Amazon has finally launched the Echo Auto in India. A dedicated Alexa-enabled device for cars, it can be plugged into the car’s 12V charging socket or USB port while the audio is routed through the car’s stereo via 3.5mm cable or Bluetooth.
Since the device requires a constant internet connection, Echo Auto needs to be connected to the user’s smartphone with the Alexa app that allows to play music, listen to audiobooks, make calls, ask for directions and even send text messages (Android).
Echo Auto is priced at Rs. 4,999 and will be available from January 15.
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Tata Sky announces Tata Sky Binge for digital content
Staying true to the tagline, ‘isko laga dala, toh life jingalala’, Tata Sky has introduced a new way for Tata Sky subscribers to enjoy digital content. Tata Sky has launched Tata Sky Binge, which in collaboration of Amazon, will be able to enjoy digital content from Hotstar, Eros Now, Hungama Play & Sun NXT on Amazon Fire TV Stick. This service is priced at Rs. 249/month and will be part of a single subscription that also includes the DTH pack. Moreover, Binge subscribers will also get access to over 5000 titles from the Tata Sky VOD library along with favourite TV shows of the past 7 days.
At the launch of this new service, Pallavi Puri, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Sky said,
“Tata Sky has always been committed to bringing the best entertainment to the big screen, powered by the finest technology and packaged in the most user-friendly interface. We are now extending the superior ‘Tata Sky experience’ to the world of apps with Tata Sky Binge.
It is a unique platform that bridges internet and television content bringing a premium viewing experience of the best internet app videos to large screens. Tata Sky Binge is available to our subscribers through the world-class Amazon Fire TV Stick, which comes along with the Binge subscription. We are sure that this unique partnership will bring a new entertainment experience to life across millions of Tata Sky homes.”
Apart from this, new Tata Sky Binge subscribers can enjoy free access to Amazon Prime services.
Amazon beta testing new Influencer Program
Amazon seems to have noticed the effect of social media users with large followers and reach. The company has stealth launched the ‘Amazon Influencers Program’ last week.
Unlike the Amazon Affiliate program which lets anyone sign up to receive commission from links and banner ads, the Influencers Program requires submission of an application and checks to a number of various requirements. These include but aren’t limited to having a large number of followers, metrics like post engagement, relevance for Amazon and posted content quality. But this doesn’t mean that a large number of followers guarantees entry into the program which is open across all tiers and categories.
How this works is similar to the Affiliate program. The influencers are provided with a unique URL displaying a curated set of products recommended by them. When a user purchases an item, the influencer will receive a commission. The selection of products is entirely dependent upon them and their brand relationship is also something that Amazon will not involve itself in.
Currently, only a small number of influencers have joined as Amazon is having a pilot run of the program to see how users respond. The company hopes that they will respond better to recommendations from well known sources.
Amazon Prime Video goes live 242 countries, including India
Amazon’s premium video streaming service has gone live in India and 241 other countries globally. Dubbed Prime Video, the service is available free of charge to Amazon Prime subscribers if you reside in India (and select few countries) or will cost equivalent of $5.99/month (or €5.99) after the introductory price of $2.99/month (or €2.99) for first six months.
We’ve been trying out the service and the initial collection looks promising. For local content, Amazon has tied up with Indian studios to populate Bollywood and regional language content and have even roped in reputed Indian writers, directors and authors to produce original Indian content with most of them slated for next year.
Additionally, the service also supports downloads, subtitles as well as multi-audio support and X-Ray that shares actor bios and other information from IMDb.
Amazon Prime comes to India
After opening up several fulfillment centers and investing a considerable sum, Amazon India has finally brought Amazon Prime to the country. The service comes 3 years after the company started operating in India.
For starters, Amazon India is offering free 1 day or 2 day delivery service along with discounted same day, scheduled and morning delivery in select pincodes through the country. These users will also get access to lightning deals half an hour earlier and be able to enjoy member only exclusives. Prime Video service will also be offered but at a much later date. Users will be able to stream Amazon original series, movies as well as premium movies and TV shows from local, global content providers.
The Prime service in US offers a lot more services at a much higher price. In addition to the above services, unlimited music streaming, ebooks and photo storage is also provided at a monthly charge of $10.99 or $99 annually.
The Amazon Prime service will cost Rs.999 per year but as an introductory offer it will be offered at a price of Rs. 499. The company is also offering 60 days of free trial service to entice prospective customers.