amazon

Google at work on Amazon Prime competitor

Amazon Prime, a service from the e-retail giant that offers free two-day shipping and discounted one-day shipping, might soon have a competitor.

Google is at work on a new platform called Google Shopping Express, which is designed to take on Amazon Prime, reports TechCrunch, citing people who claim to have knowledge of the search giant's plans. Signing up for Google Shopping Express would cost customers $10 to $15 less than an Amazon Prime membership, which sets customers back $79 per year.

Because Google doesn't offer a dedicated shopping site, its Shopping Express could work with retail partners and … Read more

Get a Roku 2 XS for $64.99 shipped

There are two kinds of TVs in the world: smart and dumb. The smart ones have Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming-service apps built right in. The dumb ones, well, they need a little help.

Arguably the best help you can get comes in the form of a Roku box, which brings pretty much every streaming service known to man (except, annoyingly, YouTube) to your TV.

Today only, and while supplies last, 1SaleADay has the refurbished Roku 2 XS for $64.99 shipped. The same model sells new for $99.99.

This is the premium Roku model, the one with every … Read more

Facebook is changing the News Feed

CNET Update never did beat Battletoads:

Facebook will unveil a new look for the News Feed on March 7, but we may have a hint at what's to come judging by the new profiles being tested in New Zealand (via The Next Web). And Google is also testing a new look with a navigation grid icon.

Other headlines from Friday's tech news roundup:

- Groupon's CEO was fired, but you should read his farewell memo to staff. He compares the challenges leading Groupon to getting through the difficult Battletoads video game without dying. We hear ya, Andrew. … Read more

Apple is again Fortune's most admired company

Apple is the world's most admired company, at least in the eyes of executives polled by Fortune magazine.

For the sixth year in a row, Apple took home top honors for the title, this year scoring 8.24 on Fortune's ranking system, ahead of Google with a score of 8.01 and Amazon with 7.28.

Apple was deemed the most admired despite recent concerns over the company's performance.

Its stock has tanked 35 percent since September as investors and analysts fret that Apple's best days may be behind it. But the company still rates as … Read more

Amazon nabs Food Network, Travel Channel for Instant Video

Now that it's wooed CBS for a whole slew of content, Amazon's moved on to Scripps and its popular Food Network and Travel Channel shows.

The online retail giant has struck a deal with Scripps Networks Interactive to stream past seasons of Scripps' most popular programming on Amazon's Prime Instant Video service.

This is the first time Scripps has partnered with a subscription service to stream its shows, according to a press release. Scripps' networks include HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel. The shows include "Rachael Ray's Week in a Day,&… Read more

Amazon launches Cloud Player app for iPad, iPad Mini

Amazon today launched its Cloud Player app for the Apple iPad and iPad Mini, expanding the online retail giant's footprint for its music streaming program.

The app allows customers to stream or download music stored in Amazon's cloud, play music already stored on the device, and manage or create playlists.

A quick check by CNET shows iPad users also can purchase songs from Amazon through the Safari Web browser like they can on iPhones and iPod Touches. In the past, iOS users were able to access Amazon's apps but weren't able to purchase items from Amazon. … Read more

Amazon warns iOS users to not update Kindle app due to glitch

Amazon pissed off a few iOS-based Kindle users today.

The online retail giant this morning warned iOS users not to download the latest update to its Kindle app because of a glitch that wiped an existing customer's entire library from the device. However, Amazon had released another update by this afternoon that resolved the issue.

After downloading the initial update, existing Kindle users were logged out of their accounts, and everything they had downloaded was deleted from their devices. They also lost bookmarks and other settings, according to angry comments on iTunes. Users then had to log back in … Read more

Amazon nabs exclusive rights to stream 'Justified'

Amazon has scored a deal to distribute a couple of FX shows online, dealing another blow to rivals Netflix and Hulu.

The online retail giant today said it has reached a content licensing agreement with Sony Pictures Television to make Amazon Prime the exclusive location to watch FX's "Justified." It also said it would now offer episodes of "The Shield," but that show is not exclusive to Netflix.

Prime subscribers can watch the shows for free, while other Amazon visitors can purchase and download episodes for $1.99 apiece.

"'Justified' and 'The Shield' are … Read more

Amazon tops Netflix in customer satisfaction survey

U.S. consumers who shop online continue to enjoy the experience more than going to brick-and-mortar stores, according to customer satisfaction rankings released today, and Amazon continues to lead the industry.

A report produced by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and analytics firm ForeSee gave the general e-commerce industry a ranking of 82 out of 100 in 2012 -- a 1.2 percent increase from the year before. Brick-and-mortar stores, however, ranked 76.6.

Not surprisingly, the companies that have seen the most growth are small online retailers and brick-and-mortar retailers that also have a Web presence. This category … Read more