Tag: Amazon

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Corporate

Amazon announces 90-day code safety reset

Amazon has announced a 90-day “code safety reset” after a series of technical issues disrupted its online platform. The move comes after some outages were linked to software changes created with the help of artificial intelligence tools.

According to reports, the problems affected Amazon’s systems that handle orders and deliveries, causing website errors and cancelled orders for some customers. The incidents prompted the company to review how its engineers write and release software updates.

As part of the reset, Amazon has introduced stricter rules for engineers working on its most critical systems. For the next 90 days, developers must follow additional safety checks before releasing new code. This includes getting at least two engineers to review the code and properly documenting any changes before they go live.

The new measures will apply to around 335 “Tier-1 systems”, which are Amazon’s most important services that directly affect customers. These systems include parts of the platform responsible for shopping, payments and order processing.

Reports suggest that some of the recent issues were connected to the growing use of AI-assisted coding tools, including Amazon’s own internal AI assistant called Q. These tools help engineers write code faster, but they can sometimes introduce errors if the code is not carefully checked.

By introducing stricter reviews and documentation requirements, Amazon hopes to reduce the chances of similar problems in the future. The company also wants engineers to slow down and focus more on stability when making changes to critical systems.

The safety reset will also involve closer monitoring of software updates and stronger approval processes before any changes are implemented.

Industry experts say the move highlights the challenges companies face as they increasingly rely on AI to speed up software development. While AI tools can improve productivity, they also require careful oversight to avoid unexpected errors.

Amazon said the 90-day period will give the company time to review its development practices and strengthen safeguards.

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Technology

Amazon starts AI platform for healthcare administration

Amazon has introduced a new artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to help healthcare providers automate routine administrative work and improve efficiency in hospitals and clinics. The tool has been launched by Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company’s cloud computing division.

The new platform is built to handle several time-consuming administrative processes that healthcare workers typically manage manually. These include tasks such as appointment scheduling, verifying patient details, reviewing medical histories, preparing clinical notes and generating billing codes.

Administrative work is a major challenge for many healthcare systems around the world. Doctors and nurses often spend significant time on paperwork and data entry, which can reduce the time available for patient care. With the new AI platform, Amazon aims to streamline these processes so that healthcare professionals can focus more on treating patients.

The system can interact with patients through voice or digital communication channels to help book appointments and answer routine queries. It can also access and organise patient information, making it easier for medical staff to review records and prepare documentation during consultations.

According to the company, the platform is designed to integrate with existing electronic health record systems used by hospitals and clinics. This allows healthcare organisations to adopt the technology without replacing their current infrastructure.

The AI tool is also capable of assisting with tasks after a patient visit. It can automatically generate summaries of consultations, prepare documentation and create billing codes required for insurance claims and payments.

Amazon says the system can operate continuously, helping hospitals manage patient requests at any time of the day. In cases where the AI cannot resolve a request, the issue can be transferred to human staff for further assistance.

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Leaders

Amazon AGI Chief David Luan resigns

David Luan, who heads Amazon’s Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) lab, has announced that he will leave the company. Luan shared the update publicly, saying he plans to step away by the end of the week to focus on new opportunities in artificial intelligence research.

Luan joined Amazon in June 2024 after the company acquired his startup, Adept AI Labs. The deal brought him and several members of his team into Amazon, where they became part of a newly created AGI division based in San Francisco. The lab was set up to work on advanced AI systems, including agent-based technologies that can perform tasks with minimal human input.

During his time at Amazon, Luan played a key role in building and launching Nova Act, an AI agent designed to complete tasks autonomously in a web browser. The technology was integrated into services such as Alexa’s upgraded experiences and positioned as a competitor to similar tools developed by other major AI players.

In his farewell note, Luan thanked Amazon’s leadership, including CEO Andy Jassy, and highlighted the progress made in scaling AI models and developing new research capabilities. He suggested that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence influenced his decision to pursue fresh challenges in the field.

Following his departure, oversight of the AGI team will move under Peter DeSantis, a senior executive within Amazon Web Services (AWS). The leadership change comes as Amazon continues to streamline and strengthen its AI operations amid intense global competition.

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Technology

Amazon opens second-largest Asia office in Bengaluru

US e-commerce giant Amazon has opened its second-largest office in Asia in Bengaluru, highlighting the city’s importance as a tech and business hub. The new 12-storey campus spreads over 1.1 million square feet on a five-acre site near Yelahanka, about 15 km from Kempegowda International Airport. It will accommodate more than 7,000 employees working in technology, operations, e-commerce, payments, and seller services.

The office is designed to encourage collaboration and employee well-being, with modern workspaces, meeting rooms, breakout zones, landscaped lawns, sports courts, and cafeterias. The campus combines productivity with comfort, reflecting Amazon’s focus on employee experience.

The opening was attended by Karnataka Industries Minister Dr. M.B. Patil, who said the investment shows India’s growing role in global technology and innovation. Samir Kumar, Amazon India Country Manager, said Bengaluru has been central to the company’s growth in India and continues to be a key location for expansion in Asia.

This new office adds to Amazon’s existing operations in Karnataka, where the company runs multiple corporate offices, fulfillment and delivery centers. Amazon has invested over $40 billion in India so far and plans an additional $35 billion by 2030 to expand its business, support local sellers, create jobs, and develop technology.

The Bengaluru campus demonstrates Amazon’s long-term confidence in India’s growth and reinforces the city’s position as a hub for global operations, innovation, and talent.

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1 Minute-Read

Bride’s mehendi features Amazon logo

An Amazon India couple has captured social media attention after the bride incorporated the company’s signature smile logo into her mehendi during their wedding celebrations.

Priyanshi Shrimal and Rajat Verma, who met while working together, chose the design as a tribute to the organisation that brought them closer. The heartwarming video, shared by Amazon’s official social media handle, shows the intricate henna artwork and the couple’s joyful reaction.

Online users praised the thoughtful gesture, calling it a unique blend of professional journey and personal milestone. The groom said the company will always hold a special place in their lives for helping them find each other.

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1 Minute-Read

Amazon to cut 16,000 jobs on Jan 27, Indian teams mostly

Amazon is set to begin a new round of layoffs on January 27, 2026, affecting around 16,000 employees worldwide. This move is part of the company’s ongoing restructuring, which may see nearly 30,000 corporate roles cut by mid-2026.

India teams, particularly in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, are expected to face the largest impact. Cuts will span key divisions including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Prime Video, retail operations, and HR.

Internal discussions and reports suggest notices may already be circulating, though Amazon has not officially confirmed the details.

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Corporate

Amazon plans 30,000 corporate job cuts

Amazon is preparing to announce another major round of corporate job cuts next week, a move that will take its total planned layoffs to nearly 30,000 roles, according to people familiar with the matter. The decision marks one of the largest workforce reductions in the company’s history and underscores the scale of restructuring underway at the global tech giant.

The upcoming layoffs are expected to affect thousands of employees across corporate functions, following an earlier round of cuts in October last year when Amazon eliminated around 14,000 white-collar jobs. Sources said the second phase could begin as early as next week, with employees being informed in stages.

Teams likely to be impacted include Amazon Web Services (AWS), retail and e-commerce operations, Prime Video, and human resources-related functions, though the company has not officially confirmed the details. Amazon declined to comment on the timing or scale of the cuts.

CEO Andy Jassy has been steadily reshaping Amazon’s corporate structure since taking over, with a clear focus on reducing layers of management, speeding up decision-making, and improving efficiency. In internal communications and public comments, Jassy has said the goal is to create smaller, more accountable teams rather than a sprawling corporate bureaucracy.

While artificial intelligence and automation have played a role in changing how work is done at Amazon, the company has stressed that the layoffs are not solely about replacing people with technology. Instead, the restructuring is aimed at simplifying operations after years of rapid expansion during the pandemic-driven boom in online shopping and cloud services.

If completed as planned, the reduction of nearly 30,000 corporate roles would amount to roughly 10% of Amazon’s corporate workforce. However, it represents only a small share of its total global headcount of about 1.58 million employees, most of whom work in warehouses, logistics, and delivery operations.

In previous layoffs, Amazon allowed affected employees a transition period during which they remained on payroll while exploring internal job opportunities or preparing to exit the company. That grace period for employees impacted in October is nearing its end, adding to the anxiety around the next announcement.

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Technology

Amazon launches new Echo Show 11, Echo Show 8

Amazon has expanded its smart home portfolio in India with the launch of the Echo Show 11 and the new Echo Show 8, offering consumers larger displays, improved audio and more intelligent home control features. The new devices are aimed at users who want a central screen for entertainment, communication and smart home management.

The Echo Show 11 comes with an 11-inch full-HD touchscreen, while the Echo Show 8 features an 8.7-inch HD display with slimmer bezels. Both devices are designed to be used hands-free with Alexa or through touch controls, making them suitable for kitchens, living rooms and workspaces. Users can watch videos, check calendars, follow recipes, make video calls or control connected devices from a single screen.

A key highlight is Amazon’s Omnisense technology, which combines motion detection, presence sensing and temperature monitoring. This allows the Echo Show devices to automate tasks such as switching on lights when someone enters the room or adjusting settings based on activity. The built-in 13-megapixel camera supports auto-framing and noise reduction, ensuring clearer video calls and easier monitoring of compatible security cameras.

Audio performance has also been upgraded. Both models feature front-firing stereo speakers and a custom woofer, delivering louder, clearer sound with deeper bass. Users can stream music from services such as Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn and Audible. Video streaming is supported through Prime Video, Netflix and web access to platforms like YouTube.

Privacy remains a focus, with physical buttons to turn off the microphone and camera, along with settings that allow users to review and delete voice recordings.

In India, the Echo Show 11 is priced at ₹26,999, while the Echo Show 8 costs ₹23,999. Both models are available in Graphite and Glacier White colours through Amazon.in and select retail partners. Amazon has also confirmed that the devices will be compatible with its upcoming Alexa+ AI assistant, promising more natural conversations and smarter assistance in the future.

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Corporate

Amazon to cut 370 jobs at its European headquarters

Amazon has announced that it will cut 370 jobs at its European headquarters in Luxembourg. This is the largest round of layoffs the company has carried out at this office so far.

The job cuts will affect around 8.5 per cent of employees working at the Luxembourg location. Amazon currently has more than 4,300 staff there. The layoffs are expected to begin in early 2026, after talks with employee representatives and approval from local authorities, as required by European labour laws.

Earlier, Amazon had planned to cut up to 470 jobs. However, after discussions with worker unions and the Luxembourg government, the number was reduced to 370. The company has also agreed to provide severance pay and support to employees who lose their jobs. Amazon said this support goes beyond what is legally required.

Reports suggest that software engineers, technical teams and corporate staff will be among the most affected. Many technology companies are cutting jobs as they increase the use of artificial intelligence and automation to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has said the company is trying to simplify its operations. Over the past year, Amazon has already laid off thousands of corporate employees worldwide as part of this strategy.

Despite the job cuts, Amazon said it will continue its operations in Luxembourg, which remains an important base for its European business. The company added that it will still hire for key roles where needed.

For many employees, the announcement has created uncertainty, especially for those who moved from other countries to work in Luxembourg. They may have limited time to find new jobs due to visa rules.

The move shows how even large global companies are changing their workforce plans as business priorities and technology continue to evolve.

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Corporate

Amazon in $10 billion investment talks with OpenAI

Amazon is in early discussions to invest more than $10 billion in OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT. If the deal goes through, OpenAI’s valuation could exceed $500 billion, reflecting the growing competition among tech giants to lead the fast-expanding artificial intelligence sector.

The potential investment would allow OpenAI to use Amazon’s cloud services and AI chips, strengthening its infrastructure for AI development. OpenAI already spends billions on Amazon Web Services (AWS) but also relies on other suppliers such as Nvidia for AI chips.

Despite the investment, Amazon would not gain the right to sell OpenAI’s most advanced AI models through its cloud platform. Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI, holds exclusive rights to distribute these models via its Azure cloud services, giving it a significant strategic advantage.

Industry analysts say Amazon’s move is part of a broader trend where cloud providers invest directly in AI companies to gain access to cutting-edge technology. Other AI firms, like Anthropic, have also attracted investment from a mix of tech giants, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.

OpenAI has recently reshaped its partnership with Microsoft, allowing it to work with multiple infrastructure providers. This flexibility makes it easier for the company to raise funds and expand its AI offerings. Reports suggest OpenAI is preparing for a future initial public offering (IPO), which could value the company at up to $1 trillion.

No formal announcement has been made, and the terms of the investment are still being negotiated. If finalized, this deal would be among the largest in the AI industry, highlighting how cloud and technology companies are positioning themselves to dominate AI development, cloud infrastructure, and chip supply.

It is a known fact that artificial intelligence is reshaping the tech industry’s strategic partnerships and investment flows. Companies are not only competing to develop the most advanced AI but also to control the infrastructure and services that deliver it to businesses and consumers worldwide.

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