Amazon's Eero 6 routers get Apple HomeKit support

Amazon has released a new firmware update for its Eero 6 routers that adds support for Apple's HomeKit. Older Eero routers support the smart home platform, so it isn't surprising that this latest line gets them, too. What this feature brings is the ability to firewall each of your HomeKit devices. When you do so, this ensures your smart home devices, like this router, will only communicate with devices in the same WiFi network, and it only connects to the manufacturer's servers for software updates. It's extra security for your smart home devices.

Source: Engadget

Tile partners with Amazon to compete with AirTags

Tile will be joining Amazon Sidewalk on June 14, which will allow Tile Bluetooth trackers to take advantage of Amazon's network of Bluetooth devices (like the Ring and Amazon Echo). Tile users will also gain access to Amazon Alexa, allowing them to ask Alexa-enabled devices to find their items (just say "Alexa, find my [item]). It will be helpful in a home with Amazon Echo devices, but Tile CEO CJ Prober believes it will be useful outside the home, too. This partnership helps Tile compete better with Apple's AirTags and its Find My network.

Source: MacRumors

Amazon to postpone Prime Day in Canada, India due to rising COVID-19 cases

Photo by James Yarema on Unsplash

Amazon has recently announced it would pause Prime Day here and India as the countries face the worsening spread of COVID-19. The two-day discount event doesn't have a rescheduled day yet for either country. 

Last month, Canada's COVID-19 infection rates overtook the US for the first time since the pandemic began. The country has also been facing lagging vaccination rates. India is experiencing an even more devastating rise, with the country accounting for 46% of new COVID cases worldwide in the past week.

Outside of the two nations, Amazon will bring Prime Day back. But instead of it taking place in July, Amazon will hold it in June.

Source: CNBC

Amazon is no longer working on its 'Lord of the Rings' MMORPG

We have unfortunate news for Lord of the Rings fans. Amazon Game Studios has announced it cancelled its MMORPG take on the series, which it announced in 2019. It was working on the game with China-based Leyou Technologies Holdings, which Tencent Holdings Ltd bought in December 2020. Contract negotiations fell through between Amazon and Tencent, this leading to this cancellation. An Amazon spokesperson confirmed the company "had been unable to secure terms to proceed with this title at this time."

The team working on the title will be shifted to other projects. This game joins Breakaway and Crucible as cancelled Amazon Game Studios titles.

Source: IGN