Amazon takes on Roku and Apple TV with Fire TV set-top box

The Amazon set-top box has been rumoured for quite a while. Now, we get to see the real thing in the form of Fire TV. It looks very much like other set-top boxes and it connects to your TV through HDMI. It has Amazon Prime and Instant Video plus support for Netflix, Showtime Anytime, Hulu Plus, and Watch ESPN.

What sets it apart is a remote control with voice control feature. And Amazon is selling a separate game controller for US$40. Some of the tie ups they have for games include The Walking Dead, Minecraft, and the exclusive game for Amazon called Sev Zero. It is priced like the Apple TV at $100.

Source: Gizmag

Game Change book explores 'gamification' of the office in the engagement economy

A new book entitled, “Game Change”. The book explores how “gamification” can be harnessed and applied as a business model for the future.

An estimated one billion people spend at least one hour every day playing computer and video- games. Why is it that people put more effort into these games than their day jobs or personal relationships?

Businesses need to consider that 7 billion hours by 1 billion gamers is what’s up for grabs in the “Engagement Economy”. It’s argued that if businesses can harness even a fraction of the sort of engagement witnessed in gaming, the rewards will be incalculable.

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Amazon plans to ship your next order before you buy it

Amazon isn’t just thinking of using drones to deliver products. The company gained a new patent in December that is for a new system or method that will anticipate shipping packages. Wall Street Journal reports the company aims to predict your next purchase based on factors such as wish lists, shopping history, and when a new product from a series is coming out.

Amazon’s Kindle for iOS update geared towards students

Amazon is looking to help students study better with the latest Kindle 4.1 update for iOS. A new Flashcards feature is available for print replica textbooks that allows students to convert important terms taken from X-Ray for Textbooks feature or notes and placed into a flashcard set. X-Ray has also been updated to allow for sorting by alphabet, order of appearance or relevance.

Amazon also updated in-book search; added notebook filters by bookmarks, highlights, notes, and even specific-colored highlights; and revamped the interface of the Dictionary feature to suit the look of iOS 7 and make it easier for users to switch between purchased dictionaries and alternate languages. The other changes can be seen on the changelog over at the Apple App Store.