.   The 35,000-sq.-ft. space offers a curated selection of products, materials and technologies — some not available elsewhere—designed to promote healthy and sustainable spaces.  It also offers turn-key services and programs, including kitchen and bath design. solar energy kits, home insulation and "smart" home installation.

Amazon is giving its Dash Wand a makeover — make that a “voice over.”   The online giant has upgraded its Amazon Dash Wand with its artificial intelligence-based Alexa functionality. Extending Amazon’s signature virtual assistant Alexa beyond the Echo home speaker offering, the Dash Wand is described as the smallest and most inexpensive Alexa-enabled device, according to Geek Wire.    The Amazon Dash

Shoppers in Denver are getting their first taste of Amazon Prime Now.   The service, which is exclusive to the online giant’s Prime members, provides free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items, from household and daily essentials to electronics, games and outdoor supplies. Area Prime members can order through Amazon’s Prime Now app, available on iOS and Android devices, Amazon’s web site, or “speak” orders to their Alexa device.  

A new survey suggests that retailers are ready to invest in artificial intelligence and other new technologies.    

Amazon’s innovative re-training program has hit an all-time high.   

A recent job listing by Amazon has raised speculation that the online giant plans to roll out its checkout-free convenience store concept, Amazon Go.    The online giant recently posted a job listing seeking a senior real estate manager for Amazon Go. The role will be based in Seattle and will include travel.