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Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
What Amazon's Prime Day looks like so far this year: Better but fewer discounts
One of the most-purchased items so far during Amazon's Prime Day isn't an Alexa-enabled device or the Nintendo Switch 2. It's a hydration drink mix. Liquid IV packets were the most-bought item by number of units sold during Prime Day's first day and a half, according to Numerator data that tracked transactions. Some shoppers have turned to Amazon's marquee sales event in past years for discounts on electronics or other big-ticket items. This time, though, early results suggest customers are largely buying less-expensive household items, such as cleaning supplies and personal care goods. This year, Amazon's Prime Day lasts four days between July 8 and 11. That's longer than the event has run before, so the final results could differ depending on what shoppers buy in the final days of the sale. (Business Insider's Reviews team is also covering the best Prime Day deals on products and brands it has tested and reviewed.) After Liquid IV, Dawn dish detergent and protein shakes were the next most-purchased Prime Day items by volume, according to Numerator. Amazon's Fire TV Stick — the fourth most-purchased item — was the most popular consumer electronic. Other frequently bought product categories so far include apparel, shoes, and home decor. Shoppers are also buying lots of cheaper items. The average price per item so far this Prime Day is just over $25, Numerator found. Two-thirds of everything sold so far on Prime Day cost shoppers less than $20. That's a clear difference from four years ago, when Amazon-branded electronics, such as the latest Echo Dot speaker and the Fire Tablet, dominated similar early results from Numerator. No household goods were in the top five most-purchased products that year. Prime Day shoppers may be spending cautiously given worries about tariff-induced price increases later this year, said Sky Canaves, principal analyst at EMARKETER, which shares an owner with Business Insider. "They are stocking up on essentials, getting a head start on back-to-school and holiday shopping, and pulling up purchases of bigger-ticket items that may cost more later in the year, such as appliances," Canaves said on Thursday. Fewer deals, but deeper discounts A report from Impact Analytics released Wednesday found that Amazon appears to be offering discounts on a narrower range of items than last year. Impact found that last year, about 40% of Amazon products were discounted for Prime Day. Early results from this year show that the number has dropped by about 24 percentage points. The report said Amazon's discounts on many products, such as tools, lawn and garden supplies, and clothing, are deeper than in 2024. The analysis looked at discounts on 1,000 top-selling products in the two days leading up to Prime Day as well as during the early hours of the sale itself. "Amazon shifted to a more selective, margin-conscious strategy, likely shaped by tariff exposure and input cost pressures," the report said. EMARKETER estimates that the four-day event will generate $12.93 billion in sales for Amazon. If Amazon had limited Prime Day to 48 hours, as it has in recent years, EMARKETER estimates sales would have been $8.95 billion. Despite shoppers' focus on cheaper essential items, they're already spending more overall than in previous years. Numerator found that roughly halfway into this year's event on Wednesday afternoon, average household spending on Amazon during Prime Day was $126.26. That's up from about $92 at a similar point four years ago.
Irish Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Best-sounding Echo Dot yet' almost half price in Prime Day deal
The new way of listening to music at home continues to grow in popularity, with people moving in greater numbers towards smart speakers and away from traditional radios. Amazon has now claimed to have produced its 'best-sounding Echo Dot' yet and has slashed its price as part of the ongoing Prime Day sale. The Echo Dot (Newest gen) | Big vibrant sound Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart speaker with Alexa, comes in three colours and all three have seen massive price reductions this week. Both the charcoal and deep sea blue versions are down 46 per cent (from €63.62 to €34.17), while the popular glacier white speaker is down 42 per cent (from €62.46 to €36.37). The product description boasts improved audio when it comes to music, with clearer vocals and a richer bass, while the sound of podcasts and audiobooks can also be enjoyed via platforms such as Amazon Music, Audible, Apple Music, Spotify and more. The Echo Dot (Newest gen) | Big vibrant sound Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart speaker is also Alexa-enabled to allow for weather updates, timers, answers to questions and playful interactions, which are always popular with kids. The product can also be set up to control compatible smart home devices with your voice or set up routines such as temperature control. Users have been writing rave reviews about the product, with one saying: "I've owned a few Echo Dots over the years, but the 5th gen is definitely the best so far. I picked it up in the Deep Sea Blue color, and it looks even better in person—sleek, modern, and blends in nicely with the room. The sound quality is what really surprised me. For such a small device, it actually fills the room with clear, balanced audio. The bass is noticeably better than previous models, and I've found myself using it to play music way more often now." Another added: "Great device, useful and has been the reason my room has turned into a very smart one, ever since I've gotten my Alexa I've been able to set up my main bedroom lights, tv, wardrobe lights, leds, tv and even air purifier to turn on or be activated with my voice." Other smart speakers available on Amazon come in a wide variety of price ranges, such as the Sonos Era 100 Smart Speaker which boasts superior stereo separation and deeper bass. This currently comes in at €229. For those looking for a versatile smart speaker for the bedroom, this funky option also has functionalities such as phone-charging and soft wake-up capabilities. In terms of portable options, the JBL Authentics 300 Smart Home Speaker is highly-rated and comes in at €314.99.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
20 of the very best early Prime Day deals on Amazon Canada, according to shopping experts
Amazon Prime Day 2025 is just a couple of days away — but if you don't want to wait, there are literally thousands of early deals you can already shop. Ahead of the main sale (which kicks off July 8 through July 11), Amazon Canada has quietly dropped hundreds of weekend deals that rival Prime Day-level prices — we're talking up to 88 per cent off. There's a little something for everyone, from TVs and smart home gadgets to beauty finds, summer travel must-haves and bestselling kitchen gear. Whether you're refreshing your space, upgrading your tech or just looking to treat yourself, now's the best time to get a head start. Many deals are Prime member-exclusive, but hey, it's not too late to sign up for a Prime membership. So, to help you focus on the best discounts, we've rounded up 20 of the best early Amazon Prime Day deals available this the best early Amazon Prime Day deals by category below: Tech deals: Shop all tech deals Home deals: Shop all home deals Kitchen deals: Shop all kitchen deals Beauty deals: Shop all beauty deals Fashion deals: Shop all fashion deals Personal care deals: Shop all personal care deals Lawn and garden deals: Shop all lawn and garden deals Details: An "intuitive" streaming stick that will transform your TV into a smart device, elevating your entertainment system by unlocking access to thousands of movies, TV shows and more. Reviews: 10,300+ Average rating: 4.6/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 50%. Details: A two-way audio, HD video, motion and Alexa-enabled video doorbell with improved security features for peace of mind. Reviews: 40+ Average rating: 4/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 50%. Details: An HD smart display with a built-in smart home hub — control devices around the house, make video calls, display photos and more. Reviews: 21,600+ Average rating: 4.3/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 35%. Details: The wireless earbuds feature noise reduction, Bluetooth connectivity, an LED power display, a waterproof design and up to 36 hours of battery life. Reviews: 52,700+ Average rating: 4.4/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 81%. Details: A dual-basket air fryer made for speeding up cooking time. It features six cooking modes, two independent XL baskets, an integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer and a 10-quart capacity. Reviews: 28,100+ Average rating: 4.7/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 44%. Details: A GPS smart watch with a slim design and an always-on, full-colour display. Reviews: 3,200+ Average rating: 4.6/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 47%. Details: A cordless vacuum for carpet and hard floor that converts into a handheld vacuum for convenient floor to ceiling cleaning. Reviews: 8,800+ Average rating: 4.5/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 43%. Details: A pack of 24 coffee maker cleaning tablets that will descale your machine from grime, hard water build-up, calcium and more. Reviews: 7,100+ Average rating: 4.4/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 43%. Details: An electric egg cooker, poacher and omelet maker that can cook up to seven eggs at once. Reviews: 3,200+ Average rating: 4.4/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 35%. Details: A cordless vacuum that features a flexible floor brush and four LED lights for easy cleaning. Reviews: 70+ Average rating: 4.7/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 70%. Details: A 50-inch smart TV with a built-in Fire TV experience and hands-free Alexa control. Reviews: 1,000+ Average rating: 4.2/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 35%. Details: A single-serve coffee maker with five cup-size options and MultiStream Technology for a robust flavour. Reviews: 900+ Average rating: 4.1/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 38%. Details: A cordless, electric scrubbing device that will tackle tough grime and stains, saving you from bending down or excessive hand scrubbing. Reviews: 200+ Average rating: 4.5/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 88%. Details: An e-reader with a built-in notebook and premium pen. Reviews: 600+ Average rating: 3.7/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 25%. Details: An air styling and drying system with auto-wrap curlers, as well as a curl-defining diffuser, oval brush and concentrator attachment. Reviews: 1,100+ Average rating: 4/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 33%. Details: An easy-to-use wireless colour printer with a scanner and fast printing speeds. Reviews: 2,400+ Average rating: 4.4/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 50%. Details: A compact, voice-controlled smart speaker powered by Alexa. Control smart devices, play music, set timers, check the weather and more. Reviews: 15,500+ Average rating: 4.6/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 43%. Details: A versatile appliance that combines a toaster oven, air fryer, convection oven and more in one compact design. Reviews: 24,400+ Average rating: 4.4/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 50%. Details: A handheld massage device used to help relieve tension, reduce soreness, improve blood flow and support muscle recovery. Reviews: 16,900+ Average rating: 4.4/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 51%. Details: A powerful electric toothbrush that offers far better cleaning than a manual brush, thanks to its vibrating bristles. Reviews: 46,500+ Average rating: 4.4/5 stars Early Prime Day deal: Save 39%.
Daily Mirror
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Amazon Fire Stick rival offers a new way to stream
The handy devices allow households to stream hundreds of TV channels, shows and films in high quality Streaming sticks are incredibly handy gadgets that provide households with access to a variety of television channels and apps so that they can watch their favourite shows and films to their heart's content. The Amazon Fire Stick is arguably the most popular option, however, there's another alternative on the market. Offering a variety of features and access to the likes of Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and more, Roku is one such rival. Another brand of devices that can quickly upgrade any TV to HD 4K streaming. There's the Roku Streaming Stick Plus that can be purchased directly from the Roku website, or the Roku Streaming Stick, which is available on Amazon, and finally, the Roku Express HD Streaming Device that's on sale at Argos. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus is the brand's ultimate device, providing access to over 200 TV channels in 4K picture and vivid HDR colour, including live news, sports and more. This slim and portable gadget costs £39.99 - the same price as the latest Amazon Fire Stick - and simply plugs into any TV. It comes with a handy voice remote control that can be used to power on the TV and control the Roku device, although it doesn't have volume control buttons. Users can simply talk into the remote to quickly search for the show or films they are looking for. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus has a simple home screen displaying live TV, streaming apps, settings and more. Say goodbye to spending hours scrolling through pages of content trying to pick something to watch, as the Roku TV Stick's useful 'what to watch' feature recommends new films and shows. For households looking for a cheaper alternative, the Roku Streaming Stick costs £29.99 at Amazon. This gadget offers access to the same TV channels and apps as the more advanced Stick Plus, but in return, users are sacrificing 4K picture quality for HD instead. The cheapest option is the Roku Express HD Streaming Device priced at £24.99 at Argos. This option offers slightly less channels than the sticks, but still provides access to over 100 free, live and premium TV options in sharp HD pictures, including Roku Originals on The Roku Channel. The Roku Streaming Device comes with a standard remote control and comes with an HDMI cable that plugs into the television for a quick and easy set-up. For shoppers wanting to check out the Amazon Fire Stick, the £39.99 device allows users to stream TV shows and films in Full HD. It comes with an Alexa-enabled remote control that will work with the device, as well as other Alexa-enabled gadgets in the home. It seems the Roku Express HD Streaming Device is one of the most popular options, with it earning an overall rating of 4.7 out of five from over 460 Argos customers. One impressed buyer wrote: "Really impressed with this purchase which has converted an old Sony Bravia TV into a full blown smart TV. Thoroughly enjoying watching Netflix and Prime on it, great product, thank you Roku." "This is a fantastic piece of equipment," declared another shopper. "Works on an old HD TV and saves money considering the costs of Sky or Virgin TV packages which are not great. You can download the main channel apps and can watch live TV via your internet, as well as the Netflix app and Sky news etc." Sadly one Argos shopper was less impressed with the Roku Express HD Streaming Device. They noted: "It's ok for a bedroom TV, but there are no volume control buttons and no power button on the remote. I probably would not have bought it if I knew." However, another purchaser was delighted, commenting: "Why didn't I buy one before? Absolute game-changer. I had a TV I didn't want to part with because it had a built-in DVD player. This little thing turned it into a smart TV."
TECHx
18-06-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Ring Launches Outdoor Camera Plus in UAE
Home » Emerging technologies » Lifestyle tech » Ring Launches Outdoor Camera Plus in UAE Ring has announced the launch of its latest smart home security product in the UAE, the Outdoor Camera Plus. The new camera is designed to enhance home security with cutting-edge features and flexible usage both indoors and outdoors. The device delivers 2K video resolution, a wide field of view, and Low-Light Sight technology, which ensures sharp and vibrant footage even in low-light conditions. It uses ambient light sources such as streetlamps, eliminating the need for external lighting. Ring revealed that the Outdoor Camera Plus combines an upgraded imaging sensor and lens system with Ring Vision. This feature supports industry-leading video quality, offering lifelike color, improved clarity, and efficient video compression for live streaming and recorded clips. Mohammad Meraj Hoda, Vice President of Business Development – Emerging Markets at Ring, stated: 'Ring Outdoor Camera Plus represents a significant advancement in home security technology, delivering superior visibility and awareness through its 2K resolution and breakthrough low-light capabilities. This enables homeowners to clearly identify important details in any lighting condition, day or night.' He added that the solution offers real-time alerts for people and vehicles, empowering users with better awareness and control, whether they are at home or away. The Outdoor Camera Plus comes with standard smart features such as: Real-time motion alerts, Live View, and Two-Way Talk Compatibility with Alexa-enabled devices for hands-free monitoring Ring reported that customers can enhance their experience with optional Ring Home subscriptions. With Ring Home Basic, users can receive advanced notifications and access up to 180 days of event video history. Ring Home Premium unlocks additional features such as 24/7 Recording (available on plug-in versions), offering greater insight into home activities. Privacy continues to be a priority. The company emphasized that the camera includes customizable privacy settings and zones, allowing users to block certain areas from recording. It also features end-to-end video encryption and a blue indicator light, offering transparency and added peace of mind. Ring reiterated its commitment to providing smart home security solutions that balance protection and privacy for users in the UAE.
